Chapter 3. His Sanctuary
1077 Words
Chapter 3. His Sanctuary
Dante looked at the scene that was unfolding in front of him in awe. He wasn't the only one. Even the old man. The driver already got his own share of surprise at Playtopia.
Aria had never gotten close to anyone. Not after his wife died. But this woman, Dante thought— she was something else. The whole point of this job was Aria. If anyone could get through to her, he had no problem and Isla didn't seem to have bad intentions. He was experienced and could get the whiff of evil at a glance. But, this view in front of him...was so genuine he couldn't even take his eyes from it. There was a little smile on his little angel's face and it was all because of this...woman.
"We meet so soon Aria" Isla cheered. She beamed. One thing was that she got to meet this sweetheart again and another... without being told, she knows she already got this job. She could feel it! She wanted to give the little girl a big kiss on her cheek but didn't as that would be too excess. Aria was her good luck!
Aria nodded. She hugged Isla's neck, not planning on letting go. Isla smiled while stroking her back gently.
Someone cleared their throat. Isla remembered she was still in front of her boss. Aria also turned to look at her father.
"You got the job" Dante said.
'Was this really happening?! I can't believe this!' Isla was still shocked within.
"Yes!" Isla squealed. "Thank you!"
Aria clapped her hands happily while raising her hands asking for another hug from Isla. Isla didn't hesitate and hugged her. She picked her up holding her gently in her arms.
"Thank you so much sir. I will try my best" Isla said.
"Mm. I just hope this isn't a fluke" Dante poked. This was a way to remind Isla that she should keep her actions in check. 'Who knows how long she would cling unto you for?' Dante said within.
Isla pressed her lips into a thin line obviously poked by what Dante had said. But, as she felt the little girl's soft eyes on her face, she didn't think this was a fluke at all. She could feel the connection herself. She wasn't her mother but whatever maternal, she felt it towards this little angel.
Dante turned to the old man. "Mr Lee, take Miss Hayes to her quarters".
"Yes Sir Moretti" Mr Lee replied.
"Aria, don't you want Daddy to hold you?" Dante cooed. He wasn't so good at this but he tried.
Aria finally tore her gaze from Isla's face and faced her dad. She had a little pout on her lips. 'I have just reunited with this pretty aunty and daddy doesn't hesitate to send her away'.
Isla could feel her reluctance, so she added to Dante's words. "Go on sweetheart. Your daddy's been missing you all day. You don't want him crying right?"
Aria nodded. No matter what, she also loved her daddy more than anything and making him cry is something she can't afford.
"Go and play with him. Once I'm done with work, I will come and play with you alright?"
Aria nodded with a small smile.
Isla set Aria down gently and allowed her go to her father. 'What a cutie!'
"Let's go Miss Hayes" Mr Lee urged. His tone was now slightly softened unlike when he brought her in.
"Yes" Isla nodded and followed but not before taking a quick glance at little Aria sitting calmly on her dad's legs. She smiled sweetly at Aria and mistakenly locked eyes with her father for what seemed like a millisecond. She hurriedly left as though her eyes had come in contact with acid.
Dante watched as she left with Mr Lee. 'What are you.... really?'
He turned his gaze to the driver who was also his assistant, Rick.
"What happened?"
"I'm sorry Boss. I lost Miss Aria but Miss Hayes seemed to have saved her from a gang of bullies"
"Really?"
"That's what it seems like..."
But, Dante didn't believe that. He was the lord of the underworld. The leader of the Moretti legacy. The father of the Moretti Mafia. He didn't believe that things were just so simple. Even if Aria warmed up to her, he wasn't planning on letting it be.
"Should I look into it sir?" Rick asked.
"No...allow her. She's unravel herself soon" Dante said with a smirk. He lowered his gaze to the little girl in his arms. "At least, she's okay"
Rick looked at him. A bit hesitant, he added, "She was with Miss Aria when I arrived".
"That's alright. How's the meeting this afternoon?"
"I already set it up Boss" Rick answered.
"Okay". He stood, taking Aria to her room.
After he had kept Aria in her room, and made sure she was watching a cartoon series on the the telly in her room, Dante left for his room. In a corner...just a secluded spot in the room, he pulled out a book. A squeaky sound was heard and the corner moved, revealing another space. Dante walked in.
The chamber was dark, but Dante didn't mind. He already knew this place like the back of his hand. The familiar scent of old wood and ink seeped into his nostrils. Inside here, lay the ghosts of his thoughts. This is his sanctuary— and his prison. He easily found his seat and sat, setting the book from earlier on the table. He turned on the table lamp.
He had written her, every night for three years. Some letters were love for her. Some were rage— for himself. All of them...were haunted. This has become his ritual in this dark sanctuary.
He took the pen that was resting loyally in one of the pages of the book. And he began to write.
My lovely Elena,
Another lady came to apply for the nanny position today. Her name is Isla Hayes. She got it and this time...I actually think she might keep it... because our beautiful baby girl loves this lady. I haven't seen Aria smile in so long but she did today. I'm happy and I hope you're too. I miss you so much. And I hope to join you soon. Just let me get revenge on those who did this to you, including me. I love
you Elena.
Your husband, Dante Moretti.
- Writer
