𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 (✎)

10. EXPLANATIONS

THE next morning came and Kalani and Giovanni still hadn't spoken about what had happened the night before. She didn't want to pressure him, despite the uneasy feeling in her gut.

So when the afternoon came and Giovanni told her he had a surprise for her, she took his word for it as he lead her and Sienna to his Porsche.

The drive encompassed a scenic route, with Sienna leaning so far out of her car seat to take it all in, Kalani was worried she'd slide out.

Although it had been three years, Kalani could have recognised this drive in her sleep. As if Giovanni had felt her recognition, he slanted her a glance and winked.

They pulled into the gateway of a regal, three-floored mansion. Sienna had fallen asleep somewhere along the ride, and Kalani smiled softly at her daughter's folded form. Although it may have seemed selfish, Kalani knew that this introduction was one she wanted to do on her own first.

After making sure the car doors were locked for Sienna's safety , Giovanni took Kalani's hand and shot her a reassuring look.

Bringing her hand to his mouth, he pressed a tender kiss above her bare ring finger. "Ready?"

She nodded mutely, worried that words might fail her. The words she was going to need to dig up and muster the courage to speak out loud in a moment.

As they drew closer to the grand doors of the mansion, her heart thrummed suddenly. The lump in her throat grew thicker, and she coughed to clear it, but to no avail.

Giovanni squeezed her hand one last time, letting her know he wasn't going to leave her side, which she appreciated.

After a few minutes passed, the doors were opened by what looked like a young soldier. His expression was stoic and tight-lipped, even as he gave Giovanni a nod in acknowledgment.

The mansion looked just as it had all those years ago. The crack in the wall below the dual staircase still remained, and the chandelier held a slight tilt.

Kalani smiled. Nothing had changed.

The dull click of a cane drew her attention to the elderly man walking towards them - his hair was peppered black and white, with a neatly trimmed beard scuffing his neck.

As he got closer and raised his eyes to look at them closely, his steps almost faltered. Almost. Before he regained composure.

A brief moment passed before he exhaled under his breath. "Giovanni, è uno scherzo? ( is this a joke? ). She looks exactly like..."

Domenico Vitiello, despite the years and his deteriorating health, stood tall and proud in front of them. But even she could see the cracks in his armour as he tried to hold a strong front. As former Don, he still held a flame of pride and dignity, even with his recent Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Kalani smiled a soft smile. "This isn't a joke. It's me."

He was silent for a long while, then Domenico let out a string of Italian curse words - enough to make a sailor blush - before yelling, "Maria? Did I take my meds today?"

"Mr Vitiello, I promise you it's me."

"Cara mia? How? I don't understand..."

"I know. But if you'd be willing to give me some time out of your day, I could try my best to explain it all to you." Kalani responded.

Domenico rarely smiled. Instead, his left eye would glimmer. He'd always had a soft spot for Kalani.

"Va bene, my office work for you?" He asked, walking towards it regardless of her answer. The former Don paused as he reached the door knob. "Oh, and Kalani? It's Domenico to you."