Page 285 of Valentino

“That was a tragic accident, you know that. I was there, remember.”

“Yes, but now that we know what he does…. Was it really an accident?”

Fuck….

I can’t even tell them the truth.

“We’re in love,” I stammer. “We are madly in love. If you will just get to know him.”

“Anna,” my mother snaps. “You are not in love, what you are is deluded. I will not stand by and let you ruin your life. You are moving back in with us immediately.”

“No. I’m not.”

My father frowns as he looks over at me. “So you would rather see him than see us.”

“Don’t be dramatic.” I sigh.

“Your father is right, Anna. We cannot support this in any shape or form. We won’t.”

“What are you saying?” I whisper.

“I’m saying that it’s him or us.”

“Mom.”

“Make your decision.”

I look over to my father. “Dad?”

“I’m sorry, love, I’m with your mother on this one.”

“I’m not breaking up with him.”

“I love you, Anna, and our door is always open for you.” My father throws his napkin onto the table. “But I won’t support this.” He pushes his chair out. “I can’t. I have to get back to work.”

“Me too, dear,” my mother says quietly.

My heart sinks.

They both kiss my cheek before leaving the restaurant, leaving me alone with my disappointment and a table full of uneaten food.

Fuck.

That couldn’t have gone worse.

My phone lights up.

Francesca

“Hi, Chesk,” I answer.

“Anna.” She laughs. “Just the sound of your voice makes me smile.”

I laugh too.

“Are you still coming to Milan this week?” she asks.

“I’m here now?”