Chapter 11 GIA

Chapter 11 GIA
I woke up disoriented. As if I went into some kind of restless sleep. I blinked my eyes awake which hurt my head, until the events of yesterday crashed in.

The room was dim. Curtains were half drawn. My head throbbed faintly and my limbs felt like they were filled with sand. When I shifted, something tugged at my arm.
I looked down.
An IV line was taped to my hand, the drip hanging from a stand beside the bed. The girls. My chest tightened instantly. Where are they? I need to go look for them.

“No,” I breathed, pushing myself upright too fast. Dizziness hit immediately, but I ignored it, my fingers shaking as I pulled at the tape. The needle slid out with a sharp sting and I barely felt it.
The door opened.
“Hey! Hey! stop that.”

Liam crossed the room in seconds. He set a tray down hastily and reached for my hands.
“Luciana,” he said softly. “You’re not well yet.”
“The girls,” I said, panic cracking my voice. “Where are they?”
“They’re asleep,” he answered without hesitation. “They’re okay. They’ve been okay all night.”
I searched his face, desperate for any sign of hesitation.
There was none. But my chest didn't stop tightening. I need to see them now.
“I need to see them,” I insisted, already trying to stand.
He didn’t argue. He held my hand. And help me off the bed.
“Alright,” he said quietly. “Come on.”
He stayed close as we walked, not touching me unless I swayed. The hallway felt longer than usual, my heart pounding louder with every step.
He opened their door slowly.
Lucia was sprawled across the bed. Lyla lay on her side facing her, one arm thrown protectively over her sister’s waist. Their breathing was soft, steady. Even in sleep, they never Lyla will always hold her.
The breath left my lungs in a shaky rush, and my knees nearly buckled.
“Oh,” I whispered, covering my mouth. “Oh, thank God.”
Liam’s hand settled at my back, giving me the comfort to keep me from floating away.

We stood there for a long moment, just watching them sleep.
When he finally guided me back to the room, exhaustion crashed into me all at once.
“Will you eat now?” he asked gently. “Julian said you collapsed because you weren’t eating.”
Heat crept up my face. “He told you?”
“He yelled it,” Liam replied.
I sighed.
“When was the last time you ate?” he asked.
I hesitated.
“Luciana...”
“…Friday evening.”
His jaw tightened. Anger flashed, but it faded just as quickly.
“You’ve always been like this,” he said quietly. “When your mind is occupied, food is always far.”
“I didn’t forget,” I muttered. “I just.. ”
He didn’t let me finish.
He sat beside me, picked up the spoon, and held it out.
I stared at it.
“You don’t have to”
“Eat,” he said simply.
Something in his tone stopped me from arguing so I took the bite.
Then another.
The silence between us was heavy but not uncomfortable. Just… loaded.
“Why are you doing this?” I finally asked.
He didn’t look at me. “I’m taking care of my wife.”
My heart stuttered painfully.
"You know what I mean" I sucked my lip into my mouth. He held out the spoon of food and I open my mouth immediately.
"You are not well. It won't be good to just leave you. You are my wife" he said finally. His eyes shining with unsaid words.

“I ruined everything,” I said softly. After a while.
He finally turned to me.
“You didn’t ruin anything." He breathed " my feelings never left"
I shook my head. “I don't regret what I did. But I...”
He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead. His lips gently pressing against my forehead. It was brief but there. And it felt more heavy than anything I have ever carried.
It was brief, gentle and unfair to us.
My breath caught. My stomach dipped then fluttered.
I felt dizzy all over again, and this time, it wasn’t from exhaustion.
He pulled back before I could process what just happened.
“Rest,” he said. “You need it.”
“I just woke up,” I protested weakly.
“You collapsed,” he replied. “You’re not fine.”
I swallowed. “What about Cassandra?”
“She’s contained,” he said. “For you.”
“Good"
“And her father?” I asked. “He’s not someone you can just..”
“Don’t worry about him,” Liam said calmly. “I’ll handle it.”
I stared at him.
“What do you really do for work?” I asked quietly.
He didn’t answer.
“I had to do what I had to do to find you,” he said instead.
He stood. “I’m heading out.”
“I never meant for this to happen,” I said quickly.
He paused at the door.
“I know,” he said.
And left.

The next day, the girls stayed home.
We played on the living room floor, laughter echoing through the house all through. I don't worry about anything at that moment. No work, no oeoo
There was a knock at the door.
I opened it…and immediately stumbled back as a small body slammed into me.
“Luciana!”
“Gia!” I laughed, wrapping my arms around her tightly.
Alyssa stood behind her letting us hug it out. She joined soon after.
"Let me get in on this"
The girls screamed when they saw Gia.
And she came bearing gjfts. Gia giving them a very expensive monster high set. And new tablets. Just when I collected their old ones.
“Gia you did not have to. Really you truly didn't"
“Come one Lucy. They are kids. Enjoy being a mother and let me enjoy being the rich auntie"
“I can't relate. I am very poor at this moment. People aren't killing each other these days. Should I sow discord between families"
Alyssa chimed in.
" Not in front of the kids, Alyssa" I deadpanned.
“Well you could. But I bet you will be dead in seconds. You cant provoke that much families"
“Well I am called cunning and deadly for a reason. They should try it. I have you guys right?”
" Nope you don't have me. If you provoke a powerful ma, you are on your own, girl". Gia said. And we both laughed.

We ate and talked and caught up in everything we missed in each other's lives. Gia has a new man. The second one this month. Alyssa hasn't had a man in years, she is the no man until I become a billionaire. And I, well, I am back in my husband's home.
After a few drinks the discussion became serious.
“My father is destroying the mafioso,” she said. “You should come back.”
“I’m not going back,” I said firmly. “I’m done with that life. You know that"
“It’s still home,” Alyssa argued.
"No it isn't. Home wont want to kill me very chance they get"
"You know what I am talking about. You want to rule and my father ruining it is making your body itch. You ask us about the affairs everyday"
I hesitated. What she said was right. But I can't just accept that.
“You can’t leave,” Julian’s voice cut in. “You just got back.”
We screamed. Throwing whatever we could at the British intruder.
He laughed, dodging easily.
“Hey mind the face. It is the only thing I have that Alyssa loves"
Alyssa punched him. “You wish"
He kissed her cheek.
She punched him harder. “You are on fire today my love." Julian said. Those two definitely hook up. I smiled looking between the two of them. Julian went to greet the twins. Who were focused on their shining new toys.

It is good that Julian and Alyssa have something. I am worried about her and Julian might be goofy but he is the sweetest guy I know.

Eventually, Gia and Alyssa left. Saying they wanted to go unpack. I offered to help but they told me to rest that they know how traumatic yesterday must have been.

Julian lingered at the door. Mysteriously checking his phone every 2 seconds.
“Be patient with Liam,” he said cryptically.
“Why? What do you mean?” I asked. My worry spiking. Julian never advises, he simply tells it. He is never cryptic. Did something happen.
He smiled vaguely. “Doctor
duties.” and left. But explaining a thing.
I spent the entire day In anxiety. Calling him a million times and he wasn't picking. I waited and waited. The girls fell asleep. But I didn't stand up from the couch.

That night, Liam came home bleeding. And I have never been more terrified in my life