The Emptiness She Holds

misunderstood, quest

Chapter 4: Misunderstood Quest

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The judge clapped.

Mr. Armani leaned in and kissed my mom.

When they pulled apart, they waved to the crowd and thanked the guests.

Mom turned to me, pulling me into the warm, motherly hug I used to crave.

Her thumb gently stroked my cheek, eyes glowing with a tenderness I barely felt anymore.

I nodded back with cold, unreadable eyes.

She understood.

As she thanked people I barely recognized, my gaze drifted across the room.

Of course, the place was crawling with mafia bosses—wives and kids in tow, all hiding their empires behind clean suits and polished smiles.

A hand landed on my shoulder.

I snapped back, stepping away sharply.

I looked up into Mr. Armani's confused, stern face.

Clearing my throat, I asked bluntly, "Hello. Can I help you?"

He stood tall, eyes boring into me like he was trying to read my soul.

I made my stare colder, and he blinked, then spoke.

"Obviously, we've never met—unusual circumstances—but I'd like to get to know you."

There was something familiar about him.

Steel-gray eyes flecked with blue—like the ocean during a storm. Sandy blonde hair, a mature, chiseled face framed by a sharp stubble beard. At six-four, he towered over me, his muscles tight beneath his suit. A 'don't mess with me' kind of look.

I hesitated, then lifted my chin.

"Look, Mr. Armani. I respect that you love my mother and gave her something she's been missing since my father passed. But let's be clear: I don't want you in my life. I had a father. He was enough."

Venom laced my words, even if they weren't true.

His eyes chilled further.

Leaning close, he whispered into my ear, "Father? You mean the man who beat you and your mother every single day? What a lousy father."

I shoved him hard.

"You have no right to speak of him that way! You will never be part of my life!"

Heads turned.

Mom was tucked away in a corner, chatting with some ladies.

"I'm only here for my mom. If you ever hurt her, I swear I'll end you—and your entire bloodline. That's a promise, not a threat."

I stormed off the platform, out the doors, and spotted my motorbike waiting.

Thank you, Ryan, I thought, grateful.

I'd told him to park it nearby, just in case I needed to leave fast.

Because Mr. Armani was a huge asshole.

Vincent Armani POV

She stormed out like a wildfire.

I nodded to my bodyguards, signaling them to follow.

She really is a Knight—no doubt.

My mind flicked to the angel wings tattoo on her neck.

Why does she look so much like Camilla?