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“Have you named her?”
“Yes, her name is Ava.”
“Bella. She’s as gorgeous as her mother. Will you return to Naples?”
“I don’t know what I plan to do.”
Marcello nodded. “I understand. It pained me greatly to send my brother, his wife, and son, to the Americas. Now I have no one left here.”
“Their lives were in danger. You did what you must.”
It was the truth. He understood the other Don’s choice. His twin brother and his family were safer in America. Giuseppe hadn’t known of Alessia’s adopted relation because of all the name changes to protect them.
She was never given their last name. Rumor was she was the child of Marcello’s uncle, taken in by his father and mother.
Furrowing his brows, Giuseppe started to truly think of what to do next. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. He and Alessia had moved to the country to live a quiet life, on the land Marcello had given them as a wedding gift—something not many knew.
Giuseppe had seen too much war, too much death in his life. He wanted a taste of the simpler things. The farm had treated their union well until that day.
At first, he thought he’d expand the business into the States. Alessia talked of wanting to go to America. He sent Riccardo to get a feel for the country and the opportunity there.
It was also his way of separating Riccardo’s ambition from what meant most to him. Riccardo had too many questions about Alessia. Giuseppe nor Marcello wanted the knowledge of their relationship known to others.
It was all a part of their plan once the knowledge was discovered by Don Di Lorenzo. The two families stood to gain from the connection. Somewhere down the line, the two families were connected and had strong ties to the Cipriani family, the second strongest of the Five Families.
Something Giuseppe felt Riccardo didn’t need to know. His consigliere had begun to make him question him and his motives. Giuseppe hadn’t become known for his ruthlessness because he lacked smarts. He saw what no one else did.
He paid attention to details. He knew he had few he could trust. Everyone wanted something.
He was starting to question how far those around him were willing to go to get what they desired. However, none of that mattered to him anymore. Greed, war, and blood weren’t going to bring his wife back.
Now…now, he had a daughter to raise.
“I think I will go back to Naples. This place holds too many memories. I’d rather it be forgotten. Maybe one day Ava can make a home on these lands for herself, but I will not return.”
“Our arrangement still stands. The land remains yours.”
“Thank you. Give me time to think through all of this. When I find a way to heal, we can talk of our plans.”
“Take your time, my friend, but I have a question.”
“Ask, I have nothing to hide.”
“How much do you trust this Esposito you allow in your ear?”
“He has his uses and purpose. My eyes are always open.”
“My sister loved you and I’ve grown to respect you. So I will tell you this. Riccardo is much like his father. He’s not to be trusted. Don’t take your eyes off him and you have done right not to tell him of our connection. Continue this path, my friend.”
“Thank you. I plan to do just that.”
Marcello kissed Ava’s forehead as she started to whimper. “I shall be her godfather. I believe my sister would have wanted it.”
“She would have. It will be an honor.”
“Anything you need, I’m here.”
“Thank you, Marcello. I will remember this.”
