Chapter Thirty-six Jennifer
Chapter Thirty-six
Jennifer
Watching Mary and Enzo play together feels like heaven on earth. Knowing my little girl has found a friend, despite the chaos that led us here? It makes me both happy and sad.
I always wanted to protect my girl. I swore I would. Meeting Daniel made me believe I’d ruin mine and Mary’s life.
The thought that both of us might actually enjoy this life never even crossed my mind.
And sipping coffee with Daniel’s mother, Lilia, at a playground while we watch Mary and Enzo play? If someone had told me this would happen during my first encounter with Daniel, I would’ve been convinced they were insane. Totally out of their mind.
But no. That’s exactly what Lilia and I are doing here.
We both let out a small laugh as Enzo chases Mary, their giggles filling the air, bright and carefree.
I’m so glad Daniel and I met. As fucked up as it was.
I mean sure, we should’ve met under different circumstances, but… I love this life, right now.
“Jennifer.” Lilia calls my name, and I turn to her with a smile.
“Yes?”
She seems deep in thought as she watches the kids. “I should give you something.”
“What is it?” I ask.
Instead of answering, she slowly raises her hands and removes her golden necklace. I watch her with confusion. What is she doing? Is she really—
“I want to give this to you.”
Lilia’s expression softens as she holds it up, the pendant catching the sunlight. A small pink rose rests at its center, delicate yet strong.
I smile, but hesitation lingers. “Are you sure? I mean, you’ve worn it every day since we met. It has to mean a lot to you.”
She nods. “Trust me, Jennifer, I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.” A sigh escapes her lips. “Both Vittorio and I have.”
Confusion twists in my chest. Is she really giving me something her husband gifted her? It’s beautiful, but… why me?
Before I can protest, Lilia leans over and fastens the necklace around my neck. My fingers brush against the pendant, its smooth surface warm from her touch.
It’s so beautiful. More than that—it feels significant.
Like a piece of something bigger than myself, something heavier than gold alone.
When I open my mouth to ask why, she speaks first, her gaze back on the children.
“I’m pushing 60, sweetheart. I’m not getting any younger. But you?” She smiles as Mary and Enzo run past us, breathless and beaming. “You still have your whole life ahead of you. And my husband and I both know exactly who you’re going to spend it with.”
I freeze.
Is she referring to…?
“My son and you seem to have a special connection,” she continues.
I swallow hard. “Well, Lilia, we… we aren’t in a relationship, you know?”
She nods knowingly, watching the kids. “Trust me, I know. It’s not easy for Daniel to trust someone. It’s not easy for anyone. Especially in our world.”
Finally, she turns her gaze at me, and I swear she’s reading every thought running through my mind.
Thoughts about putting my trust on Daniel.
Thoughts about losing my trust of my ex.
“Jennifer, I want you to keep this family heirloom as you stay by my son’s side. I have a feeling you two will be together for a very long time.” Her voice is soft, but firm—like she’s already made up her mind.
My pulse quickens.
“Daniel got his wristwatch from his father when he was announced as the new leader three years ago,” she continues. “Vittorio and I talked about this the last few days, and we both agreed you should take this necklace.” Then she asks, almost casually—
“You do love my son, don’t you?”
The question hits me like a punch to the gut. Fuck. Do I?
The thought crashes over me like a wave, unexpected and overwhelming. I can’t. I shouldn’t. We don’t do love… do we?
The shock must be obvious on my face. “I—I don’t know if I do, Lilia,” I say finally, exhaling shakily. “I like him. I really do, but we just… we don’t do love, you know?”
Lilia nods as if she was expecting my answer. “Julian told us, sweetheart. You don’t have to be so discreet about it.”
I blink. “Julian told you what exactly? That we kissed? I mean, yes, we did, but I wouldn’t count that as a sign of love nowadays.”
Lilia’s grin turns teasing. “Didn’t you have sex?”
My entire body tenses. “What?” I stare at her, my mouth falling open. “How’d you… I mean… How do you know that?”
“Julian.” She chuckles. “Like I told you before.”
I groan, dragging a hand over my face. Julian, you little bastard. How the fuck do you even know?
Lilia laughs at my embarrassment. “Don’t be so shy, really. I’m almost 60. We’re both mothers, come on. Sex is something natural.”
“Sure is,” I mutter. “I guess we are both mothers. I’m not as wise as you are, though. Definitely not… I feel like I still have a lot to learn about life.”
Lilia scoffs, waving a hand. “You think so? Listen, Jennifer… Vittorio wasn’t as hard to soften as Daniel is. I’m glad a woman like you met him.”
She rolls her eyes. “My son is 36. At his age, his father was already his father.”
My face burns hotter than the sun. I cover it with my hands, groaning. “Lilia, please.”
She just laughs. “It’s the truth, dear.”
She’s right. It is the truth.
But as much as I believe that I might have feelings for him, I… I don’t know how to tell him. I don’t know how to convince him to be mine.
I loved him when we had sex. But there’s so much more to love, so much more when it comes to being in a relationship.
I don’t even know if he wants the same as I do.