Page 112 of Beneath the Shadows

When I open the door, I’m surprised to see Antonio’s mother standing there with a warm smile.

“I hope you don’t mind me showing up unannounced,” she says kindly.

“Antonio isn’t home right now.”

“I didn’t come for him. I came to see you,” she says, her smile genuine. “I wanted to welcome you to the family.”

I stare at her, stunned. “Antonio told you?”

“He did, and despite the circumstances, we’re glad to have you.”

My emotions, already on edge, tip over, and the tears I’ve been holding back flow freely. “I’m sorry,” I murmur, wiping at my face, embarrassed.

Nicki steps forward, enveloping me in a warm embrace. “Oh, sweetheart, there’s no need to apologize. It’s okay to not be okay, especially after everything you’ve been through.”

“Would you like to come in?” I ask, stepping aside and gesturing toward the living room.

We move to the couch and sit down. I shift uncomfortably, my hands fidgeting in my lap as silence stretches between us. Nicki sits beside me, her posture relaxed, though her eyes remain perceptive and observant.

“I’m not usually this emotional,” I start, my voice shaky. “It’s just… I thought I was finally free, away from all of this madness. Alabama was supposed to be my fresh start. I had a job and a place to live. It wasn’t much, but it was mine.”

Nicki listens intently, not judging, just letting me talk.

“Then, two days ago, I walked into my apartment and Antonio was sitting there.” The memory still feels raw, like an open wound. “He didn’t give me a choice. He forced me to come back here.”

I pause, my throat tight, the truth pressing against my lips. I could tell her about how Antonio drugged me—took away my ability to fight, my chance to decide. But what would that accomplish? Nicki’s kindness might not stretch that far. Some things are better left unsaid.

“I’m sure that was quite an unwelcome surprise.”

“I thought I was free, but it was just an illusion.”

Fear of trusting anyone in this family takes hold. I can’t tell if this is a trap, if I’ve already said too much. Will she tell Antonio? Will he punish me when he gets home?

Nicki watches me closely. “You’re worried because you opened up to me?”

I nod slowly.

“We don’t know each other well,” she continues, her voice gentle, “but I hope that can change. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I don’t support arranged or forced marriages. My father wanted to saddle me with one,” she chuckles. “But I dug my heels in and refused. Marco and I raised Antonio and Cecilia with our values.”

Her expression tightens. “I’m not pleased with how my son handled things,” she admits. “Our world isn’t easy, but that doesn’t excuse his actions.”

I’m surprised by her honesty. “I understand that my father put him in a difficult position, but it doesn’t change how I feel. Trusting someone who forced me back into this life seems impossible.” I try to compose myself.

“Antonio said some things before he left, things that reminded me of who he was when we were young. But that was a long time ago. So much has happened since then—I’m not sure trusting him is even possible.”

“Trust takes time, especially when it’s been broken. What Antonio did was wrong, and it’s okay to be angry, to be hurt.”

“I don’t know what to think. My father and Val only ever saw me as a bargaining chip to be given to the highest bidder. No one’s ever cared about me

“It’s okay to take your time. No one expects you to just forgive and forget,” she pauses. “If Antonio wants your trust back, he’ll have to work to earn it."

I bite my lip. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to get through this.”

“You’re stronger than you think, Alessia,” she says with a reassuring smile. “Allow yourself the space to figure things out, at your own pace.”

“Thank you, Nicki. I’ll try.”

“Just remember, you’re not alone in this. You have family now, even if it’s complicated,” she says with a warm smile. “I’m right next door and will always be there for you.”

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