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My eyes shifted over to the door expectantly like they had for the last three days. Since the news that Galiz’s ill-fated jet had crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, I’d been preparing for my husband’s twinkling eyes and charming smile to enter every room I was in. The authorities believe the crash occurred days earlier, but as no distress report had been sent out from the pilots, it was only when debris and unidentifiable body parts were spotted floating in the Atlantic that the news broke. The plane had been identified as belonging to Anthony Galiz, which the American media had a field day with. Alessio’s plane had landed in Italy last week, but only a select few knew he wasn’t onboard.
Fabi and Finn had immediately flown to the North to give me the devastating news. Everyone huddled around me; gasped, cried and hugged me when Finn explained that they had no idea what had happened to Alessio and it was looking extremely likely that he had been onboard Galiz’s plane. Even though they had had some contact with him while he was in America, he had refused to tell them what his final plan to murder Galiz was because he wanted them to be able to deny accountability and involvement if it had gone wrong.
My body had felt numb when I heard the words, ‘It’s been at least two days since the crash, Elle. He hasn’t contacted any of us.’ Everyone was waiting for me to crumble. I’d blinked back at Finn’s concerned expression numerous times before saying bluntly, “Then find him. He is alive. I know he is.”
Since that day, I had carried on as normal, ignoring everyone’s growing concern for me. I’d thrown everything into the art gallery opening, knowing this was the night I would prove them all wrong. He wouldn’t miss this. He would walk through those doors.
I had immediately moved to the South once it was clear Galiz was no more, even though my family thought it was a terrible idea and tried to stop me. I knew what they all were thinking. That I was drowning in deep-seated denial. I could see it in their eyes. They believed he was dead. He wasn’t. I knew it in my heart. I knew it with every fibre of my being. Alessio was alive. And he will be here tonight. He promised.
“It looks great, Angel! I can’t thank you enough for all your help,” I smiled at her, taking the champagne glass. Her eyes diverted to my own art collection, hanging against the brightness of the white walls. I followed her gaze and took a few meditative breaths as my stomach fought the butterflies that were rampaging inside.
“I just love it all, Elle,” she breathed, staring at the images of Alessio and me. It was the main reason I was so nervous about presenting it. It was raw, unseen moments that represented everything Alessio and I had been through. A story of our love. From the very beginning to each of the hundreds of small mosaic-style paintings that made up the larger image of his face I had created since he left. One for every day and night I had I missed him.
Suddenly, the front door opened and my heart flipped. The disappointment and deflation I felt when it wasn’t him nearly had my eyes watering. I forced a bright smile on my face as all my family from the North gushed and complimented the space, giving me tight hugs and sympathetic eyes.
“Do you like it?” I asked Liv and Gio as they gazed around at the modern interior design and art collections.
“Elle! It’s amazing. I can’t believe you did all this in just three weeks!” Liv appraised and I squeezed her hand.
“It really is incredible, Elle. I’m proud of you. For never letting anything get in your way of making your dreams come true,” Gio stated, throwing his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into his side.
I noticed Gio and Liv exchange a look before he excused himself to get a drink. Liv smiled at me with a sorrowful expression as she reached for my hands. I exhaled loudly, forcing my shoulders back, preparing myself for what she was about to say.
“How are you doing, Elle? Really?”
“Fine,” I snapped curtly, the irritation already brewing inside me. “He will be here, Liv. He said he wouldn’t miss this. He’ll come.” She pursed her lips together, staring at my face. I avoided her concerned gaze and waved enthusiastically at the new guests who had just entered the gallery.
“Okay, Elle. I’m just worried about you. We all are. You are pinning a lot on Alessio showing up to this tonight and we just want you to know that we are all here for you. No matter what happens,” she whispered so the new arrivals, who were starting to mooch around the gallery studying the art, wouldn't hear her.
I sent her a reassuring smile, “He will be here. You will see, Liv. Don’t worry.”
The early evening dusk edged into nightfall and guests started to leave. My anxiety and heart rate were increasing with every minute that ticked by. I tried my best to be engaging and the image of happiness and success as I mingled with other local artists and customers, but as the hours passed, my eyes became permanently fixed on the door.
A couple congratulated me on the launch, lifting their jackets over their shoulders as they bid their farewells and something broke inside me. I lunged forward, blocking their exit with a panicked smile.
“You aren’t leaving yet, are you? We have plenty more champagne. Oh, have you seen the Niase collection? What did you think? She is only eighteen, can you believe it—”
I felt a heavy hand on my arm. Peering to my side, I saw Finn staring down at me with worry. He moved his gaze to the uncomfortable couple and said, “Thank you so much for coming. We hope you enjoyed your evening.”
They nodded and left as my lips started to tremble and I swallowed down the building emotions. “They can’t leave, Finn. It’s not over. He’s not here yet.”
“I know,” he replied softly, taking my hand in his and leading me to the bar where we could have some privacy. “We will stay as long as we need to.”
I nodded slowly, casting my gaze over the departing room. The night had been a triumph. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and Nisha had even sold some of her paintings. I had offers on mine too, but I insisted they weren’t for sale. I knew how I should have been feeling at this moment, but the reality was slowly crashing down and the doubt, that I had spent the last few days shutting out, was starting to creep through my veins, causing my body to shake uncontrollably. No. I had to have faith.
Sensing my growing despair, Finn ushered me to the back room and handed me a glass of water. Crouching down in front of me as I sat down in a chair, he stroked my cheek tenderly.
“He promised, Finn.” The unshed tears started to burn as I looked into his own distraught eyes. They were bloodshot and red, and it was the first time I allowed myself to realise how hard this was for him too.
“I know, Elle. You know he never would have missed this.”
I nodded as the tears started to fall and I wiped my cheeks.
“He would move mountains to be here,” I whimpered as the brutal devastation hit me like thunder. He wasn’t coming. Which only meant one thing.
“Make them all leave, Finn,” I dropped my head in my hands as I let it all out. He dived forward, hugging me into his chest in a tight embrace as my world came crashing down around me.
I didn’t know how long it was before he let me go and left the room silently to send everyone home. I stared blankly at the wall until he returned, feeling completely numb. This was all my fault. He killed Galiz so I would be safe. And now…
