LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED VOL. 10 (THE FERRO FAMILY) by H.M. Ward Read Free Book Online Page A

our decision.”
    “No, it shouldn’t. But as fate would have it, it is your decision. I can’t prevent you from ever speaking to him again, although I want to. I can’t order you to stay here forever, although I think you should.”
    “Where am I?”
    “We’re off the coast of Aruba on De Palm Island. This estate was my mother’s private residence when I was a child. It’s been years since a Ferro stepped through those doors, which is why I brought you here. You’ll be safe and well cared for. You can run your charities, your business, anything you want from here. It’s a haven where no one will look for you unless you give them a reason.”
    At that moment, Viola enters the room with a cart. A china teapot covered with tiny pink roses and matching cups, accompanied by a formal three-tiered tray of cakes and sandwiches. Viola’s gaze shifts to me and narrows. She doesn’t like me.
    Constance touches the old woman's hand. “It’s her decision, Viola. We can only hope she’ll protect him.”
    It feels like I’m being played, and I don’t like it. “Cut the crap, Connie. Don’t pretend you two are besties from a million years ago just to manipulate me. I don’t need—”
    Viola is instantly pissed, her dark eyes transforming into lasers. “There is nothing to pretend when it comes to this strong lady. She is her mother’s daughter, and you have no idea what happened to her here! That she came back here for you is a mercy you don’t know how to appreciate, little one. If you are too ignorant to see this, you deserve the fate coming to you.”
    I freeze in place as I’m scolded and then look at Constance. She’s gazing across the room like she’s lost in another time. She finally waves Viola off. “Thank you, dear. I’ll see you before I leave.”
    The old woman nods and leaves without another word.
    Constance picks up a cup, pours in milk and tea, and then hands it to me. Surprised, I take it and sit down next to her. “I don’t know what to do.”
    “I think you do, Gina.” She sips slowly, as if in pain, and then glances at me. “Every action has repercussions. I did the best I could to make you both safe. Whether or not you stay that way is up to you.”
    “How can I believe you?”
    “Go online right now and see for yourself. You can watch Peter without him knowing you’re still alive. You can see if he’s still in danger. Six weeks have passed, Gina. Nothing else has happened—he's safe. If the Gambinos wanted him dead, he would be, but with you gone, the link to Peter is broken.”
    I swallow hard, not wanting to hear this. “How long will I have to stay here?”
    “As long as it takes to be forgotten—by your family, by Peter, by everyone who knew you. You can never go back to New York. But here, Gina, you can start over. Mr. Chit will watch over you until we’re certain the threat is gone forever. I’m offering you my childhood home, and all the stories held within these walls. This place exposes me, Gina. The only reason I’m here now is to make it clear how much is at stake. Whether you believe me or not—I’d do anything to protect my sons.”
    She’s telling the truth. I can feel it. I close my eyes and blink back tears. “They all think I’m dead?”
    “Yes, every last one. They attended your funeral and said their farewells. You can reappear, but you need to realize every person who cares for you will be in danger if you do. It’s not just Peter.”
    I can’t think. It feels like there's no air the room, like a giant foot is pressing me into the floor. I can’t tell him I’m okay. I’ll never see any of the people I love ever again.
    After a few moments, I ask, “Why are you letting me decide this?”
    “Because if I make the decision for you, you’ll never move on, you’ll never start over, and you’ll always want to contact Peter. But if you decide yourself, you’ll understand what’s at stake and why you need to remain hidden.”
    Tea seems to last