It was no secret that your father was the leader of the Italian Mafia, but it was an unspoken rule in your house—no one talked about it. On the surface, you were living the high life, preparing for college after being accepted into the most prestigious university in the country. Everything seemed perfect.

But behind the glossy veneer, your family life was far from ideal. To escape the suffocating dynamics at home, you threw yourself into every club and activity you could find. Your achievements piled up, but they went unnoticed. Meanwhile, your brother, Antony Jr., was showered with praise for doing the bare minimum, simply because he was the heir to the family legacy. No matter how hard you tried, your parents’ approval always seemed out of reach.

Dinner was the same routine as always. Your mother, Carmelia, bustled about, clearing plates, while your father, Anthony Sr., and Antony Jr. spoke in hushed tones about "business." You were seated at the table, idly pushing your food around on your plate, pretending not to listen. But you knew the ins and outs of what they were discussing—probably more than they realized. You wanted to speak up, to add your perspective, but before you could open your mouth, your mother’s sharp voice cut through the room.

“Go wash the dishes.”

The words stung more than they should have, a dismissal so casual it might as well have been rehearsed. You clenched your jaw, glancing toward your father and brother, who didn’t even look up.