Little Angel

Chapter:39

Vivian Flammery.
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I gently run my fingers through Daisy's brown curls as she sleeps peacefully, her tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm with her dreams. Hannah is sprawled out next to her, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the cabin lights. Her platinum blonde hair splayed out like a halo around her delicate face.

The hum of the private plane was soothing, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, knowing that my girls were finally safe. My heart swells with love for my two precious girls, but it is bittersweet, for I cannot help but worry about the danger that surrounds us.

As I watched them sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. We had built a family together, despite the odds. And I would do whatever it took to keep them safe and happy.

Daisy, just three years old and going to turn four in less than a month, had her brown curls splayed out around her. She looked so small and innocent, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. Hannah is finally happy with her life with us and is trying to forget about her life before she met us. I have convinced her to go to a therapist and talk to them. At first, she was unconvinced, but later she was ready to go only if I went with her. Which I am happy to do.

Just a few days earlier, I had been discharged from the hospital after being in the hospital for the whole week.

During my time in the hospital, Gabriel didn't bring Daisy and Hannah to meet me for many reasons. First, I don't want them to see me in that state, and second, it could trigger Hannah's memories. So when they finally met me, they refused to leave my side or even sleep without me. Gabriel had to make them understand that I am hurt and can't sleep with them right now.

I close my eyes. The argument between Gabriel and I is still fresh in my brain and running behind my closed eyes as soon as I close my eyes. It is all replaying in an endless loop.

The hum of the plane engine was a dull drone against the frantic thoughts swirling in my head. My eyes were closed, but I could still see the image of Gabriel's face, etched with worry and determination.

*****

He stood in the doorway of our room. My heart ached at the sight of it. It was the same face that had softened when he'd kissed my forehead in the hospital, the same face that had been etched with grim resolve when he'd announced his decision.

Italy.

"Bellissima, I won't let them hurt you again," he'd said, his voice rough with emotion. "We're leaving tomorrow. We're going to Italy."

"But Gabriel," I'd choked out, my voice in raw panic. I was looking at him standing in the middle of the room. "We can't run away every time someone throws a rock at our window."

"This isn't a fight; I want you to be in Bellissima," he'd said, his voice tight. "This is about keeping you safe. You and the girls are the only thing that matters to me."

"I am not going anywhere, Gabriel. I won't leave. I am not a coward; I am not going to run from my problems." I can't run. I will fight if needed again. I never left New York, ever.

"Vivian, we can't stay here anymore. It's not safe. At least not until you get alright." Gabriel's voice was a low, urgent whisper as he tried not to shout, his eyes pleading with me as he walked toward me in our grand bedroom.

"But this is our home, Gabriel," I protested weakly, the pain from my recent ordeal still lingering in my body and soul. "I don't want to show them that we're afraid."

Gabriel's jaw clenched, his eyes hardening as he stopped in front of me. "You were attacked, Vivian. They won't stop until they finish the job."

"I have my own security team," I said, trying to reassure him. "They're the best in the world."