me feel like a queen for our whole life together and yet I was under no illusions he had a dual personality. With me he was loving, kind and everything a girl could wish for. He respected me and made my life as easy as possible living under these circumstances. We loved each other with a passion that surprised me given the circumstances of our union. When Georgio was born, I was happier than I ever thought possible. Then along came Sara and Francesca.”
I am riveted to her story because she is giving me an insight into a world that sounds so different to mine. It almost appears normal and how can I not be impressed by that?
Then her face clouds and she sighs. “My children were much like you, unwilling to accept who they were. The girls did everything in their power to turn their back on this life and had a hard time because of it. You see, a normal life is not an option when you fear you may not be around long to live it. We have many enemies and need the guards to keep us safe. Georgio met Maria, the boy’s mother, and she was not from this world. It was not a successful marriage because she struggled to understand this life we live. It ate at her soul and when Dante was just five years old, she took her own life.”
I stare at her in horror and she shakes her head sadly. “Those poor boys were left without a mother and I tried to step into her shoes. So, you see Sophia, those boys are like my own and like any mother, I excuse their flaws and celebrate their strengths. I see them in a very different way to you and wanted to reassure you that they are not the demons you think they are. I know the reason for your visit and I sympathize but you really have nothing to worry about.”
“Don’t I?”
My voice is hard, which I regret because she is being so kind and she laughs softly. “I hoped you were strong because that is a quality you will need more than anything. Strength and love.”
“You think I have that option—love?”
Her eyes sparkle with a light that settles my heart - a little. “I see love in your future, my darling. You see, like all mothers, I know my children more than they know themselves. When Lorenzo left the family, he broke all our hearts. We have never stopped hoping for his safe return, which is why this is more important than you will ever know. Failure is not an option because you, my dear, are the glue that will bind this family together and I think you already know that.”
“Me? I am nothing. Just a way for your family to get richer and control an even bigger empire. Why should I be any different to any other daughter of a family that has something they want?”
“Because you give me hope, Sophia. Your situation reminds me of my own all those years ago and the one who brought you here is struggling to stay. He is battling his own feelings because he wants to turn his back and walk away, but he can’t.”
“I’m sure it won’t be long.”
“You’re wrong.”
“How do you know? We’ve been back here for five minutes, he’s changed.”
She smiles sweetly and laughs. “Because the way he looked at you when he brought you to me is the same way his grandfather used to look at me. You’re wrong, Sophia. Lorenzo is going nowhere without you by his side, which is why I need you to trust him and go along with the plan. If you do, you might just save you both and get the future you both want, just don’t do anything foolish and trust in God to deliver you on the right path.”
Leaning back, I think for a moment and then smile.
“They are lucky to have you, Mrs. Romano.”
“Call me Elena, my dear. I am your greatest ally here but also your worst enemy if you upset my boys.”
She stares at me with a fierceness that makes me smile. For all her sweetness and soft approach, this woman is harder than all the men here. A shell that has built over time and many years of hard living and I’m guessing she has endured so many horrors I couldn’t sleep at night Yet she has survived and well by the looks of things and all because