Page 30 of Promise Maker

It’s for the best. I’m going to respect my dad’swishes despite the longing within.

Following lunch, I hang in bed, staring intospace.

In no time, a beautiful sunset draws my focus tothe balcony, and I gaze at the horizon until the approaching evening sky wipesaway the fiery colors.

Someone knocks.

I’m not in the mood for people, so I decide toignore whoever it is.

The door opens, and Francesca enters.

“It seems none of the Martelli siblings care aboutan invitation,” I mumble before sitting up.

Francesca rests her hands on her hips. “Let’s goon a stroll. It might help a bit.”

“Look, I’m not in the—”

“Being cooped up will worsen your pain.” Shefrowns. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. There’s no shame inescaping for a little. I won’t even force you to smile.”

“I thought it wasn’t safe to leave theresidence?Domenico is against it.”

She tsks. “Nico isn’t here, and Rodrigo’saccompanying us. He’ll take down any bastard before we even notice.” Sheextends her hand to me, a sweet smile on her face. “Come, Solari.”

I concede, slipping my hand into her warm palm.

Francesca heaves me from the bed, and I put onflats and let her lead me to the front gates.

“Where’s Domenico?” I ask.

“He’s at the warehouse in PortoEmpedocle,” she says. “Drowning in work.”

Rodrigo shadows us as we exit the property andbegin our stride down the hill.

He’s reticent, continuously looking around.

Though Francesca says he’s one of their bestguards, I strangely only feel safe with Domenico.

“So, what was your life like?” she asks.“Before…you know. What kept you busy?”

I brush aside a loose curl and gaze off at theValley of the Temples in the distance. “Happy. I do love photography.But,I was focusing more on learning my dad’s business. Heseemed so eager to teach me—to pass it on.” My throat tenses at the emotionsrising, causing me to add in a gritty tone, “I wanted to make him proud.”

“You thought you had to live up to hisexpectations because you were all he had. No son.”

“I didn’t mind. Dad was everything to me.” I stallat the realization that I’m speaking about him in the past tense.

A tear breaks free and dribbles down my face.

“I’m the eldest,” Francesca says, sounding sad.“But my brother will inheriteverything.” She blows a deep breath.“There are times I wish it were different, so Nico wouldn’t have to do half thethings he did at Father’s side. What our grandfather made him witness.”

“Things like what?” I ask, creasing my forehead.

She squints at me. “The reason whyyourfather refused Nico’s proposal when he returned for you.”

I still can’t believe he came back, and Dad turnedhim away. Now because of his promise, we can’t be together.

Reaching town, Francesca points out her favoriteshops while sharing stories about Agrigento.

My mind feels a little at ease as we stroll alongthe beautiful cobblestone streets, but grief is still gnawing at my heart andwill probably do so for the rest of my life.

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