The Destiny Triumph

***Pablo***

My name is Pablo Riviera, I am thirty years old.

My story is much too long to be told in one click. I let you discover it through its lines.

It is six o'clock in the evening. Sitting in my car, I watch the sun go down over this mountain.

Next to me, on the passenger seat, is my travel bag.

Yes, I am traveling. I have waited many years to get to this day. This time, the time has come.

I sigh.

"Adriana, here we go. I'm going to make you pay. I'm going to make you pay for all these years of suffering." I say with a smirk.

I start the car. The engine purrs with a thud.

***Adriana***

I am overwhelmed by all this paperwork.

Out of breath, I sit down in my chair to sip a juice.

My name is Adriana Santos, widow of Carlo Santos. I am forty-five years old, but I don't look my age, I look thirty. My husband was the head of the Monte Carlo Mafia, a very powerful mafia.

Since his death, I have taken care of all his affairs.

I've become a bit of an influential woman that everyone fears.

I have two fabulous children who make me proud: my eldest daughter Patricia and Felix. Patricia is twenty-eight years old and is studying to be a chartered accountant. As for Felix, he continues to have fun with my money.

"Mom!" Says Patricia.

She just walked into my office.

"Honey!"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. You look tired, I've told you several times to take some time for yourself."

"I will honey, don't worry."

I watch her tell me about her day. She is so passionate about what she does. She's a real nugget.

We continue chatting for twenty minutes and she leaves my office.

I think about all these years, I think about all that I have built through sacrifice and effort and especially through mistakes. Yes, I have made some very serious mistakes but I try to console myself with all the positive things I have.

My handler has just entered my office. We are talking about the new recruit.

"Francis, are you sure about his effectiveness?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"All right."

He exits and I dive back into studying my documents.

Suddenly, my office door suddenly opens with a thud.

I flinch while quickly placing my hand on my desk to reach for my gun.

"How's the world's most beautiful mom?"

I exhale as I try to regain my composure.

"How many times have I told you not to walk into my office like that again?"

"I'm sorry, Mom." he says.

He begins to laugh loudly as he observes my gun in my hand.

"Ms. Dos Santos in survival mode!"

"Don't ever do that to me again. Besides, we don't really have a choice. It's what I do for a living. It's only natural that I have my back."

He continues to laugh. We start talking about everything and anything.

Felix is the complete opposite of my daughter Patricia. He's an absent-minded boy who's all about having fun and partying.

He is asking me for money right now.

"When are you going to decide to find something concrete to do?"

"But I'm already working here with you." he replied

It's amazing how he has an answer for everything.

"I know, I also know that your father would have loved for you to succeed him, but you would have to have a cover in the future. For example your sister..."

He cuts me off.

"Oh no, Mom, don't compare me to Patricia anymore. She is her and I am me."

"I'm not comparing you to your big sister, honey. I just want you to take charge of your life. In two days you'll be twenty."

"Yeah, but we'll have that talk later. See ya."

He gives me a peck on the forehead.

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too honey." I replied.

He walks out of my office.

I sigh.

Felix looks a lot like that child I had in my past.

I stand up and look out at the city through my bay window, a glass of wine in hand. Here is my story:

I was fifteen years old when I became pregnant. I was a very rebellious girl who could only see the end of my nose. I never knew my parents, they were two young teenagers who were not responsible for anything.

I lived with my uncle. He tried to abuse me. I ran away from home.

There was a rather nice man who promised me happiness and many wonders. I saw a way out. I didn't know that in this life, absolutely nothing is free, that everything has to be paid for.

He started by abusing me every night, making me believe that it was normal and that I loved him. I got pregnant.

As if that wasn't enough, this man wanted to sell me to his friends. He wanted me to sleep with them for a few worthless bucks.

That was the last straw. I didn't read the supporter. I ran away one rainy evening.

I wandered from one low quarter to another. I suffered the pain.

I finally gave birth a few months later. The pain was excruciating and stabbing.

Once the labor was over, I looked at this being who asked for nothing. This innocent child who had arrived in a world where all vices reigned.