HER LIFE

The Meeting

The meeting room, with its cold, corporate air and spotless surfaces. Now, it's time to make a stand. You arranged this meeting, not to beg for help, but to deliver a message—a warning.
As the door opens, Marcella and Massimo walk in. The tension in the room thickens immediately. They've known you long enough to understand that this isn't going to be a friendly reunion. Marcella, with her sharp gaze and meticulously styled hair, moves with a confidence that matches yours. Massimo, a hulking figure of quiet strength, closes the door behind them, his eyes never leaving your face."Valentina," Marcella says, her voice a mix of concern and caution. "It's been a while."You lean back in your chair, crossing your arms over your chest. "It has. But let's skip the small talk. You know why I called you here."Massimo takes a step closer, his expression hardening. "We've been looking for you. Your family—""Is not my family," you cut him off, your voice cold as ice. "They gave up that right a long time ago. I've got no interest in their affairs, and I sure as hell don't need them searching for me."Marcella exchanges a glance with Massimo before stepping forward. "Andrew is a wreck, Valentina. He's been tearing the world apart trying to find you. Your other brothers are not better-""I don't care what Andrew thinks," you snap, your voice sharp and unforgiving. "He's the one who abandoned me when I needed him most. All of them did. So you can tell him to stop wasting his time and everyone else's."

Marcella takes a deep breath, clearly trying to stay calm. "Valentina, we didn't come here to fight. We're worried about you. The Italian Mafia, the Russians—everyone's on edge because of what's been happening. You disappearing, the chaos it's caused—it's dangerous for all of us."You stand up, the chair scraping loudly against the floor, and take a step closer to them. "I didn't disappear to cause chaos. I disappeared to get away from all of this—from the lies, the betrayal, the manipulation. I don't need your protection, and I don't need your concern. What I need is for everyone to back off. Tell Andrew, tell the whole damn family—they need to stop looking for me. If they don't, the next time they see me won't be a happy reunion."Massimo's eyes narrow, and you can see the conflict in his gaze. He's always been the one who tries to find common ground, but you're not interested in compromise. Marcella, however, is less willing to back down."And if we don't?" she asks, her voice challenging.You smile, but there's no warmth in it. "Then I'll make sure everyone knows exactly where I stand. And I won't be alone. I've made my own alliances, and trust me, they're not as forgiving as I am."
Massimo, who's been quietly watching you, finally speaks. "You've always been stubborn," he says with a small, rueful smile. "But we've got history, Val. We've been through too much to just walk away now."

You can't help but smile at that, a genuine, if bittersweet, expression. "I know. And that's why I wanted to talk to you both in person. You're not just... part of the past I'm trying to escape. You're my friends. But my decision is final. I can't go back to that life."

Marcella's eyes soften, and she steps closer, her voice filled with quiet intensity. "We've been worried sick about you.  we just want you safe."You step toward her, and for a moment, the cold, hard shell you've built around yourself starts to crack. "I'm sorry I made you worry," you say, your voice gentler now. "But you have to trust me when I say that this is what I need. I need to be away from all of it. And I need you both to let me be."

As Marcella and Massimo head towards the door, the air between you all hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. You've always been good at saying what needs to be said, but now, with them about to leave, you feel an inexplicable pull—something isn't right.

Just as they reach for the door handle, you call out, your voice unexpectedly tense. "Marcella, Massimo... wait."

They both turn back to you, confusion flickering in their eyes. You step forward, your instincts screaming at you, though you're not sure why. "Before you go, there's something I need you to know," you say, the words tumbling out before you can stop them.