Chapter 4
1427 Words
Alexander Russo
I sat on the private jet that was about to take off. I felt a hand wrap around mine, which was clutching the armrest too tightly from nervousness.
“Relax, Dad… That’s not how you’re supposed to meet our princess for the first time.”
I sighed. How can I be relaxed knowing a part of me is away.. I had no idea about her.. How can I relax knowing my daughter has been living with the thought that her real father never bothered to look for her ir even contact with her.. I don't know if Isabella ever told her about me..
“But I’m scared, Xander… What if she doesn’t accept us and wants to stay away? I missed so much of her life and know nothing about her. What if she hates me for not finding her earlier?”
After seeing Isabella get shot once when she was pregnant with Dante, this was the first time in years I felt the same fear creeping in.
“I can’t tell what she feels, but she’s not used to us either. If we give her time and love, then she’ll return them too.”
I nodded and silently prayed for that to happen—so badly.
---
Mirabella
I woke up a few minutes ago and fed Puto before giving him his medicine.
“They are coming for you… Are you happy?”
Puto asked.
(Translation: Are you leaving me behind?)
“I don’t know what to feel… I’ve never met him. And if I go, then you go too.”
He said nothing after that.I have nothing to say either. How can I when I never knew about them? I always thought my biological father left me with mom.. I thought he never wanted me.. I saw mom struggling.. She did late night shifts and multiple jobs at times just so I could live peacefully.. She never really told me about my father.. I didn't even know if he was alive or dead.. I never asked because I used to hear her crying alone sometimes.. It hurted knowing I wasn't capable of doing anything..
It was already 8 at night when an officer entered the room.
“Ms. Russo… Your father and brother are here.”
I sighed and got up. Puto stood too, but the officer tried to stop him.
“He’s coming with me.”
I frowned, and the officer didn’t object further. I grabbed Puto’s hand and walked out with him.
---
Alexander
The car stopped in front of the station, and we both put on our casual, cold faces before stepping out. Everyone standing there froze at the sight of the Mafia man himself.
DC isn’t a place we show ourselves often, so this was rare—too rare.
As we entered the police station, the chitchat fell to pin-drop silence. We could practically see them sweating in fear. An older officer approached us.
“Hello, sir… These are the formalities you need to sign for the guardianship of Ms. Russo.”
His voice trembled, but we didn’t care and signed the papers.
“Please wait, sir… I’ll bring her out now.”
I nodded, and he quickly went inside. I tapped my foot, nervous and anxious to meet my daughter. I finally had her guardianship—and soon, she’d be in my arms.
I couldn’t wait to see her. I wondered what her eye color was. Maybe blue? Or bluish-green? That would be such a beautiful mix.
I felt a burn in my eyes and, without realizing, I was tearing up. I hadn’t even seen her yet.
I saw the officer come out with a tiny figure behind him. The familiar blonde hair made me believe instantly—she was mine.
She stood in front of me with her head lowered. She is so mine.
I glanced at Xander, who looked at her with teary eyes too—some of his tears dropped.
I didn’t waste time and pulled her into my arms. She was so small, I nearly crushed her.
My principessa—finally in my arms. With me. Safe and sound.
---
Mirabella
I was nervous as hell about meeting them. What if they didn’t like me and left me here? What if they said harsh words?
Or worse—took me and tortured me like they did.
What if—
My thoughts broke when I felt arms suddenly pull me in.
I flinched, frozen in place, trying to process what happened. The man smelled manly and screamed rich.
It took a moment, but I eased up and relaxed in his arms.
It felt so safe… so secure.
Like Mom’s arms.
I was almost lulled to sleep by how good it felt… but then he pulled back.
He held me by the shoulders and I finally looked at him. He was probably in his 40s—handsome and well-maintained. Unlike Damon, the fat rat.
He smiled while wiping his tears.
Was he… my father? I saw him and—what’s his name?
Alex? Alexander…
“Hi, princess… I’m your father.”
Russo… Alexander Russo!
My eyes widened as I remembered. After Alex told me how identical I looked to him, I searched for him. I had been shocked too—which explained why he reacted like this.
“Princess?”
I must’ve been quiet too long for him to repeat himself.
His green eyes matched mine. He even had the same cheekbones.
“Why do you look like me?” I asked, frowning.
I heard two males laugh. Even their laughs had rich vibes.
“Oh darling… You look like me, baby.”
Wait—another male?
I peeked behind him and saw a 5'12" man with the same green eyes and slight brunette tint like Mom. Was he… my brother?
He noticed my stare, approached, and raised his hand.
I flinched, almost having flashbacks of Damon’s slap.
His hand froze midair. He looked a little hurt but then gently patted my head.
“Hey, lil sis… I won’t hurt you, darling. I’m your brother.”
I nodded and waved at him.
“Hi.”
He smiled and lightly pulled my cheek, which hurt a bit from yesterday’s slap—but he was so gentle.
“Sweetheart? Let’s go home… Hmm? Your brothers are waiting for you.”
Brothers? Maybe two more?
How many did I actually have?
He held my hand and led me toward a beautiful matte black BMW.
Wait—
“Are you taking Puto too?!”
He looked confused until he glanced behind me.
At Puto.
His gaze instantly changed to a glare, and Puto shrank behind me.
My brother’s face mirrored his.
“Dad…?”
He snapped out of it and looked at me.
“What did you call me, baby?”
“Dad…?”
He smiled and patted my head lovingly. Then he paused.
“You’re my daughter… but he’s not my son’s princess. I can’t take him. His legal guardians will handle him.”
I frowned.
“He’s my brother—and he stays with me. If not him, then not me either.”
I moved back, gripping Puto’s hand.
Dad and my brother both looked shocked.
“Baby, that’s not how it works. There are legal steps. We can’t take him unless his guardians permit it,” my brother said.
Logical, but who cares about logic when emotions run wild?
“I’ll be 18 in four months. I’m his legal guardian for now. How about I go when I can take him with me? What happens in four months?”
“NO!”
They both shouted.
“You’re coming with us now, baby.”
“There’s no way we’re leaving you here,”
Dad added.
I looked at him blankly.
One reason I’m insisting on keeping him is Mom. I promised her I’d always take care of him.
I already lost Mom—I won’t lose him too.
Dad sighed and turned to the officer.
“Did you find his legal guardian?”
The officer nodded.
“Yes, sir… They’ll arrive in a week, they said.”
I frowned.
He couldn’t have guardians. Mom’s gone, Damon’s a criminal, and his family doesn’t exist.
I tried to argue, but Puto tugged my hand.
“Mira… You go. I’ll stay here and wait for my family.”
“Are you crazy?! You—”
“I know my medicine. I have a month’s worth. I’ll take care of myself. You can visit me once I’m with them. Please go…”
- Writer
