AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I'm out," I stated firmly, uninterested in the squabble.
A moment of disbelief lingered in the room. My uncle and brother exchanged doubtful glances. But internally, a sense of liberation was building. It was time to break free from the chains that had held me captive. Ignoring the skeptical looks, I headed outside, leaving the mansion and its discord behind.
The warmth of the afternoon greeted me, a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the new path I had chosen.
The road ahead was uncertain, but I was eager to embrace it. This was my decision—to step away from the family's dark past and carve my future unburdened.
As I slipped into my car and pulled away from the compound, the open road stretched out before me, offering an escape without a set destination. I wanted to clear my mind, and driving seemed like the perfect outlet.
Behind the wheel of my car, I felt a surge of determination. The engine roared to life, echoing my readiness to craft my own story independent of the Fiore legacy.
As the wheels turned and the familiar sights of the city passed by, my thoughts returned to the scene at the mansion. The image of my uncle and brother, bickering like hounds over my father's property, was etched into my mind.
It was a stark reminder of the vultures that often circled family fortunes, waiting to swoop in and claim their share.
It bothered me the way they handled things. It wasn't about mourning my father or appreciating his life; it was all about power and possessions. They seemed oblivious to the man my father had been, lost in their greed and thirst for dominance.
Turning a corner, I headed down a quieter street, the hum of the engine soothing. The desire for wealth and influence held no allure for me. Was there a point when I had both already?
As I drove through the streets, my mind drifted to Griselda. The mere thought of her brought an involuntary smile to my face. It was as if her presence could light up even the darkest recesses of my mind. In her presence, I found solace and a glimpse of the life I wished to create.
I remembered the first time we met and how her genuine smile caught my attention. She possessed a rare authenticity, something often lacking in my world of masks and facades. Our interactions had started casually, but as time went by, I found myself drawn to her in ways I never anticipated.
Her passion for life was infectious. It was inspiring to see how she faced challenges with resilience, never allowing them to dim her spirit, like when she got suspended from work. Griselda was the epitome of strength, an embodiment of the qualities I admired and aspired to possess.
And then there was her kindness, a trait that radiated from her like a gentle halo. She had a way of making everyone feel heard, understood, and appreciated. I had noticed her conversations with Antonio, one of our bodyguards.
It was a quality so precious, especially in a world where empathy often took a backseat to personal ambitions.
Every memory with her was engraved on my heart—the way she looked at me with understanding, the laughter we shared, and the tender moments of vulnerability. It was in her embrace that I found comfort and in her laughter that I found joy. Griselda had a way of making the ordinary extraordinary.
As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, I realized that I wanted her to be a part of my future. I envisioned a life where we could navigate the complexities together, a life where love and understanding formed the foundation.
With her by my side, I felt a sense of purpose. She was the reason I believed in a better tomorrow. And as I drove aimlessly through the city, a sense of determination welled up within me. I would find a way to make things right, build a life worth living, and cherish the love that blossomed between us.
Griselda was my beacon of hope, and no matter the challenges that lay ahead, I was ready to face them for her. The thought of her kept a smile on my face as I continued my journey into the unknown, eager to see where life would lead us.
Arriving at home, I felt my thoughts finally quiet down. I was amidst familiar surroundings, thankful for Enzo, who had come over to make sure I was okay, and for Griselda’s comforting embrace.
But before I could enjoy this moment of respite, my phone started ringing. I picked it up to hear my brother, Carlo, on the other end, his tone serious and to the point.
"The family lawyer wants us there for the reading of our father's will," Carlo's voice crackled over the phone, conveying the urgency of the situation.
"The will reading? Now?" I responded, surprised by the suddenness of the request.
"Yes, he's calling us all in. It's important we're present," Carlo emphasized, leaving no room for negotiation.
“I’ll be there soon.”
Chapter 29
Griselda
Theafternoonlightpaintedthe walls and floor with a soft glow. After Emilio left, a sense of intrigue lingered in his wake. I stayed back in the kitchen, eager to gain some understanding about the sudden call that had pulled him away.
Enzo had come by earlier to be here when Emilio returned. Always approachable, he seemed like the person to provide the missing pieces.
"So, where did he go to?" I asked, directing my attention at Enzo, who was engrossed in his phone.
