Chapter 138
The waves of emotions hit me out of nowhere, suffocating and painful.
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I knew I had gotten over Miranda’s death, and that was why my chest was so painful. Because I knew I shouldn’t be this way when I was the reason she was no more. I knew I should suffer when her love for me was what killed her.
I felt everything in a rush, and I couldn’t keep my emotions in check. They were all over the place.
We reached the Iannellis mansion, but I didn’t step out. I stayed still with my face buried in my palms, sweating, my head throbbing with a painful headache.
‘Take your time,” Belladonna said as she stepped out, her voice soft but still hard.
I didn’t move for a very long time. I wasn’t sure if I was even breathing. My chest was tight, my throat closed up, and my eyes ɔurned. It felt like… It felt like I was going to cry.
If crying would lessen this feeling in my chest, then I would gladly embrace it, but unfortunately, no tears came out.
I reached into my jacket, about to take out a cigarette, but then I remembered I had nothing on me. I had left it at home.
‘Fuck,” I cursed, raising my head and running a shaking hand through my hair, loosening it and letting it fall. “Fuck.”
took in deep breaths, holding it for long seconds before I exhaled. I repeated that for a long while before I finally nodded o myself.
opened the car door, stepped out, and the cool evening air hit my face, chill on my skin, and I felt myself relaxing completely.
Belladonna was waiting outside, leaning against the car with her arms crossed. She turned to me when I stepped out, a small
mile on her face.
So you’re human after all.”
The words slipped out before I could even think. “I’m not.”
Belladonna just blinked at me, the smile still on her face, but something about the smile just seemed sad. She pushed off the car, walking towards the entrance. “Come on, alien. Let’s get this dinner over with.”
I stare at her back, speechless. That was definitely not the reaction I expected but I shouldn’t be so shocked. She didn’t ask any questions after what she saw that night.
I followed after her, walking beside her but I said nothing. She sighed just as we got to the entrance, her hand hovering over the doorknob.
‘He said she wouldn’t be there,” she said, her voice low. “But I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Then you shouldn’t have agreed to come,” I said.
She sighed again, even deeper. “He insisted. I couldn’t say no.”
“Then let’s get this over with.”
I placed my hand on hers that was resting on the doorknob, twisting it and opening the door,
Someone was waiting by the door, a middle–aged woman who was dressed simply with her hair tied back, her expression
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Chapter 138
calm, but that calm expression changed to warmth when her eyes landed on Belladonna.
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“Belladonna, bambino,” she said with a smile, stepping forward but then she halted. She looked like she wanted to hold her, but was holding back.
“Ciao, Chiara,” Belladonna greeted, returning the woman’s smile, this one brighter and bigger than the earlier smile. “How’ve you been?”
“So–so,” Chiara replied, still smiling. She finally noticed me and she bowed. “Buonasera, signore.”
I nodded politely. “Buonasera, signorina.”
“I’m sure you know he’s my husband,” Belladonna said. “So he’s in your care.”
“Of course. I’ll let your father know you’re here. He’s been waiting for you.”
Belladonna nodded and we moved to the dining room while Chiara went up. “That was my nanny. I’ve known her for as long as I can remember.”
I nodded, saying nothing.
Belladonna sighed when we sat, rubbing her temple.
“Stop that,” I said, looking at her. “This isn’t a funeral.”
She sighed even deeper and I just glared at her.
“Belladonna.”
She jumped to her feet, turning to her father. “Buonasera, papà.”
“I didn’t think you would come,” he said as he walked over, grinning from ear to ear, his eyes filled with warmth, his cane clicking on the floor.
Belladonna faked a frown. “Now I’m offended.”
His smile only widened. He turned to me when he got closer, extending his hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Kade.”
I placed my hand on his, giving it a firm shake. “Likewise, Mr. Iannelli.”
He waved his hand as he sat. “No need to be so formal.”
I looked at the entrance, but I didn’t see Medea. My gaze moved to Belladonna and I noticed she had relaxed a bit.
Dinner was served and we ate, Belladonna and her father engaging in a conversation. Their conversation didn’t have a single direction and just moved from this to that. I kept silent, observing them.
The more they talked, the more relaxed she became.
Belladonna might claim her and father’s relationship was too far gone to be saved, but seeing the two of them, I knew that was bullshit. The tension was there for sure, and her father seemed to be mindful of the things he said, but the warmth between them was even more than the tension.
At one point, Belladonna excused herself, saying she had to use the restroom. It was just the two of us now, and I could tell he wanted to say something but was holding back,
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Chapter 138
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You don’t have to be so tense around me,” I finally broke the still silence, pushing my vegetables around my plate with my
ork.
le scoffed. “Then tell me, Kade, what have you observed?”
finally looked at him, our eyes meeting. “A lot, but what stood out was that you think you’ve failed her. You think right, Mr. innelli. You have failed her. And now you’re thinking how you’re going to fix it. That depends on Belladonna, but I can tell ou that you have a chance.”
le scoffed again, breaking the gaze first. “You know I had second thoughts about you when I saw how you acted with your ither that day.”
I know. He deserved it.”
le nodded. “Seeing what he did, I can say he did deserve it. Did your father fail you as well, Kade?”
Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “He failed our entire family. My brothers and I. My… my mother. He doesn’t deserve to e called a father.”
le sighed, suddenly looking older. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s how Belladonna sees me.”
said nothing to that, looking away. I didn’t have the right to say anything. That was Belladonna’s right.
We went back to being silent, that was until Mr. Iannelli broke the silence. “What do you-”
lis words were cut off as a crash came from above.
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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.
