Chapter 34: In Which There Is A Death Anniversary

A month passed since the whole Italy dramatics and Isla's leg was all nicely healed up. She had started climbing down that tree again but it did not settle well with Alexander at all, hence, he had built her a rope ladder-like one on tree houses. The tree was thick and green enough to nicely hide the rolled up ladder and when she needed to come down she'd easily roll it down and once she was down all she needed to do was pull the rope that was camouflaged as a vine and roll it back up with ease.

She was so impressed that she had given him a pretty damn passionate make out session which turned into something more steamy later on she found the builder side of him very hot.

Currently, Alexander was watching Isla while she slept on him, he did that often since he usually woke up earlier than her and She was always a sight to behold with her red cheeks all squished against his chest.

He couldn't help hist but place a kiss on her head and gently ran a hand along her soft cheek.

That little contact had her stirring and mumbling incoherent words before her eyes fluttered open only half way as she placed her chin on his chest and peered up at him.

"Good morning" She mumbled out and Alexander answered it with a kiss to the back of her hand.

She buried her face back in him and let out a sad long sigh.

"You okay?" he questioned and she just shrugged.

" What does that mean?" he asked.

"Just peachy" She mumbled, her face set in a town which was very unlike her.

"Why? what's wrong? you feeling okay" he instantly got worried like a mother her.

"I am feeling just fine, it's just umm today it's... My mother's death anniversary" she told him and his brows raised in surprise at the information.

Everyone knew how Emily Gambino had died in a brutal shoot out ten years ago. No one in the estate ever brought it up but everyone knew.

"Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry baby, what can I do?" He asked holding her closer and she let out a sigh.

"Will you drive me to her grade? I go every year but I don't wanna take the whole security team there, I want a private moment" she said.

"Definitely, anything. When would you like to go?" He asked running his fingers through her silky strands.

"It's seven already, I'll get ready and then we can go" she replied pulling herself from him and shivering at the loss of his warmth but nonetheless getting up.

"Alright sweetheart, I'll walk you back, you get ready and I'll meet you out front in thirty, how does that sound?" He placed a tender kiss on her lips before helping her dress and heading out back to the main mansion.




Isla put on her black form fitted dress with the lace sleeves and not bother doing anything with her naturally pin straight black hair except brushing them letting them fall to her waist before putting on her black heels.

She didn't bother with any make up either except some flavored chapstick since it was Winters and the weather was dry.

Isla's heart was heavy with sadness, this day always took a toll on her but she stayed strong for the time being.

She walked out the door and just as he had said, Alexander stood there in a crisp black suit smelling like fresh after shave and his usual light but intoxicating cologne, the smell of it, the smell of him, made her relax.

Sometimes Isla thought that Alexander was like her mates like in the fantasy novels and werewolf books she read, she felt agitated whenever he was away from her, she couldn't get enough of him when he was near and the way he smelled, it was like home as cheesy as it sounded and it made her feel at ease.

She shook her head clear of those thoughts as they started walking downstairs to head out.

She halted in her steps when she saw her father in the lounge passing towards his study, he too stopped at the sight of her. He looked disheveled.

"I am umm... heading out to Mom's grave" she said feeling a need to say something, a lump forming in her throat but she gulped it down.

Richard only nodded curtly before saying "Take guards with you"

"Umm... Actually, I wanna be alone, not too many guards. Alexander said he'd be okay to drive me" she said and Richard looked unsure but he decided to cut her some slack for the day.

"Okay, get her there safely and don't be out too long" was all he said before continuing to walk back to his study.

She looked at Alexander for a moment and he offered her a small smile before they continued their way out.

There was a bullet proof Audi already waiting out front and Isla seized the opportunity of no one else being around and sitting in the passenger seat as Alexander took the driver's seat. He didn't comment on it.

He kicked up the engine and raced out of the driveway. He had always been a fast driver but always a safe one, plus, Isla didn't seem to mind.

He had gotten the address set on the GPS and it was two and a half hour long drive to the graveyard.

"You wanna talk about it?" He asked looking at how solemn she looked.

"Umm... Okay," she agreed, she never had anyone to talk to about her mother's death considering the only other family she had was her father and he didn't like talking about it either.

"What was she like?" Alexander asked.

"She was like me, she was my best friend. I got everything except my hair from her. We used to spend hours and hours reading in the library in silence, I used to lay in her lap, and sometimes instead of reading myself I used to make her read to me and we'd both fall asleep on the couch in the library. My dad was a lot more affectionate back then so he'd carry mom and I back to bed whenever we used to fall asleep in the library, it was like magic when I used to wake up in my own bed after sleeping in the library. We even shared my passion for baking, she taught me so much and my favorite part was making the pink frosting which is halfway into making eat. She was beautiful with her red hair and her smile was like magic too, it made me smile as well, it was contagious. I was only eleven when she died during a shoot out, my dad had taken her out on a date and a cartel started shooting at them, I wasn't there so I don't know many details but I do remember the sorrow, grief and I don't think it will ever go away especially because she didn't deserve any of it, she was a good person" Isla hadn't realized she was sobbing at the end as she wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

She felt as if a weight was off of her shoulders and she could breathe a little better. It felt good to talk about it with someone, to let it out as heartbreaking as it was.

"Isla love, I am so sorry. She sounds like a lovely person and she seemed to love you a lot. All I can say is that shed wants you to be happy, so do that for her" he said taking a hold of her delicate hand and placing her knuckles to his lips, holding it there for a few moments.

Isla nodded with a small smile as she sniffled.

After a nice drive in comfortable silence, they were finally stopping at the cemetery.

Alexander parked the car at the curb and quickly got out before helping Isla out as well.

"You want me to wait here?" He asked.

"No, I wanna introduce you to mom so come with me" she said making Alexander smile.

She was perfect.

She got ahold of his hand and started walking by and in hand towards her mother's grave.

Sure didn't feel like crying anymore in fact she felt at ease and happy that Alexander was here with her now she'll introduce him to her mother as well.

They stopped in front of a grave with fresh roses kept around and a hold tombstone reading 'Here lies Emily Gambino, a loving wife, and mother, may her soul rest in peace'

Alexander squeezed Isla's hand in reassurance and she let out a sigh before letting a genuine smile Grace her face.

"Hey Mom, it's nice to see you. I didn't come alone today you know, believe it or not, I brought my boyfriend. This is Alexander and he is so great and I am so glad that he is my man" she talked as she placed the big bouquet of roses of different colors that shed brought with her down with the others.

Alexander didn't know what to say or do so he just awkwardly said a "hello ma'am". Isla didn't seem to mind.

"He is amazing mom, he makes me so happy. I wish you could meet him in person but regardless, I am glad I could introduce you guys" she said as she leaned against Alexander who wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head.


After spending some more time at the grave they were now headed back to the estate, Isla felt a lot lighter and actually happy as she had a small smile on her face.

That serenity was wiped off pretty quick when suddenly loud familiar sound of gunshots against the car.