Page 89 of Of Vows and Betrayal

As I leave the penthouse, I take one last look back, hoping for some sign, some indication that things might change. But the silence is deafening, and I know this is the right decision.

The drive to the airport is quiet, the weight of unresolved feelings pressing down on me. As the plane takes off, I gaze out the window at the city lights fading below, a sense of loss settling deep within me.

I don’t know what the future holds, but for now, all I can do is hope that time and distance will bring clarity. And maybe, just maybe, when I return, there will still be a chance to mend what’s broken.

Chapter 23

Ophelia

He’s gone.I still can’t believe he just up and left.

I don’t know what I expected when I played nice the other evening just to steal his key card. Then I felt a lot less brave when I stood in front of a glaring psychopath who took the time to explain, in gruesome detail, all the horrors my father caused both outside and inside thefamiglia. He also described, in even more gruesome detail, what a marriage with Dario would have meant for me.

My stomach churned at that moment, and what did he do? He laughed.

“So please, Vargas may be hell-bent on protecting you—to atone for sins that frankly aren’t even his to begin with. Go play your little virginal victim act somewhere else because this is not the world for you, little lady.” He snorted. “That man loves you like an idiot.”

“Why? Do you need to be an idiot to love me?”

He rolled his eyes then. “No, you have to be an idiot to love, full stop.” He shook his head, wiping hishand over his face. “You don’t know him if you don’t realize what a sacrifice it was for him to come to me, to hand me the power. And what do you do? You spit in his fucking face.” He snorted. “If I wasn’t completely convinced love is a waste of time before, I am now.”

I stand there, Lucchese’s words weighing on me. The penthouse feels colder, quieter, and infinitely lonelier.

I thought his departure would bring relief, but all it brings is a hollow ache. I told myself I needed space, that his presence was suffocating, but now that he’s gone, I feel more lost than ever.

The note I left him was meant to be a final jab, a way to assert control. Now, it feels like a childish act of defiance, hollow and meaningless.

I walk to the window, staring out at the city lights that seem so far away. The world continues to move, indifferent to the confusion in my heart.

Midsummer Petals was almost my undoing. It’s so thoughtful, and what he said is the truth—this was my dream. I looked away from him because I didn’t want him to see how much I loved the gift and how it meant everything. When my will started to falter, and I wanted to run into his arms, I remembered the necklace he gave me, the most beautiful present that was a tracker, and the boat he pretended was a way to win my father’s heart but was actually a way to destroy me. The shame and hurt resurfaced tenfold, and it was not about love anymore.

Love, sacrifice, forgiveness—they all seem so distant, so unattainable. But maybe, just maybe, there’s a sliver of truth in Lucchese’s harsh words.

Javierdoeslove me like an idiot. And perhaps, somewhere beneath the layers of anger and betrayal, I still love him too.

The thought is terrifying, but as I stand alone in the silence, I realize it’s a truth I can’t escape.

I settle on the sofa, watching the enormous TV, trying to enjoy the space I always avoided in his presence. I must be tired because all I remember is the first ten minutes of the cheesy rom-com before waking up to the bright sun in the sky and a couple of texts from Derek on my phone.

Derek: Hey, how are you doing?

Derek: Do you want to do something today?

I chew on my bottom lip as I think. Lucchese’s words are still playing in my head. Derek has known Javier since they were kids.

Me: Do you mind talking to me about your childhood?

A moment later, my phone buzzes with his reply.

Derek: Sure. Want to grab brunch?

For some reason, I have a hard time imagining Derek in a brunch place, but I would much rather go anywhere with him than stay here and be stuck in my own head.

Me: Give me 30 minutes.

Derek: No problem, I’ll come up.

I’m ready on time, and Derek is already waiting for me by the elevator. I feel guilty somehow, having driven Javier away from his home and also taking him away from Derek.

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