Page 102 of Maddest Temptation

“Yes,” I said without a doubt.

“Don’t be afraid to live, don’t be afraid that your past will repeat itself. You are young, you are smart, and you are beautiful. Don’t let others decide for you, be better than I was, be stronger than I was, and fight for what you want.”

“I will,” I promised.

“I was a bad mother, Francesca and?—”

“Mamma,” I interrupted her I didn’t want to hear those words; I didn’t want to think of this as a goodbye, but I let her continue either way.

“I loved you from the moment I held you in my arms, but I also knew in that moment, you would never be mine. That I would raise you for someone else. That my little girl would be sold to the highest bidder like I had been. I know it is too late now, but I regret being a coward. I regret not getting to know you, and I regret never being there for you when you needed me.” The longer she spoke, the more tears fell down my face.

“Mamma, I forgive you.” I felt the need to speak. The moment I watched that single tear fell from her eye, I could no longer contain myself.

“If you have grown to be this loving and strong woman whose first instinct is to help others and not yourself, then that’s all on you, Francesca. Despite everything you went through, I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you have become. I’m sorry for not loving you enough or not standing up for you.”

“Don’t,” I cried, holding her hands. “I don’t blame you, Mamma.” And I didn’t, not anymore. She squeezed my hand with the remaining force she had.

“Don’t suffer my death.”

“Don’t ask me that,” I sobbed.

“Don’t, Francesca—don’t stop living when I die. I want you to live, I want you to be happy, to find someone who values you and cherishes you the way you deserve. Find someone who will give you wonderful children like the ones I was blessed with. I know I never said it enough, but I love you, Francesca, and you were my blessing. You were the only reason I lived this long. I’m sorry, cara mia.”

“I love you, Mamma.”

I don’t know how long I remained there crying and telling her how much I loved her and that I forgave her. Eventually, Cassio was the one who escorted me out. I didn’t say goodbye because I knew there was no need for it. She had lived this long; she would live longer.

Cassio wrapped his arm around me. I don’t know whether he was keeping me up or if he was trying to shield me. When we both exited the room, I stopped. Donato stood right next to the nurses’ counter. Marco stood behind him but not close.

I made to step away from Cassio, but he pulled me closer tucking me into him. He straightened himself and walked toward my father. He didn’t greet him and neither did I. Donato only looked at us, his jaw slightly dropped. Cassio stopped directly in front of Marco who looked at us now, at how Cassio held me.

“Thank you for coming,” he said to my brother.

“You don’t have to thank me.” He tried to hide his emotions, but his voice gave him away.

“If you need someone to talk to, you can call me,” Cassio said, surprising us both.

Marco nodded and despite my father being here, he hugged me quickly and whispered. “I’m happy for you,” he said before he let me go.

30

FRANCESCA

Marie and Vitelli’s wedding would be held at the old Moretti mansion. Being back brought memories of a time much simpler than this. As I walked through the house, I remembered Arabella, her easy smile, and her heart of gold. I remembered our days out here, bright and filled with excitement. It was so…uncomplicated.

Being here also reminded me of Cassio, how we’d sneak out into the garden and lose ourselves in each other. Those moments of escape were the few ones we got to be together. They had been our everything.

“You look stunning, ma chérie.” Antoine took my hand and placed it in the crook of his arm and helped me down the stairs, bringing me back to reality.

“You don’t look bad yourself.” I followed as he led us toward the garden where Marie and Vitelli’s pre-wedding dinner would be held.

I looked around, cheeks blazing as old memories of Cassio and I filled my mind. I tried to push them aside for now, but it was hard since he was starting to become my everything.

The garden was packed with guests mingling around, but my eyes were focused on one man and one man only. Cassio wore a perfectly tailored navy suit that offered me a view of his sculpted body. His hair was finger-combed back, and I could practically smell him from all over here.

I noticed I wasn’t the only woman looking at him tonight. But when his eyes met mine, I felt like the only woman he had eyes for. He stared like he was slowly consuming me. Like he saw something inside that called to him.

“Mon Dieu. I can feel the heat from all over here.”

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