Page 34 of And Back

"Zoe, wait," Virgilio pleads again, his voice thick with desperation. He steps forward as if to reach for me, but I hold up a hand to stop him.

"Don't," I warn sharply. "Just... don't."

The room feels suffocating, every inch of it a reminder of the moments we shared and the betrayal that now taints them all.

I glance back at Virgilio one last time. His face is a mask of devastation and remorse, but it doesn't soften the anger and hurt in my heart.

I storm out of the room, slamming the door behind me. Each step down opening a new wound in my heart.

I don't look back as I leave his estate and step into the cool night air. The stars above offer little comfort, but they remind me that there's a world beyond this pain—a world where I can start anew.

I raise my hand and hail a cab. One pulls up almost immediately, and I slide into the back seat, closing the door behind me. "24 Roader Street," I instruct the driver.

The cab pulls away from the curb, and I lean back against the seat, letting out a long sigh. The city lights blur past the window as we drive through the streets.

Leaving Virgilio was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. The pain of it lingers like an open wound, but deep down, I know it was the right choice for my own well-being. I can't keep living in a cycle of manipulation and betrayal. I deserve better than that.

The sadness makes me feel hollow, but there's also a sense of resolve building within. I've spent too much time being controlled by others—by my father, by the Bratva, and now by Virgilio. It's time for me to take control of my own life.

The cab ride feels longer than it probably is, each minute stretching out as I navigate my own internal turmoil. When we finally arrive at Valerie's, I pay the driver and step out onto the sidewalk.

I walk up to the door and knock softly, hoping Valerie is still awake. After a few moments, she opens the door, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she takes in my appearance.

"Zoe? What happened?" she asks gently.

"I... I left Virgilio," I manage to say, my voice breaking slightly. "I couldn't stay there any longer."

Valerie steps aside to let me in and wraps an arm around my shoulders as we walk inside. "Come in" she says softly.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ZOE

Iwake up to the scent of coffee and freshly baking pastries. It pulls me out of sleep gently, like a soft hand guiding me to consciousness. I stretch under the covers, soaking in this strange feeling of freedom.

I get up and head to the bathroom to freshen up. The mirror reflects my tired eyes and tangled hair, but I push those thoughts aside. A splash of cold water on my face helps to clear the lingering fog from my mind. After brushing my teeth and running a comb through my hair, I feel somewhat human again.

As I make my way downstairs, the delicious aroma grows stronger. My stomach grumbles in response, reminding me that I hadn't eaten much yesterday.

Valerie is sitting at the table, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She looks up as I enter, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Good morning, Zoe," she says, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"Good morning," I reply, returning her smile. "Something smells amazing."

"Come and sit down. Breakfast is ready." Valerie shouts from the kitchen just a second before she comes out with plates of food—scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and warm croissants.

"Thank you," I tell her as she sets my plate down in front of me. My stomach growls again at the sight of the meal.

"I’m not the best cook, so I hope it is decent," she grins.

I look at Valerie, gratitude welling up inside me. "Thank you for letting me stay here, Valerie" I say sincerely.

"Anytime," Valerie responds with a kind smile. "I'll always be here for you."

Her words wrap around me like a comforting blanket. For the first time in what feels like ages, I allow myself to relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of breakfast with someone who truly cares about me.

Valerie watches me closely, her eyes now full of concern. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asks gently.

I hesitate, my fork paused mid-air. "I… It's a long story," I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper.

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