Mafia night

**Family Dynamic unfolds**

Lia and Aliyah entered the mansion, still chatting about their college adventures. Aliyah's curiosity about her brother's arrival shifted to concern – "Where is Ace?" she wondered.

Catherine Ryder, Aliyah's mother, greeted them warmly in the foyer. She mentioned that Ace had already left with his father, Victor Ryder, for a meeting – "A business discussion that couldn't wait" was her brief explanation.

Aliyah's eyes narrowed slightly, accepting her mother's words. Lia observed the family interaction with interest, still unaware of the brother who had slipped away just moments before.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Victor Ryder had indeed taken Ace to the Ryder Corporation headquarters for a crucial briefing "Preparing him for his future role" while downstairs, Lia continued to mingle with her closest friend Aliyah, oblivious to the powerful family dynamics unfolding around her.

"Lia" Mrs Ryder called Lia..while she was walking.

Lia turned around and replied with "yes, Mrs Ryder"

"Please, Darling it's not Mrs Ryder call me Cats. Lia and Aliyah-" Aliyah was eating when she turned around

"Mum?" She replied.

"You guys need to get ready because later we are going for the dinner". Mrs Ryder tells them.

"Mrs- I mean Auntie cats. I don't-" Mrs Ryder cut Lia off. One thing about Mrs Ryder she hates No for an answer.

"Lia. You know the drill. I don't take no for an answer" Mrs Ryder says winking at Lia. "Girls come on go get ready" She adds chasing them away.

Lia and Aliyah run upstairs

"See you inna few". Aliyah says before going to her room.

Lia has a bath and comes out from the bathroom and gets ready. Looking at the outfit that Mrs Ryder placed on the bed for her, she thought 'Mrs Ryder really does have good taste'.

**Stunning Duo Unveiled**

Lia slipped into the black evening gown chosen by Mrs. Ryder

* The long, sleek dress hugged her curves tantalizingly

* A daring slit on the left side revealed a hint of her toned leg

* Silver heels elevated her petite frame, making her legs appear endless

Her makeup transformation was dramatic:

* Smoky eyes – dark grey and black shades blended perfectly

* Bold, dark red lipstick accentuated her plump lips

Lia's dark hair cascaded down her back like silk, completing her sophisticated look.

Meanwhile, Aliyah stood nearby, mirroring Lia's glamour in her own way:

* Her similar gown was a greyish-silver hue, complementing Lia's black perfectly

* Gold jewelry delicate necklace, earrings, and bracelet added luxurious touches to Aliyah's overall glow

* Her blonde hair styled in loose waves framed her face beautifully

Together, the two friends exuded captivating elegance – Lia's edgy sophistication paired impeccably with Aliyah's soft glamour.

As they descended the stairs, the Ryder family's eyes widened in appreciation – especially one person who had just returned from his meeting with his father... Ace.

"I will see you at the dinner tonight". Aces father says before they went to their rooms to get ready.

**Elegant Arrival Amidst Warning**

As Lia and Aliyah descended the stairs, their glamorous appearance drew admiration from the Ryder family –

Mrs. Ryder's eyes sparkled with delight, turning to Evelyn, Lia's mother, who stood discreetly behind them – "Evelyn, don't you think our girls look breathtaking tonight?"

Evelyn smiled politely, her expression hinting at a prior conversation with Lia – Lia had been warned to "be on her absolute best behaviour tonight" before being allowed to attend this event with Aliyah.

With that understood, Aliyah turned to Lia and suggested they drive together – Lia eagerly agreed. They slipped into Aliyah's sleek black GTI and sped away.

Arriving at the venue, they jumped out of the car, eyes widening at the stunning surroundings lush gardens and twinkling string lights surrounded an outdoor pavilion.

One of the Ryder family's bodyguards promptly took the GTI to park, allowing the girls to follow Mrs. Ryder towards the outdoor area.

She led them through the beautifully landscaped grounds, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating their path, until they reached an elegant outdoor setting tables set with fine china and crystal glasses sparkled beneath the starry sky.The Ryder parents, Victor and Catherine, already mingled with guests

Ace stood nearby, his gaze drifting back to Lia.'It's the same girl that was with Aliyah'

"Ace" A familiar voice called him. Ace turned around to see Zena. Zena and Ace were friends and she liked Ace but never told him. "Zena, what a surprise" Ace said and they both took a walk.

**Dangerous Undercurrents Revealed**

Ace stood engaged in conversation with Zena, a ruggedly handsome associate of his father's, yet his attention kept drifting back to Lia – her smoky eyes and dark red lips mesmerized him.

Their gazes met briefly, but Lia ignored him, turning away with a subtle smile. Ace's curiosity intensified.

Meanwhile, Aliyah whispered to Lia, "Let's slip away for some fresh air," and they discreetly exited the crowded area, disappearing into the lush gardens.

As they strolled along winding paths lined with manicured hedges, Lia's eyes widened, taking in the opulent scene – suits, diamonds, and designer gowns surrounded them.

She leaned into Aliyah, voice low and amused, "Is this a mafia-themed party or something?"

Aliyah's expression turned serious, her voice barely above a whisper – "It's not themed, Lia... this IS the mafia. My family's involved with some powerful organizations."

Lia's smile froze, replaced by alarm – she had unknowingly entered a dangerous world. Her grip on Aliyah's arm tightened as she whispered back "What have your parents gotten me into?"Suddenly, twigs snapped behind them footsteps approaching.

"Aliyah. After a very long time. How are you?" A voice said. Turning around they saw Rafael. "Oh, Hello and goodbye". Aliyah say and they both ran away. Aliyah hated Rafael and Lia didn't even know who he was.

"Girls come with me". Mrs Ryder called them and they left with her. They went to the toilets and Mrs Ryder pulled out 2 guns. Seeing this Lia's eyes widen in shock. "No need to be scared". She assured them. "show me your right leg". She told Lia. Slipping the gun, With a strap which she first put on her leg. "This is for safety girls.Do not fear to use it". She told them and the girls nodded. She put Aliyah's gun on too.

After all it was a mafia party. So trouble could be anywhere.

Leaving the bathroom they met another guy and his name was Kyle. Aliyah liked Kyle. "Hello beautiful ladies". He said with his gaze on Aliyah. "I'll leave you 2 alone. See u around" Lia said before leaving.

Lia walked back outside behind everything that was happening. Looking at the sky she bumped into someone-"Hey, watch where you going-" She looked up to catch Ace looking down at her. She smiled at him but alk he did was ignore her and walk pass telling her "Open your eyes".

"What an asshole" Lia said and Ace heard what she had said.

Turning back he asked "Who is an asshole?"

"uh? No I was-" Lia was trying to explain when he walked towards her standing right by her he looked down.

(She was short) "You what? Do you have any idea of who I am?" He asked her.

"Uh no? I don't want to know who you are either". She said to him looking up.

'She has a nerve to call me an asshole for sombody so short like her'. Ace thought to himself.

"Oh really? Listen her short ass young lady-". Lia cut Ace off. One thing Ace hated is when someone interrupts him when he is speaking. Or even cut him off.

"Don't call me short. It's not my fault you stood in the way". She told him and Lia hated when somebody called her short.

"Oh yeah? So did I tell you to count the stars and walk?" He asked her, annoyed at her.

"listen here Mr, You must have saw me walking and you could have moved. So why didn't you?" She asked him.

"Fun fact. I didn't. Apologise-". She interrupted him again. Ace was really getting any now.

"I will not". She said to him. Grabbing her jaw he looked at her "Do not interrupt me when I speak. Do you get that?"He said. Looking into her eyes, she hit his hand and he let go of her jaw. 'Did I hurt her?' He thought. 'No why should I bother?'

"Don't touch me". She said to him. Flipping her hair in his face before she left from there.

"Some nerve she got". Ace never got this type of treatment from any girl before. It was always the girl flirting and tryna touch him but in this case the girl told him off and called him an asshole.

Lia was walking when sombody started walking behind her. "Can I help you?" She turned around to see it was Rafael.

"Hello, It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Rafael". He said in his thick Italian accent.

"Hello, I'm Rose". She lied about her name. Lia didn't want anyone to know her name especially this is a mafia party.

"Beautiful name Rose". He said to her. Just in time Aliyah came "Uh? Lia come on". She said dragging her away.

"Stay away from Rafael. He is bad news. Which is why I hate him". She told Lia. Lia now realised why Aliyah ran away from him. However he was good looking. Tall, fair, thick eyebrows, emerald green eyes and very well dressed.

"Girls,please come eat". Mrs Ryder called them. There was 2 separate tables. One for the small ones and one for the adults.

It was a huge table with all types of foods and drinks. Lia and Aliyah sat next to each other while Kyle sat across them. "Mmmm. I see someone staring" Lia said while Aliyah just blushed. Soon after Rafael sat opposite Lia.

"Lia, darling are you okay? Aliyah?". Mrs Ryder went to check up on them.

"Lia?". Rafael said looking at the girl who said her name was Rose.

"Uh. I-" Mrs Ryder spoke for Lia "Yes Rafael Lia.Something you need?". Mrs Ryder asked him.

Rafael was 2nd biggest mafia from Mrs Ryder 's family. He wouldn't dare to speak to her if he knows she is part of them. However he does.

Hours later Lia returned home. Looking at her phone she saw that Rafael liked all her post on instagram. 'How did he find me?' She thought.

on the other side of the house. Ace stood outside by his balcony thinking. 'The nerve she got'

Going to his bed there was an incoming call from an unsaved number. "She really can't leave me alone". He said.

Answering the call. The person on the other side 'baby? are you okay? how's things? going good?' The girl asked.

"Everything is fine". Ace said massaging his temples, annoyed. He had to go through the short girl now his gf.

'I have great news. I have am coming to London next month and hopefully you can introduce me to your family'. The girl said excited.

"we'll see. I'm sleepy I'll call you tmrw bye". He said and cut the call. That was Aces girlfriend. However he wasn't interested in her and because she was always around him he just decided to date her.

(A/N...will correct spelling guys)

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