Chapter 21

Antonio

The tears on Marissa's cheek break my heart. I have listened to every word my sister and mother have said. I know that they are true. If I had gone about this the normal way, I would have put both me and Marissa in danger. That is one of the reasons I took the road I did. I discussed my approach with my father several times before he passed away and left his empire for me to rule. We both agreed that this approach, though not perfect, was the safest. But the regret her tears bring is the most painful feeling I have had for a long time.

And it’s amplified by the knowledge that everything could have been avoided if I had taken the road, and the woman my father presented. Mariah is a beautiful woman and she would have made a good wife for me, but I would never love her and neither would she love me.

I met with Mariah once, just to try and give my father a peace of mind. There was nothing. Not for me and not for her. She was already in love and only met me to appease her fathe