Page 46 of The Deal

I raise an eyebrow as I stare at the puff-like flower in his hand. “You’re giving me a weed? How romantic.”

“It’s not a weed …” he starts, his smile widening. “Well, technically it is. But have younevermade a wish on a dandelion before?”

“Is that even a thing?”

“Of course it is. You never did this as a child?”

“No.”

“My brother and I used to do this when we were younger. My mother taught us. She told us to make a wish, and when you blow, the seeds will carry your thoughts and dreams to loved ones as they float away in the air.”

“And you believe that?”

“I was a kid … I believed everything my mother told me. Now stop being a spoil sport and close your eyes.” I feel silly, but I do as he asks. “Now make a wish and blow.”

I gave up wishing for things long ago but still play along. There are so many things I could ask for, including my freedom, money, happiness, and my mother’s return, but what I want more than anything right now is to know my dad is okay.

“I wish I could see my dad,” I whisper.

As if on cue, Alexander’s phone rings. He drops the stem to the ground below and reaches into his pocket. “Your wish is my command,amore mio.”

Tears rise to my eyes when he holds the screen beforeme, and I see my father’s smiling face reflecting back. “Daddy,” I cry. “You’re alive.”

“Of course I’m alive … why would you think otherwise?”

My eyes dart to Alexander, and his smug grin has returned.

“Where are you? How are you? I’ve missed you so much.” I have so many questions, but for now, I’m just elated to see he’s okay.

“I’ve missed you too, Chloe-bear,” he replies, and just hearing him say my pet name has tears brimming in my eyes. “I’m in rehab.”

“Rehab?”

“Yes, Alex didn’t tell you?”

My lips thin. “No, he didn’t,” I growl.

“It was his idea. It’s a swanky place too. The best money can buy. He thought it was time I pulled my head out of my arse and got the help I needed so that I could be a better man … a better father to you.”

When my startled gaze returns to Alexander, the smugness is gone. His hands are now shoved deep in the pockets of his trousers, and his eyes are fixated on the ground.

This man.

I move through my expansive closet, my fingers grazing the fabric of all the beautiful clothes hanging before me. I’m once again torn over what to wear, and I can’t help but notice how these trivial decisions have become my reality now.

I’m no longer weighed down by the relentless pressurethat came with my old life, where I constantly worried about never having enough time to get everything done. The days of stressing over bills I can’t afford to pay feel like a distant memory. And with the knowledge that my father isn’t just okay but thriving and getting the help he desperately needed, nothing could dampen the high I’m riding.

And just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, Alexander invited me to a party with him this afternoon during lunch—Antonio’s daughter’s birthday.

I haven’t been to a celebration like this in years. Alexander was hesitant about bringing me along, but I reassured him there was no need to worry. I promised to be on my best behaviour. I owe him that much after everything he’s done for my father. Honestly, I’m just grateful to be getting out of the house for a while.

I have a few hours before we leave, so I’ll take my time getting ready. First on the agenda: soaking in the bath. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the luxury of doing that. Our old house had a bathtub, but no matter how much I scrubbed it—cleaning it within an inch of its life—it still looked too grimy to sit in.

Alexander’s personal shopper didn’t skimp on any purchases they made for me. I’m fully kitted out. I have a range of perfumes, moisturisers, hair accessories, and hair styling equipment to choose from, including a curling iron, straightener, and blow dryer.

For once, I’m prepared to put in the effort. I don’t want to do anything to embarrass Alexander in front of his friends.

If this party is anything like the Italian celebrations I attended as a child, this won’t be some backyard affair. No, this will have all the bells and whistles, the kind of extravagant celebration that leaves you in awe from start to finish.

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