The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 40

After Mom leaves, I finish packing, my mind still reeling from the confrontation with my father. Just as I'm about to walk out, a soft knock interrupts my thoughts. "Come in," I call, and Sarah, our longtime maid, steps inside.

"Good day, Miss," she greets me with a warm smile that immediately puts me at ease.

"Hello Sarah, what can I do for you?"

"Mr. Santiago is downstairs, asking for your permission to enter the house."

Confusion furrows my brow. "Why would he need my permission? It's his father's house, too."

Sarah's expression turns sympathetic. "He knows that, Miss. But he wants to ensure you don't leave once he comes in, like you have every other time he's tried to talk to you."

I sigh, remembering all the times Santiago has tried to talk to me, only for me to slip out before he can get more than a few words out.

"I can't guarantee I'll stay," I admit. Despite my talk with Stefano, I still haven't been able to bring myself to call Santiago and offer forgiveness. Every time I try, I imagine myself in Emily's shoes, and the anger rises anew.

Sarah hesitates, then asks gently, "If you don't mind me asking, Miss... why aren't you speaking with Mr. Santiago?"

I look away. "He did something awful to a good friend of mine."

"Oh, but... is he sorry for what he did to your friend?"

'He says he is. But that doesn't change anything.'

"Of course it does, Miss. It changes everything," Sarah says gently. "When we apologize sincerely for our mistakes, it's the first step to healing the hurt we caused. I don't know the details, but I can see that Mr. Santiago deeply regrets his actions."

Her words strike a chord, and I feel my resistance starting to crumble. If Santiago wasn't genuinely remorseful, he wouldn't keep trying so hard to make amends. "You really believe he's sorry?" I ask softly.

"I do, Miss. Please, go downstairs and hear him out. Give him a chance."

I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Alright, I will. But only because you and Stefano both believe he deserves my forgiveness."

Sarah's smile is filled with warmth and understanding. "Thank you, Miss."

I follow her out of my room, my heart beating a little faster with each step. As I descend the stairs, I spot Santiago by the front door, engrossed in his phone. He hasn't noticed me yet, and I'm grateful for that small mercy. The last thing I want is for him to see the lingering tears in my eyes or the flush of anger on my cheeks from the confrontation with Dad.

Santiago has always been perceptive, and I know he'd pick up on my distress immediately. But right now, I don't have the energy to rehash the painful scene or explain the hurtful things Dad said. I just want to put it behind me.

"Santiago," I call softly.

His head snaps up, eyes wide with surprise. "Did you just... say my name?" The hopeful joy spreading across his face tugs at my heart. Santiago and I have always been close, and I know how much my forgiveness means to him.

I can't help the small smile that curves my lips. "Yes, I did."

"Does that mean... you forgive me?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly.

I nod, the last of my anger melting away. "I do, Santiago. I forgive you."

"Thank you," he breathes, pulling me into a tight hug. "Thank you so much, Sis."