Luciano Fierri [Book #3]

Chapter 24

My mouth watered at the sight of a traditional Sicilian dish I haven't had in a long time. Spaghetti ai ricci. After grace was said, I didn't hold back. I shoved forkful after forkful of the noodled pasta into my mouth.

When I felt everyone's eyes on me, I slowed down, swallowing the last bit of spaghetti that was in my mouth. "Mi dispiace(I'm sorry). Was I being rude?"

"No, not at all mia cara(my dear). It's just..." My mother began to tear up. "I can't believe you're here. You don't know how long I've waited and prayed for this moment."

I was starting to tear up too, because I felt exactly the same way. It was them that gave me hope and kept me alive, along with my father. I still have the sapphire birthstone necklace my padre gave me.

Viola and Vivian were also still wearing their necklace. Viola had the amethyst birthstone, while Vivian had the ruby birthstone. They shined brightly as a reminder that our father would always be there for us.

I caressed the sapphire birthstone with one hand, setting down the fork and wiping the tears from my eyes with the other.

"We really missed you Val." Viola said with a sniffle. "I even named my daughter after you."

"You have a family?" I questioned.

"Sì(yes)." She lifted her hand to show me the diamond ring on her finger that I hadn't noticed before. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry that seemed to sit rather heavy on her manicured hand. "Marcos and I have two children together. Valeria is four and Caterina just turned six months."

"Are you married as well, Viv?"

She nodded. "I got married a year ago." She showed me her ring. Although very different, the beauty was just as extravant as the one on Viola's finger. "His name is Julian." Her face lit up, her eyes sparkling and her smile bright. "I met him a few years ago when I was studying to become a neuroscientist at the time. We don't have children yet, but plan to very soon."

"Wow. I'm so happy for you both." I was glad they were able to find happiness and live a normal life despite everything. "It seems I've missed out on quite a lot."

The room grew quiet, awkward. I didn't want to do admit it, but I was a little jealous. They've gotten the life I've only ever dreamed of since I was a child. Love, success, kids. I would have had what they had if it weren't for my husband stealing it from me.

My hand dropped from my necklace, and I balled my hand into a fist under the table. I glanced over at Luciano when I felt his hand fold over mind. I unclenched my fist, intertwining my fingers with his. He smiled and I returned the gesture, feeling a little better about everything.

"I'd like for you to come by some time, meet Marcos and the kids," Viola said, breaking the silence.

"As would I," Vivian chimed in.

My smile reached my eyes. "I would love that," I replied back with a single head nod.

After dinner, we spent the rest of the evening catching up. We all talked, cried, and even laughed. It was great to be back in the comfort of my family.

I decided not to tell them about my time with Pescatore. I knew it would make them feel guilty for living their own lives, while I was going through absolute hell. It's not like they could have done anything anyway. Pescatore would have killed them if they even attempted to get in contact with me.

It's why I had to ditch the phone I had. The only number I had was my husband's, and if I called, or texted anyone other than him he would know.

"So?" Viola said, nudging my shoulder with her elbow. "How's everything with Luciano?"