AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All of my relatives laugh and shake their heads. Alessandro smiles at me. “Definitely a Sorvino.”
I’m in the hospital for a few more days, but by Saturday, I’m released and can go home. I’m staying with Alessandro until I’m fully healed, so I can serve out my punishment, which is to work in his garden for three months—every day once I’ve fully recovered.
I don’t mind, though. I’m happy to see everyone, and when Sunday starts, I’m glad to get dressed in my suit and head to church. Our priest offers an extra blessing to me for quick healing. I appreciate it, then linger on the lawn outside the church and talk to other family members who didn’t see me during the week before Alessandro walks over. “Come on, garden boy. We’re throwing a party to welcome you back.”
“Who’s coming?” I ask, and I’m sure he knows what I mean.
“Both families. I don’t know if she’ll be there.” He leads me to the car.
The bistro is closed to other customers, and we all settle around one massive seating arrangement made by pushing several tables together. As the family enters, Russian and Italian, they stop to wish me good health and to commend me on defending Ana and the family.
This whole week, up until this moment, I’ve been fine. Up until Ivan walks in and locks eyes with me.
He walks over stiffly, and I stand, bowing my head slightly in respect. He pauses a moment until my sister walks up next to him, elbowing him.
“Luigi,” Ivan says, and I slowly look up at him. He holds his hand out. “Thank you for going after Ana and protecting her even if it meant you had to die. It is a kindness I won’t forget easily.”
I shake his hand, slightly stumped when Tori says, “You did good, brother.”
I give her a small smile and then glance behind them. “Is Ana okay? Is she coming to the party?”
“Unfortunately not.” Ivan looks uncomfortable and waits for Tori to step away before he says, “Ana has shifted her focus, and you probably won’t see her as much or hear from her as often. She is learning how to run the Volkov family with the intention of taking my place when it is time.”
“I know she really wanted that,” I say quietly, smiling. I know that she’s avoiding seeing me, because everyone attends family dinners regardless of who they are. Ivan and Alessandro never miss them. Family is everything. “It makes me happy that she’s happy. She just wanted to prove to you that she was capable and could handle it.”
“She proved to me that she has a fighting spirit and a loyal heart,” he comments before glancing up the table at Alessandro. “I should go speak to your cousin about business. If there’s ever something I can do for you, within reason, let me know.”
I watch him walk up to the table and to Alessandro. Alessandro has Miska on his lap. The toddler is getting big and is playing with his father's cell phone. If Ana and I had children, they’d be drop-dead gorgeous.
But she has chosen her path, and I guess… I guess that I need to move on with mine.
I sit down and start chatting to my family.
And planning to see Ana one last time.
Chapter 29 - Anastasia
This is a lot more complex than I thought it would be, and I’m loving it. I’m spending time with Uncle Evgenii to learn about the family business. He has been teaching me the ins and outs of working the books.
I wake up every day excited to know that I’m taking a step forward to claim my destiny and become the most powerful Phakan after my father. I will strike fear into the hearts of my enemies and command respect from my peers. I want to make my father proud.
I guess that’s all I ever wanted.
The hostess, an American called Kimber-Ann, comes over to us. “Excuse me, Mr. Evgenii.”
“Yes, Kimber?” he asks, looking up at her.
“There’s a man here to see you both. He says he’s from the Italian branch of your family.” She looks confused, and I smile. “You can send him over.” I look at Evgenii. “Probably a messenger from the Sorvinos.”
“I think the message is for you,” he comments, looking over my head.
He stands as I glance over my shoulder to see Luigi approaching with a bunch of flowers in his hands.
The bottom of my stomach falls, and I feel sick. I haven’t seen him since they carried him off. He’s messaged and tried to call, but I’ve been so busy. And I’m so tired when I get home that I go straight to bed or forget. He saved my life, and I haven’t repaid his kindness, but in my heart, I know what I’m really avoiding is my own emotions.
I stand as well as Evgenii says, “I’ll give you two some privacy.”
He leaves, and Luigi holds out the flowers, stepping toward me. “Congrats on your new role as heiress of the empire.” He grins. “I’m so glad your dream is coming true.”
