𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰

𝔅𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔶𝔞𝔩

Though the past few days had already been stressful enough, Alessandro trying to convince Salvatore to break off the engagement with the Lombardis took the cake.

"I just think Leonardo will be happier with someone else figlio! Don't you want him to have the same happiness as you did with Valentina? I mean come on, you still haven't moved on! THAT'S TRUE LOVE SALVATORE! Give that to Leonardo too!" Alessandro said putting his hands up.

Salvatore's jaw twitched at his papa's statement.

Though he was a father himself and feared no one, Salvatore hated when Alessandro spoke on his decision with his children.

Yeah, Valentina might've been gone, but it didn't mean Salvatore was clueless about how to raise his children.

While they were both adults now, Salvatore knew his children couldn't live without him as much as they pretended not to.

Whenever Gabriella and Leonardo were in trouble, Salvatore would always come to save them.

Just like he promised the moment both his children entered the world.

"Aurora is a good girl. Leonardo and her will get along just fine. I already told you that it's settled! I don't care if we don't need the land anymore because I think Aurora is perfect for Leonardo! She's young, comes from a good family, and has her morals straight! And I want him to be happy too papa! Aurora is a lot better than Angelina. I don't want my son to be hurt any longer. Just leave me be, papa." Salvatore quietly replied.

"It doesn't matter what you think! The only reason you want Aurora and Leonardo to be together is because they remind you of your marriage! LEONARDO AND AURORA ARE NOT YOU AND VALENTINA! You need to stop pushing this caro! I never forced marriage into you, right?" Alessandro angrily fired back.

Valentina.

Oh how Salvatore missed his beloved wife.

Even mentioning her name made Salvatore's heart break in sadness, regardless if Valentina's death was almost fifteen years ago.

The pain Salvatore felt was still numb.

And no matter what happened, Salvatore knew he'd never recover.

He didn't get to say goodbye to Valentina or the baby who passed along with her.

It was one of Salvatore's biggest regrets.

If only he stayed home that day.

If he only he was the one dead.

"Pa. J-just don't mention her name, okay? Valentina would be happy if she knew Aurora! I just know it! You don't understand the pain I felt when Leonardo was cheated on by Angelina. I wanted to hold him and murder the entire Asahi family for hurting him but, I couldn't.

I know it doesn't seem like Leonardo and I aren't close, but I love him. He's the only piece I have left of Valentina. I-if he marries another, who's to say I'll ever see him again? I can't handle this right now papa. I know what's best for my son okay? Not you or anybody else. Me. I'm Leonardo's papa. And I'd die for him. Anytime, any day." Salvatore said shakily.

Alessandro sighed at Salvatore's words.

While it didn't seem like Salvatore was a softie, Alessandro raised the damn kid and knew who Salvatore truly was.

In truth, Salvatore wasn't raised the same way Leonardo was.

Salvatore wasn't forced to take on the role as Don, nor train as a child. Both his parents were affectionate towards him and Lucia, never laying a finger on them.