UNDER THE FULL MOON

The evening was bright. Everywhere was decorated with nice patterns and colors. Children were playing, and people were smiling as they walked around.

Far in one corner sat a beautiful lady, just watching with excitement the gentle and beautiful scenes of nature.

Though she was there, she was also lost in her own thoughts.

Just seeing her husband cheating was enough for her to ruin this lovely evening. But there she sat, calm and gentle, enjoying the atmosphere.

Not so long before, the most handsome man she had ever seen walked past her. The gala was filled, but he had to stand out. His nature was outstanding.

As she stopped staring, she watched her table to sip a drink. But the nice-looking man walked to her and spoke. Alessandro extended his hand for a warm handshake.

"Good evening, beautiful," he said, staring into her eyes.

She was startled but composed herself.

"Evening," she said, stretching her arm. With white gloves covered, he shocked her and kissed her fingers.

"What a nice evening, eh?"

"Yes, it is indeed," she said, maintaining eye contact.

"So, you got invited to the charity gala?"

"Yes, I am sure we all were," she said, now trying to hide her lust for his charming face.

"May I sit with you tonight?" he inquired, being a gentleman.

She smiled and nodded, and he spoke on.

"I am sure this evening is great, and we will hopefully raise enough for charity."

"Well, I didn't come to donate much, mostly for the social side, you know, to meet people," she said, staring away from him.

"Miss, what a wonderful coincidence, because I came out too, to meet at least someone, a new friend perhaps."

She smiled because his charming face looked funny.

"By the way, Miss, I am Alessandro."

"And I am Elena."

The MC of the gala then spoke.

"Welcome to this evening's event. We hope to raise enough for charity so that the children of East Side may have a nice Christmas chicken."

The audience laughed. "Let the donations begin."

A lot of people spilled lots of money as both patiently waited for each other.

"Oh, Mr. Alessandro, won't you make your widow's mind known?"

"Ah, I see, so you were just waiting for me, I suppose?"

"Hahahaha, I am one of the organizers. I care for the kids and tend to them medically," she said while smiling.

"Oh, I see. You must really love kids. How many have you, eh?" he asked, trying to pry.

"Actually, none."

"Married?" he retorted.

Elena was surprised but answered swiftly, "On a divorce."

"Oh, I see. Sorry I pried into your personal life."

She smiled and answered, "Well, it's no longer personal anymore, is it?"

"I guess since you said it, it's no longer a personal thing."

Then the MC got to their table. His guards had been standing a bit far from him, but as he stood, they moved to where he was and stood behind him.

Elena felt her heart raced as she recognized what was at stake right then She felt this incredibly important man there, before her, with bated breath; each moment seemed laden with meaning – so much so, it seemed impossible not to mark every second for eternity in our minds or hearts– while he smoothly took away the microphone from the Master of Ceremonies causing a silence so deep that one could almost imagine time itself pausing just for him to speak.

Awaiting him, was all the attention in the charged atmosphere. A respectful vibration in the air seemed as if God himself was there among them. His voice when he started talking was one that demanded for respect and commanded the attention of everyone.

His words imitated poetry they flowed smoothly, bearing a deep insight resonating through the hearts of all of us in his audience. When you have power or purpose as every single syllable in them did then our rooms feel inspired or even fearful.

During the announcement of his generous donations, the crowd was filled with profound feelings. The feeling that characterized the individuals was thankfulness mixed with high esteem towards the renowned person who had decided to visit them with his presence and charity.

Elena was filled with awe at being present with someone so amazing. Everything seemed to have come together perfectly for the two of them to meet, giving her an opportunity to see how just one individual can affect his or her life and that of others. His vows left an air of hopefulness in the audience, inspiring them to keep striving forward in their bid to promote his idea however they could.

"Good evening, ladies and gents. I am humbled and honored to be here today. As you invited me to this event, I am grateful. The children will not only have enough chickens but they will also have good food, clothes, and more. I, Alessandro Moretti, am giving the sum of one million dollars."

The crowd went agog. It was the biggest sum ever. Elena felt surprised and delighted. She didn't know she had been speaking to the Lord of the great North of East Side.

East Side had four parts: North, which is the largest and most developed; the South, also large but with not as many wealthy people as the North; then the East and West, both banking a river. He was the Lord of the Northern cartel, and all the families of the North paid allegiance to him.

She had known that the Lord of the North was a young man, but not this young and handsome and sitting at her table. As he sat, he looked at her as her reaction and countenance changed.

"I hope I haven't said anything that made you change your mood, miss?" he inquired.

"No, you haven't at all. I was just surprised I have been chatting with the Lord of the North side all this while," she said with eyes on the table.

He reached out, grabbed her hand, and kissed it again.

"You don't have anything to worry about," he said. "Your beauty requires no more sorrows. Please, I would be honored if you come to the mansion on Deluxe. I will be happy to entertain you." He allured her gently.

"What!? Me?? Mansion Deluxe?? That's a great big deal. Only the wealthiest people in all of East Side enter there."

She gasped for air and took her drink. He smiled as he was happy he did sweep her off her feet.

"Well, I guess you will be one of those who will be there as a visitor to the owner."

"What!!?? It belongs to you???"

She almost shouted this time.

"Yes, it does, Miss. Please remain calm." She wasn't poor; her ex Marco was buoyant, but the wealth and riches of the Moretti family were not quantifiable. She was pleased to have met him, and they spoke all evening.

"So, when will the divorce be finalized?" he asked her, feeling hopeful.

"Soon, maybe tomorrow if I wake up in time after all we had this night."

"Oh, you would. I trust you are a strong woman," he said.

She could tell from his gaze this unexpected attraction had moved from a normal gaze to a romantic one. The evening seemed to take away her worries of her husband's betrayal and accepting this newfound joy in front of her.

His money wasn't attractive but his charm and attitude.

"So, any woman in your life? And hey, don't lie; I'll find out," she said to him, smiling a bit tipsy.

"Well, there were, but I assure you now there is none in the picture," he said, feeling worried like he lied.

"Aww well, I see. What about family?" she asked him.

"Well, I have a sister somewhere having the best time of her life."

"I can't blame her, you know," she said sarcastically.

"Hahahahaha, but why did you say that?"

"Well, who wouldn't want to leave East Side with all that's been happening from all four corners? I mean, wouldn't you want to leave, Alessandro?"

"Elena, are you planning on leaving after your divorce?"

She laughed a while before answering. "What? Me?? Hahahahah, where will I go to, Alessandro? Not everyone on East Side has what your family has. I mean, where would I want to go and start from where? This is my home. I probably may be buried here," she said.

This turned him on real good. It was as if he found his better half, what he had been looking for all this while. But he left his mansion to town to search for a girl, a contract marriage. He needed one to forestall upcoming dangerous events. A wife or lady will make him look respected among mafia lords. At meetings, they respect men with families, as they have people or things to fight for.

He had always been respected even without that. But with what he has sensed from afar, he needs one now to make him look more presentable. He looked into her eyes as the silence on their table became awkward.

"Promise me you will be at the Mansion soon."

She looked at his eyes as they begged her for her presence at his mansion.

"Yes, I would be there, I promise," she said.

"May I ask my driver to drop you at your place?" he asked her politely while offering to take her home.

"Oh no, I would be fine. Let me use a taxi tonight," she replied, smiling.

They both gazed at the night sky, each one in their minds hoping for better. Suddenly, a wishing star flew by. She closed her eyes and wished this was her prince charming come to take her sorrow away, but will her doubts allow her to move on?

He was no wish guy; all he wanted was a nice lady like her to act as his wife. But that night, something new was birthed in both their hearts. Though it was something they both wanted, each one at the same time wanted it not to be true.

"I hope to see you at the mansion," he said as they both walked to the car terminal.

"I hope it's for business," she answered, smiling while her jewellery glittered on her soft skin as she stood wearing that red dress, making her look more attractive.

He was drooling but had to hold himself.

"Miss, business first before pleasure." He winked at her and entered the limo already opened for him by his guard.