Page 82 of Stolen Vows

“Then I gave you to Roman De Luca without a fight, without negotiating on your behalf at all. I should have put you first, sweetheart, I should have been a better father. I’m so sorry, Sophia.”

My fork hovers mid-air, I haven’t dared move a muscle since he began his speech.

“I’ve decided that we’ll have no more arranged marriages. My daughters aren’t for sale, they’re not pawns to be used in the games of ruthless men. From this day on, you’ll choose your own husbands.”

I clear my throat. “So you won’t make any more deals with the Russians, or try to tie us to the Baron family?”

“No more marriage deals. You have my word.” He casts his stern gaze on my sisters. “I want you both to marry for love.”

“Davide, are you feeling okay?” Mama’s concern is clear in her tone. She’s probably on the verge of calling the doctor here again. “Where is all of this coming from?”

“I’ve had an entire week to think about everything while looking at my abused and heart-broken daughter. I did this to her as much as those two men.”

And just like that, all the anger and hurt I’ve held onto towards my Papa vanishes. I forgive him.

“Thank you, Papa,” I tell him. I’m not going to say that it’s okay, or that there’s nothing to forgive, because that would be a lie. But I can thank him for stepping up and being a better father than he’s been in the past.

“One other thing,” he says, his gaze on me. “I heard you were accepted into Columbia University. I’m so proud of you.”

Tears sting the back of my eyes. “I was, yes. But, uh, after everything, I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for it. I should send them a letter and give up my spot to someone else.”

“No, don’t do that.” Papa’s tone softens. “I will happily pay for your college.”

I thought I was surprised before, but now my mind is completely blown.

“Are you serious?” I must have misheard. Papa never once encouraged any of us to attend college. He calls it a waste of money for women who’ll most likely get pregnant before they graduate and become mothers and wives, that women will never use their degree.

“If a college education is what you want, then I’ll pay for it.”

For the first time in too long, a smile touches my lips. “It’s what I want more than anything.”

“Then you will have it.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

He waves off my gratitude. “Everyone stop staring at me like I’ve sprouted horns and eat your dinner before it gets cold.”

We all obey. Except for Mama, who reaches across and entwines her fingers with Papa’s. They share an intimate glance, and my guess is that Papa is out of the doghouse.

I spend the rest of dinner reeling. All at once my future has opened up again. Papa has freely given me my dreams, without any strings attached like Roman’s negotiations. I have everything that I want, handed to me on a gold platter.

So why does my heart continue to ache? Why is there still this emptiness in my chest?

CHAPTER32

Roman

“Ihad a feeling I’d see you again one day, Roman De Luca.” Olivia stands beside a canvas she’s working on. The landscape scene is exceptional in its detail and composition, she’s obviously been continuing to develop her artistic talents.

“That makes one of us,” I murmur, stepping closer to her secluded painting spot on the grounds. “This is not by choice.”

The summer day is scorching and humid, sweat trickles down my spine. I would have dressed more casually, except that I’m here on business, this isn’t a social call.

Even in the heat, Olivia looks serene. At twenty-eight she’s stunning as ever, though not a single positive feeling stirs at the sight of her beauty. But neither does the usual onslaught of negative emotions. In fact, I feel nothing at all towards her.

She arches a raven brow. “Then why did you come? Who forced you?”

“We need to lay this to rest, Olivia. I’m setting you free.” I retrieve an envelope from my briefcase. “All I need is your signature on these papers. I’ve written a proposed sum, it’s not half my fortune, but it’s more than you’re entitled to due to the prenup agreement.”

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