Chapter 227: We Will Not Let You Down Again

Chapter 227: We Will Not Let You Down Again
Chapter 227: We Will Not Let You Down Again 

Angelia

I was overwhelmed with everything that has happened in the last few weeks. I couldn't believe my stalker had been under my nose all this while, the most painful of it all is finding out that I was adopted by the people I have known to be parents all my life. But I am grateful for it because they never left me feeling that I was adopted, they loved and cared for me like their own child. My real mother put me up for adoption just because she couldn't take care of just two children, what a shame. The only brother I have decided to show up in my life as a stalker, making my life a living hell all in the name of wanting to protect me. From what exactly?

He entered into the life of my best friend, Andy just to achieve that. Poor Andy, he really loves James. He was devastated and broken after finding out the truth. He will never love and trust anyone for the rest of his life again. Somehow, I was responsible for that. If hadn't been in his life, James wouldn't have come closer to him just to get to me. I was really tired and exhausted from these and asked my men to give me some time alone. I needed to have a moment of mediation, figuring out what exactly I wanted to do next. Although James is gone and no threat is lurking in my life again, I need to sort myself out. I need to be sure what I want, I need to be sure that I want back into my life once again. They allow me to move back to my apartment and I really appreciate them for that. I don't really want to be away from them, but there are some certain things I need to make peace with, being around them will overcrowd my mind and judgement.


I woke up the next morning to the sunlight streaming through my window. The journal I had received from my men some few days ago was sitting on my bedside table. I hadn't touched it since receiving it because my head was messed up with the stalker issues. But now, it seems to call out to me. I picked it up, running my fingers over the smooth leather cover. A part of me wanted to shove it back in the drawer, pretend it didn't exist but another part, the braver and more curious want part wanted to see where it might lead.

After a moment of hesitation, I flipped it open to the first blank page. 

‘What do you want?’ The question was simple but impossibly hard to answer. I tapped the pen against my lip, letting my thoughts flow freely.

I want to feel again, I want to be with the people who care about me for who I am, not for who they want me to be. Riccardo, Marshall and Kingston, they made me feel all of that and more but can I really trust them again? Can I trust my life with them again? I know they have saved me from the stalker issue, but by heart still aches for what they did to me. They lied and betrayed my trust in them. I closed the journal, my heart racing. Writing the words didn't make them any less confusing but it felt good to get them out.

At noon, I made up my mind. I couldn't keep running from this, whatever this was. I had already been on my own for days now and I think I know what I wanted. I want them, I want us back. When I finally messaged them, asking to meet all three of them together again, my hands shook. Their response was instant and positive, agreeing to a quiet dinner at Riccardo's house. His apartment is closer to me than the other two.

The evening came faster than I expected, standing in front of Riccardo's house after I felt ages of not being here, I felt my nerves threatening to undo me. The opulence of the entrance, with its gleaming glass doors and uniformed doorman, only added to the surreal of my situation. I took a deep breath and stepped inside, Riccardo opened the door with a smile.

“Come in.” He said, stepping aside.

Marshall was already there, sitting on the couch with his usual easy charm. He stood up as soon as she saw me, his eyes lighting up.

“Angelia,” he said, crossing the room in a few long strides.

“How are you feeling?” He asked. 

Honestly speaking, I don't really know how am feeling, I am yet to feel anything. But, yes, I feel safe now.

“I feel safe,” I mumbled and he nodded.

“You look stunning,” he added, I felt a blush creep up my cheek as he pulled me into a quick warm hug. His scent something clean and citrus lingered even after he let go.

“Thanks,” I murmured, my voice a little shaky.

Kingston appeared a moment later, his towering frame filling the doorway to the kitchen. He was holding a glass of whiskey, his dark eyes watching me with quiet intensity.

“Angelia?” He called, his voice so low. He didn't offer me a hug but there was something in the way he nodded at me that felt just as intimate.

After we moved to the living room, the atmosphere shifted a bit. The air felt heavier, charged with unspoken tension.

“So?” Riccardo began, leaning forward in his chair.

“You asked to meet all of us. We are here, what is on your mind?” 

I hesitate, my gaze flickering between the three of them. They were so different, yet they worked together in way that was almost seamless. It was intimidating but it was also comforting.

“I have been a lot about what I want, now that I feel safe from the stalker issue.” I finally said, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest.

“And the truth is, I don't have all the answers but I do know that I don't want to keep running from this.” Marshall grinned instantly, lighting up his entire face.

“I will take it as a yes then.” He said, his tone teasing but sincere. Riccardo shot him a look but didn't hide his own smile.

“We are glad to hear that, bunny.” 

Kingston didn't say anything but the faint softening of his expression spoke volumes.

“I need to set some boundaries.” I continued.

“This, whatever this is…it is new for me and I need to feel like I have some control over it. Can you agree to that?” 

“Of course,” Riccardo said without hesitation.

“This is about all of us, Angelia. Not just what we want.” He added.

Marshall nodded, his usual playfulness tempered by sincerity.

“We are here for you however you need us to be.”

Kingston leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“We will take this at your pace.” He said, his voice steady.

“But we are not going anywhere, Angelia. Unless you want us to.”

The weight of his words settled over me, grounding me in a way that I hadn't expected. As the night went by, I found myself relaxing more than I thought possible. Marshall’s light-hearted jokes, Riccardo's thoughtful question and Kingston's quiet steadiness created a balance that I felt right. At some point, Marshall reached for my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a gentle and almost absentmindedly gesture. It was such a small thing but it sends a shiver down my spine.

“You are safe with us.” He said softly, his eyes locking onto mine.

“I know,” I whispered, the words surprising even me. 

“We will lay down our live for you if it is required.” Riccardo added.

Kingston didn't speak but when his gaze met mine, I saw the unspoken promise there steadfast and unwavering. For the first time in a long time, I felt I was exactly where I was meant to be.

As the night drew to a close, Riccardo walked me to the door. The others has already said their goodnight but he lingered, his expression thoughtful.

“Angelia?” He called, his voice so low.

“Thanks for giving us this chance, we will cherish it with our lives.” 

I hesitated but stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him. He sniffed in surprise but quickly relaxed, his arms circled me in a hug that was both firm and tender.

“Thank you for being patient with me.” I murmured against his chest.

When I finally pulled back, he cupped my cheek in his hands, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin.

“We will not let you down again.” I nodded,  a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Am sure, you won't.”