Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 444: Chapter 40 Lila Transformed

Lila’s POV

When my father and Beckett arrived at Katarina’s penthouse, their reactions mirrored hers perfectly. They stood frozen in the marble foyer, staring at me with bewildered expressions, my father’s eyes glistening with unshed tears.

”Is everyone just going to stand there without giving me a hug?” I planted my hands on my hips, feigning annoyance as they continued to gape at my transformation.

”Lila, what happened to you?” Beckett finally broke the silence before pulling me into a tight embrace, his voice thick with emotion.

”Just a makeover courtesy of a friend,” I explained excitedly, twirling around in my designer dress. ”What do you think? Does it suit me?”

”You look absolutely stunning, sis!” My brother’s voice cracked as he held me at arm’s length. ”Those eyes... Where are the braids? The bangs that used to hide your beautiful face? Those rosy cheeks from always keeping your head down?”

”Your sister isn’t a little girl anymore,” Katarina interjected with a knowing smile, answering for me. ”She’s become a woman who knows her worth.”

”She certainly has.” My father cleared his throat, emotion evident in his voice as he enveloped me in his strong arms. ”My little girl, you look absolutely radiant!”

”She looks so much like—ouch!” Beckett started to say before Katarina shot him a warning glare that could have stopped a freight train.

”Stop comparing people, Beckett,” Katarina scolded sharply. ”She looks like a movie star, that’s what she looks like.”

”But, Lucy, she really does look like...” Beckett tried again, but Katarina’s almost menacing growl silenced him immediately. Their heated exchange piqued my curiosity, but I sensed this wasn’t the time to push for answers.

My father wiped away tears and guided me to sit beside him on Katarina’s luxurious Italian leather couch. The way he looked at me felt different somehow—more attentive, more intense, as if he was seeing me for the first time. He must have missed me terribly during my time away.

”First things first,” he said, his arm still protectively around my shoulders. ”Tell me about this boyfriend of yours. Does he treat you with the respect you deserve?”

”Better than I could have ever imagined,” I answered, happiness radiating through my words as I thought of Daniel’s gentle strength.

”And why didn’t he join you today?” my father pressed, his businessman’s instincts kicking in. ”I want to meet this man who’s captured my daughter’s heart, Lila.”

”He wanted to come, truly,” I explained carefully. ”But he’s a police inspector and couldn’t get away from a major case today. Plus, I was eager to discuss something important with you privately.”

”A police inspector?” Beckett’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I caught the meaningful look he exchanged with my father. ”You leave home as our shy little Lila and return this gorgeous, confident woman dating law enforcement? Are we sure you’re really our Lila?”

”Don’t be ridiculous!” I laughed at their dramatic reactions, though I understood their shock. ”If any of you had bothered to visit me in Port Harbor, you wouldn’t be so amazed by the changes.”

”Well, I’m definitely making that trip now,” my father declared, his protective instincts clearly activated. ”I need to meet this inspector. He sounds like a good man who cares for you, but a father needs to see these things for himself.” He squeezed my hand. ”Now, what was this important matter you needed to discuss?”

”Dad,” I took a deep breath, knowing this conversation could get complicated, ”a friend invited me to live with her, and I’ve decided to accept. I want to surrender the penthouse you’ve been maintaining for me.”

”Wait,” Katarina teased with a knowing smile, ”wasn’t it your inspector boyfriend who invited you to move in, Lila?” Heat rose to my cheeks at her perceptive observation.

”Sweetheart,” my father said gently, his voice understanding, ”there’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m not like your mother—I understand that times have changed. Young couples live together now. You can be honest with me about your relationship.”

”No, really,” I insisted, though it wasn’t entirely the whole truth. ”Gemma invited me to move in with her, and I’ve been staying there for some time already. It’s been wonderful having a true friend.”

”I really need to meet this Gemma,” Katarina said warmly. She and Gemma had developed a friendship through their frequent phone conversations. ”Could I come spend a weekend with you girls?”

”Anytime, Katarina. You know how much I adore you,” I replied, genuinely excited at the thought of having her visit my new life.

”Alright, daughter,” my father nodded approvingly. ”Where and with whom you live is entirely your decision. I’ll need to visit to handle the lease termination paperwork. How soon are you planning to vacate the penthouse?”

”I’m moving out immediately. I took the liberty of bringing all the necessary documents for you to sign,” I explained, producing the folder from my purse. ”That way I can finalize everything today, and you can stop that unnecessary expense. When you visit, it’ll be purely to see me, not to handle business.”

”Excellent!” His face showed genuine pride and approval. ”I appreciate your initiative and independence. What financial arrangement have you made with Gemma?”

”She isn’t charging rent—the apartment belongs to her family. We’re just splitting utilities and groceries, but don’t worry about supporting me. My new job pays well, and I can manage all my expenses,” I assured him confidently.

”I’m incredibly proud of you, Lila.” He kissed my forehead tenderly, his voice filled with fatherly pride. ”But you know I’d still like to help support you if needed.”

”I know, Dad, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But there’s no need now. If I ever find myself in trouble, I promise I’ll reach out,” I said with newfound confidence.

After signing the legal documents, we talked for hours in Katarina’s elegant living room. My father warned me extensively about my mother and my younger brother, suggesting I maintain careful distance from them both. Based on everything he shared about my mother’s increasingly erratic and controlling behavior, I agreed that complete avoidance was the wisest course of action.

”Dad,” I asked hesitantly, dreading the answer, ”will my mother ever give up trying to drag me back home and force me into that arranged marriage?”

”Eventually she’ll exhaust herself, honey,” he sighed heavily, exhaustion evident in every line of his face. ”But right now, she’s completely beyond reasoning with. To be completely honest, I can’t tolerate living with her toxic behavior anymore. I’ve been seriously contemplating divorce.”

”You should have done that long ago,” Beckett interjected forcefully. ”I understood why you stayed while Lila needed protection, but now she’s independent and building her own life. And you know you’re always welcome in my home, Dad.”

I’d always known my father endured my mother’s increasingly dangerous behavior primarily to shield me from her wrath. He’d sacrificed his own happiness because I needed his protection—but now it was time for him to escape that nightmare marriage. My mother made his life absolutely miserable with constant screaming matches, property destruction, and wild accusations of infidelity despite his unwavering faithfulness to their marriage.

He’d been living in absolute hell because of me.

”I know, son. Thank you for always supporting us both,” my father replied, profound exhaustion evident in every word.

”She’s made your entire life miserable for so long,” I said softly, guilt weighing heavily on my heart. ”Why did you endure her abuse for so long? Was it really just to protect me?”

”Lila,” he took both my hands in his weathered ones, ”I endured it because I wanted to watch you grow up safely and keep you protected from her manipulations. I made terrible mistakes with my first wife that I regret every single day, but you were God’s gift to me—like divine forgiveness for all my errors. I would do absolutely anything to protect you and ensure your happiness. But it wasn’t solely about you; I genuinely hoped my marriage to your mother could somehow work despite everything.”

”Oh, Dad,” I embraced him tightly, tears stinging my eyes, ”I love you so much. But my mother doesn’t deserve you or your loyalty!”

”I love you too, my precious daughter. Now, let’s go see that flashy sports car you bought,” he chuckled, clearly wanting to lighten the heavy mood. ”Wasn’t there a more understated color available?”

”No, this model only comes in bold, attention-grabbing colors,” I joked back. ”The alternative was lime green!” His genuine laughter warmed my heart completely. Being surrounded by family who truly loved and supported me felt absolutely wonderful.

After admiring the sleek vehicle and discussing its safety features, my father prepared to leave, advising me to depart early the following morning and avoid stopping anywhere in the city. He genuinely feared my mother would follow through on her threat to have me physically dragged back by my hair and locked away until I agreed to her demands. He promised to visit Port Harbor soon to meet both Gemma and my inspector.

The following morning, with mixed emotions swirling through me, I said goodbye to Beckett and Katarina before heading back to Port Harbor—the place that had truly become my sanctuary and home.

During each rest stop along the long journey, I called Daniel on his secure phone. He expressed his eagerness for my return and how much he’d missed having me in his arms. I couldn’t wait to be back with my protective inspector again, in the place where I truly belonged.