From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 32

**Chapter 5**

The shadows of Sienna’s PTSD loomed larger each day, a relentless storm that seemed to engulf her. Dante, caught in the whirlwind of the Commission’s demands, found himself gasping for air, each task piling onto the next, suffocating him in a sea of responsibilities.

He replayed that fateful night over and over in his mind, the memory a jagged edge that cut deeper with every thought. He understood that what had transpired had crossed an unspoken boundary. Vesper, with her fierce spirit and unwavering strength, did not deserve the fallout of his actions.

After a decade of shared struggles, of battles fought side by side, Dante had held onto the hope that Vesper would eventually understand. Surely, she would come to see that he had acted out of necessity, not malice. They had always found a way to mend their rifts, always managed to navigate the stormy waters together.

At last, a sliver of time opened up between his relentless assignments. He seized the opportunity, driving directly to Vesper’s place, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread.

As he approached the entrance, he pressed his thumb against the scanner, the device emitting a harsh, piercing screech that echoed in the stillness.

**ACCESS DENIED. AUTHORIZATION REVOKED.**

A chill swept through him, settling heavily in the pit of his stomach. He adjusted his collar, trying to shake off the sense of foreboding that gripped him, and knocked with urgency.

“Vesper! Open the door. We need to talk!”

The door swung open abruptly, revealing a young man clad in a logistics jumpsuit. He glanced at the Underboss pin on Dante’s jacket, his eyes widening in alarm.

“Uh, sir. Vesper signed out five days ago. She turned in her keys and cleared out her belongings. We’re preparing the unit for reassignment,” the kid stammered, his voice shaky.

Dante felt his heart race, a surge of anxiety flooding his veins. “Where is she? What assignment?”

The young man shook his head, his expression apologetic. “Her file indicates a permanent exit. Only the Boss knows her whereabouts.”

With a sense of disbelief, Dante made his way back to his apartment, his mind operating on autopilot.

Inside, Sienna was already awake, wandering around in one of his old T-shirts, her expression a mix of concern and weariness. She had been staying with him for weeks now, claiming she couldn’t bear to be alone.

“Dante, where did you go?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

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