BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 36 - Tangled Paths

Chapter 36 - Tangled Paths

As I prepared to leave, a complex tapestry of emotions swirled within me. There was a sense of resolution, an undercurrent of nervous anticipation at the thought of seeing Luke again. The relief that he was safe was immense, a beacon of light in the recent darkness. Yet, intermingled with this joy was a gnawing dread – the daunting task of facing Luke and revealing the fate of his brother, Sebastian.

The moment our plane touched down at one of my dad's sites in Mexico, a wave of excitement overtook me. It was a surge of unrestrained joy, a tumultuous blend of anticipation and eagerness. I couldn't hold back the elation bubbling within me. The thought of seeing him, touching him, hugging and kissing him, was almost overwhelming. I just couldn't wait.

As we entered my dad's mansion, the reality of his world became starkly evident. The place was fortified like a fortress, men with guns stationed at every corner of the gated mansion. It was a stark reminder of the dangerous life my father led, a life deeply entrenched in the underworld of the mafia.

Walking through the halls of the sprawling estate, I couldn't help but reflect on the life my father had chosen – or rather, the life that had chosen him. The presence of armed guards was a constant, unnerving reminder of the perils that came with his territory. It made me realize the gravity of the decision he had made years ago, the decision to give me away to my adopted parents. He had done it to shield me from this world, a world where danger lurked at every turn.

I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards him for making such a sacrifice. Giving away your child, I thought, must be one of the hardest decisions a parent can make. Yet, he did it for me – to ensure my safety, to give me a life away from the constant threats that shadowed his every move. It wasn't just a gesture of love; it was an act of selfless protection. For that, my love and respect for him deepened even more.

As we walked through the opulent corridors, whirlwind of thoughts churned within me. How was I going to break the news to him? How could I possibly articulate that Sebastian, his only brother, whom he had just begun to reconnect with, was gone – and that it was because of me? Sebastian had sacrificed himself for my safety, a heroic act that had cost him his life. The weight of this truth pressed heavily on my heart.

How could I possibly find the words to tell Luke? How could I look into the eyes of the man I love and tell him that his brother, his blood, had perished because of a situation that had spiraled out of my control? The thought alone sent a shiver down my spine.

I paced the room, my thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and guilt. "He didn't have enough time with Sebastian," I murmured to myself, the words a painful echo in the silence of the room. The unfairness of it all, the cruel twist of fate that had stolen their opportunity to rebuild their bond as brothers, was overwhelming.

The elevator ride to the fourth floor was a blur, my heart pounding with a mix of nervous anticipation and overwhelming emotion. The hallways stretched out before us, resembling the corridors of an expansive apartment complex, with numerous doors lining each side.

My excitement was palpable, a restless energy that had me bouncing on my toes. "Which way, Dad? Right or left? Which room?" I asked, barely able to contain myself. Tears of anticipation mixed with joy streamed down my face.

"Fifth door on the left," Dad replied, his voice calm yet tinged with his own emotion. Without waiting, I dashed ahead, leaving Dad trailing behind. Reaching the designated room, I burst through the door with such force that it startled one of the doctors inside.

My eyes immediately found Luke, lying there, still in a deep slumber. He looked so peaceful yet undeniably weary, the toll of his ordeal evident even in sleep. I approached his bedside, my steps slow and reverent. Kneeling beside him, I took his hand in mine, the warmth of his skin a balm to my aching heart. Tears fell freely as I kissed his hands, whispering to him even though he was still cocooned in the depths of recovery.