Chapter 27 MOVING ON
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ADELINE
I was so lost in my thoughts, trying to make my decision. A decision that would change my life entirely for the rest of my life.
I walked downstairs, my heart pounding. Each step I took felt heavier than the last as if my body was already aware of the devastation awaiting me.
I decided to see Luciano, one last time just so I could make sure my decision was right. I nervously fidgeted my fingers and tried to get rid of the dread, holding on and hoping that maybe, just maybe, Luciano would say me to not get married to Valentino.
But as soon as I entered the living room, I saw something that shattered my whole world beyond repair.
Luciano …… locked in a passionate kiss with …… Elena.
I froze, my mind refusing to accept what My eyes were witnessing. My heart clenched and a tear slipped my eye. Luciano pulled back, his face immediately draining the color when he saw me standing.
I quickly looked away and stared at the floor. I should have known but my fucking heart wanted to keep hoping.
“ Adeline…… its not what- “
“ I am so sorry Adeline. I know we should not do it here but I can’t help it “
Elena smiled as if she wanted me to understand and my heart clenched thinking he was hers and not mine so she had every right.
I forced a smile even though tears continued to fall on my cheeks.
“ I-I’m sorry- “
Luciano looked at me and his face flashed with guilt but why? He had the right to choose his own life partner and me? I was being pathetic here.
My heart hammered agaisnt my rib cage wanting to break through.
“ I- no- “
No words helped me and I rushed out of there. I did not even want to stay back there and feel humiliated. A loud sob escaped my lips as my vision blurred with unshed tears.
I rushed out and the morning air hit my warm skin, a welcome relief from the suffocating tension inside the room. I was unaware of where I was running to but I just wanted to get away.
All of a sudden, I heard my name being called and I looked in front to see …… Valentino walking towards my direction and at that moment, I just did not care and rushed towards him and he seemed to understand before opening his arms and capture me.
I wrapped my arms around him and sobbed as he wrapped his arms around me tightly.
“ Adeline- “
“ just take- me- away- “
Without asking anything, he picked me up and I wrapped my arms around his neck. With one final glance at the mansion, the house where I had lived for years imagining my life with Luciano, it was all over.
It all was over.
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I looked at Valentino who looked at me concerned. His eyes showed affection and something I needed at the moment. Comfort.
“ are you alright? “
I let out a deep sigh at Valentino’s words and shook my head.
“ I am tired “
Tears brimmed in my eyes and threatened to fall but he moved closer and wrapped his arm around me and I hugged him back, sniffing.
“ wanna share? If its alright, I am all ears “
I sniffed and wiped my tears with the back of my palm. I slowly raised my head and stared at him.
“ I am hurt. I just need to sleep “
He chuckled and pulled me close making me close my eyes. The pain was still lingering but what relieved me was …… the decision I had taken. Now I knew my worth and my importance.
Now I wanted to just focus on myself and my life and nothing else.
“ Adeline. Can I make say something ? “
He spoke and I Lifted my gaze and seeing him so serious. I nodded my head.
“ I know what happened to your father and what’s going on in your life after that, but I wanna say, I will always be there for you. I am not very good at expressing or showing what I feel but I will protect you and cherish you “
My heartbeat accelerated at his words.
“ Is there someone else in your life ? “
I asked him directly.
I did not want him to be like Luciano. I did not want to become a girl called home-wrecker.
“ yes “
My heartbeat accelerated once again at his answers as I slowly backed away looking at him directly in the eyes now.