DEVIL IN A SILHOUETTE

r 4: E

doctor confirmed I was in good health and fit to go home. My godf

tively by the vehicle, a warm smile spreading across his face as he

into the luxurious interior. My

ll be thrilled to have you

ad no idea what to expect, and I sent a silent prayer th

My eyes widened as the mansion came into view. It was a breathtaking palazzo of cream-colored stone, with grand arches and terr

pers-stood assembled before the grand entrance, their faces beaming with ge

d, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes. It had been so long since my fat

gave me pause. Bonita-was it his granddaughter's real name, or simply a Span

nate portraits adorned the walls. One featured my godfather, resplendent in a sharp black suit, with the name DON JULIO ALVAREZ inscribed boldly at the top.

your room. You must rest, my dear. I will

od, and a maid es

vy curtains and bed linens were a stark combination of black and blood-red. The overall decor felt lik

anything, please don't hes

is?" I gestured around the room. "The curtains, the bedshe

ut, ma'am... you were always so passiona

ng sigh. "Well

my hands. The reality of my situation was overwhelming. I walked to the full-length mirror and touched the unfamiliar face

ind a half-empty pack of cigarettes lying across the keyboard. Wrin

godfather confirmed he was the owner of the largest conglomerate in Italy, with a vast empire spanning companies in Austr

ears prior. They had no children of their own. His only goddaughter, the child of a forme

ing, smoking, and string of questionable relationships. I rubbed my temples lightly. It appeared I had my w

omforting idea began

the door interr

come in?" It

ed the laptop."

ut weary smile on his face. "I hope you're feeling more

. I took a steadying breath. "Actually, there's s

he smile fading into apprehension.

"It's just... I've been thinking. I would like to

o his forehead."Are you serious?

,"I said, no

esponsibility, preferring... other pursuits." He paused, and his voice grew thick with pain. "Before your accident, you came home intoxicated. I had reached my limit with your lifestyle. We had a terrible

eal Elizabeth had put this

l you're describing is gone. I am different now. I pro

hope shone through the exhaustion. "It gladdens my heart to hear you

row,"I

is face. "You don't wish to spend som

orry. We will keep in constant touch, and I will v

with concern, before finally meeting my determined g

." A calculated smile

to New York. I was g

ake him,and everyone