Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
It all makes what I had to endure before the night at the club look like a walk in the park.
You’re holding on to this awful life for Ryo.
What if it’s all for nothing? What if Ryo never finds me?
“We’re here,” Augusto says, his voice breaking through my thoughts.
The SUV is steered through heavy iron gates, and I see cottages to my left before I look at the mansion that’s my in-laws’ home.
A mixture of intense isolation and disorientation wraps around me like a dark cloud as I’m forced to step into this foreign world. Nothing is familiar. Not the air. Not the buildings. Not the people.
The men get out of the SUV, and when the door beside me opens, my tense muscles protest as I climb out. My gaze sweeps over the flowers, tables, and people, and I hear music playing softly in the background.
Everyone stares at me, and it makes me want to cringe into myself.
A middle-aged couple approaches us, and when the woman smiles at me, nerves spin in my stomach.
“Hi, Yuki. Welcome to the Vitale family,” the man, who looks as dangerous as my new husband, says. “I’m Franco, Augusto’s father.”
I bow my head to show him respect. “Thank you.”
The woman’s features are much softer. “I’m Samantha. Augusto’s mom.”
She moves closer to me, a sad expression tightening her beautiful features. Taking hold of my hand, she says, “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through. I’m going to do my best to make you feel at home.”
As I look into her eyes that are the same green as Augusto’s, I don’t see any malice, but I don’t let my guard down.
Again, I bow my head. “Thank you.”
“Come, let’s get the celebration started,” Franco says.
We follow Augusto’s parents to where a large group of guests is waiting, and I’m introduced to so many people that it’s impossible to remember everyone’s names.
Everything is very overwhelming.
“Would you like something to drink?” Augusto asks, his tone almost gentle.
Surprised, I glance up at him before I nod. “Please.”
“What would you like?”
My throat is so dry it feels scratchy, and I fear that if I drink soda or alcohol, I might get sick. “Water.”
I watch as he gives an order to a server before he looks at me again. Not seeing anger in his eyes, I assume it’s because we’re surrounded by his family.
“How are you holding up?” he asks.
Samantha keeps looking at us, and I think it’s the only reason Augusto is being nice to me.
“I’m fine,” I reply.
The server gets my attention, and my eyes lock on the glass of water. When Augusto hands it to me, I try to remember my manners and drink slowly.
The cool liquid eases my dry throat, but then my eyes lock on a familiar face.
I lower the glass, staring at Gianna and Riccardo as they come toward us.
Kuso!
My heart rate speeds up dangerously fast, and by the time they reach us, panic and fear coil tightly around the pounding organ in my chest.
Knowing it’s expected of me, I place the glass down on the nearest table before I lower myself to my knees. Keeping my head bowed, I say, “I apologize for staring at you in the club and causing so much trouble.” Augusto takes hold of my arm, and as he pulls me to my feet, I whimper, “I’m so sorry!”
I was told to apologize to Riccardo. I don’t understand!
“Jesus,” Samantha snaps, and the next instant she wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“I didn’t mean to cause more trouble,” the words rush from me. “I just want to apologize.”
“It’s okay, Yuki,” Samantha says, then I’m in for the shock of my life as she draws me into a warm embrace. “It’s okay. You don’t have anything to apologize for. You’re not in trouble.”
I stand frozen as Augusto’s mother gives me a hug, and when tears sting the backs of my eyes, I remember to blink.
The last time I was held like this was when Ryo and I were playing in the bamboo forest.
My chin quivers, and I fight for all that’s dear not to cry in front of all these people.
When Samantha pulls back, Gianna smiles at me and says, “Everything is in the past. Today we’re celebrating a new beginning.”
Wanting her to understand, I explain, “I stared at you because you’re so beautiful and I liked the dress you were wearing. You made such a stunning couple, and I could see how much you loved each other. It mesmerized me.”
“It’s really okay, Yuki,” Riccardo says.
The urge to cry almost overwhelms me as I look at the man who’s now my brother-in-law. “I’m sorry Kentaro looked for trouble with you, and that Sho shot you.” This time, I mean it when I bow my head to him. “Please accept this apology from me and not the Yakuza.”