Toxic and Mine

From Now On

"I'd like to propose a toast," Trulijo announces, standing up. He then walks to the front, clearing his throat before addressing everyone.

Certainly! Here is the revised version:"Retiring was harder than you might think, especially when it came to choosing between my sons. Hassan, you are the most level-headed of all, which makes you invaluable behind the scenes. You command immense respect, but you're not one to get your hands dirty, and there's nothing wrong with that. I can't deny that I see a lot of myself in Silva. We're similar in every way, even when it comes to choosing our women." Trujillo winks at me, making me shake my head.

"But this night isn't just important for Silva, it's also significant for my beautiful daughter. Nastasia, you've grown into a remarkable young woman, and your presence here means the world to me. Consider me your second father, always here to support and guide you. Tonight marks a new chapter for all of us, and I am proud to see you stepping into this role with such grace and strength."

I'm not going to consider him as my second father.

"As long as you keep my son happy, and as long as you remain loyal to this family, you will have everything your heart can ever desire, believe that."

Everything but freedom.

"The moment I saw you, I knew there was something special about you. Your eyes have this intense look, a hint of recklessness and determination. Even when I slapped you, I saw the fire in your eyes, the desire to fight back. It's perfect for Silva, having someone who keeps him on his toes and always alert. If I had to pick my two favorite people in the world, it would be the two of you. I sleep comfortably knowing you'll never leave his side."

Oh for fucks sake. I look over at Silva who tightened his hold on my hand. He then gives me a quick kiss before turning back to his father. I just don't get it, he looks at me with such admiration and it's just sick.

"Anything you want to add my dear daughter?" He asks making me laugh. I take a sip of my wine before raising it in the air.

"I plan on being here til the day he dies." I smile out. I watch in the conner of my eyes as Gisselle laughs. But that didn't stop Silva's lingering hand on my leg.

I knew my plan would take time, but I wasn't in a rush for revenge since I had nothing but time on my hands. According to Silva, if I wanted to stay in college, he could find the best professors in Italy to teach me. When he made that offer, I wanted to slap the craziness right out of his head. It was such a grand gesture, and part of me was touched by his concern for my education, but another part of me knew he didn't fully understand my determination. Instead, I did the right thing; I smiled and told him I would consider it. Deep down, I knew my path was already set, and no amount of elite tutoring could deter me from what I had to do.

I notice Silva staring at me and so I looked back. I couldn't read his expression as his lips were planted in a straight line, his face blank with nothing but a cold stare. And so I smile grabbing his face in my hand. One of us would be dying soon and to make it worse, we will never see each other again.

For a second, I almost felt something. Some of the things Silva said wasn't a lie. I can't say that he hasn't made my life a little more interesting because I would just be fooling myself. I've indulged in a lot of men to feel something because any one can have sex but not everyone can handle me. Getting married has never crossed my mind and it's still hard to believe that someone is so crazy to put me through all this shit just to have me by their side. It's like I fell into the same trap as my mother without even trying.