Page 56 of Dark Consequences

“I also heard about what my uncle did. It was uncalled for.”

“He was grieving.” I give her the same lame excuse I gave Raphael.

“That’s no excuse for his behavior,” she continues, calling me out just like her brother did. “He needs to apologize to you.”

“He doesn’t have to,” I insist. “Really. It’s fine.”

Gabriella hums low in her throat, like she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying, before sharing a side-eye with Rose. Thankfully, they don’t push the subject anymore.

“Who needs coffee?” Rose asks.

“Can I have it in an IV line?” Gabriella jokes.

A dark cloud still hangs in the kitchen’s atmosphere, but it’s significantly lighter now. Laughter can be wonderful medicine in times of pain and loss. Serving as a gentle reminder to savor the good moments and appreciate the gift of life. Because you never know when everything could suddenly end.

27

Raphael

The overcast gray sky in Miami matches the somber tone of the event. It’s almost like Mother Nature is aware of the sad occasion and refuses to let the sun come out.

Today is the day we bury my cousin.

Dominic’s autopsy revealed that there really was nothing Lily could have done differently, or any doctor for that matter. His body was damaged beyond repair. A fact I’m confident Xiao knew. That is why, after he brutally tortured Dominic, he dumped him at our front gates like a broken toy no longer of any value.

It’s been three days since Dominic’s death, and Xiao has disappeared, leaving us all on edge. It feels like we’ve been left in the dark, and it’s unnerving.

The DiAngelo home has been on lockdown for three days now, and if Dad had his way, we’d continue, but I can see Lily is growing uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter how large the estate is or how often I assure her she is not a prisoner, her past lingers, and the feelings continue to haunt her.

It doesn’t help either that the lockdown includes Emilia. The girl is frustrating beyond compare and actively searches for any moment to corner me or catch Lily off guard enough to torment her. But my little Lily pad has thorns hidden beneath the surface. She doesn’t stand for Emilia’s mind games and gives it back ten times over, but like I said…it’s starting to weigh on her. Which means it’s weighing on me. And with how I’m feeling already from Dominic’s unaccounted for death, I’m close to tossing the damn girl in the ocean with a concrete block tied to her fucking ankle if she doesn’t leave us the hell alone.

Needless to say, after today is done, I’m taking Lily and Mei back to the penthouse. Dad can get upset all he wants, but Michael and Enzo feel the same way and are ready to leave.

A small raindrop lands on my forehead, and I silently curse as the priest continues his Bible readings. If he doesn’t hurry, we’re all going to be soaked.

“But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.

For the age that is honorable

comes not with the passing of time,

nor can it be measured in terms of years.

Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men,

and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age.

He who pleased God was loved;

he who lived among sinners was transported–

Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind

or deceit beguile his soul;

For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right

and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.

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