Page 157 of Bride By Initiation

I spin to face them. "I meant that you and I have difficulty forgiving people or looking past things. I'm learning that we're wrong. And you're wrong about Finzia, Dad."

"I'm not," he insists.

"You are. But you know what's worse?"

He arches a brow.

"She misses you."

He flinches, then his expression goes stony.

A tear falls down my cheek, and I add, "She remembers you."

He clenches his jaw and looks away, blinking hard.

I continue, "She's all alone."

Dad doesn't say anything and won't look at me.

I wipe my face, declaring, "I have to go." I press the elevator button.

"Zara—"

"I can't stay, Mom," I interrupt, stepping into the elevator.

I forget to text Calogero, and I step out of the building.

He pulls up, and I slide into the back seat before he can get out of the SUV. He frets, "Ms. Marino, you're supposed to text me."

"I forgot. Please take me home."

He sighs, then drives toward my place, lecturing me on safety.

I look out the window and groan. "Not my place. Sean's."

"Yes, ma'am." He turns around and takes me to the apartment. He walks me up, and I don't argue, too exhausted to fight another losing battle.

When I get inside, I open a bottle of wine. I'm tired, mentally burned out, and emotionally torn. I hate how I don't have the same relationship with my parents anymore.

It hurts me that Dad can't even consider Valentina a good person just because of her father's last name.

I pour my wine, then take it to the couch. I curl up, take a sip, and put it on the table. I slide down, gripping the pillow.

At some point, I fall asleep.

"Hey, my pulse." Sean's tone is soft.

I blink hard.

It's dark, and the lights from the city shine through the windows.

"Hey," I reply.

His fingers stroke my cheek. "It's bedtime."

I sit up. "What time is it?"

"It's late. Come on." He scoops me into his arms, picking me up off the couch.

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