Giovanni Haynes
I stood outside the hospital room for what felt like forever. Ciara was right I had to try and put this behind me. What would my future be like if I continue living in the past? I knew for most people it would seem too soon but I couldn't imagine a day without Ciara, without hearing her voice are feeling her presence and if I continue holding grudges and refuse to forgive then it might drive her away. I had to gain her trust completely and I believe the first step in achieving her trust is to prove to her that Jasmine means nothing to me, she no longer had a hold over me.
"Cousin, you have to go in there sometime." Mateo says with a hand on my shoulder. Bentley stood on my left, his hands in his pockets as he gaze ahead.
"He's right bro, better to just get it over with."
"Don't be a pussy. The man is dying and after knocking that bitch up once he only tolerated her because of their son and it's not like he can steal one of your bitches again."
I turn to glare at my younger brother. He was unbelievable, I wasn't even that horrible at the age of thirteen. I'd have to start praying that he doesn't give mother a heart attack any time in the future.
"Have some manners Richy we're your elders." Bentley scolded.
Without uttering a word to Bent, Mat or my brat little brother I push the door open and took reluctant steps into the hospital room. Stefano tried to sit up as he saw me enter.
"Don't- don't bother." The look on his face was one of shame as he settled back into a laying position.
"Nephew. It's so good to see you, I thought you weren't coming."
"I wasn't." I say void of emotion.
He hesitate for a while seeming lost for words. "Please Giovanni, take a seat-please." He begs again when he saw I wasn't moving from my place by the door.
What felt like an hour but what was merely minutes past before I took the seat next to him. The pale and thin looking man who was once strong and muscular gives a small cautious smile which I refuse to return. "I don't know where to start from. I know I owe you an apology and at the same time I feel more like I did you a favour."
I lean back in the cheap delicate chair as I scrutinize the man. "And what exactly was that favour?"
"I love my son but his mother is no where in the category of best women in the world. She's like a locust from the 8th plague but instead of feeding on flesh she feeds of the wealth of men."
He had described her perfectly but-"Is that what you tell yourself in order to feel better after stealing your nephews' girlfriend?"
I watch him as he stare silently ahead. That alone was enough to answer my question.
"So you think you saved me-" I nod in consideration. "You know what?"
His sunken blue eyes met mine as he waited for me to continue. "I don't care anymore. If you never f!!ked her and I found out about it then I wouldn't have moved to LA." I thought of all my accomplishments since I moved, the people I've met. "If anything I'm fucking glad so indeed uncle, you did do me a favour by taking what was left of my scrapes."
"I'm sorry for hurting you. I hope you'll sincerely forgive me one day."
I sigh sitting forward in the seat. Mateo might be my favourite cousin but his father Marcus was nowhere in that category of favourites. Stefano fitted the role of a perfect uncle and I assumed he'd be an even better father much better that my father and his brother could be. That is the reason it knocked me to the ground when I found out what he did; he was the last person I expected to stoop so low.
"I forgive you uncle and you should say a silent thank you to the woman I hope I'll marry one day for if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be sitting here right now- and now I know that I would have regretted it."
Ciara Mendes
The box that contains most of my belongings from my old office almost slip from my hand. I grip it tighter as I make my way to my new office. I recall all the memories of dad trying to coax me to attend medical school, the Mendes family was a family of doctors and I was the only one who wanted to take a different path; excluding Bridget who dropped out after the first six months.
After having a long conversation with him he decided to let me live my life how I wanted. His exact words were, "If you're happy pudding then so am I'.
I never once doubted my choice and thinking back I couldn't be more happier. I can't wait to share this news with Giovanni. It's been a day since I last saw him and I must admit I missed him entirely. Face timing wasn't enough, nothing beats having him close and to think it had to take a day separation for me to realize this.
The elevator came to a stop and the door open. Irritation took over and I roll my eyes at the person standing on the other side.
"What do you want?" I say walking right past him.
"I want to talk Ciara. I hated how things ended with us and I want to make it right."
"Does Bridget know you're here, Fisher?"
His silence was enough to answer my question. I enter through the door that had my name plate on it then place the box on the desk that was probably made from pine wood; I thought about changing it to a glass desk instead. It already occupied my iMac and with only a few more items it will have to do for now.
"Can we just talk- please? I want to explain myself."
I turn and look at him.
How blind had I been, the small mischievous glint in his eyes should have been enough to make me stay away. I thought I was in love with him but that was something beyond me. He actually saved me from doing what he did. "Why do you feel the need to do that, Is it because you think it will clear your guilty conscience?"
He sigh looking down at his black leather shoes. "When I first met you, you reminded me so much of her. You look just like her when she was younger in fact I knew right away that you were her younger sister so I approach you- but you were nothing like her."
I chuckle at his insulting words and fold my arms. "By that I suppose you mean I was collected, easy to trace and didn't spread my legs for every rich man I bumped into?"
He took two steps forward and I stop him from coming any further.
"Ciara, Bridget isn't the woman you portray her to be. Her personality might differ from yours but that doesn't mean she sleeps around. We shared, share something special and I love her. I'm just sorry I used you to get back to her you didn't deserve to be treated like that. I don't expect you to forgive me." He run his fingers through his brunette hair. "I wouldn't forgive me, but just remember that despite of all the things she said to you the night of the ball, she loves you and I know that you'll understand the love that she and I share once you find that love for yourself."
I stared at the man in disbelief wondering when he became such a guru on love. He was unbelievable yet he rendered me speechless, I mean how can I reply to that? He insulted me, practically convinced me that my sister wasn't a selfish bitch, that I'd find the love of my life, apologized and rub his happiness in my face all at once.
He gives me a small smile before walking out the door. I lean back against the desk as I finally start to comprehend the situation. Fisher didn't love me. He used me to get to my sister not caring about my own feelings and now that he's with her, he portrays a whole different side of the Fisher I knew. The Fisher who made me change my hair colour back to it's natural colour and made me feel like a burden rather than a blessing.
All because I was the wrong sister.