Chapter 3 IN THE SHADOWS

ADRIEN'S POV

"Adrien over here"

It was my mother's voice, she was playing with me as she used to when I was a kid, but what was she doing here? She was supposed to be dead.

"What are you waiting for? Dear come"

She said again, I didn't care, I went to her. I saw that I  was a kid again, but we only played for a while before she was dragged away by men wearing masks and all she said as she left was:

"Don't be like your father Adrien be different, pursue your dreams Mi amor"

"Mama!"

I screamed as they took her away and just then, I woke up drenched in sweat. Isabella was beside me. I guess I woke her up with my screams. She slept in the room next to mine whenever she came over. Isabella stayed in a different mansion due to safety reasons, but she came over frequently.

"Did I wake you up?" I asked worriedly.

"I am the one supposed to be asking if you're fine, not you. You were screaming so loud, thank god dad's room is at the end of the hall, I'm sure he didn't hear you"

She said looking more worried than me

"Just a nightmare, nothing much, go back to sleep now c'mon"

I said pushing her towards the door I didn't want her to see me in this state and give her a reason to worry.

"It was about mom right"

She said, I didn't respond, she held my face in her hands and said

"It's about time you face your fears Adrien, you need to talk about it you have kept it bottled up for twelve good years"

She said but I didn't have a response to give her

"I'm always here Adrien whenever you are ready, let me do something for you, you raised me all by yourself so please Adrien give me chance to take care of you too", She said with my face still in her hands

"Ok mom I've heard you, now leave me to get some sleep. I'm the one driving tomorrow and you'll be the first person to know when I'm ready, ok? I'm fine"

I teased her, smiling childishly, I wouldn't want to burden her with all my dilemma

"Okay, get some sleep bro I'm just next door if you need anything" she said still looking worried, I just gave her a smile as she left closing the door behind her.

Who was I kidding? I knew I wouldn't be able to get any sleep again. I had experienced this a lot of times after my mother died. I had these dreams every time but growing up my condition became better, although I still have it sometimes now and today was one of those days.

I stood up and walked to where my mothers picture was hanging.

My mother was a petite woman with blonde hair like Isabela's, she had a feminine jaw line, her nose bridge was perfect, her eyes were hazel colored like mine, her brows perfectly carved, her lips were always bearing a smile on it amidst all the chaos she lived in.

I wish I could be like her, but I guess I will only smile when I am able to fulfill her last request she had told me before she died.

"Don't be like your father, pursue your dreams mi amor"

She said as she held my hand after she was shot, I will forever remember that day like it was yesterday, the day my mother departed from this world all because of my father, it is one of the reasons I don't want to be a mafia like him

"Sorry mami, I couldn't fulfil your last wish"

I said as tears rolled down my cheeks, I felt so sad and confused, next week would be my first meeting with my dad's partner's and rival's and I could not refuse not with Isabella on the line.

I checked the time it was half past one I needed to get some sleep, I didn't want to appear with baggy eyes before Isabella tomorrow giving her a cause for concern.

LUCIAN'S POV

"Get up let's go"

I said to Natalie as I dragged her up and supported her with my hand. Who is this guy that Natalie is so crazy about? That she's asking for my help badly.

Well I guess I will just have to wait to meet this drop dead handsome guy and find out.

"Take her home and make sure she enters the dorm safely"

I said to one of my bodyguards, I would have taken her myself but my personal bodyguard Morale just informed me that my dad wanted to see me urgently.

I couldn't help but wonder what he wanted to talk about that could not wait till tomorrow?

"Nothing should happen to her"

I said sternly to the bodyguard with Natalie, I could have asked Morale to do it but my dad would throw a fit if he found out Morale was not by my side.

He wouldn't want to lose another son and his only heir on that note.

"Yes sir"

He replied then got in the car with her, "Let's g".

I said to Morale who was standing beside an open car door, I got in and Morale started the car.

We've arrived"

I was informed by Morale. The whole drive was suffocating, my dad has never called for a meeting, at this time most especially, but I guess I'll find out once I enter.

"Knock knock", I knocked on the door of the study, the study was practically my father's office,

"Come in"

A voice came from inside the study, it was my father: Roberto Santoro. He is one of the deadly mafia bosses in New York city, he may be cold to outsiders but he has been a good father to me and was a good father to Ethan.

He practically raised us after my mother left when I was ten years old. When we were young he was very close to us but growing up we became distant.

"Good evening dad", I said as I entered the room.

"Have a seat son", He said as he gestured me to the chair beside him. The study was like a luxurious office. It was huge and spacious with some documents and weapons lying here and there. It looked just like a mafia boss's office.

"Scotch or brandy", He asked bringing me back

"Water will be fine"

I could not take another glass of alcohol Natalie made me drink a lot already

"Here", He said, handing me a glass of water.

"Thanks, but I'm sure you didn't call me to have a drink with you, so what's wrong?", I asked him with deep curiosity layering within me.

"Whatever I tell you, you have to listen very carefully Lucy, our business is at stake here", He said sternly.