Page 37 of Influence

A small chuckle escaped me as I wiped away a tear. “It really is a great dress, isn’t it?”

“It’s perfect. It’s yours.” With a decisive snap of her fingers, she added, “Now that it’s settled, can we please grab a snack before you run me over with another floral arrangement?”

The tension eased as our conversation took a new turn. “Sure,” I said, ready to dive into the next chapter of our lavish adventure.

Soon, we arrived at a charming downtown bistro, its warm lights inviting us in. We settled into a cozy booth and ordered every appetizer on the menu, each one a little masterpiece, along with a chilled bottle of champagne that glittered like goldacross the table. Before we knew it, the room was filled with our delighted giggles and happy chatter as we devoured the sweet, syrupy loukoumades like precious treats in just fifteen minutes.

“Your wedding will be absolutely beautiful, Laya,” Cali said, gazing at me with hope. “Leave everything to me.”

“Gladly,” I replied, “but remember?—”

“Classy and understated. Got it,” she interrupted, nodding.

“You’re so thoughtful, Cali. I’m truly glad you came—it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

In the weeks that followed our arrival, Cali and I had roamed freely around Niko’s sprawling property, our steps echoing through ancient groves and the dense, whispering forest that bordered the estate. We joyfully lost ourselves among the lush trees, uncovered hidden spots in the garden for picnics, and savored leisurely breakfasts on the sun-dappled terrace. With each passing day, our bond grew stronger, weaving our sisterhood into a comforting tapestry that nurtured her journey toward healing.

The dogs had immediately bonded with her, trailing her every step. Watching them wander the mansion’s hallways together looked like a scene from a mystery novel.

“I enjoy being there,” she admitted. She sipped her champagne, looking happier than I had seen her in a long time. “I appreciate that there aren’t any old memories there. I’m unsure why, but it makes me feel safer in a new place.”

“That makes sense,” I murmured, letting her sentiments blend with hope for the future and the weight of the past.

“Everywhere else is soaked with painful memories—the old estate, the gloomy streets of Prague, that depressing apartment in the city. That place still haunts me. Leaving that part of my life behind changed everything.”

“I bet.” I shared a knowing glance with Avra, and we both hoped Cali would reveal more.

I rubbed my hands together, feeling the warmth fade as I looked at her.

“It wasn’t just that,” she began. “The city itself—every street and every shadowy corner felt like a ghost of them, haunting me.”

“So, who were they?” I asked, preparing myself for her answer.

“The men who took me,” she whispered, her eyes filled with anguish. The gravity of her words settled in the space between us, an unspoken truth that hovered, reminding us of those nightmares we all feared to voice.

At that moment, Avra and I reached out to Cali, enveloping her in a tight embrace and providing what little solace we could.

“I love you, Cali. I’m so sorry you endured that. No one should ever experience such horror,” I whispered, holding her close.

Her lips trembled as she looked up. “I love you both.”

With tears brimming in her eyes, Avra stepped back, her gaze locking with Cali’s, silently communicating everything her trembling lips couldn’t. “I’m sorry too. I should have protected you, and I failed. I’ll never forgive myself for what you went through, Cali.”

“I hope someday you can forgive yourself, Avra,” Cali whispered. “None of this was your fault. The blame lies solely with those monsters. You did nothing wrong. Neither did you, Laya. And I’m not blaming either of you.”

“They’ll pay,” Avra growled, sorrow and fury mingling in her eyes.

“You don’t have to swear it to me,” Cali insisted, firm with resolve and determination shining in her gaze—a spark mirrored the same fierce looks in Avra’s and mine.

“We’ll get our vengeance,” Cali said, solemn and resolute. “But please, don’t worry about me too much. I promise I’ll find agood therapist soon. And the dogs truly help too. Honestly, since moving to the Galanis estate, I feel like I’ve made a significant step forward.”

My heart swelled with relief and pride, and I shed tears of joy as we celebrated this fragile yet essential progress.

“My only complaint now,” she said, “is that my muscles are killing me. You and Vik have been pushing me so hard lately that I can hardly walk.”

Indeed, we’d resumed our rigorous training routines shortly after settling in, as I insisted on a strict schedule to ensure our skills never faded. Just because we were now safe within Niko’s estate didn’t mean danger had disappeared from our lives.

After all, we were still the Vitalis sisters—undaunted, fierce, and ready for any threat lurking in the shadows.

---