Page 2 of Forsaken Promises
His fingers find my most sensitive spot, circling in time with his movements until ecstasy crashes over me in waves. I cry out his name, my body shuddering with intense pleasure. He follows me over the edge, finding his own release as I pulse around him, still lost in the throes of my climax.
We stay wrapped in each other’s arms as we float down from that perfect high, trading soft kisses and words of love and devotion. In this moment, nothing exists but Dominico and me.
My love. My future husband.
Nothing will ever tear us apart.
1
SOFIA
My sisters and I file into Papa’s opulent study, our footsteps muffled by the plush Persian rug covering the gleaming marble floor. The room is a testament to his power and wealth, with its soaring coffered ceiling, walls paneled in rich mahogany, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with leather-bound volumes.
A massive fireplace of carved marble dominates one wall, the Marino family crest proudly displayed above the mantel. Papa’s imposing desk of polished mahogany is situated in front of the arched windows draped in heavy velvet, the panes overlooking the manicured grounds of our estate.
At twenty-one, I'm the eldest, and I lead the way, followed by Bianca, Chiara, and Mia. We rarely gather here unless Papa has something momentous to discuss. A sense of foreboding hangs heavily in the air.
Our father—the Don of the Marino Family—sits behind his massive mahogany desk in a high-backed leather chair, Mama at his side in an equally regal seat, clutching his hand in both of hers. Lines of strain mark Papa’s distinguished face, and Mama’s eyes are red-rimmed as if she’d been crying.
We take our usual armchairs arranged before the desk, waiting for our father to speak.
He clears his throat gruffly, his voice echoing in the cavernous space.
“My girls, I have terrible news to share with you today. I’ve been to see the doctor and…” His words catch. Mama squeezes his hand supportively, the light catching on the dazzling diamond of her engagement ring. “I’ve been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is not good. I likely only have a few months left to live.”
Shocked silence fills the room for a long, horrible moment. Then all four of us burst into tears, leaping up to rush to Papa’s side.
“Papa, no! It can’t be true!” Mia, the youngest, sobs as she flings her arms around him.
“I’m so sorry, my darlings,” Papa says hoarsely, embracing us each in term. “If I could spare you this pain, I would.”
“Isn’t there anything the doctors can do?” Bianca demands through her tears. “Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation? Something,anything!”
Papa shakes his head sadly. “It’s too far advanced. Treatment would only prolong the inevitable and rob me of what little time I have left.”
Mama wipes at her damp cheeks, drawing a shuddering breath. “We have to be strong now, for your father. We must make the most of our time together as a family.”
“Your mother is right,” Papa agrees. “But I would be remiss not to make provisions for your futures as well. When I am gone, I fear the suitors and scoundrels I’ve kept at bay all these years will come circling like vultures, vying for your hands in marriage, seeking to take advantage. The thought of our family being torn apart…”
“We won’t let that happen, Papa,” I vow fiercely. “Our family is strong. We’ll protect each other, just like you’ve always protected us.”
“Of course we will,” Chiara agrees. “No one will ever come between us.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Papa says. “Nevertheless, your mother and I have come up with a plan to ensure your well-being after I’m gone.”
Papa takes a deep breath, his eyes misty as he looks at each of us in turn. “My darling girls, I have always done my best to protect you, to shield you from the harshness and cruelty of the world. And now, I must safeguard your futures, even when I am no longer here to watch over you myself.”
Mama dabs at her eyes with a lace-trimmed handkerchief, her lips trembling.
“I know it may seem old-fashioned, even unfair,” Papa continues, his voice rough with emotion, “but I believe the best way to ensure your well-being and keep our family strong is to find each of you a suitable husband, a good man from a respectable family who will love you, protect you, and provide for you in the manner you deserve.”
Fresh tears course down my cheeks at his words, my heart aching. Beside me, Mia sniffles and Chiara lets out a quiet sob.
“I don’t want you to think of this as a punishment or a cage,” Papa says. “I want you to be happy, to find love and companionship. I will do my utmost to find men I believe will be good matches for each of you.”
“Oh, Papa,” Bianca whispers, her voice choked. “We know you only want what’s best for us.”
He smiles at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “My dearest hope is that I will have the strength and time to walk each of you down the aisle. To place your hands in those of the men I have chosen and know your futures will be secure, even when I am gone. It would mean… everything to me.”
