CHAPTER 95 — THE ACT OF FALLING (VIN'S BACKSTORY 4)

(VINCENZO'S POV)

After shaking hands with Charlotte that night, I convinced myself that our arrangement would be simple. Clean. No messy emotions to complicate things.

I was wrong.

"Father," I said, catching him in his study a week later. "I want to go to college."

He looked up from his ledger, eyebrows raised. "College? What the use is that…..?"

“For the business to have legit credentials” I interrupted him

Father leaned back in his chair, absorbing all what I told him as I backed up my claims

He nodded in agreement, surprising me. I'd expected more resistance, but I'm glad he didn't see through my deceit.

I arrived at Columbia University and soon, it became my sanctuary.

I used ‘busy schedules’ to avoid most required public appearances with Charlotte while quenching my loneliness with women I won't see twice.

It was easier that way. Better.

Or so i thought.

The night of my mother's death anniversary, I sat on my apartment floor with a bottle of whiskey and her favorite photo