SILENT YEARNINGS

CHAPTER SIX

RAYMOND POV:

I watched my daughter and her best friend chat and laugh and it made me very happy.

After all she had gone through today, I wanted her to smile and laugh. I would have killed that bastard if not for her presence, which stopped me. I'm also grateful that the wretched woman who I remarried is also out of my life. She was never a good woman but I endure for my daughter's sake and today she is out of our lives for good.

I looked at my younger brother who was trying to stuff a while turkey wing into his mouth. He was goofy and bubbly, exactly like our late mother. "James. I think it's time we talk to them" I whispered to him. He stopped eating and looked at me "Are you sure?" He asked silently.

I nodded. " I want my daughter to have a good and free life with no worries. And Estrella can go with her".

James took a deep breath and nodded "Alright brother".

I turned to the girls who were now play fighting over the last pudding cup on the table.

"Girls, a word please"I started in a gentle but loud voice. They both stopped and looked at me.

"What is it dad?"Crystal asked, her attention to me fully as Estrella secretly started eating the pudding cup. I smiled softly at her behavior and started "Me and your uncle has decided to send you both to Italy."

"What?!"they bother shouted in unison. "Dad why? Is something wrong?" She asked, looking at me for an explanation.

I took a deep breath ready to explain when my excuse of a brother started "My lovely brother is starting a law firm in Italy and he wants you too to run it." He started and Estrella nodded her head in understanding.

"You both will run it and you'll be staying at my villa in Lazio" I continued as both girls looked at each other.

"Uncle a question" Estrella said and I nodded. " You mean both of us?" she asked.

"Yes,I want both of you. She can be Chairman of the company and you'll be vice-Chairman. Is it okay?"

Crystal nodded and Estrella followed.

"Alright it's settled. You leave next week" I said and they both replied "Okay" and went back to arguing about the pudding cup.

I turned to my brother,only for the i***t to be stuffing a loaf of bread in his mouth.

"James,you are not a child anymore. Your are a grown man. Behave like one" I scolded but it fell on deaf ears and I just let him be.