Chapter 8
Eight
L AYANA
“Niko is incredibly generous,” I remarked, feeling both awe and amusement as we lounged in the stylish black limo.
Avra and Cali flanked me, their faces illuminated by the soft interior glow, while we flipped through a glossy wedding magazine—every page brimmed with vibrant designs and promising ideas.
“So, he has no opinions on the decor at all?” Avra tilted her head as she scanned our favorite designs.
I shrugged, feeling the plush fabric of my seat against me. “Not really. He just said that nothing else matters as long as I’m there.”
Avra raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Sounds too good to be true. Elias had a million opinions on everything.”
I smiled, letting the memory comfort me. “Clearly, they are two different men.”
Cali flipped through pages, entranced, then suddenly pointed at a vibrant pink and turquoise spread.
“What about this color scheme?” she suggested, bubbling with excitement.
I wrinkled my nose in disgust. “That’s awful—it’s far too loud for my taste. I prefer something a bit more understated, something classic and elegant.”
“When I get married, I want it to be bold and extravagant,” Cali stated.
I raised my brows and nodded. “This definitely suits you more than me. Remember your pink hair phase?”
She flashed a mischievous grin. “How could I forget? It was amazing.”
I can still clearly recall that night: the astonishment on Vik’s face when she took that daring step.
“I thought Vik was going to have a heart attack.” Avra’s laughter mingled with the hum of the limousine.
“He nearly did,” I added.
Cali shrugged. “He survived. We’re all good.”
As she turned the page, my gaze landed on a design that called to me.
“Hey, wait a minute,” I said. “Let me see that.”
“This one?” she asked, stopping on the spread that showcased a stunning cream-colored gown that had caught my eye.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” I murmured, absorbing every detail of the dress.
It embodied classic Hollywood glamour—sleek and silky, with a fitted bodice and a low-cut neckline crafted from exquisite silk. The fabric gracefully flared at the hips, creating a flowing, swinging skirt that draped elegantly to the floor.
I looked up in Avra’s direction. “What do you think? Isn’t it perfect?”
Avra leaned in, speaking in a low, admiring whisper. “Wow, it’s amazing. I can see you in that.”
My heart skipped a beat at the thought. “I love it. It’s just as I imagined. Like a dream woven in fabric.”
“So, how do we find it?” Cali asked, her eyes shifted to the adjacent page as she read the tiny credits. “Let’s see… Oh, here’s the designer’s name.”
With a flourish, she set the magazine aside and pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen until a sharp whistle broke the quiet.
“Holy crap!” she exclaimed.
I leaned closer, curious. “What? Did you find it?”
Cali nodded, her face a mix of hesitation and excitement. “Yeah. Niko did say you could have anything you want—no matter the cost?”
I felt a sudden pang of guilt. “I wouldn’t want to take advantage of that.”
What she said next struck me like a blow. “That dress costs nearly a hundred thousand Euros, Laya.”
I gasped, instinctively pushing the magazine away as if it were a bomb.
“Oh my God!” I exclaimed. “Forget it! What is it made of? Diamonds?”
Avra’s sharp gaze met mine, a mix of amusement and frustration on her face. “Have you forgotten who you are, little sister?”
I blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“You’re Layana Vitalis. Soon, you’ll be a Galanis too. With our combined fortunes, you’ll become one of the richest women in Greece. And here you are, hesitating over the price on the most important day of your life? I say you should buy the dress!”
“That’s ridiculous!” I shot back in disbelief. Avra laughed. “Really? How much do you think that ring costs?”
I glanced down at my finger and shrugged. “I don’t know. I never asked.”
“Exactly,” she said. “If you knew your fiancé spent double on that bauble on your hand, you’d be shocked. Forget about the dress’s price. If you love it, tell him, but make sure he doesn’t see it first!”
I gazed at the ring, feeling a mix of wonder and guilt. “You can’t be serious, can you?”
“Only half,” Avra replied smoothly. “When you sent me the photo, I asked my jeweler to check it. If you want the truth, it’s worth a million Euros.”
I gasped and pulled the ring closer, as if its cool metal could steady me. The thought of Niko spending so extravagantly unsettled me, and the fear of losing it now caused fresh unease and anxiety.
“Oh, stop clutching your pearls.” Avra shot me her big sister glare. “Buy the damn dress—you’re worth it.”
I sighed, shaking my head as the weight of our conversation sank in. “Will I ever get used to all this?” I asked, as I fought back tears.
“Probably not,” Avra replied with a lighthearted shrug, her hand patting my leg in consolation. “But that’s part of your charm, sweetheart.”
A small chuckle escaped me as I wiped away a tear. “It really is a great dress, isn’t it?”
“It’s perfect. It’s yours.” With a decisive snap of her fingers, she added, “Now that it’s settled, can we please grab a snack before you run me over with another floral arrangement?”
The tension eased as our conversation took a new turn. “Sure,” I said, ready to dive into the next chapter of our lavish adventure.
Soon, we arrived at a charming downtown bistro, its warm lights inviting us in.
We settled into a cozy booth and ordered every appetizer on the menu, each one a little masterpiece, along with a chilled bottle of champagne that glittered like gold across the table.
Before we knew it, the room was filled with our delighted giggles and happy chatter as we devoured the sweet, syrupy loukoumades like precious treats in just fifteen minutes.
“Your wedding will be absolutely beautiful, Laya,” Cali said, gazing at me with hope. “Leave everything to me.”
“Gladly,” I replied, “but remember?—”
“Classy and understated. Got it,” she interrupted, nodding.
“You’re so thoughtful, Cali. I’m truly glad you came—it wouldn’t be the same without you.”
In the weeks that followed our arrival, Cali and I had roamed freely around Niko’s sprawling property, our steps echoing through ancient groves and the dense, whispering forest that bordered the estate.
We joyfully lost ourselves among the lush trees, uncovered hidden spots in the garden for picnics, and savored leisurely breakfasts on the sun-dappled terrace.
With each passing day, our bond grew stronger, weaving our sisterhood into a comforting tapestry that nurtured her journey toward healing.
The dogs had immediately bonded with her, trailing her every step. Watching them wander the mansion’s hallways together looked like a scene from a mystery novel.
“I enjoy being there,” she admitted. She sipped her champagne, looking happier than I had seen her in a long time. “I appreciate that there aren’t any old memories there. I’m unsure why, but it makes me feel safer in a new place.”
“That makes sense,” I murmured, letting her sentiments blend with hope for the future and the weight of the past.
“Everywhere else is soaked with painful memories—the old estate, the gloomy streets of Prague, that depressing apartment in the city. That place still haunts me. Leaving that part of my life behind changed everything.”
“I bet.” I shared a knowing glance with Avra, and we both hoped Cali would reveal more.
I rubbed my hands together, feeling the warmth fade as I looked at her.
“It wasn’t just that,” she began. “The city itself—every street and every shadowy corner felt like a ghost of them, haunting me.”
“So, who were they?” I asked, preparing myself for her answer.
“The men who took me,” she whispered, her eyes filled with anguish. The gravity of her words settled in the space between us, an unspoken truth that hovered, reminding us of those nightmares we all feared to voice.
At that moment, Avra and I reached out to Cali, enveloping her in a tight embrace and providing what little solace we could.
“I love you, Cali. I’m so sorry you endured that. No one should ever experience such horror,” I whispered, holding her close.
Her lips trembled as she looked up. “I love you both.”
With tears brimming in her eyes, Avra stepped back, her gaze locking with Cali’s, silently communicating everything her trembling lips couldn’t. “I’m sorry too. I should have protected you, and I failed. I’ll never forgive myself for what you went through, Cali.”
“I hope someday you can forgive yourself, Avra,” Cali whispered. “None of this was your fault. The blame lies solely with those monsters. You did nothing wrong. Neither did you, Laya. And I’m not blaming either of you.”
“They’ll pay,” Avra growled, sorrow and fury mingling in her eyes.
“You don’t have to swear it to me,” Cali insisted, firm with resolve and determination shining in her gaze—a spark mirrored the same fierce looks in Avra’s and mine.
“We’ll get our vengeance,” Cali said, solemn and resolute. “But please, don’t worry about me too much. I promise I’ll find a good therapist soon. And the dogs truly help too. Honestly, since moving to the Galanis estate, I feel like I’ve made a significant step forward.”
My heart swelled with relief and pride, and I shed tears of joy as we celebrated this fragile yet essential progress.
“My only complaint now,” she said, “is that my muscles are killing me. You and Vik have been pushing me so hard lately that I can hardly walk.”
Indeed, we’d resumed our rigorous training routines shortly after settling in, as I insisted on a strict schedule to ensure our skills never faded. Just because we were now safe within Niko’s estate didn’t mean danger had disappeared from our lives.
After all, we were still the Vitalis sisters—undaunted, fierce, and ready for any threat lurking in the shadows.
Our enemies were still out there, waiting for us to slip up.
“Well, it’s good for you,” I said, forcing a smile despite the tightness in my muscles that protested with every movement. “Though I must admit, I’m a bit sore myself. Vik’s workouts push you to your limits.”
Cali’s brow furrowed, her expression shifting from lighthearted to serious in an instant. “Speaking of things that are good for you, there’s something important I need to discuss.”
My heart quickened, curiosity mingled with dread. “What is it?” I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
She hesitated, glancing away as if weighing her words. “The other day, I caught some staff whispering about you.”
A wave of unease washed over me, cold and heavy.
“Oh no,” I whispered, the knot in my stomach tightening. “I’m not sure I want to know.”
Images of judgmental glances and hushed confessions flashed in my mind, making my stomach churn with anxiety. The thought of being at the center of gossip was suffocating, a weight I wasn’t sure I could bear.
I let out a deep, weary sigh as uncertainty weighed heavily on me.
“Tell me, what did they say?” I asked.
A playful spark lit up Cali’s eyes as she leaned in close.
“Well, it actually got me wondering about something,” she hummed.
I squinted at her, my heart pounding with a mix of suspicion and apprehension.
“And what exactly is that?” I asked, knowing whatever I asked would embarrass me.
“Is it true, dear sister, that Niko expects everyone in the house to hear you scream his name while he’s fucking you?”
And I was right.
“Cali!” I exclaimed, mortified, my cheeks burning, and crawling under the table seemed like a great option.
Cali and Avra erupted into laughter, their amusement echoing loudly around me.
“Stop making fun of me!” I retorted, giving them a mock scowl and a lifted fist as if I was going to punch them. “Don’t make me beat you up.”
“Give it your best shot,” Avra retorted between snickering. “Isn’t that what sisters are for—teasing each other?”
That comment made Cali laugh even louder, and despite the sting of humiliation, I felt a joyous rush of gratitude that she could laugh so freely, even if it were at my expense.
I gazed at them, my heart swelling with fierce love and deep affection for my family. I would have been consumed by loneliness if it weren’t for Avra and Cali. I released a deep sigh, shaking my head as I felt the haunting absence of those who couldn’t be here today.
I missed our mother, the kind and loving soul whose laughter brightened every memory.
I missed our father, a steady presence who had always been our rock.
I knew, even in my loneliness, that they missed us too.
I often wished they were here to share the moment as I walked down the aisle and exchanged vows with Niko, to see him as the man he had finally become.
But that remained nothing more than a wistful dream.
The ruthless syndicate godfathers ensured we’d never reclaim these lost moments, mercilessly stealing irreplaceable pieces of who we were. They robbed Cali of things she could never recover, vanishing like shadows in the night.
Yet, they dared to protest as we reclaimed the lands they’d stolen, conveniently forgetting they’d ripped away the most precious parts of our lives. In our eyes, what we had lost was sacred and irreplaceable: our beloved ones. They had stolen the only treasures that truly mattered to us.
My marriage to Niko would be more than just a union—it was a crucial step toward reclaiming what was rightfully ours. Yet, deep down, I understood that no amount of territory could ever replace what we had lost.
A deep, smoldering thirst for revenge consumed me, like a spider, patient and prepared, weaving its web and spotting its prey, allowing it to crawl to the perfect point before striking with its poisonous blow.
Cali’s kidnapping had merely stoked those coals into a roaring blaze. In that fervent instant, I promised that the three of us would seize the vengeance we had yearned for. Together, nothing could stand in our way.