Page 105 of Frayed Bonds

How do you forget an entire car?

A one-of-a-kind custom-coloured Audi. One that anyone in the entire city, let alone his brother, would notice. I can hear Ambrose coming down the stairs.

He looks pissed as he reaches the bottom of the stairs. “I understand you don’t want to tell him but I am not okay with him kissing you and shit like–” He takes in my appearance and stops in his tracks.

“He knows.”

Chapter forty-four

Valerie

Ilove a paid holiday as much as the next girl, but when Thursday morning rolls around, I’m dressed and ready to get back to the office.

Outside of work, I’ve spent all my time staring at the painting in disbelief after finishing it, visiting my father until he came home on Tuesday evening, and letting Karyn and Nat know about everything that’s been going on.

Now in addition to Antonio not speaking to me, Natalia is adamant about not speaking to me either, because I never called her to let her know about what was going on with Papá. Great, another person who hates me right now; the list seems to be ever-growing.

My father has become increasingly overprotective since returning, constantly asking if I’m okay and repeatedly asking about the hospital payments.

Ambrose took care of all the payments in the time it took for Antonio to uncover our little secret, so at least I can sleep a bit easier at night, now that the only person I’m indebted to is my boyfriend.

We’ve been here before.

I push the thought to the back of my mind along with what Antonio said, but something about not having spoken to or seen Ambrose since that day doesn’t sit right with me. My thoughts kept swirling around the negative idea that maybe Antonio was right, maybe it was all a ploy to sleep with me.

I mean, how many people would wait all this time, pay off all their partner’s debts, just for sex? I’ve seen men do far worse for sex so nothing could surprise me but it seems so far-fetched, or at least I'd like to think it is.

As I walk into the office, I can feel the tension in the air.

Antonio storms out of Ambrose’s office with Ambrose hot on his heels.

“Devi capire, Nino, non volevamo che lo scoprissi così.” You have to understand, Nino, this isn't how we wanted you to find out.

“Fanculo a te e alle tue scuse,” Fuck you and your excuses, “Of course, you’re here too.” He scowls at me.

I stare between the two of them, Ambrose avoiding my gaze fully focusing on his brother. “Well go on, it isn’t like you have to hide anymore, why don't you give him a good morning kiss or some shit.” He looks between us, his voice loud enough to warrant a few stares from the employees within earshot.

“Antonio,” I beg but he laughs.

“You two are comical,” he scoffs.

“Enough Antonio,” Ambrose's voice booms.

Antonio rolls his eyes and walks away, not another word uttered.

Ambrose watches him leave but doesn't raise his eyes to meet mine and retreats into his office. I sink into my seat and unpack my things, his entire reaction proves Antonio right. He’s brushing me to the side, and he’s doing it right in front of the one person I’d hope he’d want to prove wrong.

It’s nearly lunch when I muster up enough courage to go into his office. I knock and open the door without even waiting for him to respond.

“Whatever it is you can leave it at the door, or whoever it is you can tell them to fuck off.”

I click the door shut followed by the lock. That sound catches his attention and he looks up from the stack of papers littering his desk.

“Are you ready to stop ignoring me or do I also fall under the category of people who should fuck off?” I cross my hands over my chest.

A deep sigh leaves his chest and he buries his head into his hands. “No, I’m sorry, this has been a bit overwhelming, especially with Antonio's growing attitude since he found out.”

“You haven’t spoken to me in nearly four days, if I was some fuck and duck, you didn’t have to bother with all the other stuff.” My voice cracks towards the end and I curse silently at how quickly my emotions come to the surface.

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