Lissy Romano

99| I want to trust you.

Lissy Romano

I walked downstairs, only to find my family still shouting at each other in the living room. I thought it was the perfect moment to slip away unnoticed, maybe even leave with my godfather.

But as I reached for the front door, someone grabbed my arm. I turned around and saw that it was Davide who stopped me.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice filled with anger.

I stiffened, wide-eyed, and then saw my godfather, followed by Vincenzo and Dante, walking through the hallway.

"You need to leave," Vincenzo said firmly, stepping in behind Federico.

When they saw me, they furrowed their brows, and that's when it all started. The questions. The scolding.

"I just wanted to spend some time with my godfather. I wanted to learn more about our dad. Why are you acting like this?" I asked, my voice cracking with confusion as I turned to Vincenzo.

"Did you really think you could just take her away from us?" Dante asked angrily, glaring at Federico.

"She needs to know the truth. She desperately wants to understand more about her dad. Can't you see that, Vincenzo?" Federico asked, his tone soft but pleading as he looked at my older brother.

"I'm her legal guardian, and I know what's best for her," Vincenzo replied, his words cold and dismissive.

"No, you don't," I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

There they were—all my brothers—standing before me, judging me, telling me what I want and need, as if I couldn't make my own decisions.

"I want to go with him," I said, looking at my godfather for reassurance.

Federico nodded slightly, a sad smile tugging at his lips. But the sadness was evident in his eyes.

"That's not happening," Dante said firmly, his voice full of finality.

"Why?" I demanded, my frustration bubbling over.

"Because we said so," Davide spat, his irritation clear.

"I'm tired of you always worrying about me. I want to live my life. I want to go with Federico," I said, my voice breaking, my resolve growing stronger.

"You want to know about our dad? Fine. I'll tell you everything," Gio said, his tone softer, almost understanding. He wanted what was best for me, I could see that.

I shook my head, not willing to be pacified.

"Don't leave me, Lissy," Gio added quietly, and suddenly, the weight of it all hit me.

"I don't want to leave any of you. I just wanted to spend time with Federico," I said, feeling the guilt settle in my chest.

"I'll take care of her," Federico said, his gaze still locked with Vincenzo's, the tension palpable.

"That's not happening. I've been worried sick about Lissy's safety, and I'm not going to let it all go to waste for a family trip," Vincenzo said, his jaw clenched tight, eyes hard.