Page 16 of Vow of Sin

“Whatever we decide today, don’t appraise that one. That one’s mine.” I say, staring at the small gem with a smile, the first smile I’ve had in weeks.

“I need a new ring anyway.” I say as the appraiser hands me the gem, the small stone resting in my palm as I feel Antonio’s eyes shift to me.

I look up for a moment and realize that his gaze is locked on my bare ring finger, a question in his eyes as he stares. Rather than diving into that, I hand the stone back to Glenstein and smile.

“Keep that one in the safe for me, Antonio. I’ll come up next week and go over design options.” I say, leaning back in my chair as I grab my bag and pull out my laptop.

“Now, let’s try to crunch some numbers.” I say, powering up the laptop before I fall into hours worth of boredom that has my attention running wild.

* * *

It’s been five days since the appraisal and I’m sitting in the bathroom at the country club, staring at my reflection for the fifth time this evening while my late husband's celebration of life continues outside.

I’ve given a speech and it was perfectly crafted, just as he would have wanted. I rehearsed it several times throughout the week, practicing my fake smiles to make them appear genuine. People expected me to be broken today, but I refuse to be anything other than strong since I’m the new face of this family. Well, one of the new faces at least.

Nico has done everything in his power to steer clear of me. We’ve only shared a few passing glances over the last few hours and days, his intense stare always making me feel wired and alert. I don’t know why, but whenever I look at him, it’s like my entire body wakes up and I’m completely aware of every reaction that it has to him. And God, do I fucking hate it.

I continue to stare at my reflection as Manhattan’s elite mixed with family and old friends mingle outside, their voices and music both loud and overpowering. I fix my mauve lipstick and toss my curls around, making sure I’m put together. Thankfully, not many people have asked me questions or really tried to mingle with me. They’ve offered their condolences, given a quick kiss to the cheek and shared memories that they had with Luis. Memories that have my brain shifting to autopilot every time I hear about them.

I turn and open the door, stepping out of the luxury bathroom and onto the top floor of the club. It is a large mansion that sits on over five acres of land, many golfers coming here from around the world to practice. I won’t lie, it’s beautiful, but then again, everything in Luis’ life had to be beautiful. There was never any room for anything less than perfect.

A waiter passes by with a tray of champagne and I take a glass, smiling at a few people and chatting with the men and women that approach me. Sofia catches my glance from her spot at the bar, her eyebrows raising in an expression that usually means,are you okay? I nod at her and she smiles, turning back to the man in the suit that’s talking to her. She throws her head back on a fake laugh, her tan hand meeting her soft chest as her chin rises and teeth bare. Her long curls brush her spine and I swear, I wish I could be that effortless. That beautiful. I wish it came that naturally. People just see me as the skinny, lifeless accountant wife. The woman married out of duty and kept for comfort. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever be anything more than that.

I walk out onto the balcony, staring at the massive golf course as I sip my glass of champagne and enjoy the nice spring air of New York. The birds are chirping and the sky is clear, nothing but blue and green all around me. For a moment, I feel peace. That is until an older man, one I’ve never seen before approaches me. He stands by me, his hand on the balcony as he smiles a tight smile at me, his gray suit clean and crisp and most definitely worth thousands of dollars.

“Nice day, isn’t it?” he asks conversationally, tilting his head at me as I swallow my champagne and smile.

“It is.” I say, wondering who this man is. Maybe he’s one of the new members.

Shit, does that mean I need to introduce myself? This is now my club after all. Then again, it’s the celebration of life for Luis, do I really need to be doing introductions regarding business today?

There’s no down time in this business.Nico’s words echo inside of my head and I have to stop myself from groaning. I set my glass down on one of the balcony tables, turning to the man and offering my hand out for a shake. He stares at it for a moment before he nods and takes it.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. My name is Scarlett Romero.” I say and he chuckles as he lets my hand fall away from the shake, the wrinkles in his forehead moving as he raises his eyebrows.

“Oh, I know all about you, Mrs. Romero.” he says, his voice painted with an emotion I can’t identify. “You’re Luis Romero’s widow. I’m sorry for your loss. Luis had a knack for being impulsive and getting himself into danger.” he says and for some reason, my spine straightens and chills spread throughout my body.

He knew my husband and he knew him personally.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” I say as I tilt my head at him, his black eyebrows lowering as he stares directly into my eyes, intimidation encroaching upon my senses.

“That’s because I didn’t give it, but perhaps it might ring a bell when I do. First, I’d like you to meet my grandson.” he says, turning towards the door of the club and shouting. “Come here, son. I’d like for you to meet Scarlett.” he says and I turn to look at the door.

When a young boy, probably no more than six or seven years old steps forward, my heart nearly plummets straight into my intestines. There, walking towards us, is a boy that looks so much like Luis in his childhood photos, it’s almost like I’m staring at a clone.

Frankie.

There’s no way. There’s literally no way. Nico said he was conceived before Luis even married me. He should be around eleven or twelve now, but this boy…this boy was nowhere near that age. Wait a minute. If that’s Frankie …then that must mean this man is-

“Mrs. Romero, I’d like you to meet my grandson, Frankie. And I’m Lorenzo De Luca. It’s a pleasure to officially meet you.” he says with a tight smile, Frankie’s suit nearly two sizes too big for his small body as he reaches us, his grandfather's hand falling on his shoulder.

Lorenzo gives me a tight, emotionless smile and I have to try my best to maintain my composure, even though I want to come apart right here and now.

“Yes. It is very nice to meet the both of you.” I say in a low voice, glancing at Frankie’s golden eyes and light brown hair, his crooked little nose the same as Luis. I really want to cry just looking at it.

“How are you today, Frankie?” I ask, his nose scrunching as he looks at me.

“Well, the food here tastes really bad, but Papa let me have soda. So I guess I’m okay.” His small, boyish voice says.