Tainted Vows | Book 1 'Til Death Do Us Part Duet | Mafia Romance | 18+

Chapter 30

Trigger warning
Read at your own risk
Abusive scenes warning

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Liliana

We are in the greenhouse of Marcello's mansion. It's quiet, the only source of sound coming in from the cutlery Sophia is handling.

She's preparing one of the teas and by the color of the liquid brewing, I think it's Rose. The color is a gorgeous rich magenta.

I take another bite of the sandwich watching her focus on the tea pot. To say I was famished would be an understatement. My cheeks heat and a tingle spreads all over my body thinking of Dominic and his deeds with me. Lord knows from where he gets his strength. Yet, his one stare and I'm undone. My stomach growls as if on cue reminding me of how hungry I was. I finish the sandwich taking a bite of the scrambled eggs.

I watch Sophia handling the teapot with utmost delicacy. As if sensing me she looks up at me and I startle almost choking on my breakfast.

"You don't need to be on edge around me," Sophia says smiling but that smile doesn't reach her eyes.

I nod mutely finishing the breakfast.
"Here, it tastes divine." She places the tea in a delicate Chinese crockery cup.

"It was Amara's favourite tea." She says smiling closing her eyes as she relishes the scent of the warm brew.
"This was her favourite spot besides the library of course and my husband took great pleasure in building this greenhouse."

I haven't touched the tea yet. I just stare at it my brain rummaging for reasons as to why she dragged me here of all the places.

"Drink," she motions towards the cup sitting on the table separating us and sipping the pink liquid.

I gingerly hold the teacup in my hand. As I bring it close I sense the richness of roses wafting from it. I sip the warm liquid tasting the luxury of it.

Sophia must have seen my expression of delight because she chuckles.
"Amara was right you are a simple girl, Liliana." She watches me curiously tilting her head.
"She, Amara spoke of me?" I won't be surprised if she spoke about me.
"Many times, all the times." She finishes the last drop of the tea placing the cup on the table. She sighs sadly looking at the flower bushes in the greenhouse.

"Why are you good to me suddenly?" I didn't mean to sound rude but it portrays.
Sophia flinches as if she has been slapped.
"I know my actions would confuse you but I mean well."
I nod.
Yet, my heart doesn't approve.

"You know she fell in love with the garden at your villa in Italy. That's why James built the greenhouse for her. Then she was head over heels for your brother and then you came. That summer when she met you the first time she told me she had another sister to protect besides Victoria."
I didn't know what to say so I looked down at my lap recalling our time.
"I've hated you for a very long time, Liliana." I look up at her already seeing her staring at me. She gives me another of her sad smiles. It doesn't surprise me that she loathed me. But her confession does.

"It's alright, Sophia. You are a mother, after all, there is no greater agony than the loss of a child." I do understand her pain because I've lost those who protected me.

"I'm telling you I've hated you. Hated. Past tense. I can't keep on forever loathing you because of my loss. After all, it wasn't your fault."

"We never knew who were they after. Maybe it was me they wanted and got her." It might be possible.
What if my demons are catching up with me?
What if last night.. my thoughts trail off.