2. VALENTINO
2
VALENTINO
Three Years Later
Alessio taps his foot on the cold hospital tile. “How long do you think it’ll take?”
Luciana rolls her eyes. “Babies take their time, Les. Just relax.”
I’m stuck between them, my two siblings.
They called early this morning with the news that Quinn, my stepmom, is in labor. Their bickering, which has been our family’s background noise since childhood, fills the corridor.
“Relax? You heard her screaming in there! I can’t imagine actually pushing out a baby,” Alessio grumbles.
Luciana fires back, “Of course you can’t. I wouldn’t expect a man to do more than stand around during a delivery.”
He snorts. “That’s rich coming from you, especially since you lack the experience.”
I tune them out. Their constant squabbles are as much a part of our life as the family business. Some things never change.
Today, though, feels different. For Dad, this is huge, he’s always wanted another child with Quinn. For me, it carries a different weight entirely. I wonder if, at last, the time might come when I’m handed the reins of the Marchetti Empire.
As the oldest son, succession was never in doubt, only the timing. Every choice I’ve made, from staying home for college to skipping late nights, has been driven by that destiny. It was my dream to take over our family business and push it to new heights. And now… it’s almost time.
But with that thought comes a growing unease.
Dad planned to retire two years ago. Everyone expected he’d do so soon after marrying Quinn. Instead, he’s kept postponing it, always saying, “You need more time,” even while jetting off around the world.
I keep asking myself, “How much longer?”
Luciana suddenly nudges me, her eyes narrowing. “Why so quiet?”
Alessio grins. “You look like you’re the one in labor.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I don’t expect you two to get it.”
They share a look and burst out laughing.
“Right. Mr. Next-in-Line for the Marchetti throne, always reminding us,” Luciana teases.
Before I can fire back, the delivery room door swings open. Dad steps out with a tired but proud smile, cradling a tiny bundle wrapped in pink.
“Everyone, meet Mira.”
All our squabbling vanishes.
We huddle around him, eager to see the new little Marchetti.
Alessio breathes, “I didn’t think babies could be that small.”
Luciana’s eyes fill with emotion. “Our new sister… I’m going to spoil her silly.”
“Don’t let her mom hear that.” Dad laughs, then turns to me. “Valentino, want to hold your baby sister? You haven’t said a word.”
I hesitate for a moment, then open my arms.
Dad gently hands Mira to me.
As I cradle her delicate little hand, a rush of unexpected emotion floods over me.
“Welcome to the family,” I murmur softly, warmth spreading through my chest.
“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” Dad stands beside me. “After all these years, we finally have a new member.”
“Hey, let me have a turn too,” Luciana calls, and Alessio laughs.
I pass her into my sister’s arms, still holding her tiny hand.
My eyes land on Dad’s. “Congratulations. It’s a big day. For all of us.”
He nods, his smile turning thoughtful. “It is. I want to be there this time.”
“I know, Dad. You did fine with us, even if you weren’t always around. You were busy building the business from scratch.” I give him a small shrug.
“Yes, but now I want to be there for every little moment.”
A heavy silence settles between us.
I know where this is heading. It’s not just about him, it’s about our future, my future in the company.
Taking over the empire has defined my life, and now, with Mira’s arrival, that burden feels even heavier.
“Dad, what are you thinking about for the company’s future?” I try to hide the nervous knot in my stomach.
He glances away and then sighs. “Quinn and I have talked. I want to be there for my kids, really present. That means stepping back from the business sooner rather than later.”
A knot tightens in me. “You deserve a break, Dad. You’ve given your best years to the company. Maybe it’s time to pass the torch.”
He meets my eyes, worry in them. “But what about you, Valentino? You’re already carrying so much. I don’t want you to end up burned out like I did.”
I’m taken aback. “Me? You know how much I love my work. It’s all I’ve ever known.”
He shakes his head and places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Son, it’s not just about work. Life isn’t only board meetings and profit margins. I want you to experience real happiness. Family, love, a life outside the office.”
I frown, confused. “I’m not sure I understand. Work makes me happy. The vineyard is my passion.”
“Listen, there will come a time when you’ll want something more, a partner to come home to, someone to share your life with. I don’t want you to miss that.”
I study his face. “Settle down? Are you saying I need to find someone before you retire?”
His eyes soften, but his tone remains firm. “I’m saying I want you to be happy. Once you’ve found balance, then we can talk about me stepping back. But not until you’re ready.”
I blink. “So, you’re telling me I can’t be CEO until I settle down? That’s… odd.”
Dad’s expression is earnest. “I just want you to have it all, not just work. Trust me, there’s more to life than business. And when you have your own children, you’ll understand.”
I fall silent as his words sink in. Every decision I’ve made, every sacrifice, was for this destiny. Now his worry makes me question if I’ve been missing out on life.
Then, as if sensing my inner turmoil, Dad hesitates before speaking again. “Valentino, wait—”
A surge of adrenaline forces me to speak. “Actually, I’ve been seeing someone,” I blurt out, my voice higher than I intended. “It’s serious.”
Dad’s face softens, though he raises an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yeah. I, I didn’t mention it because she’s private. I wanted to respect that.” I try to remain calm, but my heart is racing because I hate lying to my father.
“Maybe you should bring her by soon. Once Quinn and I settle with the baby. Maybe at our new place. We can talk about the succession too.”
I force a smile. “Sure. That sounds fine.”
As Dad turns to speak with someone else, I’m left staring at my hands, stunned. A serious relationship? I haven’t had more than a fling in years. How am I supposed to find someone meaningful so quickly?
The day passes in a blur of congratulations, laughter, and quiet moments.
I take turns holding Mira with my siblings, each of us silently acknowledging that our family is changing.
Luciana coos over our new sister, and Alessio jokes about her size. Still, I feel the pressure mounting.
Later, alone in a quiet corner of the hospital waiting room, I replay Dad’s words in my mind. His talk of balance and a life beyond work echoes in my head. Every sleepless night and missed chance at “normal” life has been justified by my duty to take over the Marchetti Empire. And now he hints at retiring, but only once I settle down. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying.
When the waiting room finally empties, I step outside for a walk. The early afternoon light casts long shadows on the cobblestones, and with each step I feel both the weight of expectation and a spark of possibility.
I remember all the times my siblings teased me and the gentle chiding from Dad. Underneath their banter lies love and hope, a hope that someday I might find balance between being the next CEO and living a full life.
That evening, when I return home, my apartment is quiet. A stark contrast to the hospital buzz.
I settle in my office and stare at a framed family portrait. In it, Dad stands proudly with Quinn and all of us children, our faces a mix of ambition and promise.
What will my picture look like? Am I destined only to lead the company, or can I also find a life filled with love and connection?
I close my eyes and let the thought linger, a mix of duty and desire, ambition and hope for something more.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the grind. But tonight, I allow myself a moment of vulnerability.
Change is inevitable. Whether I’m ready or not, the next chapter of our family’s story is unfolding.
I cling to the memory of Mira’s tiny hand and Dad’s gentle insistence that there’s more to life than work.
Can I really have a future where I not only run the Marchetti Empire but also find my own happiness? A future where balance isn’t just a word?
For now, I hold on to that thought as I drift off to sleep, certain of one thing. I will take over the family business, and I’ll do anything to achieve it.