Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Lily could feel the distance growing between them, like a shadow creeping across their once vibrant connection. It wasn't something that happened overnight; it had been gradual, a slow drift as Alessia became more consumed by the demands of the mafia. Despite her best efforts, Alessia's promises to make time for Lily often fell short, leaving Lily alone in the mansion more often than not. And when Alessia was home, she was always distracted, her mind still trapped in the chessboard of mafia politics, even as her body was physically beside Lily.

Tonight was no different. Alessia had returned late again, her phone in one hand, furrowed brow in another as she muttered instructions in rapid Italian. Lily sat at the dining table, dinner long grown cold, waiting in vain for the evening they had planned together. Alessia's footsteps echoed in the hallway, her presence like a storm that passed by without ever touching ground.

Lily's heart ached. She wanted to understand, to be patient, but the weight of it all was becoming unbearable. The loneliness had become a constant companion, whispering doubts and fears that she tried to ignore. What if this was their future? What if the mafia would always be the third person in their relationship, always pulling Alessia away no matter how hard she tried to come back?

By the time Alessia finally joined her, the frustration on her face was evident. She sat down heavily at the table, her shoulders sagging under the invisible weight she carried. She glanced at Lily apologetically, her hand reaching for hers across the table. "Amore, I'm sorry I'm late again. I thought tonight would be different..."

Lily squeezed her hand, trying to muster a smile. "It's okay, Alessia. I know you're busy."

But Alessia could hear the weariness in Lily's voice, see the sadness in her eyes. It wasn't okay, and they both knew it. Alessia exhaled, leaning back in her chair as she rubbed her tired eyes. "I don't know what to do anymore, Lily. I keep telling myself I'll make more time, but there's always something—another meeting, another crisis. I'm trying, but it's like I'm losing control of everything."

Lily's heart clenched. She didn't want to make Alessia feel worse, but she couldn't keep pretending everything was fine either. "I miss you, baby" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Those words hit Alessia like a punch to the gut. She knew Lily was right, and the guilt of it was eating her alive. She was supposed to be the one protecting Lily, keeping her happy and safe, yet here she was, letting their relationship slip through her fingers. Alessia clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm frustrated too, Lily," she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "I hate that I can't give you the time you deserve. I hate that every time I think I'm getting a handle on things, something else pulls me away. I feel like I'm failing you."

Lily's eyes softened, but the pain in her chest remained. "You're not failing me, Alessia. I know you're doing everything you can, but... I'm scared. I'm scared that this—" she gestured between them, "—this distance is becoming our new normal. And I don't know how much longer I can take it."

Alessia's gaze dropped, her hands clenching into fists on the table. "I don't know how to fix this. The mafia...it's a constant pull. I'm trying to be the leader they need, but I'm losing the person I care about most in the process."

The words hung heavy in the air between them, raw and unfiltered. Lily reached across the table again, her fingers brushing against Alessia's. "I'm still here, Alessia," she said softly. "But I need you to meet me halfway. I need to feel like we're in this together."

Alessia nodded, her throat tight. She wanted to promise Lily that things would change, that she'd find a way to balance it all, but deep down, she didn't know if she could. The power plays and the constant threats to her leadership demanded more of her than she had ever anticipated. And every time she tried to step back, something else dragged her in deeper.