[ Gemma ]“I heard from Carlotta that Nonna and you had a meeting in the library and when she walked out, she looked in a really bad mood, is it true, Amore?”Giovanni, who had his face buried on my chest asked me.We were entangled in sheets after a steamy sex and nestling into each other’s embrace. His question reminded me of the threats I received from the old woman.“I don’t know why she was in a bad mood but we only had a normal chit chat. She gave me Luna Ximena’s journal to read. I’ll study it after the party.” I lied.I felt guilty that I had to lie to him but I couldn’t tell him the truth either because it might plant seeds of tension between him and his grandparents which I didn’t want. He had been struggling from every direction.I’d deal with Mrs. Orsini myself.“Gemma…”He called my name in a soft voice.“Hmmm..” I lifted my head and looked at him.“My family will stay here for couple of days. They’ll arrive tomorrow. I know it was easy for you to deal with them. They are
[ Gemma ]My heart was hammering against my chest as I padded my way to the library.I was summoned by Mrs. Orsini, the moment I had been dreading but I had no other choice to escape this.Upon reaching at the doorstep of the library, I knocked first.The door was opened by a maid who walked out with empty cup after bowing to me and I stepped inside. She was rummaging through shelves of old books, the journals of their ancestors I guessed.“Ma’am, you want to talk to me.” I said to draw her attention.“There is no need for formalities, Gemma. You can call me Nonna or Grandmother, whatever suits you.” She said turning to face me with an old book in her hand.“Forgive me, Grandma.” I bowed again to apologize because by any means I didn’t want to upset her.“You know this is Luna Ximena’s journal, the first Luna of Death Shadow Pack, the greatest, the bravest. Who bore great warriors and kept fighting until her last breath.” She showed me the cover of the journal.“I am sure she was a gr
[ Giovanni ]“Your mate asked you to release our mother from the proper medical care and you agreed?” Leonardo asked me blinking his eyes at me.I nodded my head quietly.“Do you even realize what you have done, Gio? Our mother’s mental condition is fragile and if we let her live freely, you know what might happen.” He said.He looked worried but not for our mother but others whom she could hurt unintentionally.“I understand your concern, Leo but when I thought about her suggestion, I also felt that our mother also has rights to live like a normal person. Just imagine, how would we feel if we are locked in a room for years? We’ll eventually go insane.” I stated.“I am not saying that Gemma is wrong but you know what mother had done in the past. She tried to kill herself.” He said.“I remember everything and I know it won’t be easier for any of us if she comes out of her room and we treat her like any of us. It will be challenging but I think she can be healed.” I said.“Gemma is too
[ Gemma ]“You don’t need to say anything if you aren’t ready, Gio. I understand that it’s not easy for you to relive some memories which should better be buried in the past.” I said rubbing his hands gently as we sat down on the swing at the roof.He shook his head and kissed my knuckles.“If I don’t share it with you now, it’ll keep hurting me, Gemma. I am grateful to you that you pushed me to the extent where I realized it is better to take it out than living with it.” He said.I could feel how he was struggling to talk normally. I wanted to know what exactly happened in their past that changed everything. His mother was leading the worst life for a human being.“You already saw my mother and her condition so let’s save our time.” He said.“I don’t understand why she has become like this and why you have to keep her locked and your grandparents treat her badly?” I asked because it was quite disturbing for me.“She wasn’t always like this. In fact, in many ways, she used be to like
[ Gemma ]“Is she your mother? Because I don’t think your grandparents would hate someone to this extent and the person is still alive. It’s not like the Orsini family’s style.” I said walking up to him.He was standing like a stout stone statue, his face blank and jaws clenched.“Gemma, please, don’t make me do something which I’d regret later. I want you to never mention it in front of me or anyone else. It might only get you in trouble.” He spoke coldly.“I won’t sit quietly because I can’t erase her terrified face from my mind. Whenever I close my eyes, her face dances. She is a prisoner here, broken and traumatized.” I said firmly.“You’re playing with fire, Gemma. It doesn’t concern you so mind your own business.” He said sharply.In other circumstances, I would have felt hurt but I knew he was just trying to save himself from getting hurt. I was hitting his aching nerve but it was necessary to break his shell so he could share something which was a haunting past for him and the
[ Gemma ]I was disturbed ever since the incident happened. That woman’s face kept dancing in front of my eyes. I couldn’t take my mind off from her, those fear filled eyes staring at me to help her.Should I ask Giovanni about her?“You are here, I searched you everywhere.” Giovanni’s voice startled me and I looked up.He was standing in front of me with a hard face and clenched fists, he was fuming in anger but there was worry behind the sheer layer of fury and hardness. He walked closer and I was unable to meet his gaze because I made him worried.“I am sorry. I took Eliot for a stroll and I didn’t realize that I had walked here.” I apologized.I was away from the packhouse in a clear patch from where I could see the pack and farms. I had to clear my mind before Mrs. Orsini summon me again.“A ‘sorry’ isn’t fair explanation, Gemma. Nobody knew you came here. You should at least told Octavio or the maids. Even if this place is safe, I am still worried about you.” He reprimanded me.