Chapter 68

Alessia.

When we landed in Italy, Elijah picked us up at the airport and we went straight to Angelo’s mother's house. Angelo had been calm all the while but I know how much the situation hurts me. He made a few phone calls to tighten the security around.

The house was guarded with security all around with their guns. They all bowed down to Angelo in respect. Annie, her mom, and Marco were the ones we met in the living room.

They were surprised to see us because we didn't inform them we would be coming. Annie rushed up to me and hugged me. “You guys didn't call.”

“We had to rush here.”

“I’m sorry Angelo for not telling you about Aunt’s situation.” Annie apologized to Angelo with her head cast down.

“It's not your fault. Where is she?” I know he was eager to see her mother. And I hope she'll give him a chance to see her.

“She’s in her room. She doesn't want to talk to anyone. Please talk to her Angelo.” Annie almost panicked as she said that.

I saw Angelo’s jaw clenched. “It's fine.”

“All the best.” I muffled out flashing him an assuring smile. As Angelo left to see his mother, we all grabbed our seats. The room was charged with nothing but silence. Annie’s mom was all quite the same as Marco. Whereas guilt was eating me up. All of these were happening because of my father.

Five minutes didn't go by when we heard the sound of something falling. Panic rose inside me and I jolted up to my feet. “I think—”

My words halted in my throat when I caught sight of Angelo walking out of the room. The first thing I noticed was the fresh cut on his cheeks. My heart sank. I pushed forward to talk when Annie held me back. “Let's leave him for now.”

“But-”

“Please Alessia.”

“Marco, follow me. Let's get this done once and for all.” He said without looking at me or anyone else. Marco was quick on his feet.

“Is it okay to leave them here?”

“Yes. I will send more men to guard the house. Right now nothing will stop me.”

I sank back in my seat in complete weakness. “How did I end up getting a monster as a father.” I began choking at my words. “That man doesn't have a heart, Annie. He didn't only abandon his family, he's messing up innocent people’s lives. Tell me why I won't wish severe punishment on him.”

Annie placed her hand on my shoulder. “I understand how hard this is for you. No one would pray to have someone like that. But let’s hope things will go back to how they used to.”

“How would it be when she doesn't want to talk to him? It pains me. But I know his pain is deeper than mine. If I can feel this pain for what my father did, imagine how much guilt he has inside him for his mother accusing him.” I allowed the tears to gush out.

Annie joined in too. “Don’t make me emotional too, please. Come here.” she pulled me in for a hug. I just hope that Angelo will put an end to this and prove himself to his mother.

Later in the evening, I was beginning to get worried. We couldn't get in touch with Angelo or his men. None of them were picking up our calls. Annie’s mom tried to reach out to her husband but no concrete feedback.

“Guys let's eat.” Annie’s mom announced setting the dining. I only nodded but I don't think I can eat anything at the moment. I was worried to the core.

“Aren't you coming Alessia?” Annie asked. I trekked to the dining and instead of sitting down, I offered to take Angelo’s mom's food to her room. “Can I take it to her?”

“Are you sure? It's fine-”

“I can. I will try my luck.” I flashed a smile. Annie’s mom passed me the plate and I took off to her room.

I first of all fisted my knuckle on the door. I expected silence which was what I got. I knocked for the second time. Silence. I inhaled a deep breath before turning on the doorknob and stepped inside.

The coldness of the room cascaded onto my skin, making chills run down my spine. Not at the way the room was a bit dark but from how the aura of her room suddenly changed. “Here’s your dinner, Ma’am.” I commenced hoping she’d answer me but nothing came out of her. Her back was facing me.

I gave it some seconds before speaking up again. “I will keep it on the nightstand.” I gently set the plate next to the bedside lamb. “Do you need anything from—”

“Get out!” I flinched at her sharp tone. The shivers that ran down my spine earlier came back again.

“I—”

“Get out!” this time around, she turned around and threw me a death glare. My blood boiled. At how weak her eyes were and how much her words had shaken me.

I began moving backward slowly, with my eyes fixed on her. “I will go out,” I said but I didn't. I held onto the doorknob.

My mind was telling me to leave another part was telling me to try speaking to her. “I'm sorry Ma’am but I won't leave.” I found myself dropping my hand from the doorknob and making my way toward her.

“Are you crazy? I said get out!” she pointed at the door her nose flaring. The look in her eyes was supposed to halt me but I didn't. I made my way towards her bed, standing in front of her.

“Do you think you will win a trophy?” I started. Surprise flickered over her face. “Do you think Angelo is happy with what you’re doing to him?”

“Have you ever thought of how miserable he was with the way you are treating him? Do you think he's happy about that?”

I should have stopped and allowed her to digest what I said but when I remembered the expression on Angelo’s face when he came out of her room, I told myself to keep on talking. “I think you're a selfish mother.”

Her eyes widened. “I will not apologize for what I said. And I will repeat. You made Angelo like this. You made him ruthless and thirst for revenge. Just so he could prove himself to you. If he was the one who killed his father and his little sister, where were you when the house was raided?”

“Angelo witnessed his father and sister succumbing to death knowing he couldn't do anything he had to keep himself alive to protect himself and you. But all you could do was blame him. Did you see him kill them?” a butter chuckle escaped me seeing the way she turned her face away from me.

“You even know the truth but you still chose to blame him. Why? Angelo cares and loves you more than himself. If you know how worried he was when he got the news that this house was attacked. He didn't say it but I know. I know how it feels like to be treated like a nobody.”

I didn't know where tears came from but my vision had gone blurry. “Do you know how I felt when I met my real mother for the first time, I was nervous at first and even wanted to resent her but I gave her a chance to explain herself for abandoning me in the past. And it went well, why? Because we understood each other even without being with each other for a long time. I don't resent her.”

“Why can’t you do that to your son? Why are you blaming him for what he didn't do? Just because he wants to protect himself? Why can't I call you a selfish mother.”

“Yes I'm selfish!” she yelled. “I was selfish enough to want my husband and daughter alive. I needed someone to blame for this emptiness. Do you think it was easy for me? Do you think it was okay to live all these years with the guilt of not being there for them? It was hard.” She hit her chest continuously which got me scared of her going unconscious. I quickly stopped her before she could initiate it again.

I took her hands into mine. “The people you should blame are the people behind your husband and daughter’s death. The people that have no heart and deserve severe punishment. People like my father.” Her tears seized and she looked at me with shock in her eyes.

“Enzo is…” she trailed off. I nodded, bitterness hitting my chest. “Funny enough I wished I had no father at all. He might decide to change but I don't know why I would prefer he experienced the pain. The pain he caused other people.”

I cast my head down. “I’m sorry for what he did to your family. I know I have never been in touch with him but I'm ashamed to call someone like him my father. And I'm sorry that won't change how I feel about your son. I love him and will always do.” I confessed.

I expected him to shout at me or even slap me. But none came. When I lifted my head, I saw regret in her eyes. “I don't know whether you came here with a charm but I think no one deserves to experience such pain. Angelo doesn't deserve to live with the guilt of my blame. I don't deserve to be chained down to the pain of losing my husband and daughter.”

“And you don't deserve to feel sorry for what your father did. The people who deserve the pain are them. I love my son and I won’t allow my selfishness to destroy him. I want my son back, Alessia.”