Page 16 of Crimson Fate
Amelia’s eyes soften with a mix of sadness and determination. “Vincent, you’re family. And we want you to be a part of this. We want you to be involved in our child’s life. We want you to be their uncle.”
I scoff at her words, my skepticism no longer contained. “What exactly do you want from me, Amelia? You married the heir to a rival family. You made this choice, not me.”
Amelia takes a deep breath, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “I understand your anger and resentment toward Alex. It’s not your fault. Our father raised us with that hatred.”
“Don’t you dare speak about our father. He would be rolling over in his grave if he knew you chose the Ivanovs over your own family,” I warn.
“I didn’t choose Alex over you, can’t you see that?” she cries. “I know it’s not easy for you to accept this, but Alex and I both love you.”
I lean forward, and the fire crackles softly nearby, mirroring my turmoil. “Why does any of this matter?”
Amelia’s eyes well up with tears, but she maintains her composure. “Because we want you to be a part of our child’s life. We want our child to know their uncle and connect to their roots despite the differences in our paths.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “This is madness. You’re asking me to embrace the family who has been our enemy for years. How can you expect me to do that?”
Amelia’s voice trembles as she speaks, her vulnerability seeping through the cracks of her composed facade. “I know it’s hard for you to understand, but Alex is not his family’s sin, just like I am not ours. We want to break the cycle of hatred and build something better for our child.”
I stare at her, grappling with conflicting emotions. My heart yearns for reconciliation, for unity within our fractured family, but I can’t help but think how naïve my sister is.
But deep within me, a small part of my soul stirs with the possibility of redemption. Maybe, just maybe, my sister is on to something. Perhaps there is a chance to mend the broken bonds and rewrite the narrative that has plagued our family for generations.
I take a moment to consider her words, to gaze into her tear-filled eyes and see the flicker of hope. Slowly, I unclench my fists, releasing the tension that consumed me moments before. “Amelia,” I say, my voice softer now, “I can’t promise we will ever be one big happy family. But if you truly believe that this child will make you happy, I will do my best to figure out what it might look like for me to be a part of that child’s life somehow.”
Amelia’s face lights up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. She reaches out and takes my hand in hers, squeezing it gently. “Thank you,” she whispers. “That’s all we’re asking. Honestly, I told Alex that if you were hell-bent on this separation continuing between the families, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go down the path of having children.”
Her words stir a discomfort in me. “Do you really think this is all about what I’m okay with, Sis?” I try to keep my voice from betraying the surge of emotions clawing at my insides.
Amelia whimpers in response, and Alexei places a protective hand over hers. “Yes,” he says, his voice resonating with a conviction that fills the entire space. “We both believe we can change the future of our families. We can start over and breathe new life into what it was.”
“New life...” My thoughts spiral, considering alliances, legacies, and the countless dangers lurking in our existence’s shadows. I chuckle, but not at the humor of the situation. “Do you two understand the weight of what you’re proposing?”
“Of course we do,” my sister insists.
I smirk. “Is that right? There is so much shit going on in my life that you are so fucking clueless about.”
“What do you mean?” Amelia asks.
“Were you aware that there’s talk among the capos that I can’t be trusted to be in charge of the family because of your marriage?”
“What?” Amelia gasps, clearly surprised by the revelation. “That’s ridiculous.”
I nod, my expression solemn. “It seems my dear brother-in-law is not as well-liked among our ranks. There are whispers that I am not fit to be in charge because of my affinity for you.”
“Those are just rumors, I’m sure. None of the captains would dare move against you. Not after everything Daddy did for them.”
I raise an eyebrow, a spark of bitterness coursing through me. “You think loyalty is guaranteed in this world, Amelia? You think they won’t seize any opportunity to exploit weakness or undermine my authority?” My voice grows colder, the weight of my position pressing against my words. “I am well aware of their allegiance to our late father, but their true loyalty is to their income potential. The power dynamics within our organization are tumultuous at best, and your marriage to Alexei has only added fuel to the fire of dissent.”
Amelia looks at me, her expression a mix of concern and determination. “I had no idea.”
“Why would you? You left,” I remind her.
Alexei interrupts, his voice firm. “Vincent, you know I respect you, but Amelia is my wife, and I won’t let you make her feel bad for following her heart.”
I narrow my eyes at Alexei, a surge of protectiveness coursing through me. “Following her heart, you say? You both seem to have a knack for that,” I retort, unable to suppress the bitterness in my tone.
Eva reaches out and places a hand on my arm, softening my anger.
“Please try to understand. We didn’t choose this path to spite you or the family. We chose it because we believe in a different future that isn’t defined by blood feuds and vendettas,” Amelia implores.