Chapter 9
Orlando turned himself in, so the investigation went smoothly.
My father’s former Consigliere produced the handgun my father had left me.
Almost eighty percent of Orlando’s members abandoned his organization as a result.
Orlando, who had faked his death to collect insurance money, was charged with fraud.
The family lawyer refused to defend him, and he was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Cynthia received a three-year suspended sentence.
All other involved parties were held accountable as well.
The case caused a media frenzy, spreading quickly across the internet.
The once-feared mafia boss was now someone people mocked and looked down on.
I declined all media interviews.
Orlando contacted me through his lawyer, asking to see me. I agreed.
“I’m sorry, Willow. It’s all my fault. I deserve whatever punishment I get.”
“For the past five years, I haven’t felt this free. That person I was back then didn’t feel like me. I felt like I was just doing what I was told.”
His eyes were red as he spoke, “Willow, if I could do it all over again, I would never hurt you.”
“You once asked me–what if the one who hurt you was me… would prison be enough?”
I gave a cold laugh. “Not even close. A lifetime wouldn’t be enough.”
“Orlando, every time I think of you, I seethe with rage,”
“You killed the man I loved, and right in front of me, destroyed him with your own hands. I will never forgive you.”
The next day, Zita delivered twin daughters via C-section.
Ben was overwhelmed, covering his face as he crouched on the floor and cried.
I named my twin nieces Nina and Elena.
Chapter 9
100.00%
Cynthia’s child was premature and remained in an incubator for a while but didn’t survive.
The trauma pushed Cynthia to attempt suicide; her family admitted her to a psychiatric hospital.
I quit my job and stayed at the old family home to care for Zita.
Salvatore came to visit, bringing a heap of things for the babies.
After we ate, I walked him downstairs and thanked him again.
He gave a wry smile. “It’s not that I’m trying to interfere. We just happened to cross paths again.”
“If I had stayed out of it, I’d probably feel like I was ignoring something important.”
I couldn’t help laughing.
He watched me for a long moment.
I slowly let my smile fade. “Do I remind you of her?”
He sighed. “Willow, I’ve already let her go. I just think your smile is beautiful.”
I froze, my face burning.
“When you’ve truly let go of the past, I’ll bring up that final request.”
Inodded seriously.
Later, Zita would sometimes ask about Salvatore and me. She wanted to know if anything was going
on between us.
I always told her we were just friends. It wasn’t that simple, but that was the easiest way to put it.
Maybe one day things will change.
Until then, we’ll wait and let time decide.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
