Author's notes:OMG! Sorry for the long wait and thank you so much for the favs and follows! :) This is such a huge encouragement for me and I can't thank you all enough. Unfortunately, I have some bad news :( so since I'll be taking a really huge and major exam soon from Oct to Nov, I will be taking a short break from writing (my laptop got confiscated too so...) I promise I will be back to update by Dec so here is a chapter for you guys! Thank you so much for taking your time to read this story and show so much support and I hope that you guys will stay round till I get back (again so sorry!) In the mean time, maybe check out my other fic as well? (sorry for the shameless publicity) please enjoy the chapter!

To Madam3Mayh3m: Thank you for reading! More on her past will be revealed later as to why she was suddenly willing to infiltrate Vongola, sorry for the wait though :3

To sousie: Thank you! I will in Dec though, so sorry! :(

Chapter 2

Olivia's POV

The forest flashed by as the carriage sped through the stone paths. It has been about two days since we left the village, making three stops along small provinces along the way. Apparently, Jack, the horseman was quite taken aback when Lady Elena announced that I will be a new addition to their journey back to the mansion. The whole village sent me off with blessings and a few more provisions for the noble lady whom I will be serving from here on. I could still recall Granny's glassy eyes as she wishes me all the best as if I were her legitimate granddaughter. The farewell was short and sweet and I only took the things I needed, making a mental note to dedicate the gifts to Vongola Famiglia as an offering once I reached the mansion. After all, it is always polite to return the favour, not to mention a good way to get on their good side.

Given the fact that Vongola is the most powerful famiglia, it is surprising indeed for an aristocrat from that famiglia to accept someone with such shady background like me so readily. I guess their reputation of being benevolent since they started off as a vigilante group for the slums is true. However, it might just be that Lady Elena is very kind and accepting, judging from the reaction Jack gave when he heard the news. Nonetheless, I should still be wise and keep my guard up, especially when I am facing someone immensely influential.

The carriage bounced against the rocky path as the view cleared from the tall forests into that of paved stone paths leading into a well-developed town. I gapped slightly at the vast disparity between the village Granny stayed in and the newly arrived place. 'It's...,' my eyes tried to take in the sight of everything, from the bustling stores with goods of better quality to the people dressed in neater and more decorated clothing. Laughter and chatter echoed through every nook and cranny as the townsfolk all wore smiles. It was almost as if the town is an embodiment of happiness and prosperity.

"It's...," I tried again, my hands and face pressed against the glass window of the carriage in awe as I surveyed the scene once again. Upon closer look, it could be seen that there is indeed social constructs and class differences present within this town as some people adorned fancier jewellery, finer garments and more elaborate embroidery. Yet, not a single soul revealed to her displeasure or signs of being under the mercy of the social standings. Frowning slightly, I became unsure if I should question the peculiarity of this town or just simply be relieved of the fortunate state it is in.

As if noticing my bewilderment, Lady Elena gave a light hearted chuckle, hiding her cherry lips behind her delicate fingers. "Surprising, isn't it? Giotto really does wonders with his methods," Lady Elena moved towards the glass pane, joining me as she looked over the streets with pride. "This place was once poor, with huge disparity between its people. The poor suffered and the rich thrived, but Giotto was able to change that. He changed the hearts of people, and hence he changed the village." Her gentle tone resonated in my ears, reminding me of warm honey and lullabies.

This... Vongola Primo, Giotto. He sounds like a fine leader.

I wonder how he'll appear to be. My gaze kept glued to the passing gravel paths and townsfolk, as my mind worked its gears. Someone of such caliber to be able to influence people is indeed formidable; it is best for me to take caution.

"Look, Olivia! We're here," Lady Elena called excitedly, her smooth hand gestured to the other end of the town that led into a thick forest on a rising hill. Peeking out from the woods were stone peaks and roofs that shone a dull silver under the mid-morning sun, inviting yet mysterious. My mouth unconsciously fell agape as I felt my irises widen. With the rush of blood pumping in my veins and the loud drumming of my heartbeat in my brain, I could not tear my eyes away from what seems to be our destination. On the waist of the hill, sat a magnificent stone castle.

"T-the castle?" I muttered absentmindedly. Lady Elena must have thought my reaction was due to my being nervous and intimidated and to an extent, she was not wrong. She placed her soft hands in my, entangling them gracefully in a soothing manner only a well-bred lady can manage. "Don't worry, Olivia. That'll be your home starting today too so do not be too scared. It's not as huge as it seems from here."

I tried to muster a sheepish smile, avoiding her warm emerald eyes all this while. Lowering my hair, I let my tresses shield the corners of my cheek as my thoughts engulf me. One famiglia capable of having such huge power and influence on others is definitely not to be underestimated. The carriage bumped against the rocky path leading into the trees, as if we have just embarked on the one-way path of no return to hell. I discreetly eyed the entrance of the forest where we came from, the woods converging behind us and masking the route back to the peaceful cheery town.

I guess this really is no return. Am I even sure of what I'm getting myself into?

"Alright, Olivia. We're here but let me brief you on some basic things first. Since we're part of the Mafia, you are to observe certain rules at all times. Stay close to me and never wander around. Never approach the top floor of the castle. Do not wander out of castle grounds without my permission. Understood?" Lady Elena explained in a stern voice, her demeanour completely changed. The aura she emits was chilly and authoritative, making sense that she would be associated with the underground organisations. I nodded, not bothering to mask my slight nervousness. Deeming my response as satisfactory, Lady Elena flashed a quick warm grin and a short "welcome" before stepping out of the carriage.

Her raspberry shaded gown flowed around her gracefully and her blonde locks framed her perfect figure, not a strand out of place. It was as if the long journey never affected her. She turned around and gestured gently for me to get out as well. Giving a quick small nod, I quickly stumbled down the steps and out the of the ebony door of the carriage. My eyes caught Jack's mocking stare, obviously at my lack of grace. I glared back in challenge, not hiding the slight contempt in my eyes. This person is obviously against my being here so I might as well avoid him to stay away from any potential drama between him and me, though I suspect he is clearly still angry at me for the whole carriage-accident fiasco.

Just then, a large mob of men dressed in suits rushed forward. On their belts were the Vongola crest in stainless steel and a holster armed with hand pistols. Unanimously, they gave a full-body bow, chorusing, "Welcome back, Lady Elena." With a wave of her delicate hand, Lady Elena dismissed the mob before proceeding towards the large double oak doors of the Vongola Headquarters. I quickly trotted behind in an attempt to shield myself in the vanishing shadows of the powerful woman. However, it was of no use. Those men eyeballed me in full, unwelcoming yet curious of my presence and identity. I could almost hear Jack scoff in the distance as he guided the carriage away, bracing myself that rumours about the mysterious new girl will soon be the talk of town.

Inside, the castle was just as magnificent, if not even more so, as the exterior. Stone floors were lined with the classic crimson rugs with golden trimmings, chandeliers of crystal and finely-crafted candles hung at every bent of the large lobby and expensive paintings and portraits lined the corridors. Stairways intertwine artistically and intricately and the number of doors are just absurd. How does one even fully utilise these many rooms?

Perhaps when you are the boss of an incredibly reputable mafia famiglia and this is your headquarters?

Blanching at my own sarcastic inner monologue, I managed to keep up with Lady Elena's pace without gawking too much like a fool at the surroundings. We took a left turn from the ginormous lobby into one of the ground floor walkways and stopped by the third door to our right (evidently larger than the others by the side). Just before I was able to fully step through the door ledge, Lady Elena signalled for me to wait outside, her expression firmer than before.

I obeyed diligently, silently noting how she does not seem as jovial as before. My instincts flared up, screaming at me to bolt and bail out of the situation. All possible cases of inviting me here being a trap and that I will be exposed flashed through my brain. I have not felt such panic in so long. Just as I managed to will myself to calm down and think rationally, loud cheers erupted from within the room, ecstatic and boisterous.

My eyes were probably widened out of shock at how out of place the sounds feel. Vaguely, I could make out "Welcome back"s and "Missed me"s. I decided to stand my ground for a little longer, maybe things would not turn out as bad.

Lady Elena's head popped out of the door after a minute or two, beaming at me encouragingly. I hesitated, which was the most logical and understandable thing to do. The thought of meeting with such a strong mafia famiglia is intimidating. Nonetheless, I, Olivia, stepped in shamelessly.

A chilly silence whipped past my skin as all eyes within the vicinity fell on me. It was a large dining room with high painted ceilings of a cloudy azure sky and the classic crystal chandelier. An extravagant fireplace stood by the centre of the wall, upon the mantel were pricey ornaments. Ghostly sculptures stood guard on all four corners of the room while the middle was erected a long and grand rosewood dining table. The furniture were intricately carved, once again showcasing the wealth and power of this famiglia. Surrounding the table were ten seats, of which seven were occupied.

My eyes flitted unconsciously to my shoes as if the leader and his guardians possessed the Gorgon's eye and a single measly stare would petrify me. From the short glance however, I could make out a blonde man who was seated at the head of the table. Even from a distance, his aura was strangely penetrative. It almost had the ability to coerce one into confessing all deeds and sins before him and yet it would still feel like he already knows about them.

The silence dragged on uncomfortably for a few more seconds before an elegant and near divine voice flowed like liquid gold to fill in the void of quietness.

"Elena, who is this lady?"

One sentence. A mere sentence is enough to send my adrenaline rushing through every blood vessel within my body. Now, I can clearly see how with such a leader, Vongola is capable of rising to power so quickly and sustain it. However, it is impossible for him to know anything. He is not god.

"This is Olivia, she is an orphan that I found in Cervo. Apparently, her hometown was XXX and since she has nowhere to go, I've decided to take her in," Lady Elena explained, stepping to my side as she gently patted my shoulder.

"Elena, you shouldn't just carelessly bring strangers around with you," an endearing male voice rang through, lightly chiding.

"Daemon, it's fine. She has nowhere to go, the village is destroyed and the casualties..." Lady Elena drifted off.

Only then, did I muster my courage to slightly raise my head and look in the direction of Vongola. Yet only then, did I know, it was a terrible mistake.

The indigo haired man seated farthest from the head of the table immediately darted his eyes, grinding his teeth the moment he noticed me moved. Most of the others just wore a passive unreadable expression.

"Why not send her to town? She could survive on her own with the rest of those from her village," the redhead man with intricate tattoos spat, venom shooting straight at me.

"G, the only ones we could salvage were children. She would not have known them and it would be better for the caretaker not to have the added responsibility," Lady Elena seemed to be losing her patience.

"That hag doesn't look that young and fragile to need to be taken in by anyone honestly," a young teen with mint hair yawned, behind his halfhearted glare was blatant distaste.

Wait, did this kid just call me... a hag? Too appalled to react, Lady Elena beat me to it. "Lampo! Olivia's only a few years older than you, where are your manners?"

"Don't need manners for a total stranger randomly picked off the street," the boy named Lampo mumbled in annoyance, hooking his palms behind his head and closing his eyes.

I mentally noted that the insolent brat was just as irritating to me as I was to him, it is for the best that the two of us stay the furthest away from each other. However, the growing tension within the dining hall was very real. Somehow, this does not seem like the ideal introduction to start off on. As much as I have considered and fantasized the idea of bailing multiple times over the past few minutes, it would be out of option now. After all, fleeing is just too convenient, so much so that it will literally cost me my life. Now that the situation is unfolding in front of my very eyes, the threat of my mission is very real. All jokes aside, I already knew that the moment of no return was when I left the "orphanage". The choice has been made, the dice has been tossed. Whatever happens on the board is beyond my control now.

Well done, Olivia.

—

Olivia's POV

I stared back in the face of strained silence and unrestrained hostility. Obviously, I was not welcomed here within the Vongola Headquarters. My gaze drifted ungratefully towards the lime haired boy whose insult towards me was uncalled for. His chest rose and fell, shallow yet it seemed to be the only movement in the suffocating atmosphere. He must be either lucky or extremely dense to be able to nap in such conditions.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, I just need one female by my side as an assistant and friend. I have seen her potential," Lady Elena finally sighed dramatically before looking towards the blonde who has his unwavering eyes set dead on me for the whole duration. "Giotto, all the personnel here are males except for the maids. There's no one I can hold a decent girl's conversation with that is also intellectual."

"How do you even know she is educated, Elena? She's an orphan," the man referred to as Daemon inquired skeptically, clearly portraying his strong disapproval.

"She stood up for villagers in the face of injustice, she didn't leave. If she were truly ignorant, she would not have believed in fairness for all," Lady Elena shifted towards me. That was when I realised, she had always been observing me. She noticed how I never fled or immediately knelt down with Nanna even after Jack almost ran us over. Awe and wary simultaneously began to bubble up within me for this strong and bright young woman.

"If you can vouch for her so much Elena, then I'm sure you'll be able to have her under your wing. Just ensure that she is aware of all the rules and that boundaries are definitely not to be crossed," Giotto finally spoke up, his eyes piercing and glinting with something I could not make out. Yet my senses screamed at me to be aware of him, which I probably should trust.

Lady Elena immediately lighted up, her lips stretching to reveal a set of shiny pearly white teeth. She pivoted around to face me, clearly giggling with excitement. Hastily excusing herself, she held my hand and towed me along with her out of the dining hall, uncaring of the remaining occupants. I stumbled after her in a tangled mess, surprisingly still keeping up with her speed, but not before shooting one last look into the room.

I guess this is the beginning of everything...

Third Pov

"Well, isn't Elena lively," a dark haired man dressed in a priest's robes commented, breaking out into a hearty chuckle.

"Her occasional juvenile behaviour is what worries me. Who knows when she'll get herself in trouble one day," Daemon sighed, rubbing his temples and staring at the empty spot where Elena and the random girl were just standing a moment ago.

"It wouldn't be that bad, Daemon-san," an asian man in traditional Japanese outfit offered a good-natured and sympathetic smile.

"Stop underestimating the circumstances, optimism is not favoured here," the redhead named G retorted, turning to the head of the table. "Giotto, why did you agree? Didn't you notice something is off about the woman?"

All heads turned towards the blonde man sitting silently, his gloved hands crossed elegantly over his stripped suit.

"We cannot be too sure yet. Regardless, it is always wise to keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," Giotto muttered, before dismissing the issue with a casual shrug. After Giotto gracefully exited the dining hall, the guardians all left as well, leaving behind only empty plates and what was left of dinner.

Olivia's POV

Lady Elena's fingers were still caged loosely around my wrist as she bounded back to the lobby and up the largest stone stairway. Meanwhile, I was a fumbling awkward entanglement trotting behind her, tripping over my own feet and stumbling every few out-of-sync steps I take. I stared at the slender frame leading me away joyously, was this the exact same woman who brought me here? It was as if her dignified aristocratic air before were just a cloak for formality and business matters and that this current Lady Elena is the real her, youthful, candid and positively naive.

The stretch on my lips was the only indication that a grin has unknowingly made its way onto my face. I suppose I look rather peculiar now, I can almost feel the excitement burning in the back of my eyes. It is rare for the world to still harbour such innocence. Lady Elena's true self, is a gem. If my superior was someone like her, then I could not wait to pledge my allegiance.

"Olivia?"

A hand gently floated into my vision, shortly replaced by a vision of Lady Elena. Her eyes looked worried as she glanced at me quizzically, pouting, "You look so deep in thought that you didn't even realise what I've been saying the past few minutes". Upon hearing that, I could not help but feel the blush rush to my cheeks from dazing off. Hastily waving my hands apologetically, I stuttered out an apology, inwardly cursing myself for my lack of vigilance. Lady Elena does not seem to mind much though, since she simply chuckled before picking up from where she had left off.

"As I was saying, this will be your room from today on. Please remember that the fourth and fifth floor are out of bounds unless given permission or accompanied by me," Lady Elena said, gesturing towards a small wooden door just down the corridor, the last of the many that lined the walls.

I nodded.

"Your clothes are all prepared and since you'll be my personal assistance, you will be attending to all my needs, such as being in charge of my laundry, my afternoon tea and meals and of course, my personal conversation buddy," Lady Elena continued with an excited beam lighting up her face.

I flashed a genuine appreciative smile towards her hospitality.

This lady is strangely kind to be with the mafia…

My eyes remained glued to the gentle blonde's smiling features, making a mental note to bring the least harm to her in the future. For someone who is so welcoming, sympathetic and encompassing to strangers, she deserves the most respect and blessings. Inwardly, I could not help but feel envy bubbling from within. If only I had met you, Lady Elena, under different circumstances, in a different time and place, maybe things would end differently. Blinking away, I lightly chastised myself for getting ahead.

Think of the present, you idiot! Whatever happens in the future is to be left in the future!

"Olivia?"

"Y-yes, Lady Elena?" I mentally cringed at myself for zoning out again.

"You seem awfully out of it today. I hope you're not plotting something," Lady Elena casually flicked a wrist, her smile innocent.

A chill ran down my spine. Looks like no one here can be underestimated after all.

"No, Lady Elena. I'm sorry everything just happened so fast," I tried, my voice fading into a shy whisper.

The beautiful aristocrat smiled gracefully as she waved it off. Behind her, several maids came with bowed heads and tidy uniforms. After carefully instructing the maids to show me the ropes, I was left to adapt on my own as Lady Elena left. The maids were neutral, not too amiable or hostile as they robotically went through the rules and duties expected of me. Drowning out their voices, I escaped into my own mind, thinking about the day.

Everything just happened so fast and I was swept up in the wave of all the events. I never thought I would so quickly be brought into the Vongolia Famiglia and their headquarters. The members of the Famiglia are not to be belittled. They carry dignity and a dangerous aura, vigilant and professional. Even Lady Elena seems to be much more intelligent and perceptive than she is kind. I let out a small smirk. Guess the world is the same, no matter where I am.

I am truly indeed alone in this, stuck in a mission and life I never asked for.

"Hey, Olivia right?" A maid with rounded glasses and freckles no older than eighteen turned to me, before revealing a bashful smile.

I nodded, hesitant and perplexed.

"My name is Yula. I'll be sharing the dorm with you, but I'm mainly in charge of the dining hall and kitchen," the maid lead me into our room as her grin remained bright and friendly.

Returning a beam to the best of my ability, I thanked her. My vision lingered on those harmless and childlike eyes of hers.

It's people like you Yula, that get hurt the most. I pray that will never happen to such a kind soul like you though…

—