Lissy Romano

58| Inner child.

Lissy Romano

As they drove me home and parked the car, I slowly walked inside the house with Davide by my side, taking in the familiar surroundings. It felt like a lifetime since I'd been here—just a week, but it felt longer. The grand mansion, so familiar yet full of memories, felt like home again.

I missed my home. My home. It was more than just a place; it was where I could feel safe and at peace. The smell, the comforting colors, the soft lights, and the furniture—it all radiated a warmth that made my heart swell.

Walking through the halls, I could feel a sense of belonging rushing over me. Everything here felt like home. The love and care infused into every corner made this place special. It was where I could truly feel like myself.

"Come here, baby, Vincenzo wanted to talk to you in the living room," Davide said gently, offering his support as he helped me walk.

"Is he mad?" I asked, hesitation creeping into my voice as I took a step back.

"No, sweetheart, of course not. He just wanted to see you," he reassured me, his smile comforting.

"You promise?" I asked, unsure.

Davide simply nodded, and just as he did, Santino and Dante walked into the house.

"Why are we standing here? Let's go, Jax wants to celebrate too!" Santino exclaimed, his eyes wide. He immediately covered his mouth, and Dante, ever the quick one, slapped the back of Santino's head.

Celebrate? What exactly are we celebrating?

I glanced at them, confused, but Davide helped me toward the living room. As I stepped inside, I was met with a sight I wasn't expecting—decorations, balloons, and a huge sign on the wall reading "Welcome back home, little sister!"

My heart softened instantly, and warmth flooded my chest. Vincenzo, Domenico, Giovanni, and the twins stood there smiling at me, though Matteo's face remained neutral. They didn't have to go all out, but it meant more than they probably realized. I already felt like this was my home, but their effort made it all the more meaningful.

Deep inside, I remembered Miguel's house—large, dark, expensive—but it never felt like home. To feel at home, you need safety, love, and a place where you can truly relax and be yourself. In Miguel's house, I was always on edge, always preparing for the worst. But here, in this house with my brothers, I felt something different. It was a feeling I hadn't had in a long time.

Laughter, love, and peace. This house had become my childhood home in every sense. The place where I could be a kid again, healed by my brothers' support. It was the one place where I could truly feel loved and safe.

"Lissy, we are happy that you are back home!" Vincenzo said warmly, stepping forward to wrap his arms around me.

Despite always working hard to provide for the family, he had taken the time to make me feel this special.

I returned his embrace, pressing my head to his chest, letting out a long sigh as silent tears fell. He loved me... He really did.

"Baby, are you crying?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern.

"Just hormones," Matteo blurted out from the side.