39. A Masterclass in Professionalism

Rima’s POV:

I hurried back to my flat, my vision blurred by the deluge of tears streaming down my face. It felt as if my heart were ablaze, consumed by a tumultuous mix of emotions. Inserting the key into the lock proved to be a challenge, my trembling hands and tear-streaked eyes obstructing my view.

Inside me, conflicting halves battled for dominance. One part of me was shattered, my heartbroken spirit echoing with pain. The other part simmered with anger, directed towards him for betraying his promise. He had vowed to be there for me, to understand without judgment. Yet, in his indirect accusation of hypocrisy, he had failed to comprehend that my connection with Tony went beyond his affiliation with the mafia. It was the way Tony had rescued me, granted me a second chance at life, and continued to protect me at great personal risk. I couldn’t articulate all of this in explicit detail, but I had hoped he would extend me the benefit of the doubt, to believ