Justice & Deception: A Mafia Romance

Her heart was thumping in her chest, and she was filled with nervousness. But she knew that she had to face what was ahead of her. She had to face graduation.

As Tyla approached the stage to deliver her valedictorian speech, a flood of emotions overwhelmed her. Thoughts of her parents filled her mind, imagining the joy they would have felt witnessing this milestone. But someone had cruelly stolen that opportunity away.

Tyla had lost her parents. On a day when she should have been celebrated by them, she was only left with memories that brought pain to her heart.

With each step she took, the fire within her burned even brighter, fueling her determination to embark on this journey.

Tears and a radiant smile adorned her face as she finally reached the podium. As she glanced around the room, her heart swelled with emotion. Tears filled her eyes. It was bittersweet.

The sight of other parents beaming with pride, their eyes fixed on their children, filled her with a sense of warmth and inspiration to seek justice for her parents.

With a deep breath, she began to address the crowd, her voice filled with gratitude and determination. And with even a pinch of rage.

She couldn’t help but feel a burning anger at the injustice that had robbed her of her own parents’ presence. But she channeled that rage into her words.

She began, “Dear fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, and distinguished guests. Today, we stand on the precipice of a new chapter in our lives, armed with the knowledge and skills we’ve acquired throughout our years at this esteemed institution. But as we celebrate our achievements, let us not forget the harsh realities that brought us here.

For some of us, the path to this stage was marred by tragedy and loss. We have witnessed the darkest corners of society, where criminals roam freely, leaving devastation in their wake. It is for this reason that we chose to embark on this noble journey, to wield the power of the law as a force for justice.

I stand before you today as a survivor, as someone who has felt the pain of losing loved ones to the clutches of a ruthless mafia group. Their actions tore my family apart, leaving me with a burning desire for retribution. But as I stand here, I realize that my purpose is not solely driven by vengeance. It is driven by the belief that we have the power to shape a better world and to hold those accountable who believe they are above the law.”

Her speech went on. With each word, she felt a bit lighter. She felt a bit better.

“As we leave this institution, let us carry with us the responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, to defend the vulnerable, and to fight for what is right. Our journey has only just begun, and I have no doubt that each and every one of us will leave an indelible mark on the world. Congratulations, my fellow graduates!” she continued, ending her speech.

At that moment, as Tyla scanned the room, she sensed a profound connection with the unfamiliar faces before her. The weight of her burdens, carried for years, suddenly lifted from her shoulders. A peaceful silence enveloped the place for what felt like an eternity until it erupted into thunderous cheers from her fellow graduates, adoring families, supportive staff, and proud faculty members.

It was a truly unforgettable and wonderful moment. Sad, yes, but wonderful nevertheless. She knew that if her parents could say anything to her at that moment, it would be for her to be happy.

As Tyla descended the stage, the sea of smiling faces and congratulatory handshakes welcomed her. At that moment, she felt the overwhelming presence of her parents, as if they were standing right beside her, radiating pride.

With unwavering determination in her heart, she knew that she would seek the justice and revenge her parents deserved. Their unwavering support would guide her on this path of seeking truth and making things right.

After the ceremony, Tyla walked out where she received an ocean of hugs and congratulations from people she had no idea who they were, so basically, strangers. Eh, maybe she knew a few people, but not all of them.

So, back to the word ‘Strangers.’

A few minutes later, Madison, her best friend, walked up to her with a big kiss and hug. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come earlier. Is the ceremony about to begin?”

Tyla laughed softly and replied, “You just got here, am I right?”

Madison replied, “Damnit! I did it again!” She ran her hand through her hair as an apologetic look crossed her face. “I’m so sorry. I was so busy with this new brand campaign that I lost track of time. I promise to make it up to you as soon as I’m free. You know, a girl has to chase the bag. Not all of us can have looks and be as smart as you.” She winked.

Tyla couldn’t help but laugh in response to her friend. She didn’t mind. Really, she didn’t.

For some context, Madison is a famous influencer with a lot of followers online. She’s like a celebrity, not a big one, but one nevertheless.

Just when Madison was about to give the gift she prepared for Tyla, a guy approached them and said, “Hello, Miss Valedictorian, can I have a word with you? For the record, I would’ve said a debate, but I’m not as smart as you.”

Tyla and Madison looked over. The guy was a tall man with dark brown hair, blue eyes, a bouquet, and a smile that could sweep any lady off her feet on any given day!

But for Tyla, that wasn’t the case. She was not that easily impressed.

Tyla responded, “I’m a bit busy over here, as you can tell.” She was nonchalant.

The guy responded, “I can see you’re the star here. I can wait for the next century to talk to you if that’s what you wan—” Before he could finish his statement, Madison said, “She’s all yours, Mr. Fine Ass. I can do the waiting you just mentioned.”

He walked closer and stood there as he gazed into her hazel-brown eyes for an awkward couple of seconds. He finally handed her the bouquet. “Congratulations, you’re a special one!” Then he walked off.

Madison stepped back in. “Girl, that’s one fine ass man! What did y’all talk about, and before you speak, did he get your number? Look at those beautiful roses. They are as precious as you! That guy was smooth as butter! Did you see the way he handed you that bouquet? It was like something out of a movie! I can’t wait to hear more about him. Spill the tea, Tyla!”

“There’s no tea. All he did was give me these flowers and walk off. I don’t think he wanted anything more. People can be sweet without wanting more, you know?” She explained while shrugging.

“Tyla, you told me you would take your love life seriously after you graduate. Why did you just do that?” Madison reminded her.

Tyla looked at her and continued, “Girl, give me a break. It has been less than an hour. I need to get out of here. The attention is too much. I just wanna get home and sleep.”

Madison looked at her in disbelief. “You didn’t have all those sleepless nights just to cry for more sleep. We need to go out and have a good time and maybe find your Mr. Right. I have reason to believe you just threw that iced glass of vanilla strawberry shake-off.”

She continued, “Maybe this time around you would drink this one down, or at least have a taste. You need to loosen up.”

Tyla looked at Madison and rolled her eyes. But she couldn’t help but chuckle a bit.

Madison then handed Tyla the gift she had handed over earlier, which was a photo album with all their favorite memories. Madison was the one who made it.

Tyla hugged her tightly. “I’m so grateful to have a best friend that is so creative. Thank you for making this. I love you so much! Always know that!”

With tears running down both of their cheeks, they hugged again, laughing at each other and promising to always be there for each other.

Madison looked at Tyla and said, “Wait! There’s another gift at the back of that.”

Tyla looked and saw a pendant inside. It was a picture of her parents. She screamed, “You did not, you did not!”

“I know how bad you want your parents here with you, and with that, my honey, I felt you could have them closer to you.”

Tyla was so excited that she screamed, “WHAT?!” and then covered her mouth because people started staring.

“I’m always going to be here for you. Remember that I love you!” Madison promised.

The girls rejoiced. Later, Tyla and Madison decided to take some pictures together to celebrate the special day. They found a beautiful spot on the campus, struck their best poses, and captured the moment.

After taking what felt like 50,000+ pictures, they got in the car and drove off listening to ‘I’m That Girl’ by Beyoncé.

But that was just the beginning…so much more awaited them!