Chapter 130 Camilla’s Pov.
Standing face to face with Leonardo now seems like a terrible idea. My whole spine shivered as soon as the guards moved away from the door, making way for me to enter the room where my father is being held captive.
I have to do this.
I took a deep breath before entering, trying to look as tough as possible.
I found him in the same position where I left him yesterday, leaning against the wall with his eyes fixed to the front, looking so tired and surrendered.
As soon as he felt my presence, he turned his eyes towards me. Once he saw me, he smiled lightly, almost imperceptibly, while I stood at a distance from him by the door.
“I didn't believe I'd see you again.”
“You shouldn't have seen me again.” I confirmed his words with a harsh voice and he nodded. “Looks like I'm not so tough even though you deserve it.”
“You got this from your mother.” He replied in a soft voice. “And I'm glad you did.”
My heart sank to the ground at the mention of my mother. I've not spoken to her in the months since all these started at the request of my father and I couldn't help but think that his aim was to cause a rift between us.
“Don't start with that.” I raised my hand, stopping him and he fell silent. “I didn't come for that.”
“And what did you come for?” He raised an eyebrow, his face tired. “To see me one last time before your boyfriend takes my life?”
“If you keep talking like that, you're going to make me regret even coming here.” I hissed, cutting him off and his face fell. I could feel myself getting angrier and that wasn't the point of coming here.
For a few seconds, silence filled the room and we just stared at each other.
With slow steps, I approached him but he did not look up at my face but followed my movement with his eyes until I stopped in front of him, his body still leaning against the wall.
“You've done terrible things father. Things someone would be willing to kill for.”
“Things I've killed for.” He corrected me and I closed my eyes for a second. That doesn't help at all.
“I'm here to make you an offer.” I said out loud, still thinking about my next words. I know what I'm about to say. I've been talking about this with Àlvaro all morning. I wanted to know if he was okay with my decision. He didn't like it but still supports me and I love him for that.
My words seemed to get Leonardo's attention because he shot his eyes up at me with interest. He didn't say anything but his look invited me to continue talking.
“You have two options here.” I started, crouching so that we were on the same level, feeling confident now that I held the power over him. “You have to give up being a criminal lord and make your peace with Àlvaro. Also, you'd serve your punishment for what you did and maybe then would you have the opportunity to be reunited with mother and Hector and also the chance to see your grandchild live and grow.” I said with confidence, his eyes drinking in every word. “Refuse my offer and I'll know you still don't want my happiness and I won't be able to stop your death then.”
My words echoed in the space and my lungs pressed harder against my body while Leonardo's eyes studied me as if I was some kind of test. I was holding all the cards right now but it still felt like I wasn't especially when he was holding my gaze captive with his.
If he refuses, that's it. He has to die. There's no way I'm putting him before my child's and Àlvaro's lives. They are my family too now. He just has to decide if he wants to be a part of that family or not.
“Why are you doing this?” His words pierced me and all I could do was shake my head.
“You're my father and I know in your own twisted way, you believed you were doing what was best for me.”
He narrowed his eyes, nodding.
“And what does your boyfriend think about this?”
“Àlvaro is open to considering mercy after you serve a little punishment of course, if you accept our offer.” I spoke and he chuckled lightly.
“Do I have to expect to be shot in the leg, hmm?” He tried to joke about this but it was a terrible joke. The memory of my father causing pain to Àlvaro still haunted me to this day.
“Maybe.” I answered, shutting him up. Àlvaro would have to decide that. He went through a lot at the hands of my father and we'd never know how he'd want to redeem himself.
Leonardo looked as if he was really considering my proposal. His face was not scared or startled but rather, surprised. Not that I expected fear. He's Leonardo Torres after all.
“Who will be the head of my empire if I just give up my position? Castillo? Or you? Because I know we agreed not to bring your mother or Hector into this.” His voice was hoarse and he clearly didn't like the idea of Àlvaro taking his place.
“I'll take your place and after me, the place is rightfully inherited by your grandchild who will be a Castillo whether you like it or not. Of course, thats if they want it.”
I know that's not something my father like to hear but that's something I will not make a compromise with. My child, whether girl or boy will be heir to both the Castillo and Torres empire.
“And what am I expected to do? Just sit at home sipping wine all day?”
“You have the chance to live a normal life, father. To spend time with the woman you love, your children and your grandchild.” My voice was soft and full of hope. “To be a part of our family once more.”
“I don't think your mum would want anything to do with me after she hears all I've done.” His voice sounded creaky, like he was going to burst out crying any moment from now.
“Who says we have to tell her everything in details? Hell, she doesn't even know the true story behind how Àlvaro and I met.” I said and he chuckled lightly.
I wanted this.
I want to give Leonardo a chance. I want him to be a part of my future but only if he wants it as badly as I do. I gave him a choice but the decision was still his.
His eyes narrowed as he rested his head against the wall with a slightly tired smile on his old face. It felt like ages before I heard him speak again.
“I accept your offer, my daughter.” The words came out of his mouth almost like a dream come true. I had to blink a few times and have him repeat his words to be sure. I was jumping from happiness inside even though I didn't show it outwardly.
“You know there's no going back after this, right?” I reminded him. “If you break my trust, you'll die for real this time. I'll find a way to explain your death to mum and Hector but trust me, they'd see a body this time around.”
“You learned from the best.” He nodded proudly and I could barely hide my smile. “I wouldn't betray you. I've learned my lesson.”
“You know the punishment won't be easy right?” I asked another important question and this time, Leonardo's throaty laughter filled the room without even a drop of fear on his face.
“Can't be worse than what his father did to me.” He nodded as if he was looking forward to it. “Let Àlvaro show me his worse if it means redeeming for my sins towards you.”
And for the first time, looking at Leonardo in the eyes, I could tell that my father was ready to fight to keep me, to change so that we could have a future.
But first, he had to go through the hell we went through because of the mess he made.
That's the price you pay when you go against a Castillo.