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“That would be nice.” I smiled back at her. She gave my hand a small squeeze before I watched her retreat from the room.
My mother was nervous and likely needing a moment to collect herself before facing the man she hadn’t seen in over twenty-five years.
“We should get you to the clinic first.” Damiano urged.
“I know, but I need to do this first. I know it’s going to be bad news, but to have it confirmed… I don’t think I will be able to have this conversation after.” I sighed. For now, I could pretend everything was fine with me.
“Are you sure?” Damiano’s eyes narrowed with concern as he studied my face.
“I am, but you should rest, Damiano. You look tired.” I said with worry.
“Are you saying I look like shit?” He raised a brow.
“Just a little.” I bit back a smile when he clicked his tongue at me.
Alexei and Nestor were still by the car, waiting patiently. I took a deep breath and approached him alone, with the others keeping a watchful eye.
I stood in front of him, feeling a bit awkward after learning who he truly was to me.
“Are you okay?” Alexei asked, surprising me with his gentle tone.
“I... Well, I don’t know.” I replied truthfully. My thoughts were scattered, and I was doing my best to push through the turmoil. “It turns out she’s alive.” I decided to say with a forced chuckle.
Alexei and Nestor remained silent, their gazes fixed on my troubled expression.
“Follow me.” I told them and went back to the house with them close behind. This time, Antonio and Giovanni followed inside as well.
My mother was in the living room, her back to us as she gazed out of the floor-length window. She turned around when she heard us enter, her eyes immediately locking onto Alexei. Neither of them spoke for a long while, both simply watching each other.
Alexei was stunned at the sight of her. He had likely given up hope of ever seeing her again a long time ago, and now she stood before him for the first time in many years.
Then, his eyes turned icy cold, and he shot her a menacing glare.
“You damned woman!” And he pulled out his gun.
Well, shit.
one hundred twenty-two
Althaia
As soon as Alexei drew his gun, Damiano pulled me behind him, and his men followed suit, fingers on the triggers and ready to fire. Before any shots could be fired, Nestor quickly pushed Alexei aside, and a knife narrowly missed Alexei’s head.
Surprised and confused, everyone turned to look in the direction from which the knife had come. My mother had her brows pinched with her gaze locked on Alexei, ready with another knife in her hand.
“Did you forget how she loved to do that to you?” Nestor sighed at Alexei, though his attention remained fixed on my mother, his expression filled with anger.
“Seems like her aim is off.” Alexei sneered.
“It’s not off; it was simply a warning. I got you once, and I can do it again.” My mother spoke calmly.
I gaped in shock as I watched the tense standoff between them — my... parents.
“Okay, let’s all just take a moment to calm down.” I said and moved around Damiano to face both Alexei and my mother. Damiano stopped me, but I assured him I would be fine. I doubted they would do anything if I stood in between them. “Let’s try to be normal, civilized people for a moment and lower your weapons.” I suggested carefully.
“Stay out of it. This is between your mother and me.” Alexei hissed, his gaze never leaving my mother.
“Don’t talk to my daughter like that!” My mother snapped at him, and her words only further fueled Alexei’s rage.
