Chapter 7 Driven By Desperation

The following morning, Rose took Aunt Sofphia to the hospital. Over the next three days, her aunt would undergo chemotherapy and prepare for a bone marrow transplant. The procedure required stem cell extraction from Sofphia’s bone marrow, which could take four to five days to process. Inside the sterile white hospital room, Sofphia lay in bed while Rose stood beside her, watching over her. Once the nurse left, Rose turned to her aunt with a warm smile. “Rose, the truth is...” Sofphia began, her voice trembling. “No matter what, Auntie, you’re going to get better,” Rose said firmly, reaching out to hold her aunt’s hand. “While you’re undergoing treatment, I’ve decided to take a job abroad.” “What do you mean? Tell me, Rose. Why do you need to go so far away? And where? Is it because of me? Am I the reason you’re burdening yourself with this?” Sofphia’s voice wavered as she looked at her niece with worry and guilt. “No, Auntie, it’s not because of you. I just want to find a more stable job. Please don’t worry about me,” Rose said, trying to reassure her. “Rose, there’s no need to go that far. I don’t want you to struggle because of me,” Sofphia whispered. “Auntie, I can take care of myself. You just need to focus on getting better. I might have to leave soon,” Rose said, her tone gentle yet resolute. She had made up her mind to work in Italy while her aunt received treatment, hoping the opportunity would help her save enough money for when Sofphia was discharged. “Rose...” Sofphia looked at her niece with a pang of guilt, hating the thought of Rose working harder and traveling so far away. “I love you, Auntie,” Rose said sincerely. Sofphia smiled faintly in return. She had raised Rose like her own daughter, fulfilling her late sister’s wish to care for the girl. “Auntie, I don’t know how many months I’ll be gone. Please take good care of yourself,” Rose said. “You need to take care of yourself too, Rose,” Sofphia replied. “I will,” Rose said before leaning in for a last hug and leaving the room. Rose left the hospital and took a car to meet Antonio at his hotel. He had texted her earlier that morning, asking to meet again to finish discussing the details of her job. By early afternoon, Antonio was sitting in his hotel suite, waiting. He had postponed his flight from morning to evening, wanting to clarify a few things with Rose. In truth, he simply wanted to make sure she wouldn’t change her mind. The mafia boss sat on the luxurious sofa, reading a newspaper to pass the time. Not long after, he folded the paper and placed it on the table just as a knock came at the door. Rossi entered, followed by Rose. Antonio stood up, his sharp eyes immediately drawn to her. Today, she wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, yet her beauty still shone through, her fair skin and delicate features impossible to hide. “Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the sofa. Rose sat down, meeting his gaze directly. “I’d like to know more about the job we discussed yesterday.” Antonio remained silent for a moment before replying, “You’ll need to resign from your current job. In ten days, I’ll arrange for someone to take you to Italy. Make sure you settle your matters before then.” Rose frowned, her annoyance evident. He wasn’t even listening to her concerns! “Mr. Sofph…” she began, but he cut her off. “I thought we went over this yesterday. I’m not the type to trick women, and even if I were, I doubt you’d fetch much of a price,” Antonio said, his tone calm but cutting. He shunned her question, brushing it off with ease. “Yes, but I have another question,” Rose said, her tone firm. “Go ahead,” he replied. “When can I return to Vegas? I mean, if I go to Italy with you...” she trailed off, her nervousness obvious. Deep down, Antonio didn’t seem threatening, but the uncertainty of being away for an entire year weighed heavily on her. “Return?” Antonio repeated, narrowing his eyes. He didn’t understand why she was asking. “Yes,” Rose replied. “My aunt is sick. I can’t leave her alone without visiting at all. I need to come back to see her.” Antonio's sharp gaze lingered on her, softening slightly as he reminded himself that she wasn’t alone in the world. With a heavy sigh, he mulled over her request. “Alright. I’ll allow you to return to Vegas every three months to visit your aunt, but you must work with me under a one-year contract. No resigning—unless I fire you. After the year is up, you can return to work in Vegas if you wish,” Antonio said firmly. Rose listened carefully. The terms felt restrictive, but at least he would let her return occasionally to see her aunt. It was more than she had hoped for. “I’ll arrange your accommodation. Are we agreed?” Antonio asked. “Yes,” Rose replied, nodding. “If there’s nothing else, you may go,” Antonio said, gesturing toward the door. “Thank you. I’ll be going now,” Rose said, standing and walking out of the room. As she left, Antonio felt a flicker of unease about his decision. All he intended was for her to work for him—no more, no less. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had invited something unpredictable into his life. Sighing deeply, he walked to his wardrobe to change. Tonight, he would head to the casino to unwind.