The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Seventeen

The sun was warm, casting a gentle glow over the ministry's large garden as Terzo sat on a picnic table with Darcy nestled in his lap. Paint pots and brushes were spread across the table, an array of vibrant colours filling each pot, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful. He smiled down at the young girl, her tiny hands carefully dipping the brush into the paint and then onto the canvas.

"You're doing a fantastic job, Darcy." Terzo praised softly, his fingers absentmindedly running through her hair curly hair.

Terzo's attention which was fully absorbed by Darcy shifted when he noticed Elizabeth approaching, her presence casting a dark shadow over the tranquility.

"Terzo." She began, her whining voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Some of the girls are heading out for breakfast. I'd like you to join us."

"I'm a bit busy at the moment." Terzo glanced at Darcy, then back at Elizabeth.

"Can't you do this later?" Elizabeth's expression tightened, an impatient edge creeping into her voice. "Sister Ruby can watch her. The girls are waiting and are exciting that you're coming."

"Darcy, don't move sweetheart. You stay here and paint a picture for Papa, ok?" Terzo gently spoke to Darcy, then he stood up, gently setting her back down on the bench. "I'll be right back." Darcy nodded with a shy smile, engrossed in her task, while Terzo walked a few steps away with Elizabeth. "What's the matter?" His tone was firm as he spoke.

"What's the matter?!" Elizabeth's voice rose slightly, her frustration evident. "Why do you never spend any time with me, Terzo? You're always wrapped up with these kids or your work, it's never me."

"The children are one of my priorities here, Elizabeth. They're my responsibility, so I won't neglect them just because you want me by your side." Terzo's patience wavered, and he leaned in, his voice low but intense.

"You're choosing them over me?" A flash of anger crossed Elizabeth's face, and her voice sharpened. "I'm your Prime Mover! I'm the one you should be prioritising...not...her!"

"Don't raise your voice at me, Elizabeth. I'm not going to tolerate it." Terzo's own temper flared, his voice filled with fury. "That girl lost both of her parents and somehow you still see an issue with me painting a fucking picture with her for an hour?! You think that you can come here and dictate how I spend my time because of your stupid, undeserved title. Well I hate to break it to you Elizabeth," he roared, "but that's not how things work here, you selfish, entitled, brat!" He breathed heavily, realising how angry he'd gotten.

A tense silence settled between them, broken only by the distant laughter of children playing in the distance. Elizabeth's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she turned abruptly, hurrying away. He saw Sister Abbie glaring at him maliciously, taking Elizabeth into her arms and leading her back inside. Terzo rolled his eyes, feeling a growing frustration with her manipulative behaviour.

"Stupida cagna." He muttered beneath his breath, turning back towards Darcy. Terzo settled back on the picnic table, Darcy snuggled in his lap once again.

"Is she mad at you, Papa?" Darcy hesitantly asked. Terzo smiled at her question, her innocent curiosity instantly dissipating his anger.

"Yeah, she's a bit mad." He admitted with a chuckle. "But you know what, I don't really care." He watched as Darcy continued her painting, her tiny fingers carefully brushing paint onto the canvas. "Would you like some help?"

"Can you paint the sun?" Darcy's eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Of course I can." He grinned and took a brush, dabbing it into the yellow poster paint. With steady strokes, he painted a bright yellow sun in the corner of her artwork. "There you go, a beautiful sun." As Darcy continued to paint, he watched her add a man and a woman holding hands to her scene. "Is that me and you?"