Chapter 1
- When I was a little girl, I loved listening to my mom tell me the story of when she and Dad met; I always thought they were the needle in the haystack, an exception in destiny.
- When the timing is perfect, and you find yourself in the right place, at the precise moment when your soul mate will be waiting for you, how likely will it happen again?
- And for me to be one of those people, the odds are against me; I don't expect to have a love story like my parents. I don't believe in fairy tales, but I do believe in finding the person who complements your body and soul.
- I am not sitting around waiting for my prince charming to arrive. I will live to the fullest and enjoy everything that life offers me without limitation; I am a free and indomitable spirit, and I am not willing to sacrifice myself for anything or anyone.
- I know that destiny has many tests and challenges, but I am anxious to see what the future holds for me; I have a whole life ahead of me and will thoroughly enjoy it.
- Giovanna Mazeratti is my name. I am an only child; my parents Leobardo and Fabiola Mazeratti, are the perfections of love in a couple and loving parents; I can't complain, however overprotective and as the rebellious daughter that I am, I decided to move out.
- My father is the Mafia Capo of Italy, one of the most important families in Europe. As the only heir, I will inherit his empire, which I don't want to be a part of, so now was the time to move my life away from all this and that's why. My mind was always fixed on one goal, Cambridge. In a few days, I will be starting my semester, and I will be free.
- Young, heiress to a large fortune, practically a millionaire at my young age, rebellious and beautiful, the only thought in my head is to enjoy life.
- But I will miss my best friend Sandro, the son of my parents’ best friends, who are my godparents Aunt Renata and Uncle Rodolfo; Sandro has always been by my side since we were kids, we were inseparable.
- He will be studying at Oxford University. Still, he promised to visit me in Cambridge the first chance he gets, and we will be talking by video call; this year will be different, I can see my freedom on the near horizon.
- "Giovanna remembers you promised to let us know as soon as the plane lands," said my mother.
- "Mom, I am not a child; I promise as soon as I get to my campus and settle down, I will let you know," I said, smiling at her; even though I am 18 years old, to her, I am still a six-year-old.
- "You can still change your mind; I have no problem paying the fee for Spain University; I know important people who would do me a favor, no problem at all," said my father as always trying to make me change my decision.
- "Dad, we had already talked about this, and you promised me that you would respect my decision," I said, looking at him with my spoiled little girl eyes.
- "Leobardo, remember that Sandro will also be a few miles away; she's not going to be alone," Mom said.
- "I don't understand why you have to go so far away when we have excellent universities here," said Dad.
- "Leobardo, don't try to convince her, you know that when she sets her mind to something, there is no way to make her change her mind," said Mom "My love, don't worry, we are not the only ones, yesterday I talked to Renata, she and Rodolfo are also in the same situation with Sandro," said mom resigned.
- "It will be tough for the 4 of us not to be close to you and Sandro; we are so used to you, and suddenly not having you, it will be very sad and boring".
- "Mom, make the most of it. This will be like an opportunity to meet again as a couple, don't think I don't hear at night those noises coming from your room, which I doubt very much is the TV," I said, looking at them.
- "Giovanna!" said Leobardo.
- "What can I tell you? I can't seem to get your dad off my back," mom said with a mischievous grin.
- "! Fabiola!" said Leobardo, covering his face with his hand.
- "I don't know why I'm surprised, your mother and daughter, and if there's one thing you're alike, it's speaking your mind without a filter," said papa.
- "You are going to miss me, daddy, admit it, you can't be without me, but remember to watch the soccer games with Uncle Rodolfo; I won't be here anymore, but I promise that when I go to the stadium, I will send you pictures," I said smiling at him and kissed him on the cheek.
- "It's a deal, Giovanna," dad said, hugging me.
- "Already in the car, we should go to the airport. Renata and Rodolfo are already there waiting for us with Sandro; we don't want them to miss the flight," said mom.
- My uncle Rodolfo has a house in London, Sandro and I will travel on the same plane. Sandro will go to the place that my uncles have in London. He will go to Oxford in his car; it was the perfect plan to spend more time together and take advantage of our first trip alone.
- Arriving at the airport, I saw Sandro waiting for me with my uncles, "Honey, we will miss you so much, are you sure you still want to go to London" said Aunt Renata.
- "Mom, you can stop trying to convince us; we already have the tickets booked," said Sandro looking at her.
- "Sandro, you know your mom will not stop trying to convince you until you are on that plane," said uncle Rodolfo.
- "Renata, I already tried everything, so we better wish them the best, and maybe later we can go visit them," said mom smiling at aunt Renata.
- "Mom, you promised, dad, you have to give us space, please, we will be fine," I said, smiling at them.
- "Okay, I can't believe what I am going to say but, these boys know what they are doing; if there is something I am proud of is that we have educated them well, we have nothing to worry about, so let's say goodbye they have to catch the flight," dad said.
- "Thank you, and I promise we will be fine; I love you, daddy," she said, hugging him and smiling from side to side.
- "I hope I don't regret making this decision, Giovanna. I hope you know what you are doing and have fun little girl, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything," daddy said, smiling at me and kissing my forehead.
- "I know, daddy, I will be fine, I promise."