Page 53 of Forsaken Promises
I feel a flicker of unease at the gravity of the task, but I push it down. This is what I wanted, what I asked for. A chance to prove myself, to show that I have what it takes to lead.
“I'll handle it,” I say, my voice steady and resolute. “You can count on me, Father.”
He hands me the paper, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “See that you do, Dominico. The future of our Family rests on your shoulders now. Don't let me down.”
I nod, folding the paper and tucking it into my pocket. “I won't. I swear it.”
With a final nod of dismissal, my father returns to his work, and I take my leave.
As I step out into the hallway, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation churning in my gut. This is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for. The chance to prove myself, to show that I’m more than just the reckless, irresponsible playboy everyone thinks I am.
I will do this for my Family, for our future.
And for the man I know I can be, the leader I was always meant to become.
With a deep breath and a sense of purpose, I head out to face my first true test as the heir to the Sicura empire.
Ready to take on whatever the world throws my way.
And ready to make my father, and Sofia, proud.
25
SOFIA
Iwake up slowly, my body still deliciously sore and sated from last night’s passionate sex. As I stretch languidly, I reach out for him, expecting to feel the warmth of his body next to mine. But my hand encounters only cold, empty sheets.
I frown, a pang of disappointment and confusion washing over me. I have a vague memory of Dom saying something to me earlier, his voice soft and apologetic, but I was too lost in the haze of sleep to fully register his words.
With a sigh, I drag myself out of bed, getting dressed and ready for the day. As I make my way downstairs, I can’t shake the feeling of unease that settles in the pit of my stomach. It’s strange not to have Dom by my side, especially after the intimacy and closeness we rediscovered last night.
Lost in my thoughts, I almost collide with my father-in-law as I enter the main hallway. Don Sicura looks up from his papers, his brows raising slightly at the sight of me.
“Sofia,” he greets, his tone gruff and businesslike as always. “I trust you slept well?”
I nod, trying to muster a polite smile. “I did, thank you. But I was wondering if you might know where Dom is? He was gone when I woke up this morning.”
Don Sicura studies me, his expression inscrutable. “Dominico is out handling some business for me. I wouldn’t expect to see him for the rest of the day.”
His words are short and clipped, leaving no room for further questioning. I feel a flicker of annoyance at his dismissive tone, at the way he seems to expect me to simply accept Dom’s absence without explanation.
But I know better than to push the issue. It’s been ingrained in me to always accept what the Boss says and to pick your battles carefully if you want to argue.
“I see,” I say, my voice carefully neutral. “Well, in that case, I think I might go visit my family today. With my father’s health being what it is…”
I trail off, a lump forming in my throat at the thought of my father’s declining condition. Every moment with him feels precious now, like a grain of sand slipping through an hourglass.
Don Sicura nods, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. “Of course. Family is important, especially in times like these. Give your father my regards.”
I murmur my thanks, grateful for even this small show of understanding from my usually stoic father-in-law. As I gather my things and head out to the car, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief at the prospect of spending time with my own family again.
There’s a part of me that will always belong to the Marinos, a part of me that craves the warmth and love and unconditional acceptance that I’ve always found in my parents’ home.
And with my father’s time running short, I know I need to cherish every moment I have left with him, to let him know how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he’s done.
Because soon, too soon… he’ll be gone.
Nope, I can’t go down that road right now.
