Book two of 'The Vengeance Duology'
Five years ago, the lads and I made the biggest mistake of our lives-a reckless decision that shattered everything.
We destroyed what mattered most, but my deepest regret is how much I hurt her.
Every moment of pa...
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I walk off stage, my heart still pounding from the speech. The applause lingers in the air as I make my way down, and I'm met halfway by Jacques. He pulls me into a warm hug, his arms wrapping tightly around me.
"Good speech, princess. I'm proud of you," he murmurs against my ear.
I smile, feeling the weight of his words. As he pulls away, I spot Nicco and Gio approaching, both of them wearing matching grins.
"I know you're mad at us," Nicco starts, his eyes softening.
"But we are so proud of you," Gio finishes, his smile full of sincerity.
I try to suppress a small smile but fail. Their words warm me in a way I didn't expect. "Thank you," I whisper.
Nicco leans in, mischief dancing in his eyes. "We also have a surprise for you."
I furrow my brows, confused. "A surprise?"
Before I can ask what it is, I hear a familiar voice call out from behind me, a voice I hadn't expected to hear tonight.
"Stellina!"
My heart skips a beat. I spin around so fast it feels like the world blurs for a second. And there he is—my dad, standing just a few feet away with his arms open, the warmth of his presence like a long-lost comfort.
"Dad!" I squeal, running up to him.
He pulls me into a hug, strong and secure, and for the first time tonight, I feel a tear slip down my cheek. "I thought you said you couldn't make it," I whisper, my voice catching.
"The boys had a jet sent over this morning when I told them I couldn't make it because of business. They got in touch with my associates and rescheduled everything." He pulls back slightly, his eyes twinkling with affection.
I glance over at Nicco and Gio, my heart swelling with gratitude. They did this. They brought him here.
"I'm so proud of you and everything you've achieved," my dad says, his voice full of warmth and pride.
I pull away from his embrace, still holding onto the moment as Nicco and Gio make their way over. I pause for a second, smirk, and roll my eyes playfully.
"Come here, you two," I say, giving in.
Without hesitation, I pull them both into a hug. They don't think twice, wrapping their arms around me, squeezing me in that tight, brotherly way that's both comforting and slightly suffocating... No very suffocating
"This doesn't mean I'm still not unbelievably angry at you all," I whisper to them, my voice low but firm, while still holding onto the hug.
"We know," Nicco whispers back, his voice carrying a hint of guilt.
"But we'll make it right," Gio adds quietly, giving me one final squeeze before loosening his grip.
I pull back slightly, locking eyes with each of them. "You better," I say, raising an eyebrow, though a small smile tugs at the corner of my lips.
