Page 154 of Shades of Loyalty
And yet, I killed somebody else. Like no matter what I do, somebody’s death will be involved, if not my own.
“Please tell me this is some kind of cruel joke, Daniel…Please.”
But despite Andrew’s begging, Daniel stays quiet, not responding. Not moving. Not doing anything despite staring at the desk.
When I look back at Andrew, he doesn’t look at me like he hates me as I expected. His eyes are filled with tears.
He’s hurt.
And I wish I could help him. Comfort him. Tell him this wasn’t true, but… I can’t.
If I’d tell the truth, I’d tell him killing Julian felt like a total relief.
But I’m not a bitch, and I certainly don’t enjoy hurting others.
Especially not people who don’t deserve pain, like Andrew. He’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and the last person I’d wish any harm to.
“I’m sorry Andrew, just… He… He threatened us and I couldn’t stop myself. If I wouldn’t have done it, he would’ve—”
“Don’t try to justify yourself. You did the right thing.” He smiles as a tear rolls down his face, but he instantly wipes it away. “I just didn’t expect him out of all people to do… All of this.”
All of this. Because it wasn’t just simple betrayal.
He got several people killed. Innocent people.
Their parents. Theirfamily.
It’s hard to grasp.
Because as we’re all standing here, the five of us are the ones in leadership.
Lilia and Vittorio were the only elderly people here. Now that they’re both gone, Daniel and Hayden are the only ones in control.
Andrew, Victoria and I are just considered in control because we’re family.
I mean, they are. I just… Does being his girlfriend count me in?
What I’m saying is that all of us are the new generation of this family. The Caruso family.
And while all hope might’ve seemed forgotten, we… We survived it. We made it.
Even more important, all of us are buried in sorrow, but we know better times will come.
Peace will come back. Hope will come back. Quieter times will come back.
It’s the only thought some of us hold onto.
Especially them. Because while not being able to save all of the people close to them hurt me, I only got to know all of them.
But they? They’ve known them all their life.
I have no right to sound like I’m hurt worse than they are. Because in reality, I know I couldn’t be.
Andrew excuses himself before he leaves the office to “go back to work.”
We all know it’s not true. He will most likely keep his bakery closed for a few days, grieving.
Over the people he lost.
