Chapter 22 #2
Her confession hit me like a tidal wave, and tears pricked my eyes. Her raw honesty tore at my heart, and I silently wished for the power to manipulate time. If only I could shield her from this relentless anguish, I’d endure any hardship for her sake.
After a lingering silence, she took a deep breath and said, “I’ve given this a lot of thought, you know?
About our old plan. I agreed to it once, but now I see that carrying it out would mean surrendering to those who caused us so much grief.
I refuse to allow them to dictate our future and our family’s destiny. They haven’t broken or defeated me.”
I admired her steadfast resolve and tenacity. My little sister was a warrior like no other.
“I admire your strength, Cali,” I said, filled with pride and a touch of awe.
“I won’t give them another ounce of my soul,” she declared, embodying a storm of determination.
I returned her smile with one of pure encouragement.
“Of course,” I murmured, silently hoping she could feel the full weight of my supportive approval.
My heart brimmed with the simple truth that if anyone deserved genuine love and happiness, it was my little sister.
With that, she nodded firmly.
“So,” she declared, “I plan to marry, but only on my terms. I want a man who truly comprehends my journey and is willing to navigate the tough times with me.” She continued, “I’m not looking for a partner who only appears impressive on paper.
Laya, you and Avra must understand that I will meet each option first. If there’s chemistry, then we’ll proceed to the next step.
I want to move at a pace that ensures I’m completely certain. ”
I couldn’t help but grin widely. “That sounds like a perfect plan to me.”
With that, we stepped into the inviting atmosphere of the bookstore.
As we wandered among the creaking shelves and the murmurs of pages turning, I felt hope soar in my heart.
Cali was healing, truly setting her life on her own course.
Hearing her assert her desires, establish her boundaries, and build a life she genuinely wanted was a victory.
We, as Vitalises, were born into paths predetermined by family tradition, with destinies written in our very veins.
I watched her gracefully enter the bookstore, following closely and taking in every detail of her elegant movements. She carried herself with ease and confidence, her head held high, exuding an inner pride that clearly reflected her self-awareness.
Despite what those men had attempted, they couldn’t break her spirit. Her resilience was far too strong to be crushed by anything they did.
“Look at this book,” Cali called, as she reached for a volume on the shelf and presented it to me as if it were a hidden treasure.
Curious, I asked, “What is it?”
“It’s a book about plants,” she explained with a wink, “but not just any plants—these are the ones that might be the key to achieving one’s goals.”
I tilted my head, examining the title with curiosity. “Wicked weeds? A collection of poisonous botanicals?”
She responded with a mix of humor and sincerity. “Hey, you never know when you might require a specific piece of knowledge to shield yourself.”
I nodded in agreement. “That’s true. Fortunately, thanks to Vik, we have acquired the necessary skills for effective protection.”
Her smile grew reflective as she admitted, “I used to despise those endless hours of training he forced on us, but now I’m truly grateful for the skills I’ve gained.”
“Me too,” I replied. “Cali, I can’t express how thrilled I am to see that spark returning in your eyes.”
“Thanks, I feel good. I think I’m ready, Laya,” she confided.
A thrill of anticipation ignited my voice as I suggested, “Once we get back home, we should call Avra and share the news.”
“Yes,” she affirmed, taking the book from my hand and tucking it under her arm like a treasured secret. “I’m getting this. It’s all for research.”
“Research, of course.” I nodded in agreement. “What else would you call it?”
I linked my arm with hers as we strolled through the labyrinth of shelves, where the aroma of old paper and ink enveloped us, creating an ambiance perfect for curiosity and exploration.
As we approached the section dedicated to romance and desire, she stopped before a display and took another book from the shelf.
“Perhaps you need this?” she held up a volume on the Kama Sutra, while wagging her brows and pursing her lips.
“Seriously?” I rolled my eyes and pointed to the shelf. “I believe I’m managing just fine. Put that back.”
“If you say so,” she replied, carefully setting the book down while flashing an adorable smirk. “I hope that one day I find someone with as much passion for me as Niko has for you.”
“Cali, you’re an incredible woman.” I smiled. “Any man would count his blessings to have you by his side. I honestly don’t think you have anything to worry about in that area.”
“You and Avra make it look almost effortless,” she mused.
“What? Marriage?” I asked, half-amused, half-incredulous.
“Yeah,” she shrugged, but it was evident she worried about her future. “Everyone says marriage is a daily effort—if you don’t give it constant attention, the spark fades away.”
“That’s true,” I conceded, “but when you find someone who is genuinely compatible and equally invested in the relationship, it hardly feels like work. That’s why it seems so natural between us. It really is that easy.”
“You two made the right choice,” she remarked.
“We did,” I replied with a contented sigh. “I wasn’t sure we would, but everything turned out better than we ever expected.”
“I want that too,” she murmured, and I pulled her into a tight hug.
“You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, Cali. I promise,” I murmured in her ear.
She drew back and nodded in acknowledgement. “I know.”
“Hey, let’s head over to the poetry section. I want to pick something out for Niko,” I suggested.
“So romantic,” she cooed into the quiet, book-lined corridor. “I believe it’s just around the corner.”
But as we turned that corner, our lighthearted conversation abruptly ceased. Standing before us, shrouded in an ominous shadow, were Stefano and Markos, Niko’s brothers. Their faces, twisted into sneers, made it clear they hadn’t come to browse the shelves at all.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Vitalis sisters,” Markos drawled.
“Markos. Stefano. Hello,” I replied coolly, though I refused to hide my utter disdain for them. “I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you both, but we both know that wouldn’t be the truth.”
I sensed Cali’s anxiety and fear growing, a palpable energy radiating from her, so I instinctively stepped to her side, positioning myself as her shield.
She had come so far in her journey. I refused to let these bastards take an ounce of her newfound joy.
My words seemed only to enrage them further, and they advanced, their very presence meant to menace and threaten. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and my heartbeat quickened.
This situation was on the brink of becoming very complicated.
Behind me, my security team moved in, creating a protective circle, their eyes sharp and attentive.
In an instant, Stefano and Markos unsheathed their weapons almost simultaneously, provoking a similar response from my own team.
A cold, calculating rage spread through me as I met their gazes. “I don’t know why I ever assumed you two had any semblance of intelligence. Clearly, I was mistaken.”
“Insult us all you want. It doesn’t affect us,” Markos declared, lifting his chin and pointing his gun in our direction.
I raised my hand, halting any action from my men, knowing all too well that they would spring into action the moment I gave the signal or if either of these idiots came any closer.
“What exactly do you want? Why have you so rudely disturbed my peaceful afternoon with my sister? Weren’t you humiliated enough during our last encounter?” I demanded.
“We’re here to remind you of what we discussed last time,” Stefano replied coldly.
“Gentlemen, this song and dance is getting boring,” I countered. “How many times will we repeat this ridiculous discussion?”
“Until you leave,” Markos said flatly.
I laughed, shaking my head. “That day will never happen.”
“Oh, but it will,” Stefano growled, stepping closer. “Willingly or not.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No,” he replied, shaking his head dismissively. “It’s a fact.”
“Is that so?” I arched a brow, curiosity battling defiance. “You seem so certain. I wonder what gives you such confidence?”
“You’ll see,” Markos retorted ominously.
I narrowed my gaze. “Please, do enlighten me, gentlemen. You’ve piqued my curiosity.”
“The Vitalis name is worthless!” Stefano suddenly shouted. “How dare you return expecting respect? Our family has never, and will never, honor your name. It has long been associated with weakness and failure. And now, you have the nerve to control our brother?”
“Control? No one controls Niko. He makes his own decisions.” I exploded, disbelief mingling with fury. “We’re married, you fucking idiots!”
“We won’t stand idly by while you tarnish the Galanis bloodline with your venomous, corrupted lineage,” Stefano snarled. “We won’t allow you to destroy the legacy our family has built.”
“That’s comical.” I laughed bitterly. “Pray tell, how do you enrich your family’s legacy? Is it anything beyond nothing? Or do you merely squander money like a pair of reckless party boys, wasting every legitimate heirloom your family has ever earned?”
My questions hung in the air, wrapping around us like a living entity.
Markos’s eyes raged with fury as the bookstore’s otherwise peaceful ambiance contorted under the weight of the confrontation.
“You know it’s true,” I said, disdain dripping from my lips. “Everyone knows it’s true.”
He sneered. “No, that sounds like something my brother fed you. You lead him around by his cock, and he lets you! It’s pathetic.”
He could insult me all he wanted, but Niko was off-limits.