Chapter 112
"She'll come around, you know," Romano said softly, crossing the room to stand by her side.
"Jacqueline just needs time to process everything."
Penelope's gaze didn't rise, her voice shaking with the fatigue of years. "I just wanted to tell her… I wanted to tell her everything. How hard we fought to protect her, how much she meant to us, and why we had to keep the truth hidden."
Ariel inched closer, her face soft and comforting. "You did what you thought was best, Grandma Penelope. She will understand that one day.
"I hope so." Penelope's voice wasn't above a whisper, her tone heavy with regret that didn't need to be said. "I just hope she doesn't hate me for it."
Just then, a faint rustling came from the corner of the room; Romano whipped his head about. "Greta," he growled, squinting as he watched the figure stirred on the couch. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "Looks like she's waking up."
Greta opened her eyes, a haze in their depths as the figures before her swam into focus. She sat up when she saw Romano standing there, his arms folded and his expression cold, a glint of fear flashing through her eyes. Hastily she tried to compose herself, wiping away across a tear-streaked face.
"Romano… please," she whispered, her voice shakily desperate, "just give me a moment. I have to see Vincenzo, I have to—"
But Romano raised a silencing hand. "Greta, enough," he said, his voice cold and hard. "I've had quite enough of your begging. You aren't going to see Vincenzo, and quite frankly, you aren't staying here another minute."
Tears welled in Greta's eyes as her hands reached out imploringly. "Romano, please, do not do this to me! I have lost so much already. I need more time, please!
A sneer twisted Romano's lips. "You think you can worm your way back into this family? After everything you've done? You had your chance, Greta. I've already called some guys to come and take you out. And by the orders of the new Vincenzo, you're to move out of this house for good."
The words cut Greta like a slap, and her face crumpled, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "You. you can't do this. This is my home, my family!" She clutched at the edge of the couch, her shoulders shaking. "I have nowhere else to go, Romano!
Ariel shot a warning glance at Romano, but he didn't bat an eyelash. "That is no longer any of our concern, Greta. You lost your right to call this place your home a long time ago." He nodded toward the doorway, where two men dressed in dark suits entered, impassive faces waiting for his cue.
"Please," Greta sobbed, her voice cracking. "Romano… I'm begging you.
Romano's eyes were stone-hard, his tone even. "Take her out," he instructed as he nodded to the two men. Forthwith, they stepped forward, each firmly clamping one of Greta's arms.
"No!" Greta shrieked, writhing in their grasp. "Let me go! I just want to see my husband! Please!" She struggled against the men, her cries ringing around the room, but they held her fast and shifted her toward the doorway.
"Stop this!" she wailed, her voice frantic. "Romano, please! Have a heart!"
Romano regarded her with a look of disdain. "You made your choices, Greta. This is the result." He crossed his arms over his chest, his voice cold. "You think you can cry your way out of this? After everything you have done?
She kept begging, but her words fell on deaf ears as the men dragged her out of the room. Her wails slowly faded away as they dragged her down the hall, which now stood vacant and eerily silent in their wake. Romano turned to Ariel, in whose eyes shone a mixture of admiration and concern.
"Was that really necessary?" Ariel asked softly, raising an eyebrow.
Romano's lips twisted in a dry smile. "Sometimes, hard love is the only language some guys understand," he said, shrugged.
Just then, one of the men came back into the room, his face respectful but grave. "Sir, Bruno's been rushed to the hospital. He looked pretty badly shaken from… well, you know." He hesitated, looking at Penelope and Ariel before refocusing on Romano. "But he's stable."
Romano nodded reflectively. "Good. I'd say after everything he's put this family through, it's nothing less than what he deserves," he said dryly. "But let's keep him alive. I don't want him dead… yet."
Ariel arched an eyebrow. "You really do not forgive easily, huh?"
Romano chuckled darkly. "Forgiveness is a luxury I can ill afford. Besides, Greta and Bruno made their choices. I'm just making sure they face their consequences."
Penelope, who had hitherto been quiet, shook her head with a deep sigh. "I hurt at the war within the family," she muttered, throwing a sad glance at Romano. "I know you have your reasons, but remember, bitterness corrodes only the heart. Beware, Romano.
Romano shrugged, and for a moment, softness rippled in his eyes. "Appreciate the advice, Grandma Penelope. But right now, there's too much at stake."
Ariel leaned in, placing a soothing hand on his arm. "At least try to focus on the positives, Romano. You're doing what you believe is best for the family."
He gave a short nod, his face softening as he regarded her. "You're right. And with you by my side, I know I'm making the right decisions."
Ariel smiled, leaned into him, and for a moment, a warmth fell over the room, a rare peace amidst the storm that had torn through the family.
Just as they shared a moment of silence, Grandma Penelope cleared her throat. "Romano," she said firmly, drawing his gaze to her. "Jacqueline will come back. I know she will. She just needs time. And when she does, promise me you'll help her find peace."
Romano's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "I'll try, Grandma," he whispered. "For her, I'll try.
Ariel tightened his hand on his. "She'll come back, Romano. She loves this family. And maybe, with time, she'll be able to understand why we made the choices we did."
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