Elias lifted his head to et the old man’s gaze when he heard that na... Alessandro. It hung in the air like a whisper from a forgotten dream, and for a mont, Elias felt a strange pull, as if the word was ant for him. It was as if he was ant to answer the call of that na, but he didn’t even know anyone by that na, nor had he ever heard it in connection to himself, but the way the old man said it, with that mix of shock and recognition, made his skin prickle.
The family stood there in the driveway of the safe house, the morning sun casting long shadows, the air crisp with the scent of dew on the grass. Viktor had gathered everyone outside to greet their unexpected visitor, the head of the Corleone family himself, Marco Corleone. The chopper’s rotors had slowed to a stop, and Marco had stepped out, aided by his walking stick and guards, his presence commanding despite his age.
Viktor started forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "Sir, is everything okay? You look..."
But the guards beat him to it, stepping in front of Marco protectively, their hands hovering near their holsters. "Step back," one said firmly, his voice low but authoritative. "The boss is fine."
Marco waved them off with a shaky hand, his eyes still locked on Elias. He leaned heavily on his stick, his face pale under the sun. "Who... who is that young man?" He pointed a trembling finger at Elias.
The guard closest to him leaned in. "That’s the one who saved your life, sir. Elias Kane."
Marco’s eyes widened further, and he took a slow step forward, stretching out his hand. "Co here, boy."
Elias hesitated, his heart pounding. He felt flustered, heat rising to his cheeks under the old man’s intense stare. The na "Alessandro" still echoed in his mind. He stood there as different thoughts ran through his head... was the old man confused? Did he mistake him for soone else?
He glanced at Viktor for guidance, and Viktor gave a short nod, signalling it was okay to approach. Elias swallowed hard and stepped forward, accepting the old man’s hand. It was frail but warm, the grip surprisingly firm. Elias bowed slightly out of respect.
"Sir, it’s an honour to et you."
Marco held on a second longer, studying Elias’s face. "Thank you... Thank you for saving my life. I owe you everything."
Elias shook his head modestly. "I was just doing my duty, sir. Anyone would have."
Marco laughed, a raspy sound that turned into a cough. His guards hovered, but he waved them away again. "Duty? What duty does a young man like you have to an old fool like ?"
Elias smiled awkwardly. "I’m a dicine student, sir. It’s what we do... help when we can."
The old man nodded, his eyes twinkling with understanding.
"A dicine student. Good, good. Thank you again, Elias Kane." He released the hand but kept staring, as if searching for sothing in Elias’s features.
Marco then turned slightly, gesturing toward the house. "Young man, would you escort inside? These old legs aren’t what they used to be."
Elias blinked, confused. He’d thought this powerful man was here to see Viktor for business or sothing important. But why him?
He exchanged another quick glance with Viktor, who nodded again, his expression neutral but watchful.
"Of course, sir," Elias said, offering his arm. Marco took it gratefully, leaning on it as they walked slowly toward the door. The guards followed closely, and the family trailed behind, whispering among themselves.
As they made their way through the foyer, the old man started asking questions, his voice curious and warm. "So, Elias, tell about yourself. Where are you from?"
Elias supported him carefully, matching his slow pace.
"I’m from the city, sir. I grew up here with my sister after... well, after our parents left us."
Marco nodded sympathetically. "Ah, family is everything. And what do you study exactly in dicine? Planning to be a doctor?"
"Yes, sir. General practice, maybe specialise in ergency care later. I like helping in crises." Elias smiled as he spoke.
The old man chuckled. "Like you did for . Good choice. And your sister... she’s here too?"
Elias nodded. "Yes, she is. Her na is Lila and she’s eleven. She’s also smart."
Marco smiled. "I look forward to eting her."
By the ti they reached a cosy space with comfortable sofas, a fireplace, and large windows letting in natural light... the old man seed more at ease. He sat down heavily on the main couch, sighing with relief. Elias helped him adjust, then stepped back. Marco looked around at the group, his eyes landing on Vera and Vale. "You two... are you the V Chefs? From those cooking videos?"
Vera and Vale nodded calmly, their usual bubbly energy subdued in the presence of such an influential figure. Even Viktor was shocked to see his sisters acting this way... composed, respectful, without their typical chatter. "Yes, sir," Vera said. "That’s us."
Marco’s lips curved into a kind smile. "I’ve seen a few of your videos. They are very entertaining. Do a small favour, would you?"
They exchanged quick glances. "What is it, sir?" Vale asked.
Marco leaned on his stick. "I have a stubborn relative in prison. Just pay them a visit.... with food, if you like. That’s all."
Vera tilted her head. "Is that all?"
He nodded, still smiling. "Of course. If you don’t want to bring food, don’t. Your choice."
Vale nodded, squeezing her sister’s hand. "We’ll hurry there, sir."
Marco waved as they headed upstairs to change. "Yes. Yes. Make sure to take your ti."
.
Upstairs, in the girls’ room, Vera slipped on a jacket while glancing at Vale. "Why did you accept it so fast? We don’t even know who this relative is. And what food are we supposed to get?"
Vale smirked, pulling out her phone. "We don’t have to buy food. Look at this." She showed a video, grainy footage of Sofia and Bianca being arrested, with their phones flashing and both of them yelling at the crowd.
Vera gasped, grabbing the phone. "Hold on a freaking second! Is that Sofia and Bianca? The Glamour Girls?"
Vale nodded. "Yup. Grandpa’s giving us a chance for payback after what they did to us when we were at their house."
Vera laughed, zipping her jacket. "You should’ve told sooner! This is perfect. Let’s go... empty-handed."
They dressed quickly and left, waving goodbye downstairs.
.
anwhile, back in the living room, Marco turned to Viktor. "I’m here for my saviour, not you, young Drago."
Viktor nodded. "I’m aware, sir."
He could already tell from the way he was treated. All of the old man’s attention was on Elias. And also, he wasn’t the one who saved the old man’s life, it was Elias.
Marco smiled at the kids. "Introduce yourselves, little ones. You’ve been staring at since I arrived, wondering who this old grandpa is?"
The twins stepped forward. "I’m Dante Drago."
"I’m Dario Drago."
Marco smiled. "Dante and Dario. You look just like your father."
Dante puffed his chest. "I’ll be more handso than him."
Marco laughed heartily. "Ambitious! Good."
He turned to Lila. "And you?"
Lila introduced herself calmly, like an adult. "Lila Kane."
Marco heard "Kane" and nodded his head slowly.
"You must be Elias’s little sister,"
"Yes, I am, Sir."
She nodded. He beckoned her closer, ruffling her hair and sitting her on his lap.
A guard protested. "Sir, you’re too weak..."
Marco waved him off. "I’m fine." He looked at Lila. "You don’t look like your brother."
Lila felt a bit weird seated on his lap but she managed to respond. "Because he’s cuter and handsor."
Elias’s cheeks flushed, and he looked away. Marco laughed. "I can’t deny that. Oh! I’ve laughed more today than in years at the estate. My grandchildren and son are after my properties. Only if they were like you." He shook his head. "Only if my son Matteo were alive."
The room quieted. Marco cleared his throat. "I apologise. This old man didn’t an to ruin the mood." He then turned to Elias again.
"Where did you say your parents went again?"
Elias replied in a low voice.
"They are both dead. It was an accident."
Marco felt sad as he brought bad mories to his little saviour. "I’m so sorry. How did it happen?"
Elias smiled weirdly. "It’s nothing. They..."
Lila imdiately jumped in as she was still seated on Marco’s lap.
"They were hit by a car."
Marco frowned imdiately.
"Hit and run? How dare they? Was the culprit caught?"
Lila shook her head.
Marco sighed and released his clenched fist. "I’ll find them."
Elias imdiately waved both hands. "There’s no need. Viktor already said he’ll help . I trust him."
Marco exhaled deeply as he adjusted the walking stick.
"That’s sad. I wanted to do sothing for you."
Lila jumped in again.
"If you wish to help, then find Elias’s real parents."
Elias raised his brow like he was trying to stop his sister. Viktor folded his lips, trying to hold back his laughter.
Marco was confused for so seconds but he figured it out. "Real parents? That would be easy."
He then turned to Viktor with a curious face.
"Young Drago, am I permitted to co often?"
Viktor nodded.
"Please, do so."
Marco smiled. "I’ll co until I find them."
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