❤A
NANNY
FOR
AURORA????
{The Mafia’s little princess}
By Precious Pinky
Chapter 195&196
•••••
( HIS CLAIMED DIAMOND )
★A WEEK LATER★
The room was filled up with family and friends. And most of them present were people she has never met in her entire life.
Diamond stood in front of the window, watching the blue sky that was turning dark – seems like it was going to rain soon.
Heavens must be feeling sad for her as well. She lost her mother and biological father on the same day. And funny enough, these two people never really showed her love.
Her biological father kidnapped her when she was seven years old, he tortured and traumatized her without even knowing that she was his daughter. And the moment he found out… He died.
She knew he was ready to change for her sake. Truth be told, she never expected the reaction she got from him. She had expected him to remain ruthless to the very end. Or maybe that was what she wished.
If only he didn’t try to save her and Aria, he wouldn’t be dead and even if he still died, she wouldn’t feel the pain she was feeling right now.
She never even got to hear his own side of the story or wish him goodbye. She lost him. Just like that.
And as for her mother,
Elodie was never the best mother in the world. In fact, she was far from being called a mother. With the way she treated and hated her daughter, anyone would want to get her killed for it.
But everyone deserves a second chance, right?
She changed at the end. She admitted to her mistakes and was willing and ready to correct them. But too bad, she has to die to show the world how much she truly loves and cares for her daughter.
Elodie was a woman who never showed off her emotions. She always wore that mean-looking facade. She didn’t care about what people thought of her. She wanted to be strong. After all she pa-ssed throu-ghto take care of herself and her baby, she made a decision never to let the world see throu-ghher again. She vowed never to be weak or poor again.
She locked up herself. Shut herself up from the rest of the world. Including from her daughter.
But in the end… In the end, the whole world gets to see her beautiful soul. Even her own daughter has never seen that side of her.
She (Elodie) was like a totally different person. She really didn’t deserve the ending that she got. Why? Because everyone is entitled to a second chance.
Life was a little bit unfair. The good people get to die while the evil ones live longer and dominate the world.
It is just so unfortunate.
Diamond folded her arms over her chest and sniffled, lowering her gaze.
Actually, she blames herself for everything that happened a week ago.
She blames herself for the death of her mother and biological father – However, Julius caused his death. There is a saying that goes; ‘Whatever a man sow, he shall reap it.’ Diamond only felt guilty about his death because he died while trying to save her. It is one reason why she wished he never changed at the very end.
She inhaled a shaky breath, releasing the tears she thought were no longer there being the fact she has been crying for straight one week.
The voices of those around went to the back of her head and all she could hear at that point was… Silence.
It was as if she was on a whole different planet with not a single soul.
The guilt was overwhelming and suffocating at the same time. She could barely breathe…
All her life, she has wished and prayed for the death of her mother. She believed with her mother gone, she can be happy and free to explore the world. But now that God has finally answered her prayers, what she expected was quite the opposite.
She felt trapped. Not in a room but in her head.
There was no freedom or happiness but rather guilt and remorse.
Indeed this saying is true ‘you won’t know the value of something until you lose it.’
Diamond dropped to her knees and started crying out, clutching her chest. She didn’t care if the people in the room were looking at her now. They were the least of her problem.
It felt like the whole world was against her.
“Why me…?” She cried, squeezing her eyes shut.
She never got to experience her mother’s love. Or maybe she did because her mother died while trying to save her.
If her mother didn’t jump in the way, she (Diamond) would have been the dead one now.
“Mother… I’m sorry,” She pleaded. “I’m sorry for not understanding you. I’m sorry for hating you. I’m sorry for cursing at you. I’m sorry for not listening to you. I’m so sorry.”
Diamond felt someone’s presence beside her and when she opened her eyes to see who it was…
She saw him.
The man her heart beats for. The man whose wife was killed by her father.
Mikhail wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her to himself.
“Cry all you want. I promise to stand by your side. I’m right here with you, Diamond.” He said in a mutter, holding her tight.
He has never called her by her name before until now. That warmed her heart but at the same time, it made her sad.
She buried her face in his muscular chest and hug-ged him back, sobbing harder.
For how long will he choose to stand by her side? She doesn’t know but right now, she really wants him here more than anything in this world.
Mikhail dropped a delicate kis-s at the top of her head.
It started raining heavily.
Zara, Ayden, Lake, Sean, Aria, and Rhodes stood behind, watching Diamond and Mikhail.
“I feel so sad for her,” Zara mumbled, tears streaming down her face.
“Elodie was not the best mother but in end, she earned it.” Ayden stated.
“I can’t believe she is left alone in this world.” Aria whispered.
“She is not alone,” Rhodes corrected.
“She has us.” The others aside added.
Aria smiled and nodded her head. “She is lucky then. She has the most amazing friends and a wonderful stepfather. I am almost jealous.”
Everyone chuckled while still crying.
Aria faced Lake. “I’ve always wanted to ask, why didn’t you arrest me?”
Lake shrugged. “It was self-defense. She tried to harm someone and you only shot her to stop her.”
“Lottie has always been selfish and heartless. I felt so sad for Diamond, and I also felt sad for late Diamond. It took everything in me to pull the trigger and I’m glad I did.”
“Thank you for saving my friend,” Zara said.
“Don’t thank me. Diamond is also a friend of mine. Mikhail too. I want them to be happy… I mean, not after everything that has happened to them. They truly deserve a happy ending.”
“Yeah…”
Thunder boomed across the sky.
“Even the heavens agree with us.” Sean said with a smile.
•••••
“You are finally leaving.” Felix smiled, holding her hands in between his large ones.
She smiled and nodded her head. “Yes.”
“Oh, fuc-k . I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?”
“I don’t know. Everything?”
“Everything like what? Be specific, Layla?” He urged, holding her gaze.
“It is my fault that you lost a beautiful angel like Diamond. I should never have sedu-ce d you. I’m sorry, Felix. I don’t deserve the happy ending I got. I…”
“Hey,” He cut her off immediately. “Stop it.”
“But_”
He vigorously shook his head, giving her the ‘don’t argue with me and listen’ look.
“You didn’t cause anything. Yes, you sedu-ce d me. But I had a choice; fuc-k you or stop you. I chose to fuc-k you. It is my fault. I made the decision so don’t you ever blame yourself for it.”
“Felix?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
Felix smiled. “Why are you thanking me now? First, you apologized and now you are showing me gratitude.”
“You are such an amazing friend. You might have your flaws but that’s just how life is… no one is perfect. I love you so much. But as a best friend, of course.”
They both laughed.
“I love you too.” His gaze went down to her big baby bump. “And my beautiful niece.”
She furrowed her brows. “Niece? What makes you think it is going to be a girl?”
“Well, I want a girl.” He noted.
“I want a boy.” A voice said from behind, grabbing their attention.
Layla chuckled and went to embrace her husband, kis-sing him on the li-ps.
“You are here.”
“Mm-hmm. I already booked our flight. We will need to be at the airport before,” He stared at his wristwatch. “2 pm.”
“Hey, man.” Felix greeted.
“Hey. How have things been with you?”
“Great. You?”
“Well, my wife is doing great which means I am doing great.” He said with a smile on his face.
“That’s good to hear.” It was silence for a few seconds. “Listen, man, I’m sorry for_”
“Don’t apologize.” Diego cut him off. “I don’t want us to dwell in the past. I hold no grudge against you, man. Let bygone be bygone.”
“Can I ask a question, though?”
“Uh… yeah. Sure. What is it?”
Felix hesitated. “Are you leaving town because of me?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said what happened is all in the past and we shouldn’t dwell on it anymore. I agree. But I’m only curious to know exactly why you want to leave Las Vegas.”
Diego slowly held Layla’s hand and let out a de-ep sigh.
“If I’m being honest… you have nothing to do with the decision I made. I just want to go to a town where I can start afresh with my lovely wife and unborn child. I don’t hate you, Felix but I still can’t forget everything that happened between you and Layla. This house will always be a constant reminder and I don’t want that for my family.” He paused, squeezing his wife’s hand gently. “I love Layla so much and she means a lot to me. I thought I could live without her but truth be told, I don’t think I can. She has me wrapped around her pinky finger and I don’t mind.” He brou-ght her hand up and dropped a soft kis-s on her knuckles. “I want us to be happy. And you too as well, Felix. You deserve happiness.”
“Yeah, I do.” Felix mumbled, biting his lower li-p. “I can always come over to visit, right?”
“Of course.” Layla frantically nodded her head. “Our doors are wide open for you, okay? Feel free to drop by.”
“Are you okay with that?” Felix asked Diego.
“The First Lady has spoken. Who am I to object?”
Everyone laughed.
“We still have enough time on our side… we can all hang out that is if you don’t mind.” Diego said.
Felix grinned. “Of course, I don’t. I will like to spend some time with my best friend and her husband before they leave Las Vegas forever.”
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Layla squealed, jumping up and down on a spot, looking super excited.
“Hey, stop it. You don’t want to hurt my son.” Diego playfully scolded.
“You mean, daughter. Because trust me, it is going to be a girl.” Felix argued.
“No. It’s a boy.”
They both continued arguing as they headed for the door.
“Layla, which one do you want? Boy or girl?” Both men asked.
Layla stared at both of them and shrugged her shoulders, saying, “I want twins. A boy and a girl.”
“Make sense.” Felix and Diego chuckled as they closed the door behind them.
In front of the door, there was a notice that stated ‘house for sale’
•••••
Mikhail and Diamond sat in front of the funeral house, both staring into space.
The rain has finally stopped falling and the sky was looking as bright as ever.
It was silent between them until both of them decided to talk at the same time.
“I…”
“You…”
They chuckled.
“You can go first.” Mikhail offered.
She cleared up her throat and smiled. “Thanks.” She paused. “About what you said at the warehouse… I’m talking about when you admitted to loving me…” She saw the understanding in his eyes. He knew exactly what she was talking about. “did you mean it?”
Mikhail did not answer immediately.
“Yes.”
Diamond exhaled a shaky breath, biting her lower li-p. “For how long?”
He shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know.”
They held each other gaze for a few moments before looking away at the same time.
“My father killed your wife,” She reminded just in case he has forgotten.
“I thought Rhodes is your father.” He pinched his brows together.
“I love Rhodes so much and he has always treated me as his biological daughter but in reality, I share the same DNA with Julius Santiago.” She noted.
“So?”
“Huh?”
“Do you expect me to blame you for it?” He asked.
“Isn’t that the right thing for you to do?” She sounded a little bit confused.
“Listen, it is not your fault that your father killed my wife. You had nothing to do with it. Why should I hate you for something that is not your fault?”
“My late mother hated me for something that is not my fault.” She pointed out.
“I am not your late mother.”
“That is not what I mean… Don’t you get it? My biological father killed your wife. It is normal for you to resent me for it. It…” She exhaled. “I don’t want you to make a mistake that you are going to regret in the future.”
“Someone once told me, ‘why do people blame an innocent person for the crime of someone else simply because they are related?’”
Diamond stared at her lap. “I told you that.”
“Look at me,” He urged.
“I will cry if I do,” She murmured.
“Look at me, Diamond.” He said, pleadingly.
Diamond slowly lifted her head and looked into his eyes. Just as she had said, tears started rolling down her face.
“All these years, I have been blaming myself for the death of my wife. I thought I caused it. I thought one of my enemies got her killed. I don’t know… I thought a lot of things because I wanted to give myself reasons to blame myself for her death.” He paused. “And each time I always end up slitting my wrist because of the guilt.” Diamond looked down at his wrist and noticed the scars down there. “I was selfish, you know.”
“How…how do you mean?”
“I forgot about my daughter. I forgot that she needed a healthy father. I suffered from insomnia and anorexia. But then, you came along. Come to think of it, I think I know when I started having feelings for you…”
“When?”
He reached out to hold her hands. “The day you consoled me in the kitchen and then you made me delicious pancakes.”
“No, I didn’t. Evelyn made those pancakes.”
“You can drop the act. Evelyn confessed to the truth.”
“She did?”
“Well, no. I confronted her about it and she couldn’t deny it.”
“Oh. I’m sorry for lying to you.” She apologized.
“It’s fine.”
It was quiet for a few seconds,
“I don’t want to keep blaming myself for my wife’s death. I can do that, right?”
Diamond nodded her head. “Yes.”
“Then do the same as well. Stop blaming yourself for the death of your mother. It is not your fault. And I’m sure she wants you to live the rest of your life in happiness and not in guilt.”
“I don’t know… I feel like at a point you are going to regret ever choosing to be with me. You might get reminded of your wife and how she died and might start resenting me for it. I don’t want that for myself.”
“Do you love me?” He asked.
“What?” She hiccuped.
“Do you love me?” He asked again.
“Uh… Yes?”
“Answer like you mean it, Diamond.” He said to her.
She batted her eyelashes and ran the tip of her tongue over her li-ps.
“Yes.”
Mikhail leaned his face closer to hers.
“Then what’s stopping you? And don’t you say it’s because of the death of my wife. I’m sure it is something else. Let it out.”
She gulped nothing.
“You…” She hesitated. “You have a child and I am not fond of kids. I hate them.”
“You hate them? or you are only afraid of treating them just like the way your mother treated you? Which one of them is your reason?” He queried.
Diamond could not say anything.
Mikhail smiled and cupped her face. “We both need each other to heal. I’m sure Diamond wants this for me as well. Before she died, she told me to be happy. And my happiness lies in you and my daughter. Don’t hate yourself over a crime that you did not commit. Whatever happened in the past has nothing to do with you. And your mother’s death is not your fault. She only did that to protect you from getting killed and to be honest, I am mad at you for jumping in the way to save me. You shouldn’t have done that.”
“I couldn’t stand back and watch her shoot you. I love you so much, Mikhail. I guess it is from the moment I met you and I must have thought of it as lust. I want to be with you but I don’t know if I’m worth_”
He cut her off immediately by slamming his li-ps over hers.
Diamond was a little bit shocked but after a while, she closed her eyes and started kis-sing him back.
Fresh tears rolled down her face as they pulled apart.
“I love you too, Diamond.” He pecked her li-ps once again.
She smiled.
“Never in a million years would I have imagined that you would profess your feelings for me.” She stated.
“I owe Evelyn for giving me the courage to accept my feelings. Tsk. I’ve been such a jerk.” He smirked. “You know, I lost a Diamond once… I don’t want to lose another one.”
TBC.