Page 86 of Arianna

The people he cares for.

His past.

Him.

I searched his name on the internet one night, and all that came up was the media’s narrative of him and some of his work as a criminal defense lawyer.

His father’s name came up as well, but it felt wrong somehow to read about his past through someone else’s idea of the truth.

I want to know, yes, but the truth from his mouth.

I won’t accept anything else.

Sebastian gives me a flat look, all warmth gone from his gaze. What just happened? Maybe his family is a touchy subject.

That I can understand.

We are both quiet for a moment before he speaks. “Did you open the letters?” He says while moving his last piece, claiming the victory without calling checkmate like last time we played.

Her letters.

Mila’s handwritten letters.

The ones I have safely tucked underneath my pillow unread because I am afraid.

I throw him a flat look, not wanting to talk about it. No, I haven’t opened the letters. Because Sebastian is wrong about me. I am a coward when it comes to my sisters. “No.” That is all I give him, but as expected, that is not enough for him.

My family is a touchy subject as well.

I am momentarily startled by strong fingers gripping my chin gently, lifting my face until I stare right into Sebastian’s eyes. My breath hitches, and my skin tingles because of the feel of his touch.

“You are a good sister, darling.” He says low as I close my eyes and let his words wash over me.

You are a good sister…

I’m not.

I know it, yet he says otherwise, and at this moment, I want nothing more than to believe him, but I know better.

How can I be a good sister when I failed them? When I let our father’s hate infect us all to the point, it broke me.

Batting my lashes, I keep the tears that are threatening to fall at bay, not wanting Sebastian to see me cry. “And you are a good father.” I croak out, opening my eyes and meeting his deep, soulful ones. His face is void of any emotion but his eyes. They say more than his words ever could.

His eyes are gentle. “She deserves the best of me.”

“She does.” I nod in agreement. Ellaiza deserves all that is good in this world because to both her father and me, she is all that is good and kind in this world, and there is no doubt in my mind that this man, with his hard edges, is doing his very best for her. “You love her.” The words slip out without me realizing it.

The love between them is something I’ve never witnessed before. Something I never and will never have.

A father’s love.

“More than life itself.” He says fiercely without looking away from me. Allowing me to see the truth.

I believe him.

“You would destroy anyone who tries to hurt her,” I murmur, already knowing his answer yet needing to hear it from him.

I never had that.

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