Faith [Donati Clan #1] [Complete]

Chapter 10

DAHLIA

Time seemed to pass slower as I sat in this four-wall bedroom. Usually, at this time, I would be working at the diner earning the little money I could. However, now it wasn't an option.

Building courage, I exited the bedroom into a lonely corridor with hung landscapes of places that I have never seen before.

Slowly, I made my way through the grand stairs and I noticed how quiet the house. Although I was a little frightened, I saw an open door to some greenery. Looking around, still, I saw no one.

Small steps were taken to that supposed door and I saw how beautiful the garden was. The fresh air glided around my face and I felt light as a feather. Worries now left behind, I stepped outside with a smile.

Different colours of flowers surrounded the pathway making me smile bright. Crouching down, I touched one of the flowers lightly. Scientists say that flowers can feel, I wondered if they could feel my touch, my love.

A voice interrupted, "You didn't wear the ring."

Looking away from the delicate flower, I saw the man that haunted me. The stoic face gave no indication if his words were out of anger or surprise.

However, my instinct was to look at my left hand, where the ring had to be.

Facing him once again, I said, "I didn't."

Squinting his eyes, he asked, "And what should I understand from this?"

I wanted to say to stop forcing me, but he was the monster and he could do anything.

Taking a deep breath after standing up, I uttered in fear, "I forgot."

Looking into my eyes for a long time, he finally decided to reach something from his pocket. My gaze following his movements to find the ring on the black box.

He said, "Good thing that I got it from the room."

I started, "How--"

He continued while his dark eyes stared at my soul, "You seem to forget this is my house and I know everything that happens inside of it."

Silence filled but not for long, as he uttered, "Dahlia, you don't have a choice. Wear the ring."

An order that would seal my fate.

Looking at the beautiful ring again, I understood how incomplete I was. I was bound by other people's ideas and orders, while I just stayed quiet. I wanted to break free, but this man didn't let me.

Time was running out.

He noticed my intense gaze at the ring, and he said, "You saw too much, Dahlia. You are lucky that you didn't end up dead, others do. I suggest you wear the ring."

Something seemed to ignite deep inside of me as I dared, "What if I don't want to?"

His patience running out but remained cooled, "I could have given you false hopes or promises, but I didn't. I will give my word that if you stand by me, I will protect you."

I asked, "How can I trust you?"

He uttered, "The same way that I will trust you."

Blindly.

A tear slipped without my permission as I said, unable to understand anything, "Why me?"

He continued, "Wrong time, wrong place."

My orbs looked at the ring box in front of me and my imaginary options. There was nothing to decide, either it was him or my illness. As much I wanted to evaporate, I still wanted to live. I wanted to cling so badly for that ending that I had hoped for since I was young.

A simple happily ever after.

No, I wanted it all, but I couldn't...

After wiping the tear that had slipped, I took the ring out of the box and before I could put it on my finger and seal my fate, he took it from my hands. My orbs followed his intense gaze on the ring. He took my weak hand gently and put the ring on my finger.

He whispered, after looking at the ring in the rightful place, "You belong to me, Dahlia. Your problems now belong to me. I mean it."

And for a dark moment, I believed him.

Gaze now glassy, I stared into his dark eyes with a different emotion. Those simple words made my shoulders feeling light like someone had taken everything bad from me and left the good things.

He told me that he wouldn't make unrealistic promises, but his eyes told a different story. Deep down, I knew that he was whispering sweet nothings to me.

But I was dying, who would care? Definitely, not him.

I stopped fighting because I had nothing in me anymore. Letting go of my walls, I asked instead, "What is your name?"

Silence filled.

Still, his orbs spoke volumes giving a glimpse of something, but disguised his true emotions. Eventually, he answered, "Matteo."

I echoed, "Matteo."

Looking at me one last time, he turned around and walked away, while I stood on the open area of his garden. Now alone, I realised that the wedding would never happen, because, by that time, my tumour would have won over.

There was no need to fight him or anyone any longer.

No more silver lining, only acceptance. 

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Author's note:

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