Becoming Queen

Chapter 45: I've always loved you

Recap from last chapter - It's finally over. Giovanni's sister stabbed herself after losing her baby. Sofia went to kill her, but instead feels sympathy for her and her loss. Sofia and Oscar are returning home finally at peace with everything.

Sofia

Stepping out of the car with my hand resting in my dad's, I smiled at him gratefully as he slowly lead me away from the very expensive car and towards the porch of our house.

We had remained silent throughout the entire car journey. Neither one of us could say a word. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, I just felt unsatisfied.

I wanted to fight her. I wanted to kill her out of revenge, but I just felt pity and it felt wrong.

Somehow sensing my distress, dad stood behind me and rested his hand against my back.

"Sofia, unlike most men, I understand women and their feelings and there's something you're not telling me. And don't try and lie to me, I have 3 daughters, I can tell when you're hiding something".

Turning away from the beautiful house, I let out a deep sigh knowing full well I couldn't hide anything from him.

After all, he was once a mafia leader. Nothing would slip under his nose.

"I'm so fucking weak. Everything that happened is my fault. Elias is hanging on by a thread, Finn and Nora were kidnapped, and Amelia, God, I almost lost her. And Nana. I'm the daughter of the mafia and I failed everyone I love. If only I had been strong after losing you and mum. But no, Amelia had to step up and, and"-

"This is going to sound so bad coming from your father, but shut the fuck up".

Turning around in complete shock at his words, I feared the anger on his face, but just like always, it was nothing but a look of love.

He instantly rested his finger on my chin and forced my head up so I could look into his eyes.

"Don't you ever call yourself weak Sofia Rose Hendricks. You are not a failure, in fact you are my strength. I cannot tell you how many times I almost gave up when I was younger. But you kept me going. In life, we all make mistakes. We all fall off track and wonder how we are ever going to get back. You were faced with one of my greatest fears. Leaving you alone in this world. The world played a cruel game with you, anyone would have stumbled and fallen. The day we were taken, you became a mum, a boss, a sister, the source of comfort for your younger sisters and brother. Yet, you also craved comfort. I don't blame you for what happened. All I can say is how fucking proud I am of my little girl. It's over baby. It's over and now you can look forward to the future because it's so bright".

Smiling at him in reassurance of his perfectly chosen words, I quickly embraced him in a tight hug and nuzzled my head against his chest.

"Thank you. I needed to hear that" I mumbled into his shirt.

"S-Sofia".

Turning at the sound of mum's voice, I smiled widely at her only to feel my heart stop as I gazed upon her heartbroken expression.

Resting my hand against my now frantically racing heart, I cautiously walked towards her, completely frightened by whatever it is she was about to tell me.

Dad rushed over to her, his arms engulfing her as he asked her what's wrong. But her pale, almost sick coloured skin, her vacant eyes staring at me, and the hopelessness were enough to tell me exactly what she was going to say.

An overwhelming feeling of dread washed over me as I walked past her without exchanging a single glance.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry" mum sobbed as she reached out and grabbed my hand.