Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
No! I’m too weak.
When Augusto darts around the bed, I bring my right arm up in front of my face and beg, “Please!”
“Jesus, Yuki,” he says, his voice rumbling with anger.
Instead of hitting me, his arms slip beneath me, and I’m lifted into the air.
Unable to handle anything right now, I burst out in tears. My stomach cramps horribly, and feeling unbelievably sick, I pass the point of caring about what Augusto will do to me.
“I have a doctor coming. Shhh…you’ll feel better soon,” Augusto murmurs.
He lays me down on the bed again, and like earlier, his palm caresses my forehead and hair.
Through feverish eyes, I stare at the man who’s confusing me so much, I can’t predict his next move.
I think Augusto’s playing mind games with me, and as soon as I let my guard down, he’ll attack. I don’t trust him one bit and don’t know what he’s up to, but I’m not falling for this nice-guy act.
His phone rings, and after looking at the device, he gets up and hurries out of the bedroom.
I actually like the bedroom. It’s spacious, and the balcony overlooks the backyard, which is a mess right now. It looks like the gardener is changing everything, but I can’t tell what the end result will be.
As I stare at the doorway, parts of the day flash through my mind. Augusto’s Mom and Gianna were really nice to me. I didn’t spend a lot of time with Riccardo and their two sisters, but they gave me friendly smiles.
Since Yutaro left, no one’s scowled or slapped me.
I got married today.
The thought shudders through me again.
Father didn’t even say goodbye to me. Since he made the agreement with the Cosa Nostra, I haven’t seen him.
It shouldn’t hurt, but it does.
I wish I had been born a boy. Then I wouldn’t have been separated from Ryo.
Augusto returns with another man and says, “This is Dr. Milazzo. He’s going to take care of you.”
I have no strength to move and just watch as the doctor takes my vitals.
A woman also comes into the bedroom, accompanied by two men, and it looks like they’re carrying medical supplies.
As my eyes begin to drift shut, I see Augusto walking to the door. He gives me a worried look before he leaves, and right after, I’m pulled into a dreamless sleep.
Augusto
The moment Mom rushes into the house, she makes a beeline for me.
I called her after Dr. Milazzo said the next few days will be touch-and-go for Yuki. Because she ate at the reception, they have to closely monitor her vitals and perform frequent blood tests to make sure her electrolyte levels don’t drop rapidly.
They’re worried she might have seizures, or worse, a fucking heart attack.
As Mom hugs me, my body shudders, and I struggle to control my anger and worry. “I’m going to kill Tanaka,” I growl while taking a step backward because I’m too agitated right now to return Mom’s hug.
“Has Dr. Milazzo said anything else?” Mom asks, her face torn with worry.
I shake my head. “I’m staying out of their way so they can focus on Yuki.”
“That’s wise. I’ll make us coffee while we wait to hear more from Dr. Milazzo.”
Walking into the kitchen, Mom glances at the half-eaten plate of food.
“It’s delicious, but I’ve lost my appetite with everything that’s happening.”
“That’s understandable.”
While she prepares the coffee, I clear out the plate and load all the dishes into the dishwasher.
“Yuki won’t be able to go shopping for a while. I’ve brought some of my clothes.” There’s an emotional look on Mom’s face. “I’ll go to the store and get her a couple of items to tide her over.”
“Thanks, Mamma.” Closing the distance between us, I wrap her in a tight hug. “I’m sorry for calling you so much.”
“Nonsense! I want you to lean on me.”
“You’re the best,” I whisper, soaking up the love she’s giving me.
“We’ll get through this.” She pats my back before she pulls away to finish preparing our beverages.
Just as she hands me a mug, Dr. Milazzo comes into the kitchen. He smiles politely at Mom. “Evening, Mrs. Vitale.”
“Hi, how is Yuki doing?” she asks.
“As I’ve told, Mr. Vitale, we need to watch Yuki closely. Tomorrow, we’ll start slowly with low-calorie amounts of food, and every two days, we’ll increase the amount she gets to eat until she’s able to handle a normal meal. Simone and I will monitor everything she eats and drinks for the next few weeks. Either we move Yuki to the hospital, or Simone will stay here for the next three days to keep an eye on our patient.”
“Simone can stay here,” I say. “She can take the other guestroom on the second floor.”
“I’ll tell her.”
“Can we see Yuki?” Mom asks. “I brought her comfortable clothes.”
“Yes, but she’s in no state to bathe or shower. Simone can give her a sponge bath if it’s needed.”