Page 10 of Secret Revenge

A single tear slid down my cheek, a rare display of vulnerability that even Doctor Deluca seemed to notice. She regarded me with a mixture of surprise and understanding, and I quickly wiped the tear away.

“Thank you,” I whispered gruffly, “for telling me. I couldn’t bear to ask.”

Doctor Deluca nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting the weight of her duty as she met my gaze. “As difficult as it may be to speak of such things, it’s important to confront them head-on. And now, Mr. Romano, there is something else we need to discuss.”

She paused for a moment before continuing. “She’s been through a lot physically, but also emotionally. She’ll need someone to talk to. Someone that isn’t you. I’ll send you a list of therapists I recommend.”

I looked into the doctor’s eyes, seeing the wisdom and concern in their depths. My heart clenched at the thought of the pain Liliana had endured and would continue to endure. I knew I had to be strong for her, no matter how much my own emotions threatened to overwhelm me.

“Take care of her, Nicholas,” she said, her voice laced with a quiet authority that demanded respect. “And take care of yourself as well.”

I nodded, understanding the gravity of her words. With renewed resolve, I turned back toward the bedroom where Liliana awaited me, every step a promise to be the husband she needed and deserved.

As I reentered the bedroom, I caught sight of Liliana lying on the bed, her dark chestnut hair splayed over the pillow. She looked so fragile, a stark contrast to the fierce spirit that burned within her.

“Nicholas?” she asked hesitantly, the vulnerability in her voice tugging at my heartstrings.

“Bellissima,” I murmured, kneeling beside the bed and taking her hand in mine. I could feel her pulse trembling beneath my touch. “Doctor Deluca said you’ll heal well, but you need time, rest, and nourishment.”

Her eyes glistened with tears as relief washed over her face, and I felt a surge of protectiveness flood through me. I couldn’t help but think of our dreams – dreams of children laughing, playing, and living free from the chains of their past. It wasn’t just about us anymore; it was about the legacy we would leave behind.

“Nicholas,” she whispered, her voice wavering. “I’m so sorry...I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“Shh,” I hushed her gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. “This isn’t your fault, Liliana. You are the victim here, and I swear I’ll make Bianchi pay.”

Chapter 5

Liliana

The first rays of morning light filtered through the dining room window as I gingerly eased myself into a chair at the table. The lingering pain and vulnerability from my injuries made every movement a deliberate and cautious decision. Nicholas looked up from his newspaper, concern etched across his handsome face.

“Good morning,” he said softly, studying me.

“Morning,” I said, attempting a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

Gina entered the room, her warm presence filling the space as she placed plates of steaming food in front of us. “I’m so happy to see you up and looking so good, Mrs. Romano,” she beamed.

“Thank you, Gina,” I replied, touched by her kindness, but knowing full well that the green and yellow hues of my healing bruises were far from looking good.

As I took a bite of the fluffy scrambled eggs, comfort washed over me. This home had become a sanctuary for me - a place where I felt protected and safe under Nicholas’s watchful gaze. It wasn’t just his presence alone that kept me feeling secure; it was also the silent, ever-present men who patrolled the halls and guarded the entrances. Their unwavering loyalty to Nicholas created an atmosphere of protection that allowed me to breathe a little easier.

The air was heavy with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and I poured myself a cup. I could hear the comforting murmur of the guards’ voices outside, reminding me that we were never truly alone.

My thoughts wandered as I sipped the rich, dark coffee, and I couldn’t suppress the worry gnawing at me. “Nicholas,” I began hesitantly, setting down my cup with a soft clink on the saucer. “I met a woman when I was…in that basement. Luca’s wife Jocelyn. She was as kind to me as she dared, and she’d just as much a prisoner there as I was.”

Nicholas set his fork down. “How so?”

“They have a daughter, Abby, and Luca keeps her at the house next door. Jocelyn only gets to see Abby if she does everything Luca wants.”

I paused for a moment, gauging his reaction before I continued. “I promised her we’d save them both.”

“I know, Liliana,” he replied quietly, his voice tinged with both understanding and concern. “I am well aware of the kind of man Luca is. He has a reputation for being ruthless and unforgiving, even towards those he claims to love.”

His words echoed my own fears, and I could feel the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. My chest tightened at the thought of Jocelyn and little Abby suffering at the hands of such a monster. It was a stark reminder that in our world, even the most innocent were not spared from the darkness.

“Can you do something, Nicholas?” I implored, desperation creeping into my voice.

A shadow crossed his face, and for a moment, I saw the burden he carried – the expectations placed upon him as the head of the Romano family, the life-or-death decisions he had to make every day. But when he spoke, his voice was firm and resolute.

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