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They stand there, watching me carefully, and I feel something inside meacheas I slowly approach them.
Without thinking, I wrap my arms around them both, holding them close as I sigh against Papa’s chest. He stiffens for only a second, then his hands are there as he pulls me in even closer, as Dario wraps his arms around us too.
I feel the weight of their concern as they hug me, the love and protectiveness that has always been there too.
“I know it wasn’t ideal, the way we met.” I say softly to them both as I pull away slightly. “But they have been good to me. They are so good to me, Papa, and I know that I love them. They love me too, and they are so protective over me. They will keep me safe, always.”
Papa’s face crumbles, like he hates what he’s hearing.
I don’t like seeing him like this, but he needs to understand.
This isn’t just a decision that was made by Alessandro, or even the twins for that matter. I was part of this too, and I need them both to be happy for me.
“We can keep you safe, Chiara.”
Dario rasps out, looking down at me with such intensity in his eyes that I have no choice but to look away.
My chest tightens as I force myself to keep on breathing, and even shake my head at my brother.
It’s not true.
Dario can’t keep me safe, and neither can Papa.
Not in the way that Nikolai and Mikhail can, and have done.
I look back to Papa, tears slowly filling my eyes as I search his face.
“I don’t understand it, Papa.” I manage to whisper. “I really don’t, but I know that I love them. They love me too, Papa. I want to be with them. Please don’t make me choose between you both.”
He’s watching me intently, his eyes softening with every word that leaves my mouth.
After a long silence, he finally exhales a slow breath, his face relaxing slightly as he speaks.
“As long as you are happy, Chiara, then I am happy too.”
Papa says in a quiet voice.
I swallow hard, a lump forming in my throat as his words settle over me.
This is everything I’ve needed to hear; the reassurance I’ve been longing for.
Papa, my protector, the man who has always tried to keep me safe; he’s giving me his blessing, even if this situation is anything but easy.
Papa’s voice is soft but steady as he whispers into my ear
“I love you, Chiara.” He says, his arms still around me, holding me close. “Always, no matter what. You are my daughter, and I want you to be happy. If you are happy, then I am happy too, va bene?”
A tear slips down my cheek, but I don’t wipe it away.
Instead, I close my eyes for a moment, letting the world around me fade away.
I breathe deeply, my shoulders relaxing, my body finally settling into the warmth of Papa’s embrace.
I feel content.
As Papa’s arms tighten around me, I release a heavy sigh. And with that simple, quiet sigh, I know that whatever happens next, I’ll be okay.
Because at this moment, I’m loved. And at this moment, I’m cherished.