My First, My Last, My Everything

Chapter 39

Gabriella

As soon as I exited the elevator in my penthouse, I made a beeline for the kitchen. I swung open the fridge and retrieved the half-empty bottle of red wine.

I'm seething with anger right now, and on the drove back home, the only thing that crossed my mind was the idea of pouring myself a glass of wine. It's the only solace that comes to mind, something to help calm me down.

After pouring a glass and taking a sip, I let out an audible sigh before setting the glass back on the counter.

How could they all do this to me?

Suddenly, my phone erupted in noisy vibrations from my bag. I grabbed it hastily, finding a message from Anthony.

Amongst his messages were several unread texts, missed calls, and voicemails. I hadn't checked them because I had set my phone to vibrate earlier when I was at the main house.

Stuffing my phone back into my bag, tears welled up and overflowed from my eyes.

What am I supposed to do now?

Most importantly, what do I tell Anthony when he comes back?

How do I even think about ending things with Anthony when we've only just begun?

For years, I've believed I could tackle any challenge that came my way. Yet, here I am, struggling with my own thoughts in this lonely empty room, completely alone.

I never anticipated winding up in such a situation, dealing with the aftermath all by myself.

What the fuck do I do now?

The elevator door slid open, snapping me to attention. I straightened up, wiped my tears off, and turned my head to identify the newcomer.

Didn't I make it clear to them I wanted to be left alone?

Exiting the kitchen, my steps halted when I saw who had entered.

Anthony?

"Why are you here?" I questioned him, my confusion evident.

He closed the gap between us swiftly, wrapping his arms around me in a hug. I hesitated before hugging him back, letting out a resigned sigh.

He stepped back slightly, holding my face with genuine concern.

"Thank goodness you're alright. I was worried something had happened to you," he expressed, his worry palpable.

"Why would you think that? Nothing bad could really happen to me," I responded with a nod.

"Yeah, I know that. But I've been trying to reach you all day. Your phone was silent. I sent texts, left voicemails, and even flew back immediately because I was worried sick about you. What's going on?"

I let out another sigh, distancing myself from him and running my fingers through my hair.

"What happened in Italy?" I quickly diverted, my concern mixing with curiosity.

"Forget about it. Everything is done," he assured me, his gaze locked onto mine.

"My parents know about us," I blurted out, watching his expression shift from surprise to confusion.

"What? How?" I averted my gaze, pacing the room as I continued.

"The twins found out about our date from yesterday, so they dug around and found out about our relationship that started in college. They took pictures and everything and they showed it to my parents." He closed his eyes for a brief moment, his jaw clenching.

"Okay, let's take a moment to think right now. What do you think we should do about it?"

I shrugged, turning to face him and blinking back my tears.

"We're pretty much out of options, Anthony." His eyes snapped back to mine, a frown marring his features.

"You're not seriously considering ending our relationship now, are you? I thought we were going to stand together and make our parents understand." His tone held a hint of anger.

"I tried, believe me I really did, but there's nothing left I can do to make them see our perspective. I'm sorry, Anthony... this seems to be our only choice."

He glared at me suddenly.

"Don't feed me that bullshit. This seems like a decision you've made on your own. There's more to the story, isn't it? Did they force you to do this? What do they have against you? Tell me, and I'll take care of it. "

Tears streamed down my face, my gaze dropping to the floor.

"No, it's just..."

"Well, what is it? Because I know you better than that. You wouldn't give up on us unless they pushed you to. So what are they really holding against you?"

He raised his voice, and I met his gaze, finally deciding to reveal the truth.

"My father threatened to strip me of my title and let the twins take over if I don't break up with you." He stared at me, his gaze turning intense.

"I've done everything I can, Anthony. I truly tried, but... there's no other way out. I'm sorry."

He began to nod, then looked down.

"No, you just didn't try hard enough. If you had, you'd be willing to give up everything for both our sake. Just as I would for you. But even after all these years, you would still choose your position, your title, over us."

"I had no choice!"

"You did have a choice. You chose your title over us. The one thing you love more than me and don't you fucking deny it."

I frowned, my eyes welling up with tears.

"That is not true, and you know it." He smirked bitterly at me.

"It is true, you just don't wanna admit it out loud. But fine, if that title means so much to you more than what we have, then keep it. But I'm not gonna let you get away with the chance to end things with me. It's going to be the opposite."

He turned toward the elevator, and I followed behind.

"Anthony, please try to understand!" He spun around to face me, causing me to halt.

"Understand? You want me to understand why you're giving up on us when we just finally got back together after four years? No, fuck you and your excuses. I should've seen it coming but you made me believe that we actually had a chance to fight for us against our families, but of course I was wrong. We're done here."

He stepped into the elevator and left without looking back.

My legs gave way, and I crumpled onto the cool tiled floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

It's rare for me to break down like this, and it feels like my heart has shattered into countless pieces, irreparable.

Because I've lost the man I love. Again.

This time, though, it feels like I've lost him forever.