CHASING FATE

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Catherine's POV

"Home sweet home." I grinned at Mia

"I love it." Mia giggled. She made a twirl enjoying the cool breeze that New York gives. 

The moment I got to the airport I knew I had missed my city. I miss the place I had control over. I miss home.

One of the maids held the door for me as I struggled to get into the house. I am still getting used to the fact of being in a wheelchair. Salvatore insisted I used one until my feet were back to normal. He ensured Mia and I had enough helping hands and I noticed the security in the estate had tripled.

"Where is my room?" Mia asked excitedly as she jumped on the sofa.

"Slow down Mia." I moved to her. "We don't want you hurting yourself."

She quickly sat on the sofa. "I have always wanted to live in New York with my dad." She said to me. "And I am here. It was all I ever dream about, to be closer with my dad."

"Dreams come true" I smoothen  her hair "For now, we will occupy the rooms downstairs until I can use the stairs." I made a gesture towards the wheelchair I was sitting on.

"Sorry, Mom." She said with a sad face.

"It's fine." I kissed the bridge of her nose.

"Do you want to share your room with me?" She asked. "So I can assist you."

"How sweet of you." I held her by the chin.
"Do you know you remind me of my nephew?"

Her eyes lit up, "You have a nephew."

"Of course I do. Come on, I will tell you all about him." I held her hand.

After much storytelling, Mia finally slept off. I picked up my phone to check the time and it was 10:40 pm. It's been three months since I got married and for the first time, I anticipated a call from Salvatore.

"Why hasn't he called me?" I muttered. I stared at my screen hoping for the screen to light up.

Arrrghhh!!!

I tossed it to the bed stand and closed my eyes, but the ringtone of my phone jolted me back up. Without looking at my screen I picked it up.

"Hello." I said in excitement.

"You sound excited." The voice I heard left me in shock. I stared at my screen to confirm who it was.

"Steve." I called out.

He chuckled "Hello, baby sis. Why do I feel like you were expecting someone else's call?" I  was embarrassed. "Hope I did not ruin it for you."

"Stop it."I said to him and he burst into laughter.

"How are you?" He asked in between the laughs

"I am okay, Steve. How is everyone at home? How is Ava and Matthew?"

"They are fine."

About a month ago, I received a text from Steve saying June gave birth to a baby girl which he named Ava .

"We haven't really talked for a long time. Is there anything new?"

I wanted to tell him about the Mafia shit and everything that has been happening in life but telling him over the phone wasn't proper so I decided to skip the details.

"I have a daughter." I could imagine the confused look on his face. "Her name is Mia."

"How did that happen?"

I explained to him that Mia was Salvatore's child from his late fiance. Nothing more, nothing less.

"So, that asshole was married before."

"Hey, he is not that bad" I defended. "Besides, she died before they could take the vows."

"Hold up, what did you just do?"

"What." I asked in confusion

"Did you just side with him?" He said in a teasing tone. I could imagine him grinning.

"Will you stop it?" I rolled my eyes.

"Anyways, we will be coming home in two days."

"It's about time, I cannot wait to see my new niece." I chipped in

"And I would love to see my niece too." We laughed..

I yawned. "Goodnight Steve."

"Goodnight baby sis. I love you."

"I love you too." and I hung up.

************

It's been two days since we came back from Italy. Two fucking whole days and no word from Salvatore. Anthonio has been the only one checking in on us and each time I asked about Salvatore his response were "I am sorry Catherine, but he is busy."

This two days have been torture for me, I miss him so much. It's starting to feel like I am the only one who thought we could work out.

You are such a fool Catherine!!

I fucking hate the fact that I got myself so attached to him.

I folded the last shirt I needed into my bag.
"At least, this family reunion will get my mind off Salvatore for a while." I told myself.

I am glad that my feet felt better and I could walk it. There was no perfect excuse I could give my family. I picked up my bag and left my room.

Mia was waiting for me in the living room with her nanny.

"I am ready." She said to me and I smiled at her.

I took her school bag from her nanny.
"You can take the rest of the week off." I turned to the other maids. "Same thing applies to you guys." and I walked away.

"Thank you ma'am." They chorused.

We sat at the backseat, waiting for the driver to put away our luggages before starting the car.

During our trip, Mia said a lot about her school in Italy. We took a few stops to get food when we were hungry and each time Mia had cravings. It took us eight hours thirty minutes before we got to my house.

By the time we got home, Mia was fast asleep.

"Mia!" I gave her a gentle tap. "We are here." She yawned, rubbed the back of her hands on her eye before getting up.

"Are you ready to meet your new family?". I said to her before we got out of the car.

"Yes, I am." She said with a grin on her face.

"Perfect." I held her hand and went straight to the door.

Without any hesitation, I walked into the house and head towards the living where I could hear voices.

"I am home." I yelled out.

"Aunt Catherine."  Matthew screamed. He hugged me tightly and I did the same.

"I miss you so much." I rumpled his hair.

"I miss you too."

"Welcome home, Princess." My dad hugged me.

"Welcome back, Cat." Debbie told me. I smiled, acknowledging her with a nod

"Now, please can you introduce me to Mia." Upon hearing her name she hid behind my leg.

"Come on Mia, you don't have to be shy." I told her. She sheepishly came out from her hiding place.

"My name is Mia D'Montez." She whispered.

"Welcome home Mia." Dad gave her a warm hug.

This is going to be the best family reunion yet.

XOXO
Lady Freya