Chapter 125 It’s not too late to chance your mind
Octavia’s POV
I always knew Vanni was unbeatable, and after witnessing the relationship between him, Molly, and my son Roger, I understood they were in love.
My selfishness cost me my son, but it was okay because he was happy. However, the emptiness in my heart compelled me to live far from them until I had grown accustomed to my loss.
Thankfully, my training in recent days had toughened me, and I was prepared to explore the world in search of true love for myself.
What I didn’t expect was Hank’s unexpected request as he stared at me strangely. “Convince her to go out on a date with me,” he told Vanni, leaving me shocked.
He had never shown any interest in me before, making his request seem absurd.
“Hank?” I questioned.
“I’m asking Gio, not you,” he responded flatly. I looked at Vanni for a response, and he replied, “Why do you need my permission? She’s right there to answer for herself, and I need a shower.”
The bodyguards had already begun cleaning up, and Roger looked sleepy as Vanni carried him.
"I know she's here, but come on," Hank pleaded. Gianni shook his head. "I'd rather pay you double."
As much as I respected Hank, a hitman was not my ideal man. I would have to constantly watch my back.
Vanni was also dangerous, but he spent more time at the office, making him a more suitable choice compared to Hank, who always seemed to be on the run with blood on his hands.
"Octavia, what do you say we give it a try?" Hank asked. I didn't want to lead him on, so I removed his jacket and handed it back to him. "Sorry, Hank, but I don't see you that way."
I could see the hope drain from his eyes, and I felt sorry for him, but I had to be honest.
"Thanks for your honesty, Octavia," he said in a pained voice. Vanni stared at me, slightly disappointed as we reached the car.
“This is the first time I saw him ask a girl out. It’s not too late to change your mind."
Maybe I should have given it a try, but I honestly didn't want to be close to Vanni, which was another reason I didn't want to pursue anything with Hank.
I waited until he placed Roger in the back seat of the car before explaining to him, "I want to get away from here. Can you support me?"
He agreed to help, but once he discovered the truth about Gael, it was no longer his responsibility.
Everything about Gael had been a deception, so if Vanni decided not to continue supporting me, I would understand.
"Take this card. It has around five million. Call me if you need anything, but your bodyguards will still be on my payroll."
His kindness touched my soul, and after he handed me the card, I embraced him for two seconds before pulling away.
I had some money saved up, but it wasn't even close to a million. "Thank you, Vanni, and you too, Molly." I hugged her as well before getting into my car with my bodyguards.
This was going to be a new journey for me, the first time I would truly explore my life and start fresh. I would also have to continue pretending, as I always have, that I don't have a son. Roger was never mine to begin with.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Hank's gaze, but he quickly looked away, making me question if I made the right choice in pushing him away.
Should I have taken the chance to get to know him or follow my passion for discovering what the world had in store for me?
Giovanni’s POV
I had never seen Hank so vulnerable before, and deep down, I felt that Octavia should have given him a chance. He was already making an effort to focus on other businesses and leave behind his assassin job, which I saw as a step towards settling down. Despite this, I still respected Octavia's decision.
Most women would have eagerly accepted Hank's offer, considering his wealth and good looks. Octavia's recent actions surprised me, reassuring me that I had done a good job taking care of her all these years.
"You could crash at my place," I suggested to Hank. If it weren't for Roger, I would have recommended the club, especially now that a layer of evil had been removed, ensuring safety for Molly and Roger.
"No, I'll go to the club," Hank declined. "Catch you later."
Molly commented, "Today was a close call," as I sat in the car. I smiled at her. Taking out multiple threats with one move was incredibly satisfying.
"Now we can do whatever we want," I said, kissing her on the cheek before hitting the accelerator.
This marked the beginning of a new era, with the old one wiped away. Perhaps one day, Molly and I would have many children or even grandchildren.
All the effort I had put into securing the shares and more seemed unnecessary now that everyone involved had lost their lives. However, there were deserving individuals, including my bodyguards, who deserved recognition.
We arrived home past midnight, too exhausted to eat. In the following days, Molly could move around with just one bodyguard without fear.
A month later, Molly's music career was soaring after the release of her first album post-divorce. She had a team of professionals managing her social media accounts, allowing us to spend quality family time together.
With Roger's tough exterior, I cherished the opportunity to nurture tenderness in his heart. Today marked Molly's first public performance after extensive promotion for the three days program and Roger and I had a surprise in store for her.
Arriving at the theater three hours early to show our support, we were taken aback by what unfolded.
Authors Note:
Only ten chapters left until the story concludes. I'm contemplating whether to include Roger's story in this book or save it for a separate one, depending on the readers' support for this book. Thank you.