“Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you how Pietro confessed moments before your wedding that he was in love with me and that you were his second choice.”

“You lie!”

I shrug. “It doesn’t matter. I told him I would never have him, so you don’t have to worry about me stealing your perfect husband away.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” she grits out. “Isn’t your boyfriend married?”

I pop a grape in my mouth. “Not for much longer. And let me tell you, stealing Alistair away from his conniving wife was so much fun.”

If I’m going to be labeled a home-wrecker, I might as well have fun with it.

I turn on my heels, putting extra sass in my steps.

Was it mean to tell Paola about Pietro? Absolutely, but I can’t find an ounce of regret in me. She more than deserves the pain.

45

Chiara

It seems everyone gets to speak with Dad before he calls me into this office. He stands from his chair and walks around his massive desk to hug me.

“Dad, are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine, bambina. Don’t worry about me.”

Pulling back, I stare at his face. His eyes are bloodshot, and he has dark circles under them. I can smell the whiskey and cigar on his breath.

He moves away, returning to his chair. I have no choice but to sit across from him.

“Is it true?” I ask before I lose my nerve.

He smiles tightly at me with sad eyes. “It’s complicated, Chiara.”

“What’s complicated about it? It’s a simple question, Dad. Is it true or not?”

“No, of course it’s not true.” He fills his empty glass with more whiskey and leans back.

He’s lying. The certainty makes my heart sink. Part of the respect I have for him dies. I would have preferred if he had been honest with me. Does he think I’ll stop loving him because of what he’s done?

“Mom is worried about the frozen assets.”

“She’ll be fine. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to continue your studies abroad.”

“Why? I thought my tuition and boarding had been paid for already.”

Dad shakes his head, and regret fills his eyes. “I’m afraid not. I’m very sorry, Chiara.”

I stare at his desk while my brain processes the news. If I’m no longer a student, I can’t stay in the US.

Alistair comes to the forefront of my mind. I should be more concerned about my education, but graduating from DuBose seems small compared to losing him.

“I’ll be okay, Dad. I can always finish high school in a public school.”

“Joe is helping me. So if you need any assistance, don’t be shy to ask him. He’s your uncle, after all.”

The last thing I want is to ask Paola’s father for help. I don’t care if he’s Dad’s older brother.

I nod, pretending to agree with him.

“Your mother told me you’re staying with Max. What kind of nonsense is that? You should be here.”

“I can now that you’re back.”

“Good. Now go collect your things. I still have lots to talk about with your uncle and the lawyer.”

“Okay, Dad. I’ll see you later.”

I avoid the living room, choosing to hide in my bedroom. Closing the door, I check my emails and see several from Alistair. Guilt sneaks into my heart. I’ve been avoiding him for too long, and he must be going out of his mind. It’s still early in California, so I text him.

He replies right away, asking how I am.

Taking a deep breath, I call him.

“Goldi, thank God you called.”

Sitting on my bed, I rest my head in my hand. “Hey, I’m sorry I didn’t until now. It’s been difficult.”

“I read on the news about your father. I’m so sorry, Chiara. I wish I could be there with you.”

“Me too. But you have your own problems to deal with.”

I should tell Alistair about not coming back to DuBose, but I can’t bring myself to give him more bad news over the phone.

“I swear, Goldi, if it weren’t for my parents. I’d be there with you.”

“I know. How are they holding up?”

“Devastated. We were allowed back in town. It’s gone. Everything has been razed to the ground.”

“I’m so sorry, Alistair.”

“Don’t worry about us, sweetheart. We’ll be okay. When do you think you’ll be back?”

Oh God. I have to tell him I’m only going back to pack my stuff. “I-I don’t know. Dad has been released on bail, but everything is still a big question mark.”

“And your mother?”

“As awful as always. But I’ve got Max here. I’ll be okay.”