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"You might be able to touch me now, Marcello. But you'd better remove your hand before I break it," he coolly states,flinging my brother's arm aside and pushing me behind him. "Out of courtesy for you, I wanted to give Sisi a chance to explain to you how everything went down. But I told you before. The moment you try to take her away from me, all bets are off."

"Really?" My brother gives a cruel laugh. "And where were you when she was in the hospital miscarryingyourchild?" he asks and I gasp, my hand going to my mouth as I can barely believe he'd hit that low.

Vlad's shoulders are quaking with unreleased tension, and for a moment I fear he might snap.

"Enough!" I place myself between them, "That's between me and Vlad, and we've made peace with it," I declare, holding Marcello's gaze.

"Sisi, go get your stuff," Vlad's voice is low and harsh to the ears as he barely contains himself.

"Vlad…"

"Now," he whispers, and that one softly uttered word tells me all I need to know.

With one last glance at Lina and Marcello, I back away from the study, all but dashing upstairs to my room.

Knowing Vlad is likely hanging by a thread, I get a big bag and I stuff some of my most precious stuff inside, thinking I might never get to return here.

I'd anticipated Marcello wouldn't be thrilled about us, but I hadn't thought he'd be this downright tyrannical.

I shake my head as I feel tears burn behind my eyes, disappointment settling deep in my stomach. I really hadn't wanted things to turn out like this. Especially since all I'd ever wanted was to have a family.

A family that didn't shun me.

A sob catches in my throat as I shove some of the dresses I'd gotten with Lina into a bag, the few memories I'd made inthis house coming to the surface and making me feel even more forlorn.

"Sisi." I turn sharply toward the door to see Lina tentatively step inside.

"Don't worry, we'll leave quickly," I say, dabbing at my eyes.

Somehow, I don't want her to see how much this is affecting me.

"Sisi," she repeats, coming toward me, her arms cushioning my body as she draws me to her chest. "No one's throwing you out. You don't have to leave." She strokes my hair.

"But I have to." I lean back, looking away. "Marcello clearly won't ever approve of us, and I'm not going anywhere without Vlad," I tell her sincerely.

"You love him that much?" she asks, pressing her lips together in consternation.

"I can't put into words how much I love him," I whisper, blinking away tears.

Why is it that I have to choose between my family and Vlad? Why can't they just accept our relationship? Yes, I know that Vlad doesn't have the best track record, but they could at least give him a chance.

"But you know who he is." She frowns, as if she can't understand how I could possibly love someone like him.

"Yes," I reply, "I know exactly who he is, and that's why I love him. He's never lied to me about who he is, and I've always accepted him wholeheartedly."

"But he's a killer, Sisi. He's a violent, unfeeling killer."

"What about my brother?" I counter, "I know what he did to you, Lina. And you're still here, with him. Can't you understand me at least a little?" My voice thins out, my throat clogged with emotion.

She looks as if I'd slapped her, a red tinge creeping up her cheeks.

"Vlad isn't a saint. I know that. God, I'm aware that he's probably one of the most dangerous men in this world. But he'smine." I point to my chest. "You have no idea how much he loves me, or how cherished he makes me feel. He completes me in a way I'd never thought possible, and I'm not about to give that up. Not even for you," I firmly state and her eyes widen slightly.

"Sisi…" she drifts off as she's trying to read me.

"I understand if you or Marcello can't accept that. It's your choice. Just as it is mine to go with him." I continue to place my stuff in the bag, refusing to succumb to my emotions. "Where are Claudia and Venezia? I want to say goodbye." Another pang hits my chest at realizing I likely won't be able to see either for a long time.

Venezia I'd only just gotten to know, but Claudia? We'd grown up side by side, and sometimes she feels like both my sister and my child.