Page 94 of Bound by Love
“What are you going to do now, girlfriend?”
She groaned. “I don’t know…maybe I should ask if I can have a session with Rytsar’s nines. I could sure use a little pain therapy right now.”
“That sounds like a good idea, actually. There are times when pain can bring relief.”
“You’re not kidding, and I could use some to combat this heartbreak. It’s going to take a fucking inferno.”
Brie got up to pour Lea another cup of tea. “We’re going to get through this and, someday, we will be able to look back and marvel at how strong we were.”
“I don’t feel strong at all, but I’ll drink to that.” She hit her cup against Brie’s. “And let me add another. Here’s to Mary Quite Contrary. Bless her heart, that bitch knows her shit.”
“To Mary!”
It weighed heavily on Brie—what Sir had shared about Lilly still being in isolation after all this time. In an attempt to deal with the warring emotions she felt, Brie wrote a letter that night.
Lilly,
I write this letter because I am feeling compassion toward you.
I understand that you carry demons borne of your mother, just as my husband does. However, I believe there is good in all of us, and it is my sincerest hope that you find that part of yourself and embrace it fully as Thane has.
I can never forget what you’ve done, but I hope you will be able to forgive yourself and move on.
I trust there will come a day when I will be able to forgive you and be free from this painful connection between us.
May you find peace in this life so we can finally be free of each other.
Sincerely,
Brianna
After writing the letter, she set it on fire and watched the flame consume the paper. Brie imagined the smoke taking the thoughts contained in her letter and releasing them out into the world.
Although Lilly would never read her words, it brought Brie much needed peace.
Her Christening
Sir came to Brie, wanting to discuss Italy. “Would you be up to traveling, babygirl? I know it’s sooner than we planned. However, I feel a strong urge to reconnect with my grandparents.”
“I feel it too, Sir.” Having their lives threatened had awakened the instinctual need to gather as a family.
“Then I’ll make the arrangements for the six of us.”
Brie was confused. “Six?”
“The three of us, Durov, and your parents.”
“Oh, that’s so thoughtful of you, Sir. Even though my parents aren’t churchgoers, it would mean so much to them to be there for Hope’s christening.”
“I would like us to spend extra time with my family, so Durov has offered his private jet. Your parents would take a different flight, if that’s agreeable to you.”
“My dad actually hates to travel. He never got over being separated from us when I was young and prefers being a homebody, so that would be perfect.”
“Since you are agreeable, I’ll start the arrangements.”
“I’m so glad we’re heading to Italy again. I want to be surrounded by your large Italian family, and I know they will fall in love with Hope.”
Sir looked down at his daughter and smiled. “When I look at her, I feel my father’s presence. It will be the same forNonnoandNonna.”
