Chapter 124 Chapter 100 (1)
"Let me tell you a story that happened forty years ago," Altezza said quietly, listening.
"I came to America at your uncle's request. Arthur had already set foot in this country.
"Your uncle fled because he didn't want to be arranged in marriage by our late father. And because he couldn't return to Italy, he asked me to come and bring all the wealth he had been saving. He did it to start a business so he could live here with your aunt, Brianna.
"I didn't know that Arthur's cancelled engagement would force me to take his place. But I thought, I would accept the engagement because I didn't have someone I loved as much as your uncle loved your aunt.
"But before getting married, I thought I'd spend my bachelor days having fun first.
"Then, someone invited me to go somewhere. A place where I could hire women for a certain period of time. The man said I could practice being a great husband in bed before spending time being the husband of your grandfather's chosen woman.
"At that time, I was still in my twenties. Not an excuse, just that I felt it was time for me to enjoy my youth.
"In the place my friend showed me, I met your mother. A beautiful girl with a captivating smile. She was only fifteen years old back then. Still very young, still very innocent. And I, I was captivated by her at first sight.
"My time was clearly different from yours. In my time, girls were allowed to marry at a very young age and even, your mother's friends were already married at a younger age.
"I tried to approach your mother, but my conscience tried not to do it because I couldn't bear her very young age.
"Until she faced difficulties, searching for money for her sick father's operation. And her uncle sold her to me. And heartlessly, I bought her."
"Initially, I did it out of humaneness, but in reality, my libido said otherwise. I cruelly made her my contractual wife and provided the money she needed. Just like what you did to Adaline. Though for different reasons.
"I was happy. As time passed, I began to love her. Delila and her innocence and kindness. And at that moment, I convinced myself to live with her, to make her happy, even though our intentions weren't good at first.
"Then your grandfather found out about this. He was already embarrassed by your uncle's departure, and he didn't want to be embarrassed twice by me.
"He took me—more accurately, kidnapped me—and took me back to Italy. And at that time, I didn't know what he did to your mother.
"I left without knowing how your mother was. Without saying goodbye. Without giving her a promise that I would return.
"Quietly, I tried to ask Brianna for help so she could search and find your mother. But she didn't succeed.
"Even Arthur's connections couldn't help. Your mother disappeared without a trace.
"What I found out afterward was, when I left, your mother lost her father. She, disappointed, eventually sold off all of her father's remaining estate and left her village just like that.
"She wasn't even sixteen years old at the time.
"In the end, I rebelled and rejected the marriage arranged by your grandfather. I worked hard, leaving your grandfather's residence so I wouldn't be bound to him anymore.
"I took the path your uncle took, working day and night to become wealthy so I could hire people to find your mother.
"I succeeded in returning to America, expanding my business here with your uncle's help. He was the only one who supported me through all my despair. Apologizing repeatedly for not being able to help me find your mother.
"And after five years passed, I finally reunited with your mother. After searching for her all this time, I found her not far from my reach."
"She hid behind my own shadow. Working hard to meet her own needs. Turns out, your mother went back to school after I left. She even continued her education to a higher level.
"Delila, your mother. The woman who unintentionally made me fall in love. The cheerful girl who opened my heart. The beautiful girl who couldn't make me turn to another woman, has changed.
"When I confidently believed that she was still waiting for me, your mother no longer wanted me. She was hurt because of me. She was already heartbroken because of my departure.
"And worse, I left her while she was pregnant with our child. When she was carrying your sibling. A baby she couldn't give birth to because of the mental burden she carried.