Page 48 of Shattered Choices

I watch, confused, as my father exits my room. What the hell just happened? Why will he be waiting for me in the car?

My eyes widen the moment the realization hits.

One hour.

I have only one hour.

I don’t pack a thing. Other than my bag and the papers, I leave everything, and I don’t walk, I run to the car. When I reach the car, the door opens, and my father is smiling from his seat. I slide inside and meet Pino’s grinning face from the passenger seat.

“You too?”

He raises his hands, surrendering. “I had no idea what is going on until five minutes ago.”

My father’s driver starts the car and drives, and I turn to my father. “You still didn’t tell me how you knew Salvatore was leaving, and most importantly, how did you know he was in the house every night?”

He smiles. “He told me.”

“When?”

“Today, when he gave me back the key from the secret entrance I gave him.”

I scrunch my nose. “What are you talking about? What secret entrance?”

“There is a tunnel I built for emergencies. And since his situation needed a little intervention, I thought it was the right thing to do.”

“You decided to help him? But why?” I look at my father in awe.

He smiles. “He reminded me of me. Now, no more questions. Promise me you will be happy. That you two will have your happy ending.”

I smile and my eyes fill with tears. I didn’t think I had any left. Without warning, I lean forward and wrap my arms around him. “I love you, Papa.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I love you too, my dear child.”

I pull from my father and tease my friend. “Sorry, I can’t marry you.” I shrug.

He laughs. “Thank God for that. I don’t think anyone bought the idea of us anyway.”

“He doesn’t have to be married to you to have a place within the organization. Besides, I heard complaints about him preventing a specific someone from leaving the city.”

I smile, and Pino raises his eyebrows. We look at each other because we both know the secret, and now, so does my father.

When we arrive at the strip where the lonely private jet is getting ready to take off, I don’t wait for the car to stop before I get out. I kiss my father goodbye, and this time, with his blessing, get on a plane to America.

I climb the stairs of the plane with a lump in my throat and my heart pounding behind my ribcage.

When I enter the cabin, there is no crew on board, and the alarm bells in my head start ringing. And then I see him, sitting with his back to me. He’s looking through the window to the field outside. I take slow steps toward him, and when I reach him, I sit in the seat opposite him.

Our eyes lock, and his pained expression shifts to one of confusion. “Before you say anything, I need you to listen to me.” I take the papers from my bag and rip them apart. “I can’t accept this.” My eyes meet his narrowed gaze. “I know I initiated it, but I was hurt and I didn’t give you a chance. I want to give you the forgiveness you asked for, but I don’t know if I can. Only time will tell. I can live with the impact of our choices if you can do the same. I can promise to move forward and seek happiness if you want that too.” I inhale. “What do you say?”

His jaw ticks, and my body shakes as I wait for his answer. “That depends.”

I shiver. “Depends on what?”

His lips twitch, but he doesn’t smile. “Does that mean you’re coming back with me?”

I smile. “Yes!”

“Why?” His stern voice sends shivers through my body, and I swallow.

---