Chapter 43

My brother glared at Stefano like he would pounce on him any second now. Stefano on the other hand, was standing awkwardly looking anywhere but us. I can’t believe this renowned cold-hearted man is nervous around my little brother. He was like a giant here in the room. A big teddy bear. And he’s acting all shy and embarrassed. It made me smile and giggle inwardly. I cleared my throat as I shifted my attention to my little brother. "Keelan..." I called. "Are you done? Mom and dad are coming." He said shifting his attention to me. It was kind of funny when a second ago he was scowling at Stefano but he suddenly became soft and kind towards me. I looked at my stuff that was now all packed. "Yeah, I’m all ready." Reaching for my bag to zip it close. "Mom had also packed all of your stuff in the apartment. They agreed to have our flight the day after tomorrow. They figured you should stay here for a day and have a chance to say goodbye to your friends." I stiffened realising that there’s only one man who still didn’t know the news. I could feel Stefano’s cold glare towards me. "What’s this all about?" His voice was as cold as his glare. He was angry. I could so feel it in my bones. "It means she’s going home with us back in Chicago." Keelan replied for my sake with seemingly annoyed tone. His brows formed into a frown. Stefano glowered even more. His hands clenched. I sighed. "Could you leave us for a moment, Keelan?" Keelan sighed deeply. "Alright. But this will be the last time I’m leaving you be." He turned and walked out the door. "Explain." His voice made me nervous. I have witnessed his rage many times. It was silent yet deadly and it was not to be reckoned with. "My family and I decided that I should go home." The guilt has now crept in me. I was hesitant to tell him the truth but now I have to. "And you did not tell me this why?" "I just... It just..." I sighed. "I’m sorry." I was honestly lost for words. I didn’t know why I didn’t tell him. But whenever I thought of it, I felt so worried and I don’t know why. "What about your work? What about-... You are not to leave your work, White! You are still under my watch. You think I’d let you get away after you what you did?" He stalked towards me slowly like a predator to his prey. His voice became thicker. His Italian accent was getting more prominent. My eyes widened surprised at his sudden outburst. "What the ****, Stefano! I have risked my life for you. Almost got killed twice and you’re worried about the fact that I’m quitting? I’m not running away from you. I have served you for months now. Don’t you think that’s enough to cover up that impulsive mistake? " "No." Shocked at his answer, I felt angry and frustrated. I clenched my fist trying to control my emotions. "Alright. I don’t need your permission to go. I am leaving this place. I am going home and that’s final. If you want to sue me or take it to court, then go. We all know what I did, Stefano. And I believe that is all for the good and you know it." As I pointed my index finger on his chest and pressed it a lot of times. He walked closer to me chest to chest. He glowered down at me. "You. Are. Not. Going. Anywhere. You are to stay by my side and resume your job as my driver whether you like it or not." I faced him squarely looking at his eyes with challenge. There was a huge difference in height but I really don’t care right now. "No." He was about to say something when we heard a knock on the door. "Honey, are you ready?" Mom and Dad then walked inside. I pulled away from Stefano. "Yeah, I’m all done." I forced a smile to cover up our fight. My parents noticed Stefano. "Oh hello, dear." "Stefano." My parents greeted him and he just nodded. "Are you here to say goodbye to Avery? She’ll be here till tomorrow though." Stefano’s eyes just stared at me. From rage to now becoming unreadable. He changed his mood pretty quickly. I have told my parents that I already asked for his permission to go home. It did cross my mind that he’ll stop me. Somehow I know and expected that he’ll always be against me. I wanted to go home with my family so bad. I miss them and what I truly wanted the most finally happened and that’s to finally be with them knowing that I am now a better person. Someone they can now be proud of. That’s why I never told him. I’m worried he’d stop me. What’s more, there’s this stupid crazy feeling that’s residing in me. Somehow I couldn’t put what it was and it’s making me confused and anxious. "Yes." I was shocked at his answer. Not a second ago he was adamant on not letting me leave. "Your daughter has been... diligent on her work. She’s..." he took a pause and gave me that weird stare again. "... always doing her best and she always help others. She’s thoughtful and selfless." Mom and dad smiled proudly. I have never seen them like that to me ever since... since I became that troublesome kid. "That’s why it’s a shame that I have to let her go." He continued. His tone was void of emotions. He didn’t sound angry, sad nor disappointed. It was empty. But my parents believed him. "Thank you, Stefano." I wonder when they started on first name basis. "We’re a little embarrassed that we weren’t the first ones to witness that but we’re happy that you did. Well, if you really wouldn’t have told us, we wouldn’t have known. Thank you. We owe you a lot." Dad said heartily. Stefano nodded. "No problem. Well then, I have to go. Have a safe trip back home." My parents smiled at him but he never once looked at me anymore. He walked out and left us. "Shall we go?" My dad asked. I nodded. At the car ride, I kept thinking about our fight at my hospital room- how I was so mad at him... yet I felt so guilty. I knew I didn’t tell him just like the others before cause somehow I didn’t know how he’d react. The other side of me felt that he’s going to get mad and he did. I wanted to go home with my family so much not even feelings could hold me back. I’m sad and angry... worried. God, I don’t know what to feel anymore. If he’s not going to understand my feelings... Then I guess we’re just not meant to be.