Page 122 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"I won't. I love you, too. Have fun, call me tonight when you get back to the Inn." I want to hear all about this little dinner with Ian and his family. I can't help but feel a bit scared. What if she still loves him?
"I will. Goodbye, my Knight."
"Goodbye, my Rose." The line went dead, making me miss her voice already. I hate being away from her. I grabbed her journal, curious to see what she wrote next. What comes after something like that?
Dear future me,
I'm sorry. I am sorry I wasn't strong. I am sorry I almost killed us. I am sorry I am so weak and pathetic. I won't do it again I swear. As you know I got some help. I'd never seen dad so upset before. He was furious, but he was also concerned. I guess now I know he cares enough not to see me die. He helped stop the bleeding and took me to the emergency room. When I came home a few days later the blood had been wiped clean, all evidence of my attempt had been erased.
I imagined Dad cleaning it up, and I wondered how he felt as he did it. He's kinder and more patient with me than before. I guess he didn't notice how much pain I was in emotionally. He felt guilty. He hasn't had me spar, and he's been drinking a lot less. Honestly, things at home have gotten better, at least for now. I know he'll go back to normal in a week, tops. Still, it's nice for now.
I got my first tattoo today. Joe gave me permission, and so I put a semicolon under my right breast over my rib cage. It didn't end, only paused. School is better too. It still sucks ass, but at least the teachers are being nicer. The principal checks in on me every once in a while, too. I am picked on more now, but it's only done when a teacher leaves the room, or in the stairwells when no one is looking, so there's not as many opportunities for them to do it.
I am going to therapy now, every Tuesday after school. Dad actually takes me there and he stays and waits for me. I am okay now. I started going to the gym, and I'm dealing with my emotions in a better way. I won't wallow ever again. I won't.
A recovering,
Past You
I was glad to read that things had gotten easier, at least. I still couldn't believe she did it. It broke my heart to know, so when I see her I'm going to love on her like never before. I'm going to hold her and kiss her and never let her go again.You're everything to me, Rose, and I'll make sure you know.
Olive's P.O.V.
Ian's familiar Dutch colonial styled, white house with red shutters and bright red door came into view as I reached the end of the dirt road path. I missed this place with its lush green grass, no matter the time of year, such soft grass you'd think you were walking on clouds. I parked, taking a deep breath, and calming my twirling stomach. I don't know why part of me was scared of entering their house. I was scared of the feelings it would stir inside me again. The want for a normal family, for the loving embrace of a nice family.
I headed towards the door, knocking on the thick cold metal. I could hear Ian yelling "coming" as he approached the door. It swung open to reveal his tousled hair and kind smile. A smile that wrinkles the sides of his eyes in merriment. He was happy to see me. "Welcome back to my humble abode." He gestured with his arm to come in. I stepped past him, greeted by the toasty heat. Mrs. Daniels always kept it warm here during the colder months. The familiar scent of lavender and fresh linen hit me right in the heart. I had missed this smell. I took a deep breath, trying to fill my lungs with it.
"Livie! You've grown into such a beautiful young woman!" Mrs. Daniels rounded the corner with her gorgeous golden hair tied up in a large bun with some loose, curled strands.
She held her arms open wide for me to hug her as her grass green eyes scanned my body. I leaned in, giving her a hug back. I didn't realize how badly I needed a hug from her. She was like the mom I had been missing this whole time. She grabbed my face with both her hands, kissing each cheek before letting go.
"I'm so happy you could make it. We've missed your beautiful face over the years," she complained, side-eyeing Ian like it was his fault she hadn't seen me.
"I've missed you too." I smiled back at her kind eyes. Mrs. Daniels had a sculpted face like a model without the resting bitch face. She had a face which radiated warmth, and all that was good in the world.
"I'm making your favorite. At least I hope it is still your favorite." She smiled.
"Your lasagna rolls?" I almost jumped in excitement when she nodded. She made the absolute best spinach and ricotta cheese lasagna rolls I'd ever had. She's always said it's because of the Italian in her. "I can't wait! Thank you, Mrs. Daniels."
"Oh, honey, no. You're a grown woman now. Call me Caterina," she scolded me with a flick of her wrist.
"Okay, Caterina." I nodded, feeling odd saying her first name. She's always just been Mrs. Daniels.
"I better head back to the kitchen. Come help once you've said hello to Donald." I nodded my head, watching her walk through the swinging door to the kitchen in the back. She was a sight for sore eyes, if there ever was one. I was happy to be able to see her again. This whole family, actually.
"Come on, Dad's this way," Ian said with a smile as he took my hand and dragged me to the study. He slid the French doors open, showing his large father standing, looking over his desk. His light brown hair had grayed a bit in certain areas. He'd gained some weight, but still had his athletic physique. He was like a large teddy bear with a great big beard. His lips turned into a wide smile when he noticed me.
"Liv! Long time no see! So happy you could join us. Cat has been nonstop about how excited she was to have you over. It's like she forgot all about me coming into town." He laughed his big barley laugh, causing me to smile wider. I'd missed his laugh too, one that lightens your heart by just hearing it.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to take the attention away from you," I apologized, feeling bad for him.
"Ah, it's alright. When you've been married for 25 years, you get to know each other too well. I know my Cat loves company, and she most especially loves company she hasn't seen in a while. I'm glad you two reconnected. Ian was such a mess when we first moved. The boy moped around the house depressed for a whole damn year." Donald shook his head in disappointment, crossing his arms. There was still a look of amusement on his face, like he found it funny.
"Dad!" Lucas scolded him. "I didn't mope." He turned to me this time.
"Good to know," I giggled.
"It's nice to see you again, Liv." Donald beamed a smile at me as I gave him a small wave. Ian slid the doors closed behind us with a mischievous grin.
