Page 20 of Secret Revenge

Her eyes flickered around the opulent dining room once more, lingering on the intricately carved walls and gleaming chandeliers. I could see her grappling with the enormity of her situation, the reality of her new life dawning on her like the sun cresting the horizon.

“Thank you, Liliana. I mean, Mrs. Romano,” she said, her gratitude apparent even through her lingering apprehension. “It means more than I can say to have someone looking out for us.”

“Please, call me Liliana. If it hadn’t been for your help I might have given up in that terrible basement. I think we’re beyond formalities. We’re here for you, Jocelyn. You can count on Nicholas and me.”

I watched as she took a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling with the motion. Her eyes met mine once more, the flicker of hope beginning to ignite within them.

“Alright,” she said, steeling herself for the journey that lay ahead. “Let’s talk about our future.”

As we delved into the intricacies of their new life, I was proud of the difference Nicholas and I would make for them.

“Jocelyn,” I said, my voice firm yet compassionate, “I promise you, the Romano family will protect you and Abby for as long as you need it. You can stay here as long as you like, and when you’re ready to be out on your own, we’ll set you up in a new state, far from the dangers of New York.”

Her gaze met mine, a flicker of hope sparking within her stormy eyes. Relief washed over me, though it was tinged with an unspoken understanding of the perilous path they had chosen.

“Thank you, Liliana,” shesaid, her voice barely audible above the clink of silverware and the soft rustle of napkins.

As I reached for my coffee cup, I noticed Abby sitting quietly beside her mother, her small hands trembling slightly. The sight tugged at my heartstrings, and I knew she needed additional help.

“Abby,” I said gently, my eyes locked on hers, “are you okay?”

“She’s been struggling since we came here,” Jocelyn said.

Abby glanced at me, her wide eyes filled with uncertainty, and I felt a tidal wave of protectiveness course through my veins. “Y-yes,” she stammered, her voice shaking as much as her hands. “I’m just...scared.”

My chest tightened, and I forced myself to maintain a serene expression as I replied softly, “It’s okay to be scared, Abby. You’ve seen a lot of scary things, but that’s all over now. I promise you, we’ll do everything in our power to keep you and your mommy safe.”

“Thank you,” Abby whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I offered her a warm smile, hoping it would chase away the shadows that clung to her heart. In this world of menacing darkness, the smallest glimmers of light were worth fighting for. And as I sat there, surrounded by the people I had vowed to protect, I swore that I would never let our flame be extinguished.

“Jocelyn,” I began gently, my voice laced with empathy, “you mentioned Abby has been struggling since your escape from Luca. Can you tell me more?”

Jocelyn’s eyes darted to her daughter before meeting mine, anxiety evident in their depths. “She’s been having nightmares,” she confessed quietly. “She wakes up screaming, drenched in sweat. And during the day...she’s constantly on edge, jumping at even the smallest sounds. And any time I step out of our room, she hides herself in the closet.”

A pang of sympathy coursed through me as I took in the haunted expression that shadowed Abby’s young face. How could a child be forced to endure such horrors? How could anyone?

“Jocelyn, I want to do everything I can to help Abby,” I vowed, my determination burning like a flame within me. “I think it would be beneficial for her to see a child therapist—someone who can provide the guidance and support she needs to heal from these traumatic experiences.”

For a moment, Jocelyn simply stared at me, her eyes searching for any hint of insincerity. When she found none, her shoulders seemed to sag with relief. “Thank you, Liliana,” she said. “I just...I don’t want her to continue suffering like this. She deserves so much more.”

“Of course she does,” I agreed, my heart swelling with fierce protectiveness. The weight of responsibility settled upon my shoulders, a burden I willingly bore. “I promise you, I will find the best therapist for Abby. We’ll make sure she has every opportunity to overcome her past.”

“Thank you, Liliana,” Jocelyn said at last, her voice wavering. “Your kindness... it means more to me than you can ever know.”

“Of course, Jocelyn.” I offered her a gentle smile, my heart aching for their pain. “I understand what it’s like to feel trapped by circumstances beyond your control, to be suffocated by fear and uncertainty. But here, in this house, you both are safe. And I will ensure Abby gets the help she needs.”

Jocelyn reached across the table, her fingers brushing against mine in a fleeting touch. Her gratitude was palpable, but so too was her trepidation. “You have no idea how much this means to us,” she whispered. “To finally have someone who cares... it’s overwhelming.”

“Please, don’t give it another thought,” I assured her, my own emotions simmering beneath the surface. I knew all too well the weight of expectations and the desire to protect those we loved. In this patriarchal world, where men dictated our fates, I refused to let their darkness consume us

“Abby will be okay,” I promised, my voice firm and resolute. “We will help her find her way back to the light, free from the shadows that haunt her dreams.”

“Once we have found a suitable therapist for Abby,” I began, my voice steady and resolute, “we can focus on relocating you both to a new state. You’ll be far from the dangers of New York and Luca’s reach.”

“Will it be safe?” Jocelyn asked, her gaze flickering between me and her daughter. The fear in her eyes was palpable, a constant reminder of the oppressive weight of our world.

“Absolutely,” I assured her, my tone firm yet compassionate. “Nicholas and I will see to it personally. We understand the importance of discretion and security. Our resources are vast, and we will use them to ensure your safety.”

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