Chapter 96
A R I A N A
The black car stopped in front of the huge Russo Mansion. My heart was beating so fast as my eyes roamed around the environment through the window.
It looked the same, still so polished, beautiful and big.
The kids stared out the window with their mouths open.
“Wow,” Asher whispered. “Is this a castle p>
Dante smiled next to me. “This is home p>
We all got out of the car, I held Sophia’s hand for support as my legs felt weak, with every step towards the big front door brought back memories both the good ones and bad ones.
“Is this where we’re going to live?” Sophia asked jumping up and down. “For real p>
“Yes Sophia,” Dante said his voice warm. “For real p>
“All of us?” Asher asked looking from me to Dante.
“All of us,” Dante said looking right at me.
The big wooden door opened, a maid stood there. “Welcome home Mr. Russo p>
“Thank you Margaret, is everything set p>
She nods, “Yes Mr Russo, just like you ordered”
We walked inside, with the kids ogling as they ran around looking at everything.
“Is there a library?” Isabella asked her voice quiet but hopeful.
Dante laughed one of those laughs he did when he was genuinely happy. I had not heard that sound in so long.
“Yes Isabella,” he said. “There is a very big library. Just for you p>
He looked at me and smiled. “She is just like her mother p>
My face felt warm as I looked down away from his captivating stare.
The kids were so excited they couldn’t hold back their questions.
“Can we see our rooms p>
“Is there a garden p>
“Can we get a dog p>
Dante answered every question being so patient than he usually was.
A lot must have changed about him.
He turned to one of the maids “Maria please take the children to their rooms p>
Maria smiled. “Of course sir. Come with me children p>
The kids followed her their voices echoing in the big hall. “I want the biggest room!” Sophia yelled.
Then it was just me and Dante alone in the big quiet entrance.
He turned to me. “Come with me,” he said softly. “I want you to see something.” Holding out his hand.
I looked at his hand skeptical for a second before I put my hand in his his fingers closed around mine sending shivers run down my spine… He still has that effect on me.
He led me up the big staircase as more memories came rushing down, my heart rate escalating.
We walked down the familiar long hallway. I knew where we were going
He stopped in front of a big wooden door.
Our bedroom door.
He looked at me. “Come” he ushers to which I nodded taking a deep breath.
He opened the door and we walked in my steps halting as I stare around.
The room was… exactly the same, exactly as I had left it five years ago. The same big bed with the dark blue blanket, the same white curtains blowing in the wind from the open balcony door, the same silver perfume bottles on the dresser, same painting of a sunset on the wall… The one I loved.
I walked slowly into the room as I touched the items, there was no dust, everything was clean and perfect but it was all the same.
I turned to look at Dante, he was standing by the door watching me.
“You… you didn’t change anything,” I whispered.
He shook his head. “No. I couldn’t p>
“Why?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“Because it was our room,” he said simply. He walked closer to me. “Because every time I walked in here I remembered you. I missed you evey day. Even when I was so angry at you, even when I hated you I still loved you Ariana… I still came in here and remembered how you looked, sleeping in that bed. How you smiled and blushed at my little touches p>
Tears filled my eyes. “Dante p>
“I never stopped loving you Ariana,” he said his voice low and serious. “I was a fool for being so ignorant and angry. I let my anger poison my mind. I believed the lies instead of trusting my heart I am so sorry. Sorry for every day of the last five years that you were alone. Sorry for every day our children grew up without me p>
He reached out and wiped a tear from my cheek.
“I promise you,” he said looking deep into my eyes. “I will spend the rest of my life making it right, I will be the husband you deserve. I will be the father our children need Ariana, I promise you that p>
He leaned closer slowly giving me time to move away but I couldn’t, the emotions we’re too much to digest.
His lips touched mine into a soft kiss gently kiss, I couldn’t register what was happening or kiss him back, instead I broke into sobs causing him to pull away.
“Hey! What’s wrong?” He asked in concern.
I shaked my head vigorously as a small smile spread on my lips. “I love you too Dante,” I whispered. “I never stopped p>
His eyes widened in awe.
I choked out a laugh nodding, “Yeah”
He hugged me tight and I buried my face in his chest breathing in his smell feeling so safe.
“But,” I said pulling back a little to look at him. “I’m scared this is happening so fast. The kids… us… living here… it’s a lot p>
“I know,” he said, holding my hands. “We don’t have to rush anything we can take everything one step at a time. We have all the time in the world now p>
I nodded, feeling a little better. “One step at a time p>
He smiled. “One step at a time p>