The Playboy’s Downfall novel Chapter 73

ZERO was about to follow Isla when his phone rang. His forehead creased when he saw the name of the caller.

He took a deep breath and tapped the answer button.

“Take her home now,” Apollo’s voice roared on the other line, which made Zero clench his fist. “Give me time to explain—”

“No!” Apollo disagreed.

“But she needs to—”

“Are you going to marry my sister or cut ties?” And there he is again, and Apollo asked him the same question, just like what he did after that night when he spent the night with Isla at the hotel.

“You knew what kind of life I have—”

“Then why are you seeing her again?! I already warned you to stay away from her, Zero. Don’t let our friendship be put to waste because of your doings—”

“I’d stay away from her—”

“Of course! Just like what you answered me last time, right?” Apollo's anger lingered in his voice. “You said to me that you’d rather stay away than get married—”

“I am a mafia boss, Apollo. I love your sister—”

“Fuck with your words, Zero. You are powerful but a coward because you can’t stand with your love.”

Zero shook his head as he started to walk away since he saw his mom, who was eavesdropping behind the wall.

“You don’t understand. I can’t risk—”

“Then why did you attach yourself—why did you let her get into you, falling so deeply? You should have known the consequences of your actions!”

Zero pressed his lips and nodded. “I understand you—”

“You’re a coward. And remember this, I won’t ever let my sister get closer to you again. You don’t deserve her—’

“Yes, I know. I don’t deserve her. I’m going back to Spain, and I don’t know if I will stay there for good or not—”

“We’re still friends, coward, but you don’t have the right to get closer to my sister—”

“Just let me this time—just one last time. I’ll promise I’ll keep her safe,” he said, and Apollo knew on the other line that Zero doesn’t usually beg, but because of his sister, Zero is showing another side of him.

Zero was known in the Italian-Mafia world. He’s powerful and just went to America because of his parents and business. But his empire is really in Spain.

“Don’t ever confess your love since you’re cutting ties with her. Just send her home, and we’ll do our plan. I’ll be waiting outside her unit,” Apollo said and ended the call.

Zero heaved a deep sigh and put his phone inside his pocket. “Mom, you can get out now,” he uttered. He knew that his mother was following him.

“As expected of a mafia boss. Anyway, son. I am right—” she paused when he turned to her side and faced her.

“Mom, please. Don’t bring—”

“Your dad and I got married, and he’s a mafia boss. We have a son, and it was you. Did his enemy get a chance to lay a finger on me or you?”

Zero shook his head. “That’s not the point. She’s too young and unsure—”

“How could you be so sure? And age doesn’t matter, you idiot!” her mom exclaimed as she rushed towards him, but he moved away.

“Come here, you idiot, and I will pinch your cheeks until you screamed—”

“I’m not a gay—”

“You are! Because you’re letting the woman you love suffer because of your cowardliness, Zero Cohen!”