Page 47 of Family Secrets

“Oh my God! I came by your penthouse last night, but you didn’t come to the door.” Felicia cried, attempting to wrap herself around Gino. “Jonathan was like a father to me, and I know he is looking down from heaven, and smiling on the two of us.”

Gino shot her a hard look, stepping around her to join his mother.

“Yes, yes, Felicia. We all know Jonathan wanted the two of you together, but what he didn’t have in life, his death isn’t likely to bring.”

Elizabeth held her breath as Felicia looked from Gino to Chiara, her face growing red when neither of them reacted to her tantrum.

“How can you stand there and deny what you promised?”

“Promise? What promise?” Gino demanded.

Hooking her hands on her hips, Felicia tipped her head to the side. “At Sully’s eighteenth birthday you promised to take care of me.”

Gino tossed his head back in laughter. “Are you mad? I said I would get you home so your father wouldn’t see how drunk you were. Not marry you!”

Anger turned to sorrow as Felicia’s bottom lip began to quiver. “You can’t do this, Gino. I’ve spent every moment of my life learning to like what you do. I’ve endured surgeries to make me the perfect woman. I gave up my dreams so I could be everything you wanted and now you tell me you changed your mind.”

Bringing his fists in the air in frustration, no longer bound to the rules his father dished out where Felicia was concerned. “I don’t love you, Felicia! I never have, and besides, you shouldn’t have to learn to like what I do, that’s not how relationships work.” Gino reasoned, thinking of the conversations he and Elizabeth had over their various shared interests.

“Who’s talking about a relationship? I want to be your wife!” Felicia screamed. “I want to live in that big house, have a cook and a maid, I want a personal shopper and to never wear the same clothes twice. I want to spend the winter in Sicily and travel on a private jet. I want new cars and for doors to open and have my picture taken. I want it all.”

Clarity hit Gino so hard he nearly stumbled. “Then I suggest you either find someone who can give you what you want or a way to get it on your own.”

With fury and sadness swirling in her eyes, Felicia shot Gino a death glare before turning on her heels. “Nobody tells Felicia Vittorio no! Not even you, Giovanni.”

Elizabeth held her breath as Gino’s full name swirled in the air, her eyes wide as Gino nodded at two suited men to follow Felicia.

“Give everyone the day off, Sully.” Gino barked before holding out his arm to Chiara, who looked at him with such pride as he led her out of the room and down the hall.

Elizabeth finished entering the stack of bills into her computer before grabbing her coat and purse. Sliding behind the wheel of the car Gino gave her, she smiled as the tone for an incoming message sounded from her purse.

Dinner tonight? My mother and sister want to officially meet you. XOXO Gino

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