The Don's Trust

Chapter 26

The following day, Valentina ate breakfast at the kitchen island. Instead of her usual cup of tea, she opted for coffee. Hearing about Vito's past kept her awake at night. It was clear to her, his feelings about it were left unresolved. Like he put them in a box and never looked back.

The girl's thoughts on the matter couldn't be more spot on.

Not much later, Vito joined her for breakfast. They both remained silent, enjoying the calm of the morning. Valentina peeked a look at the man across her but only to find him looking at the wooden table in the living room. His stare fixed on what seemed like a piece of paper. She focused back on Vito who was now running a hand through his dark hair.

''Do you have time?'' He asked her.

''Yes, my morning classes were cancelled. So I don't start until one o'clock. Why?''

Vito told her he needed to show her something. He grabbed the photo, went back to her curious glances at him and handed the damaged piece over.

Valentina regarded the white lines on the glossy photo. Over time, it had been damaged from being folded over and over again. She took a closer look at the smiling couple and the little girl in the woman's arms. The couple's radiant smile carried over to Valentina. The man had a dark shade of brown hair and expressive grey eyes. As soon as Valentina took in the features of the woman, her lips fell into a flat line.

She looks like me

Valentina read the name written on the bottom right corner of the photograph.

Luchesse

Connecting the dots was easy.

''Are they...'' She drawled.

''Nicolas and Eleni. Your birth parents. Greg told me he found it after doing some digging up. I think your brother wanted it in case you ever found out and wanted to know more. Give you some answers.''

Her brother's sentiment brought made her teary. The strings at her heart were painfully tugging at it.

''Greg was always a little nosy, wasn't he.'' Valentina released a soft laugh.

Vito nodded in agreement, ''He was.''

Vito second-guessed his decision to give Valentina a picture of the past. Maybe he should have waited until Valentina came to him with more questions about her birth parents. Who was to say if the young woman in front of him even wanted to know about her origin? In some cases, learning about one's past might do more harm than good. It was unlike Vito to waver in his judgement.

No. This is for the better. It won't be long before Coleman tries to get in contact with her again. I'd rather give her answers about her parents than that cursed detective. The old man is like a thorn in my side, Vito thought and for the second time had his hand running through his hair.

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Before the professor even dismissed class, Valentina packed up her stuff. The words came in went through one ear and came out the other. The girl's mind was full of other thoughts. Not wanting to disturb the lecture, she left using the back door. Once she was outside, it didn't take long before she spotted Luke near the car. He seemed to be carefully surveying the area. Keeping an eye out on the people who entered and exited the college building. Valentina guessed it was another safety precaution. When Luke locked on to her, she waved at him with a smile.

''You're a tad earlier than I expected, Miss Armani.'' The blonde man commented with a surprised look.

Valentina lifted her shoulder, ''Ten minutes earlier than normal won't hurt. Oh, yes and I need to get some groceries.''

The two of them got in the black car and drove off to a nearby supermarket.

''I've always wondered, but do you get free time? In the sense of- I mean, do you ever get one or two weeks off from work?''

''I get days off but I prefer to not be away for too long.''

''Why do you say that?'' She asked Luke.

''I'm expendable. Anyway, we've arrived, Miss.''

Valentina and Luke stepped out of the vehicle. Luke's assessment of himself didn't sit right with Valentina. It made her bite the inside of her cheek.

''You're selling yourself short, Luke.'' She said with a disapproving look. ''And I think Vito would agree with me.'' Valentina winked, lifting Luke's spirit up.

When they entered the store, Valentina grabbed a shopping basket. Luke insisted on holding it for her but she refused. It wasn't after the two of them went back and forth, Valentina let him have his way.

Now, where is the sugar? I'm sure I saw it somewhere around here, Valentina covered her mouth before letting out a yawn.

There it is! She got on one knee and got a pack of brown sugar.

Valentina dropped her last grocery item in the shopping basket and went with Luke to the cashier. After paying for everything, they went back to the car. While Luke put the bag filled with groceries in the trunk, Valentina opened the door to the passenger seat. Her movement stopped at the sound of her ringtone. She reached in her jacket to get her phone and answered Lilly's call.

''Valentina, I'm- I don't know if I-'' Her friend's speech was rushed.

Valentina didn't say a word. Taken aback. The other side of the phone call was eerily silent. Suddenly, all there was to be heard were hiccups.

''Lilly,'' Concern clear in Valentina's voice, ''Are you crying?''

Even though Valentina couldn't see her, Lilly gave a shaky nod.

It took Lilly a few seconds before she found her voice again, ''I need to know if what I did was right. Valentina, would you have hidden the truth if it meant saving someone? But that someone you are saving did something bad.'''

Lilly's question made her think of Vito. More specifically, her feelings toward him. The man she loved sinned every day.

''I would.''

Where is she going with this? What did you do, Lilly?

''You would?''

She sounds unsatisfied and disappointed with my answer. It shouldn't surprise me. Lilly always wants to do the righteous thing.

''Yes, I would. I don't think you'll get the answer you want to hear if you ask me. But what happened? If you need to talk, you know I'm here.''

''I can't. I'm not allowed to. I did the right thing.'' Lilly said the last part in a hushed tone.