6. GIULIANA

It's already past midnight and I'm still awake. Sofia's already on her bed. I had to make her sleep first before I have time for myself.

I gulped down a glass of water. Heart still heavy with what happened between me and Matteo. We could never really talk without ending it with me screaming at him.

While I was drinking another glass of water, the doorbell rang. Who woulf visit me at this hour?

My brows furrowed as I put the glass down and went toward the door. The moment I opened the door, my breath was caught in my throat. Shocked for their unannounced visit. How did they even know I was here me?

“Mom…Dad?”

My voice cracked.

For a second, I didn’t know what to do. I had prepared myself for anger. Accusations. Cold stares. But when my mother opened her arms, I broke dowm. I found myself hugging her tightly.

“Shh, baby.” Her hand caressing the back of my head. “We’re here. We're here now.”

My Dad’s large hand hugged me and my mom. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the feeling of being someone’s daughter.

We stayed like that until my tears stopped. As soon as they stepped inside and took in the modest home I’d made with quiet admiration, they looked in awe as if it’s a dream. A home made by the heir of Bianchi–the most feared family in the country who solves their problem with chaos and death to traitors.

“I know it looks simple.” I said, wiping at my tears. “But it’s ours.”

They sat at the small dining table while I poured them a cup of tea with shaky hands. The silence was thick but not uncomfortable. It's just heavy with the years we’d missed.

“How have you been, dear?” my father finally asked.

I took a seat opposite them. “Busy,” I admitted and fidgeted my hand. “Sofia’s been my world. She’s… everything.”

I hesitated for a moment only for me to decided to tell them the truth.

“She has a congenital heart condition. But don't worry because I've been preparing for the surgery. That’s why I started the bike shop because I needed a steady income, something that won’t take my attention from her that long and ensures a daily earning for me to support her needs.”

Mom's hand covered her mouth, her eyes starting to cry up again. Dad's jaw clenched tighter.

“We didn’t know,” he said. "If only we had.”

“I know.” I cut in. “I know. Don't worry."

Then my mother cleared her throat. “We came because… Matteo called us.”

The warmth I felt ust started to feel chilled in an instant. “Of course he did!” I said sarcastically. “What did he tell you this time?”

My Dad tried to calm his voice. "He said you wouldn’t listen. That you wouldn’t even let him help.”

Of course he said that.

I stood abruptly. “Because he left me. He believed lies. He didn't even listened to any of my explanatios. And now he comes here and demands me to leave my business and come live with him and we take care of Sofia together!"

My mom stood up and took my hand. “We understand you. We do. And we admire what you’ve done. Truly. And we are so proud of you being so strong all these years.”

Mom caressed my face before continuing. “Giuli, listen to me. We're not here to pick sides, baby. We're just saying that in our world, when a man claims a woman it’s not just words. It’s a vow. You know what that means.”

“What if he's just gonna hurt me again?” I said bitterly.

“I don't think so he'll try hard to just hurt you, dear.” my mother whispered. “And we’ll help you, however we can." I swallowed hard thinking they do have a point.

Tears started to form again in my eyes, but I wiped them away. “I want you to meet her. She’s upstairs napping.”

I climbed the stairs, careful not to wake her too harshly. My hands caressed her hair as I knelt beside her bed and gently waking her up.

“Sofia, baby… wake up, sweetheart.”

She stirred, blinking up at me with those sleep-fogged eyes I get to see every morning. “Mommy?”

I kissed her forehead. “There are some people downstairs I want you to meet.”

Sofia yawn and stretched her little arms out while mumbling, “Who is it, mommy?”

“Come, let me help you go downstairs." I said, picking her up carefully and holding her close. She rested her head on my shoulder as we go downstairs.

Once we reached the living room, she looked at the two unfamiliar people. “Sofia, they're your grandparents. Mommy's father and mother.”

“Hello, dear.” my mom greeted. She asked if she could carry Sofia and I nodded and she carefully carried my baby. I smiled gently. “It’s okay, baby.”

Dad added, brushing Sofia's hair. “We’re very happy to meet you.”

She shyly said “Hi,” to them. That single word brought smiles on their faces.

My Dad pulled out that cute pink doll Sofia's been wanting to buy. "I've got a present for you." Sofia hesitated but then took it. She smiled widely as she held the pink cute doll.

The next day, I made up my mind. Maybe, my parents were right.

I stood by the window and watched Mom in the garden with Sofia. For three years I had spent

thinking I was alone in this and that they were disappointed at me but maybe I didn’t have to carry it all alone anymore. A lot has changed since then.

My Dad walked up beside me with his hands tucked on his pocket. “The house Matteo is referring to, it’s ready. It’s under your name. He bought it but named it under yours. So you don't have any problem if you want to kick him out.” he said while laughing a little. “It’s quiet. Gated. Lots of trees and space for Sofia to play when she gets stronger.”

I turned to him, surprise flickering in my eyes. “If you ever want to come back, it’ll be there waiting for you.”

I swallowed the rising emotions I'm starting to feel. “I don’t want to live in that clubhouse. I won’t raise her there. You know how I feel about that world.”

“No one said anything about you and Sofia living in the clubhouse.” he said. “That’s why this house exists now. You’ll have your space. And if you want…” He gave a rare smile. “We’ll help you set up a new bike shop there. A better one. Bigger. Safer.”

For a moment, I barely could speak. I gave my Dad a hug not knowing what to say of his efforts.. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Anything for you, Dear.”