Heir’s Redemption

Chapter 29

I woke up feeling like s**t. I didn’t get much sleep, considering the horrible nightmares that plagued me.

All I could see was Rámon and Veronica building a life together with their devil spawn of a child.

Fucking diabolical.

I really want to hate Rámon, but I still love him. I have no idea why I still f*****g love him, but I do.

I have to be crazy or something.

I crawled out of bed before re-making it and making my way downstairs. Sam was cooking in the kitchen while Damien was holding baby Micheal.

“Good morning.” Sam smiled as she made me a plate and handed it to me.

“Good morning Samantha.” I greeted her, thanking her for the breakfast.

I took a seat at the table and watched Damien feed Micheal a bottle. I began eating my food, but it all tasted bitter, just like the bitter feeling I had in my heart.

It was like I couldn’t enjoy the good things anymore.

I pushed my plate away, feeling like I could never be the same.

“Would you like to hold him?” Damien asked, throwing me from my thoughts.

He stood by, waiting to hand me his precious son.

“I don’t know.” I muttered, “He’ll probably be better off with you.”

“Nonsense.” Damien chuckled, “You have nothing to fear. Just cradled his head while you hold him.”

I hesitated before I reached out to take the baby. I cradled his head like I was supposed to and brung him close to my chest.

He was small, but chunky—a perfect mixture between Samantha and Damien.

Micheal opened his little eyes and looked up at me like I was the world. My chest tightened as the despair coursed inside of me.

Looking down at the baby made me realize why Rámon couldn’t choose me.

How could he give this up?

My eyes pooled with unshed tears as all the pain from Rámon’s betrayal came flooding back in.

Micheal made cute little noises as he kept looking up at me.

“So precious.” I whispered as I trailed my fingertip along his soft skin, taking every piece of him in.

I took a deep breath as I accepted my fate.

It was time to leave and live my life—away from my family and away from Rámon.

It was the only way I was gonna heal.

…

Damien pulled up to my house. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you Damien.”

“Of course Cat.” He ruffled my hair, “You know I’m here for you.”

I nodded my head and gave him a small smile.

“If you ever need anything, you know where I’m at.” He offered.

“I know, but I’m gonna travel for a while. I think it’s time for me to figure out what I want to do with my life away from the family.”

He smiled—genuinely.

“I’m happy for you Cat. That’s the best thing you could ever choose to do.” He replied, “Stay in touch and don’t be a stranger.”

I nodded my head before getting out of his car.

“Bye Damien, I love you.”

“I love you too.” He smiled before he pulled off.

I looked up at the castle that I called home.

I spent my whole life here and I was finally leaving this place. I don’t know what life is apart from here, but I was looking forward to finding out.

I walked into the house, looking for my family.

I called my mother and told her that I needed an emergency family meeting. It was time everyone knew that I was leaving.

I found everyone in the dining room eating brunch.

It was only my immediate family—My father, my mother, Vinny, the twins, max, and my grandmother Alice were all her.

Sage was even here for some reason.

“There’s our girl.” My mother smiled as soon as I entered the dining room.

Everyone around the table greeted me. They even offered me breakfast, but I refused, knowing I couldn’t stomach anything.

“You wanted a family meeting?” Vinny asked, noticing that I was still standing.

I nodded my head as I tried to swallow the anxiety that was creeping in.

“What is it principessa?” My father asked as he held my mother in his lap. “Are you in trouble?”

“No.” I cleared my throat, “I just had some news to share with everyone.”

My mother smiled as she looked over at Sage who was clinging onto Vinny at the table.

“Sage already shared the good news.” My mother chirped, “You and Rámon are getting married!”

Smiles and congratulations went around the table. My father even seemed happy, considering he forbade Rámon from pursuing me all those years ago.

The congratulatory energy was disheartening, considering Rámon and I are weren’t getting married—on the contrary, we would never be getting married.

Everyone looked at me with happy expressions, as if I wasn’t broken inside. I really wish they didn’t even hear about Rámon proposing to me.

Fucking Sage and her big mouth.

“Actually.” I cleared my throat and held my head high, “Rámon and I aren’t getting married.”

The silence was deafening as everyone processed my confession.

Sage was the first one to speak as she looked at me like I was crazy. “But the ring. He proposed to you.”

I looked around the table, seeing everyone anticipating an explanation.

I wanted to break down and cry, but I knew telling the truth would result in a bloodbath.

As much as I was hurting, I couldn’t have my family hate Rámon. It would put a damper on our family dynamic and that wasn’t something I wanted.

Not to mention the fact that my brother was best friends with him. I couldn’t ruin their friendship like that, even though I wanted Rámon to loose everything.

“I’m sure you all are looking for an explanation, but I don’t have one.” I stated, “All I can say is that I am leaving to pursue my dreams.”

The dumb-founded look on their faces was priceless. If I wasn’t so sad, I may have laughed.

“Leaving? What do you mean by leaving?” My father questioned, being the first one to speak.

“I have decided to go to college out of the country.” I told him, coming up with a quick lie “I was thinking Italy, since we have our summer home there.”

“But you can’t leave.” Vinny argued, “You just got initiated and we were gonna give you your own territory.”

“No brother.” I cut him off, “That’s not what I want. If anything, I just want to travel and figure out what I want out of life.”

He furrowed his brows and looked confused.

“You really want to leave?” Tomásso asked, making me nod my head. “Then you have my blessing.”

I gave him a small smile, knowing he was always the rational one.

“Thank you Tomásso.”

“I don’t understand.” My mother spoke out with a sad expression on her face, “What about Rámon? I thought you were getting married. Did something happen?”

I hesitated in speaking, not knowing what to say.

Her hazel eyes bore into mine, trying to figure me out. If anybody could figure me out, it would be my mother.

She was cunning like that.

“It didn’t work out.” I explained, “Rámon and I are in different stages of our lives.”

“Did he hurt you?” Vinny questioned with an edge to his voice.

I wanted to lie and say no, but I couldn’t. The words were bitter as they rested on the tip of my tongue as I thought about something else to say.

“Look, I called you all here to let you know that I’ll be leaving.” I stated with my head held high, not giving them a chance to protest “You have no say in my choices, so just accept this and be happy for me.”

“Bullshit!” My father roared out, looking livid “You can’t just leave Caterina! You belong here!”

My mother stroked his chest, trying to calm him down.

“You have no say in this, father.”

“Excuse me?!” He growled, “I have every say in where you go!”

“Are you gonna forbid me to leave like you forbid Rámon from pursuing me?” I countered, making him gulp before he looked away. “You thought I wouldn’t find out about you forbidding Rámon from pursuing me and then telling him to leave without saying goodbye?”

“What is she talking about?” Vinny asked as he looked towards our father for answers.

“I did it for your own good Caterina.” My father admitted as he met my gaze again, “I thought you deserved better than him.”

“You should have never done that.” Vinny scolded our father, “No wonder why Rámon acted the way he did.”

“I don’t care!” My father argued, “I did it for Caterina!”

“I NEVER ASKED YOU TOO!” I screamed out, silencing every one.

My emotions were starting to get the better of me.

“I am sick and tired of everyone controlling my life.” I sighed out, “It’s time I live my life for me, away from this family.”

“No!” My father yelled, “I won’t let you leave.”

A cold laugh escaped my lips.

“You have no choice father.” He scrunched up his face in anger, not liking my words “I’m not asking for permission. I came here to let you know that I was leaving. You should be happy that I gave you notice.”

My father growled, looking to argue but my mother opened her mouth and cut him off.

“When are you leaving?”

“Later today.” I answered her, making everyone have mixed reactions.

“Vinny.” I looked towards my brother, trying to hold the tears back “I’d appreciate it if you’d get the private jet ready. If not, then I’ll just do it myself.”

He stared at me before he finally opened his mouth.

“Of course, I’ll make the preparations.”

I nodded my head, feeling some kind of relief.

“I hope you all will be here to see me off.” I cleared my throat as I looked at everyone around the room with solemn expressions. “If not, then I will see you whenever I get back.”

“I don’t approve of this!” My father slammed his fist on the table, “You can’t just up and leave!”

I rolled my eyes before walking out of the dinning room.

I was tired of talking and explaining myself.

“Caterina!” My father yelled out, “Don’t walk away when I’m talking to you!”

I walked up the stairs and towards my room. My father’s voice echoed throughout the house, letting me know he was furious.

I haven’t seen my father this mad in ages.

I closed my bedroom door behind me and fell back onto my bed. I sunk down in the plush mattress and closed my eyes, trying not to cry.

I didn’t want to leave my family, but I couldn’t stay here anymore.

For my own sanity, I needed to leave.

A knock sounded at my door, “Caterina?” My mother opened my door and slipped inside before closing it behind her.

I sighed out, knowing she was gonna pick and prod for the truth.

“Honey, what’s going on?” She asked as she sat next to me and took my hand in hers. “I know something is wrong, so just tell me.”

“Mom please.” I whispered, not having the strength in me to keep talking.

I just wanted to break down.

“It’s Rámon, isn’t it?” She asked, “What did he do Caterina?”

I opened my eyes and met her soft ones.

“Mom.” I whispered as the unshed tears I have been trying to hold back, finally started to fall.

“Oh honey.” She whined, “Come here.”

She pulled me into her arms as I broke down completely. I cried and cried, feeling like my heart was being ripped out of me.

“What happened honey?” She softly spoke as she rubbed my back, “Tell mama what happened.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I whimpered, “I just need you to hold me, please.”

She hugged me tighter and let me continue to break down.

I couldn’t tell her what happened.

I just couldn’t do it—not right now.

…

My mom held me for a few hours while I cried. She didn’t make me talk which was nice. She hummed a few songs she used to hum to me when I was a child.

The comfort from a mother was otherworldly.

She gave me strength, even thought I wasn’t looking for it. I just wanted somebody to hold me while I cried, but she gave me more than I could have ever asked for.

“How about this?” My mother asked out as she held up one of the new dresses she bought for me “I think you should pack this.”

It was a daring red dress—short and full of diamonds that would catch everyone’s eye.

I nodded my head, “I like it.”

She was helping me pack, considering I was leaving for Italy in the next hour. Vinny made all the preparations and the private jet was waiting for me.

I was nervous, but mostly excited.

It’s like I can finally breathe, knowing I won’t have to see Rámon or Veronica. I could start a new life, healing the pain and maybe even finding new love along the way.

I tried to be optimistic, but I even knew that my love for Rámon wasn’t gonna go away.

I had to be crazy for loving someone who broke me—but here I was, still in love with the bastard.

God, I f*****g hate him.

“Okay, I think that’s enough clothes.” My mother sighed as she zipped up another full suitcase.

“Thanks for helping me pack, ma.”

She walked over and hugged me before kissing my forehead. “Of course, I would do anything for you.”

I smiled, relishing in my mother’s love.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I’m always gonna be here for you when you’re ready.” She whispered, making me tear up.

“I know ma, thanks.” I pulled back and looked away, not wanting her to be worried about me.

“Come and say your goodbye’s downstairs.” She pulled me out of the room as some of Vinny’s men retrieved my suitcases.

I followed my mother downstairs, seeing our family waiting in the foyer for us. Even the maids and security guards were here to see me off.

Whatever was left of my broken heart, hurt even more. Rámon’s lies affected everybody, not just me.

Max was the first one to run up to me and jump into my arms. I hugged him as he shed tears and cried over me leaving him.

“Don’t worry buddy, I’m not leaving forever.” I reassured him as I ruffled his hair and peppered his face with kisses.

“But I don’t want you to leave.” He whined, “I’m gonna miss you Cat.”

“I know buddy, I’m gonna miss you too.” I kissed his head before I put him down.

He was getting big, I wasn’t gonna be able to hold him in my arms much longer.

Next, grandma Alice hugged me.

“Be safe my beautiful girl.” She smiled, “We will all miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you too grandma.” I kissed her cheek, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She caressed my cheek before the twins stepped up and pulled me into a hug.

“We’re gonna miss you sis.” Gianni whispered before he pulled back and let Tomàsso hug me.

“I’m gonna miss you too.” I chuckled, “Try not and kill each other while I’m gone.”

“No promises.” Gianni smirked, making me playfully shove him.

My mother pulled me into her arms and practically squeezed me to death. “I’m gonna miss my only baby girl.”

I smiled, knowing she was dramatic when it came to her children.

“I’m gonna miss you too, ma.” I pulled back and kissed her cheek.

My father stepped up with a conflicted expression on his rugged face. He had grey hair that was starting to come in, showing just how much this life took a toll on you.

“Papa.” I whispered.

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me.

“I’m sorry principessa.” He whispered as he stroked my hair, “I never wanted to control your life, I just wanted to protect you.”

“I know papa.” I whispered back as I patted his back.

“Forgive me?”

“Of course.” I smiled, “It’s all forgiven.”

“Then stay.” He begged, “Stay with your family.”

I sighed out, knowing he was taking it harder than anybody.

Me and my papa had a close relationship. I knew he didn’t want me to leave, but I wasn’t gonna change my mind.

“I can’t papa.” I said back to him, “It’s time for me to venture out of the birds nest.”

He smiled before kissing my forehead.

“Don’t forget that your family will always be here waiting for you.”

“I know papa, I’ll be back before you know it.” I reassured.

“We gotta get going.” Vinny reminded us.

I gave my father one last hug before I waved everyone off.

“Bye cat!” Max yelled out, “I love you!”

“I love you too.” I smiled before I left the house

Sage held my hand as we walked towards the SUV together. Vinny hopped in the front while we settled in the back. His men loaded up the car with my luggage and followed behind us in their cars.

I watched the city go by as Vinny drove me to my new future.

I didn’t even know where I was going, but I was honestly just along for the ride.

Anything was better than staying here.

I needed to save my sanity.