Page 163 of My Sweetest Obsession
“Yes. She’s alive.”
I stole a glance at the woman in Alphonse’s embrace, who held her possessively, as though she might vanish if he let go.
I knew that feeling all too well.
Angelica gracefully rose from Alphonse’s lap and approached me. As she reached my side, she wrapped her arms around my neck in a hug that felt both warm and protective.
“Thank you so much for saving my baby,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for bringing her back to us.”
“Always,” I promised, returning her embrace. Thoughts of my own mother flickered in my mind. I pulled away before my emotions took control.
“So, you’re the famous Nico,” she said, a grin breaking across her face.
I chuckled, swiping a hand down my face, catching Gigi’s blush.
“Yeah, I suppose I am,” I admitted.
“Nico,” Alphonse called out, his deep voice drew my attention.
He threw an arm around Angelica and extended his hand to me. I gripped it firmly.
“I owe you my life for saving my daughter. That is a vow.”
“I’d do anything for her,” I assured him, meeting his earnest gaze.
He nodded, a satisfied smile accompanying his words. “And that is what makes you a good man. A king. I have no doubt you’ll always protect her.”
I reluctantly released his hand and turned my gaze toward the entrance when there was a knock at the door. Dante and Malik strode in.
“Okay, we couldn’t wait any?—”
“Angelica?” Malik’s voice rang out with a slight tremble.
“Malik.” Her voice was all but a whisper.
In a heartbeat, Malik rushed forward, sweeping her off the ground into a tight embrace, his laughter mingling with tears. “Oh, fucking hell. You’re alive! I’m so sorry for not protecting you,” he whispered the last words.
“Set her down, asshole,” Alphonse grumbled.
Laughter erupted around us as Malik placed her on her feet. Dante stepped up next, pulling her into a tight, desperate hug.
“Oh, my god, Dante.” Angelica’s voice quivered. “You’re alive? I thought my father had...
They held each other as Angelica’s body shook with grief.
“I’m so sorry, Dante,” she cried softly into his shoulder.
“Shh,” he murmured. “You have nothing to apologize for. I would do it all over again for you. I’m so sorry about your mother. I’m so sorry."
When they finally pulled apart, Dante’s eyes glistened with tears as he locked his gaze on her. “How is this even possible?” he asked.
“It’s a long story,” she said, keeping her hands on his shoulders. “And I promise, I’ll fill you in on all the details. But not today.” She scanned the room, her eyes lingering on each face before landing on Gigi. “Today is about celebrating whatwe’ve lost, for what we’ve found,” she said, turning back to me with a bright smile. “And for what we’ve gained.”
I couldn’t help but return her smile.
Angelica turned back to Dante. “I heard you have a son.”
His whole face lit up at the mention of his son. “Yes, I do. His name is Liam.”
