Chapter 13
Thirteen
L AYANA
Returning home proved to be difficult. I had fallen for the island in ways I never expected. From the way the sunlight shimmered on turquoise waters to the salty breeze misting the air, departing felt like I lost a part of myself.
Every day with Niko was a burst of adventure and passion. We embraced the sunlit hours together, exploring the island’s hidden coves and secret corners, then winding down on the powdery sands at dusk as the sky shifted to a golden glow. I could have easily stayed there forever, lost in his arms.
But reality called. Niko had commitments that drew him back, and I had Cali waiting for me.
Now, I sat in the backseat of Niko’s luxury car with Cali beside me as the city flashed by outside. At least the relaxation from the honeymoon still lingered.
I smiled as I glanced up at Cali. Her skin held a revitalized glow, and that spark, once dimmed by pain, now shone brightly. Watching her, I couldn’t help but feel proud and relieved by her transformation. Bringing her to live on Niko’s…correction… our estate was the best decision possible for her.
“You’ll need to join us next time,” I stated, my enthusiasm mixing with a sense of longing as I envisioned the island’s charm.
I described every aspect: the comforting sway of palm fronds, the rhythmic sound of waves hitting the shore, and the vibrant life around us, all while holding on to the hope of returning one day.
“I can’t imagine it being more breathtaking than the Galanis estate.”
“I’m really glad you’re with us, Cali,” I said.
“Me too,” she answered. “This was exactly what I needed.”
“And what do you need now?” I asked, curious about her thoughts.
Her expression brightened as she said, “Aside from you revealing the big surprise we’re about to experience? Hmm, let me think for a moment.”
I planned a surprise, a secret that filled me with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to see her reaction as it unfolded.
“Well, I still crave revenge,” she said thoughtfully. “Maybe someday it’ll be more than just a wish.”
I knew better than to offer empty words about forgiveness or taking the high road. The past was scarred, and those men who had hurt her owed more than just forgiveness or accountability.
“I appreciate that you and Avra never told me just to forget and move on as if advancing means erasing the past,” she remarked, her voice tinged with a blend of sorrow and strength.
I shook my head resolutely. “Absolutely not. Let’s bring them down—I’ll stand by you at every step.”
A grateful smile illuminated her face. “Thank you.”
“Gratitude isn’t necessary,” I responded. “You’re my sister. You’re Vitalis, just like me. We don’t forget. We make sure they suffer the consequences.”
“That’s why I love you, Laya.” She laughed warmly. “I honestly don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this, but I see so much of Mama in you.”
“You do?”
“Absolutely,” she replied with a nod. “You are strong and clear-headed, commanding respect in ways no one else can, particularly when you put Niko’s brothers in their place that day. It was amazing! And when you and Avra burst in, guns drawn and ready to rescue me, I’ve never felt prouder.”
Tears nearly welled up as I whispered, “It means more to me than you’ll ever know. And you’ve got Mama in you, too. Each of us carries a part of her.”
“I hope someday I can be as strong as the two of you,” she murmured, vulnerability flashing briefly in her eyes.
“Hey,” I said as I leaned closer to her, meeting her gaze with intensity. “Remember that your strength has always existed inside you. You have endured challenges many would struggle to overcome, and nothing can strip that resilience from you.”
“Thanks, sis,” she said, her bright energy filling the car with a shared comfort. “I know this isn’t quite the life we envisioned as children. It’s not centered around medical school and advanced degrees.”
“No,” I responded. “But that doesn’t mean it’s any less filled with opportunities.”
“I accept how things are,” she continued, exhaling deeply as if finally putting down a burden. “I really can’t complain.”
“Our life is good,” I said, feeling the truth as I spoke. “But remember, Cali, your story is just beginning. Living with me is only one chapter. When you’re ready, the world is yours.”
“You’re the best.” She beamed at me.
The car veered off the highway, entering a narrow, dusty driveway that led to an unexpected location. Cali leaned forward, her eyes wide as she observed the surroundings, eager to discover the surprise that lay ahead.
“What is this place?” she inquired, her gaze shifting around the unfamiliar scene, filled with both intrigue and unease.
“You’ll see—it’s only a matter of waiting a little longer,” I replied in a calm, reassuring tone.
“Are we at a farm?” she asked again, wrinkling her nose at the idea, her skepticism almost comical.
“Perhaps,” I answered with a shrug, finding her doubt amusing.
Eventually, the car stopped in front of a sprawling white farmhouse that seemed to glow in the afternoon sun. As we stepped out, the distant clamor of chickens clucking and squawking welcomed us, providing a lively soundtrack to the rural scene.
The property was neatly enclosed by a white picket fence, and just beyond the house, a herd of graceful horses grazed in a sunlit pasture.
“What are you up to, Laya?” she asked as we exited the backseat.
I didn’t respond right away. Instead, I strode to the front door and knocked, each rap echoing against the old wood.
A chorus of barking dogs erupted almost immediately—a vibrant announcement of their presence. The door swung open to reveal a petite, redheaded woman with bright blue eyes and a mischievous, crooked grin.
At her feet, three large, fluffy dogs bounced happily, their tails wagging in unison.
“You must be Laya and Cali!” Penelope greeted us, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I’m Penelope. We spoke on the phone earlier.”
“Hi!” I replied, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. “I’m Laya, and this is my sister, Cali.”
Penelope’s smile widened as she looked at Cali, and soon, a light, infectious laugh filled the air.
“Have you come to any conclusions about what’s going on?” she inquired with a friendly, secretive air.
“No!” Cali admitted matter-of-factly. “My sister’s kept it all a secret, much to my dismay.”
“All right then, come in, and let’s unravel the mystery!” Penelope urged.
As we entered, Cali shot a curious glance at me. The house welcomed us with a sense of hospitality, like a cozy hug. The furniture was adorned with handmade quilts featuring intricate patterns, while antique items throughout whispered tales of the past.
Classic oil paintings decorated the walls, seamlessly complementing the home’s character, while the delightful scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air.
A crackling fire in the hearth created shadows over a snug couch that beckoned you to sit down.
In that moment, it felt like a serene getaway I never wanted to leave.
Penelope guided us to the back door, swinging it open with a flourish. Another dog, full of energy, dashed inside without hesitation and raced straight for Cali like an old friend.
“Oh, my goodness!” Cali exclaimed, joyfully crouching down to greet the furry visitor.
With her silky fur and exuberant energy, the little dog reminded me of a miniature, fluffy version of Niko’s beloved pet. She showered Cali with enthusiastic licks.
Cali’s laughter bubbled up. “She’s just so adorable.”
“Her name is Leo,” I explained, knowing it would resonate with her. “It’s a shortened form of Leontios.”
“That means ‘fearless’ in Greek,” Cali murmured, gazing at me in disbelief. “But how do you know that?”
“Because I named her, sweetheart,” I replied tenderly. “And now, she’s entirely yours.”
“What?” Cali’s expression was worth the entire trip.
Leo pranced around her with even more energy, as if she understood all the excitement. Cali wrapped her arms around the dog’s neck with unreserved affection, hugging her tightly as tears streamed down her cheeks in pure emotion.
“Really? She’s mine?” she gasped, her voice thick with overwhelming joy.
“Absolutely,” I assured her. “She’s all yours.”
“Laya, I can’t believe you did this!” she exclaimed, her gratitude evident.
“Why not?” I replied, remembering how effortlessly Cali had connected with Niko’s dogs. “It seemed only natural for you to have your own companion.”
“Thank you, thank you!” she cried out, as Leo continued to lick the tears from her face.
Before long, joy filled the room, merging with the harmonious dishes clinking and the comforting sounds of home.
“Well, it looks like they’re hitting it off, don’t you think, Laya?” Penelope mused.
“I’d say so,” I responded.
“Seems like a match made in heaven to me,” she declared, her excitement contagious.
Just then, my phone vibrated insistently in my pocket. I took it out and noticed a message from Niko.
Niko: I’m dying to know how it all went.
Laya: They’re already in love with each other. I can’t thank you enough for setting this up.
Niko: I’m so happy to hear that and can’t wait to meet Leo!
I could picture him in his office, grinning from ear to ear. My handsome husband, who made all of this happen.
Laya: You’re the best, Niko. I love you.
My fingers hesitated for a brief second before sending the message, then I pressed “send.”
I slipped the phone back into my pocket as my heart pounded. I had never expressed those words to anyone before, but now they existed in text—an impulsive burst of honesty.
Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit.
I waited for a reply, but nothing came, and a lump settled in the pit of my stomach.
Dammit Laya, that was too soon.
As we headed home with Leo trotting happily between us, I couldn’t shake the feeling of standing on the edge of an emotional precipice, all because of the reckless need to share my emotions.