Novel ✪ Memory Corruption (R-18) (Book 1 and 2 Finished) (Book 3 on release now)

Riiii · Aug 29, 2023

GiBro said: ↑

Chapter 24

-No, no, no! Sei fuori di testa, cazzo? -Vincenzo gesticulated frantically, with his face and neck all red. -Mai e poi mai! Sei pazzo o stupido?

-English, Vincenzo! And keep it down, I don’t want your father getting in the middle. -Desmond sighed. -I know it’s risky, but it’s all I’ve got now. You won’t even need to come with me, you could send me as a representative.

-He doesn’t take representatives! Do you have any idea of how hard it was to convince him that I needed to take my bodyguards with me? He wasn’t happy, not at all. -Vincenzo lowered his voice to a hiss, but his hands were still everywhere, moving with every syllable. -Besides, you’re being hunted! Ricercato, lo sai? I wouldn’t take you, even if he didn’t yet know you are alive, but now? Forget it!

-He couldn’t recognize me, even when we met at his own school! The bastard had a gun pointed to my head for almost one hour, minutes after I had one pointed to his face, he had plenty of time to memorize my face, and yet, he didn’t. -Desmond grunted. -You should’ve seen his expression when I told him it was me and that I knew he was the one who killed Samantha. I thought he was mocking me, but seeing it again and again in my nightmares all those months, I came to the conclusion he was genuinely and absolutely surprised. There’s no way he’ll recognize me, not with this beard and hair.

-What about the others? Besides, do you really think anyone would believe you are my bodyguard with that lack of style? Dai! -Vincenzo rolled his eyes. -I could actually help you look older, a bit different and all, but… I would never agree to take you with me, you’re insane!

-Then just recommend me, as a new investor. -He clicked his tongue, feeling more and more impatient. -You owe me, Vincenzo! You and your father, you owe me billions! And you are always claiming that I’m your family, well, you’d never say no to family, right? So now is the time…

-I love you like a brother, Ryan! Just like papà and Alejandro, we’re brothers by heart, since not by blood! -The silver haired man frowned. Then, without any warning, his eyes brimmed and he sank in the chair, partially covering his face with one hand. -You... You’re my best friend, more than my cugino. You know that. I can’t do this, I can’t take you there, unarmed, without protection… That stronzo has an army, per l'amor di Dio!

Desmond sighed. He stood there, watching Vincenzo weep and sob for a couple of minutes, then cleared his throat.

-Belle needs me, Vincenzo. -He murmured, clearing his throat again to try to get rid of the hoarseness. -I need her. I’m better off dead if I can’t have her back. I need to go there and see her.

Vincenzo nodded vigorously, then shook his head and cried a bit more.

-We need you too, cugino. Agatha needs you. -He whined. It was impressive that the man’s makeup was still intact, even though he kept rubbing and wiping his eyes and cheeks vigorously. -What if… If I took you, and then you found out the rumors were real. If she’s… Gone. What would you do?

Desmond just stared at the swollen red eyes for a while.

-What do you think I’d do? -His murmur transformed into a whisper at the end of the question.

-Nothing good. -Vincenzo nodded, wiping more tears. -Not good at all.

-That’s why I need to get there before it comes to that. I need to get to her while she’s still alive. -Desmond nodded to himself, his voice suddenly firm and full of confidence. -And I’m asking for your help, ‘cause I have no one else I can turn to now. Can I still trust you, Vincenzo? Can I count on you? I’ll owe you my whole life after that. I’ll even forgive your part of the debt…

Vincenzo shook his head and looked away.

-Cazzo… Merda! -Vincenzo got up and kicked a trash can, sending it flying all the way to the other side of the room. It was almost empty, but it’s contents were scattered around the floor. -You… Ma porca puttana, ma che cazzo!

-Say the price, Vincenzo. I’m willing to pay. Anything, seriously. -The dark eyed man took a deep breath while he put both hands in his pockets. -You want to say yes. It’s all over your face. I’ll forgive your part of the debt, if that’s the price.

-No. That’s not the price… -Vincenzo sighed. -You’re gonna hate the price… But if you say yes, there’s no turning back, capito?

******

The memories after Belle walked through the white double doors which led to the first room full of cribs were all blurry. She couldn’t get the line of events right, no matter how much she tried.

She remembered washing her hands up to her elbows, the way a doctor would before a surgery, but couldn’t tell if it had been before or after dressing up with the hair net and blue gown. She could reproduce the feeling of the shoe cover in her mind, a slippery sensation on her bare feet, although she couldn’t tell if she had had any difficulty walking from one crib to the other while taking the babies into her arms, one after the other, until she had touched them all. She could bet it had been the first time those creatures had seen someone without the masks and gloves on.

But every time she tried to remember the small babbling cuties and their many expressions, from awed to giggly, the memories wouldn’t come. Instead, Daniel’s angry frown would flash before her eyes, and her body would shiver, until she couldn’t think of anything else. The feeling of his slaps and punches was still lingering all over her face and body, even though she knew for a fact it all had happened almost a month ago, if not more.

Now she was lying over that bed, with a tube down her throat, unable to move. Her only solace was that now she knew that Ryan hadn’t been found, even though Daniel had lied to her and told her he was dead.

Still, it wasn’t enough to keep her hopes. Even if someone ever found her, it was already too late, everything had already been lost. She still remembered, word by word, Daniel’s description of what he had done to each one of the babies after Anna had dragged her by her hair to the elevator, then back to her room.

He had also told her in detail about how he had tortured Mia and Hanna to death, but not before they confessed that Ryan was still alive and that Corey, Bob and Lion were their allies, as well as a lot of other names. Some of the nicknames were wrong, belonging to people who Belle hadn’t trusted enough to let them get into her inner circle. Still, she couldn’t be sure if they hadn’t been recruited by Corey, or Bob, or Lion, and even if they weren’t on her side, she would never wish for them to be tortured to death.

As if the guilt for those men, babies and her own friends weren’t enough, Wolf too was dead, and for that she couldn’t blame Daniel. According to Anna he had suffered terribly till the end, although Belle hadn’t seen his body, since she was unconscious when Daniel’s men dropped her over her bed.

She woke up with the nurse gently touching her face and explaining that she was about to take off the tube, since she didn’t seem to need the support of the ventilator to breathe anymore. The woman patiently explained all the process while she did it, although Belle wasn’t really paying any attention to it.

-I have a message for you, princess. -The nurse whispered as she leaned to wipe the drool from Belle’s chin and neck with a wet towel. -Destiny asked me to tell you that “prince charming” is on his way here and she needs you to get ready to leave.

Belle opened her eyes wide and the nurse gave her a warning look, silently begging her to keep quiet. She looked behind her to check if Daniel’s mad dog, Anna, aka Viper, could hear them, but the girl was too busy criticizing and terrorizing a maid in the outer room.

-Destiny told me to warn you: she’s telling you to “woman up”, her words, and do your best to “not be a burden” to him when he comes to get you. -The nurse checked behind her again. -She also wanted to ask you what it will take for you to realize that Daniel is a “bag of bullshit” and that you shouldn’t trust him at all. She also wants me to tell you that her boyfriend is “alive and well” and that you’re a fool for believing she would’ve let Daniel lay a finger on him. I think that’s all. I really don’t know what any of this means, but… Do you want me to take any message as reply?

Belle just stared at her. She was too shocked to try to answer. Lately her mind had been blurring reality and nightmares, but that could be the first time a wonderful dream could be trying to fool her instead.

The nurse waited while she pretended to be arranging the pillows and checking her IV drop, but she seemed eager to walk away.

-What is taking you so long? -Anna’s voice startled them both. She was close, standing by the door. -The Lord’s instructions were pretty clear: do what you have to do and leave right away.

The nurse nodded and started to gather her things to leave.

-Hurry up. -Anna huffed. -This room stinks, I don’t want to stay here. Tell that stupid woman there that we need more scented candles in here.

Belle watched as the nurse walked away. Her eyes followed her to the door, where Anna stood. The girl’s glare held disgust and mockery.

-Why don’t you just die already? -Anna smirked. She checked behind her, then got in and closed the door, leaning against it. Belle shivered, thinking that the girl would come near and hurt her again, as she had done many times before. -If I were to give you advice, that would be it: tell him what was written on that message, or die already.

Belle gulped and Anna scoffed.

-Now is just too late, anyway… We have a man in the FBI, you know? It seems like they’ve just found out how to translate it. -She sighed, as if the subject bored her. -As soon as he finds out what you wrote, he’s gonna inform us and the Lord will come and punish you. If I were to guess, I’d say you have till the end of the day, best case scenario.

Belle tried not to show her feelings, but she couldn’t really tell if her expression had changed. In fact, she couldn’t define what she was feeling, anyway. At first she thought it would be pure relief, for the girls in the plates, and fear, for Ryan. But then she felt a tear tickling one side of her nose and her temple, and the pillow under her head moistening her cheek.

-Yeah, you better cry a lot, bitch. Maybe he’ll pity you once again. But I doubt it. -Her mouth curved into a sick smile. -I’ll beg him to let me finish you. I’ll make it last, you can bet on it.

She turned to leave, but before she opened the door, Belle cleared her throat.

-Why? -She whispered, her throat hurting terribly, maybe because of the tube, but most likely because everything in her body was constantly hurting lately. Anna turned to face her and chuckled. -Why are you with him? Why would you hate me?

Anna slowly turned, a cruel smile sprouting on her lips.

****

Lucas was feeling nervous. He was losing his mind, worried to death, not only for himself but also for Agatha.

She was too proud to admit, but he could bet his right hand that she hadn’t slept the night before. It was unbelievable how beautiful she could still look, even if clearly exhausted.

-I like what you did here… -She murmured, looking around. -It looks… Cozy. Is this new? Or did you just change the cover, so it looks new?

With Desmond finding out about them being together, there was no reason to keep the living room and study dirty anymore. Too bad Desmond had somehow managed to keep Agatha away from him all this time, almost a month. He hadn’t heard about her, not even once, till that morning.

He almost couldn’t believe his eyes when he answered the door and found his dream muse standing there. She, on the other hand, seemed pretty unaffected, greeting him with a kind smile and smacking a kiss on his cheek as if not a day had passed since their last meal together.

-Oh, thank you… It’s just the cover. Scratch proof. A bit uncomfortable, y’know, but… It lasts. -He smiled shyly. -Would you like more soda? Or maybe something else? I think I’ve still got some beer in my fridge…

-No, thank you. I’m not drinking anymore. -She pressed her lips and looked down. -Did he tell you what time he would…

That was weird. That girl could drink twice as much as him, he knew that for a fact. But he understood her. He too was eager to meet Desmond.

Almost a month had passed since that morning, with no signs of his friend. His FaceFinder hadn’t been able to catch him anywhere in New York and there were no traces of him in any of the places Lucas had hoped to find him.

Agatha sat there, staring at the floor, while he tried to relax his sore muscles with sporadic massages and stretching. He was about to make a joke to try and lighten the mood when there was a click at the door, then it flung open.

-Aw, c’mon! How…? There’s no way you picked it that easily?! That door was so damn expensive! -Lucas groaned as he watched Desmond closing the door behind him with his foot, while bending to take Archie in his arms and pet his furred head. -At least pretend it was hard, for God sake!

-Shut up. -Desmond sighed, without looking at him. His eyes were on Agatha, and he stood there in silence until she finally raised her head to face him. The dark eyed man couldn’t help but smirk when he saw the apprehension and anticipation written all over her face. -Come here, baby girl…

He left Archie on a chair nearby and opened his arms to invite her. Agatha jumped to her feet, then ran into his arms. Lucas watched as they embraced for a couple of minutes, the three of them unwilling to break the peaceful silence.

-I should’ve known you’d be here… You’re gonna hate me. -He murmured in her ear. -I can’t stay for long, sorry… I don’t know how he did this, but I’m glad he told you… I needed to see you. I needed to let you know how much I love you…

-You’re not leaving me again! -She locked her arms around his waist, holding her wrist firmly with her other hand. -I won’t be here anymore. I won’t wait for you, if you leave again.

Desmond kissed the side of her head and nodded.

-If I come back, I’ll come and find you, no matter what or where. -He nodded again, pushing her back just enough to look her in the eyes, cupping her cheeks with his hands. -If you can’t forgive me by then, I’ll wait, until the day I die, baby girl… I love you, and I always will, even if you hate me.

-But you love her more! -Agatha punched at his chest, her voice full of frustration and impatience. -You don’t love me enough!

-I love you both, just in different ways, Agatha… -Desmond made a face when she rolled her brimming eyes at him. -Don’t ever make me choose, please. She needs me more now, that’s all... Look at me! I can’t live like this anymore, I need to end this. Please understand.

Agatha sniffed and buried her face in his chest. He embraced her head, running his fingers through her hair, then turned to Lucas. The cop felt his guts turn and churn, so he gulped and got up.

-Don’t worry, I’m not gonna harm you. We’re not friends anymore, but that doesn’t make us enemies. -Desmond sighed. -You know what I’m here for, I’m sure Riviera called you as soon as I left her office.

-Eh, yes, they are arranging things to grant me access… It was actually a good idea, by the way, I wish we had thought about it earlier… -Lucas sighed. -Please, don’t throw away our friendship because of that, Desmond… You’re my best friend. I really like Agatha, but…

His eyes darted toward the back of her head, then back to the dark eyes. He could swear they had flared with menacing anger, if only for a second.

-I don’t think she feels the same… I know she’s too much for me, it was just a platonic thing, really. I’m very sorry. -Lucas pressed his lips. -Please, let’s pretend it didn’t happen, and if she decides to give me a chance in the future, I’m gonna make sure to ask for your permission fir…

-You two can do whatever you want, really. She doesn’t belong to me, she’s an adult and she’s anything but stupid. As long as you keep your hands off her while I’m here, it’s for her to decide what the fuck she wants for her life. -Desmond practically spat the words. -Just know that if you ever hurt her, or if her uncle hears that she’s dating a cop… Nothing good will come of it. Especially with a wimp like you.

-You two should stop talking about me as if I wasn’t here. -Agatha groaned, with her face still buried in Desmond’s chest. -And not that it’s any of your business, but I made up with my ex. Zio knows about him and has set up a dinner to size Peter up when he comes back from his symposium in Spain.

Lucas’ expression was first of confusion, then of acceptance. Of course she had someone. Probably someone better than him, rich, successful, handsome, fit. He was nothing but a placeholder.

-Well… That’s… Ok, I guess. -Desmond stumbled in his words. -Not that I’d have any say in it, as you said it yourself…

His eyes moved toward Lucas and for a moment it seemed like he was revisiting his decisions, as if he regretted convincing Agatha to dump his friend just to have her running back to her ex.

-Relax, I’m not coming for you… I came only because Riviera told me I should take a look at it. -Desmond sighed when he saw the cop gulping and looking down. -I also really needed to say goodbye to Agatha, and ask you a favor…

Desmond took a deep breath, then put one hand over Agatha’s ear apparently expecting that it would be enough to keep her from hearing what he was about to say.

-If I don’t come back, for any reason, don’t let them give up on Belle. Don’t allow them to drop it, no matter how long it lasts.

Lucas frowned. Agatha tried to push away from him, but he was holding her to his chest firmly.

-What do you mean? What you gonna do? -He felt annoyed all of sudden. His mood only got worse when Desmond huffed and shook his head. -I thought you’d ask me to go somewhere with you, to watch your back, to be your Chloe O’Brian or something…

-Wait, what? You wanted to be my what? -Desmond scoffed. -When I think you can’t get any more…

-No! You don’t get the right to make fun of me now! You’re out of your mind! -Lucas raised his voice and took his glasses off. His face was burning with anger, his heart pounding in his ears. -Are you planning to get on a suicide mission?

-Of course not, don’t be ridiculous… -Desmond mumbled.

-Why are you coming to say goodbye then? -Archie jumped from the chair and ran to hide when Lucas shouted. -I wasn’t fearing you, I’ve never feared you. I was ashamed that you thought you’d have to bring Agatha here to convince me to help you! I was ashamed about you thinking I was such a bad friend, but I guess you are the one who should be feeling guilty for coming here, bringing her into that…. Bulshit! And you tell me not to give up on Belle, what the hell?

Desmond just stared at him. Agatha pushed him harder, and he let her go. Now Lucas and her were standing side by side, with their arms crossed over their chests, both with their faces all red, for completely different reasons.

-Right. It’s not a suicide mission, I’m not inconsequent. I have a plan, sort of. I’m gonna go there and get her. -Desmond sighed. -Someone is taking me to the Palace tomorrow morning and….

-To the Palace? -Lucas gasped.

-To what? -Agatha frowned.

Desmond just sighed. When he glanced at Agatha, Lucas concluded that this situation was exactly what he had been wanting to avoid. Then again, it wasn’t Lucas’ fault. Desmond should’ve known better, and he hadn’t shown any surprise when he had walked through the door and came face to face with his sister.

-Anyway, I couldn’t contact you before, because… -Again his eyes moved to Agatha and he clicked his tongue. Even though it clearly bothered him to do so, he shrugged away the issue at hand and went on, pretending she wasn’t there. -Daniel had someone watching me 24/7, but…

-What? Daniel had someone… What? -Lucas stumbled toward him and grabbed his sleeve. -What do you mean? Are we in danger now? Is he watching you now?

-No, relax. Like I said, he HAD someone watching me. Right now, his men think I’m in a conference bodyguarding someone. They can’t get in, so they don’t know I’ve sneaked out. -Desmond explained as patiently as his haste allowed. -But I’ll have to go back soon, so let’s just wrap here, ok? I need you to promise me that you’ll not allow Riviera to give up on Belle. I need you to plant evidence if you need to, mess up with Daniel’s blogs so he’ll feel like retaliating, I don’t know, just make sure they won’t stop looking for her, ok?

-What the hell is “the palace”? -Agatha looked from one to another, but they both ignored her. -Hello? Where the hell is that place?

-You’re insane… There’s really a lot you have to explain, I can’t just... You won’t go anywhere. -Lucas mumbled as he brought his other hand to hold Desmond’s wrist as firmly as he could, but then realized he couldn’t even wrap his fingers all the way around it. Even then, he cleared his throat and tried to sound as confident as he managed to. -You won’t go anywhere near Daniel or his men, it’s madness!

Desmond looked down at his hand as he pushed Agatha gently to the side to get her out of the way, then shoved Lucas’ hands with a shake of his arm.

-Chill out, motherfucker! -He glared at him. -I won’t be recognized. The people at the Palace don’t get any contact with the blog, or any information from outside. They are isolated and most of them were there long before I brought Belle to my house, so Daniel hadn’t put a price to my head yet.

-What about the ones who got there after that? -Lucas insisted. -And what about the traitors who left the corporation to work for that lunatic? Have you thought about that? What if you bump into some old colleague and he’s like “hey, do I know you from somewhere”?

-I’ll keep a low profile. I do have a plan.

-What is going on? -Agatha insisted. -Ryan! Stop shutting me out!

-I’m sorry, baby girl, the less you know the better. -Desmond huffed and tried to touch her cheek with the back of his fingers, but she slapped his hand away. -Look, I really need to go. We’re gonna depart anytime this week. They say there will be no heads up, they’ll come and escort us, without a warning. I only came here ‘cause Riviera told me you could get me the message. I have hopes of meeting someone there who knows the cypher, so I thought it could be useful to try to memorize it.

Lucas nodded, but he was still disturbed by the idea of letting his friend risk his life that way.

-Look, Lucas… You betrayed my trust like no one else before, really, no one messes with my sister and gets away with it. No one! -Even though Desmond was frowning, Lucas had the impression he was more hurt than angry about it. -The fact that I’m trusting you, once again, with one of the most important… With the life of the woman I love… You better not let me down.

Lucas nodded again, this time looking straight into Desmond’s eyes. He would not let him down.

-Come back alive. With her. -He murmured.

-That’s the plan. -Desmond smirked. -Now get me that fucking message and let me go. Go check if they let you in already. If not, find a way to make them.

Lucas stood for a moment, not moving a muscle, then hugged Desmond’s torso without any warning. The man didn’t budge, keeping his arms on his sides at first, then patting his back and pushing him back when the hug lasted too long.

A few minutes later, Agatha decided to break the silence. They were both sitting on Lucas’ sofa, hearing the cops’ fingers dance over the keyboard as if he was having a heated written argument with someone.

-Is that place dangerous? -She murmured. Ryan put one arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer, then kissed her forehead. -How much?

-I have no idea. But I’m not planning to face Daniel right away, don’t worry. I’ll really do my best to get in, take Belle and get as far as I can, as fast as I can, from that place and the fuckers inside it. -He murmured near her ear. -So… About that Peter guy… Why him? Is there something I should know?

He wasn’t just trying to change the subject. A part of him really would have preferred if Agatha had just kept her unexplainable interest in Lucas a bit longer, solely because at least he could be sure she would be able to wipe the floor with him, in case he tried to push the limits. He knew nothing about that “doctor” Peter, even though he had tried to get information about him. Vincenzo obviously knew a lot about the guy, but had refused to share it with Desmond, which only made him worry ten times more.

-Stay, and I’ll introduce you to him. I’ll even let you bring someone for a double date… -She batted her eyelashes. -You know she’s probably dead, why risk your life…

-Shut up. -He frowned, taking his arm away. -Fuck you.

-Why fight a losing battle? You’re chasing a ghost, Ryan! Lucas kind of got on my nerves this morning, trying to convince me to forgive you and support you in case she’s really dead. Let’s be real, there’s a good chance she is! -Agatha creased her eyebrows. Ryan knew she wasn’t trying to hurt him. This was the way she had been raised, seeing anyone other than family as disposable and unimportant. -I’m saying this for your own good, Ryan, why don’t you focus on taking care of those who really are here, by your side, still alive, like me? At least while I’m still in remission…

-Nice. Now you’re gonna play that card, right? Domenico sent me a copy of your last results and I know you’re a hundred percent fine. -He glared at her. She crossed her arms and looked down, seeming eager to disagree. -Don’t even start, Agatha! You don’t know how it is to lose someone you love. You don’t have any idea of what it is to fear that someone you love might die. Be honest, if not with me, with yourself: the closest you’ve been to my position was when your cunt of a father died, and it made both our lives ten times better!

-You've never been so wrong! And it’s funny that you’re mentioning him, cause you were always accusing him of not giving a damn about me or my mom, but now you’re the one who doesn’t give a damn. -She looked away while gesticulating and he clicked his tongue in response. -You don’t care about me, you don’t care about zio or Vincenzo… You’re only feeling guilty because of me, but sometimes I feel like you’re just waiting for me to… So you can get rid of them…

Her voice started to dimmer until it became inaudible. She wasn’t looking at him and it bothered him profoundly.

-Agatha, you realize that you’re here, healthy, safe, while she’s there being held as a hostage? You’re being really unfair…

-You don’t even care… You don’t even know…

-Know what? -He sighed. She kept silent, so he insisted. -Know about what, baby girl?

Agatha wouldn’t look at him. He knew what it meant. She was either being stubborn, pretending to be offended or sad, or really feeling hurt. Ryan took a deep breath and put his hand over her shoulder, gently turning her to face him.

-Oh, fuck… What now? -He groaned. -What happened? Is this about your travel again? I already told you I’m sorry…

-You’re such a jerk. -She glared at him. -And yes, it has to do with the trip. You never asked me why I didn’t wait for you.

-I didn’t need to. You were pissed and didn’t think twice before trying to get back at me. -He scoffed, then rolled his eyes. Agatha looked down and sniffed. -‘Cmon! You seem to forget that I’m your big brother sometimes. I fucking know you, baby girl. Lucas is a wimp, he fell for your drama, but I know you better! No fussy melodrama will convince me to stay this time, I wish I could stay with you here, but I need to go.

-Most of the time you seem to forget that I’m your little sister! I’m not being dramatic, I really need you here! You left me alone on my darkest days because of that girl, and now that I’m starting to get back on my feet you’re going to… -Tears dropped from her eyes as her voice started to fade and she covered her face with the back of her hands. -Please, I don’t want to lose you too… Please, don’t leave me all alone again.

-I won’t leave you alone, baby girl... -Ryan leaned over her and held her to his chest. -Don’t cry… It’s not like that, I’ll do my best to come back, I promise. ‘Cmon, you’ll have your mother, Domenico and Vincenzo to take care of you while I’m away…

Agatha looked up and sobbed.

-I… Not my mom. Not anymore… That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, are you deaf? -She whined. Ryan tilted his head and pushed her back, trying to look into her eyes. -Yes, Ryan, she’s gone! She’s gone and you weren’t here to help me.

Ryan sat there in shock while Agatha cried with her head leaning against his chest. He didn’t know what to say, so he just kept silent, hoping that Lucas wouldn’t show up before she stopped crying. A moment later he realized that he himself was crying too. Agatha noticed it when she pushed away from him to wipe her tears with her sleeves and gasped.

-Why are you crying? Thought you hated her. -She murmured while trying to recompose herself.

I didn’t hate her, I just didn’t want her anywhere near me or my family. He swallowed down the answer, settling for just shaking his head instead. You’d feel the same if I told you about that guy she hired to kill me and my mom…

But she would never know. He would never intentionally jeopardize Agatha’s love for her family, as he had done to himself more than once. To Agatha, Paola would be just an overprotective mother, a good woman, with a big heart, and there was nothing wrong with that. She already had the world’s worst father, it would be awfully unfair to force her into a reality that had absolutely nothing to offer her for comfort.

-I love you, so, so much… I’m sorry, Agatha, I really am. -He whispered, kissing her forehead and leaning his chin there. -I’m really sorry that you had to go through that. Even more so that I wasn’t here to take care of you... I won’t ask about it now, I really don’t want to take you back there when I know I won’t be here to pick you up for a while… But when I come back, I swear I will do anything to make it up to you.

-It’s alright, you can ask… I mean, we knew this would happen eventually... -Agatha sniffed.

She then proceeded to explain how the cancer had relapsed and progressed faster than Paola’s prognosis had indicated, rapidly reaching stage 4, and that she hid from them the fact that she wasn’t responding well to treatment.

Only months later, about a week after Ryan had left for Florida, she allowed Alejandro’s lieutenant to summon a family reunion so she could reveal to Domenico and her three other siblings that the doctors were estimating she only had up to two years to live. Agatha was left out of that meeting just like all her cousins, except for Vincenzo who had to swear he wouldn’t tell anyone, which meant Agatha only found out about all that after her mother’s health took a huge downturn.

By that time, Paola had been trying all sorts of treatments, with no success. When Agatha got involved in the car crash, Paola decided to stop trying to take palliative measures and quit all treatments. She then tried to make up for the lost time and ran a true marathon of events to make sure Agatha would have good memories with her. That was when they went to Italy together, something she had always refused to do, due to her fear of flying and of sailing.

-She died in her sleep… I like to think she didn’t feel anything. -Agatha sniffed. -I think she didn’t feel anything… Vincenzo convinced her to accept hospice care, so…

-She always listened to him, right? -Ryan smirked, rubbing his eyes just to make sure they weren’t wet anymore. -He’s such an asskisser… And she spoils him so much…

-Spoiled. Yeah, that’s probably because she, just like dad, wished I was a boy instead. -She shrugged, without looking at him. -Speaking of that… Zio will want to talk with you about the cartel’s future pretty soon… He put it on hold until you get over this Belle’s issue, but…

-I don’t have anything to talk about with Domenico… And as far as I’m concerned, I think you should make it clear that you won’t take your mother’s place. Let Ignacio take care of things for now. -Ryan huffed and gently pushed her away to be able to get up. -I’m gonna check what’s taking Lucas so long…

-I thought you knew about it, and thought it wasn’t a big deal, you know? Or that you were avoiding talking about it because you didn’t want to talk about running the business… I’m talking about mamma’s death. -She clarified when he turned to face her with a confused frown. She then looked straight into his eyes with a serious expression. -I talked to your mom, Sofia. She was very kind, but I don’t think she liked me, not one bit.

-Wait, what? -He sat down again, this time with an angry frown. -Why would you do that? Why did you go to my parents’ house? You had no right, Agatha!

-I wanted to know if they had a way I could talk with you… I asked them to call me if you came back to New York, but they didn’t. -She shrugged. There were no signs of tears she had been wiping just moments before. -Too bad your mother thought I was one of your ex-lovers and probably burned my phone number as soon as I walked through that door…

-Thank God at least you didn’t tell her who you are. -Ryan sighed with relief. -But, just for the record, I don’t think she burned it. She just doesn't know I’m back yet.

-How come?

-I just haven’t seen them in a while… Ever since the incident with the baby’s funeral. We haven’t talked since then. -He sighed, this time with annoyance when she shook her head in reproach. -I couldn’t guess they would show up there, and I definitely didn’t think Andrews would pull something like that in front of Sam’s parents… Well, I’m not looking to have a conversation about any of it so soon, so… Yeah, I’m not going there unless I really have to.

Agatha stared at him with a disgusted look until he gave up trying to explain himself and just got up. Before he could walk away, though, she tugged at his sleeve.

-Why aren’t you talking to zio anymore? -She pouted and tilted her head. He almost laughed at the adorable sight. -It hurts me and Vincenzo when you two get bad blood… It makes it seem like you’re gonna turn your back to my side of the family as soon as I die…

-You know it hurts me when you say that kind of crap, assuming that you’re gonna die before me. -Ryan scolded her and gave her a warning frown when she looked like she was gonna try to defend her point. -Domenico is a grown man, he can afford the consequences of his own decisions. He gave up on Belle after promising he would find her, so I have all the right to pretend he’s dead until I won’t have to pretend anymore.

-Is that the reason why you’re mad at him? Because he withdrew his men? -Agatha pressed her lips, then took a deep breath. -Ok, so you can forgive him right now, because it wasn’t him. It was me. I told him to stop indulging you, because Lucas showed me a message that says the guy killed her. I know you saw it, and you’re still pretending it’s not true, but you should be honest to yourself, if it was a random person being held hostage you would have assumed they were dead a long time ago. It’s practically impossible for her to still be alive and, even if she is still alive, I think you know it will be impossible to save her on your own!

Well, but it isn’t a random person, is it? Ryan huffed.

He was feeling his face burn and the rage boil inside him, but he knew better than to snap at his sister right on what could be his last moments with her. Instead, he took a deep breath and thought of Belle. It worked to cool down his head just enough so he could hold his temper.

-I love you, Agatha. -He murmured. -Let me remind you that the doctors told us that it was “practically impossible” for me to be a half-match, and still I am, against all odds. Then your doctor told us it was impossible for me to get healthy enough in time for the second transplant, and, still, here we are. So, baby girl, shut your smart mouth up, please, at least this once.

And then he walked away, leaving a speechless Agatha alone with her thoughts.

-How is it going? I’ve gotta go soon. -Desmond cleared his throat before getting in. Lucas turned his chair to glance at him, but immediately turned to the screen again when a new message popped up. -How long will it take?

-It could happen at any moment. -He nodded, clicking and typing now and then. For a few minutes they were silent, then Agatha approached Desmond and held him from behind. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his chest, holding her protectively. Lucas felt uncomfortable with the situation, especially when he realized Agatha had been crying, so he just turned to the screen and didn’t take his eyes from it. -Here we go! Ready? But don’t build up expectations, cause it really makes no sense.

-Just play the fucking sound, Lucas. Go, I don’t have much time! -Ryan sighed.

Lucas quickly ran his hands over the keyboard, typing fast, and they heard the melody as soon as a window opened on his screen. It was a messy sound, just like the cop had described, as if a cat had run over the keys of a piano and played random notes. Still, Desmond's ears perked, and when Lucas played it for the second time his eyes brimmed and burned.

-I don’t believe it is a song… -Agatha muttered, moving to stand by Lucas’ side. He squirmed in his seat, clearly getting conscious of his posture. -If it is, the guy who wrote it was really drunk.

-Yeah, I tried everything to try to make it sound better, but it is what it is… -Lucas sighed. -It’s nothing but a red herring. Would you like to sit?

He got up, offering his chair to her. She shook her head and took a step back, so he sat again, purposely giving his back to her.

-Man… Do you think you… -Desmond looked up at the ceiling, swallowing down the saliva and doing his best not to cry. -Can you play it faster? Like twice or thrice faster?

-Sure, but I already tried it, and still no matching with any songs, no apparent subliminal messages, believe me… -Lucas sighed, clicking here and there until he got what he had expected. -Here we go.

As soon as the messy sound was played, Desmond let out a grunt and covered his face with both hands. There was no doubt and, before he could stop it, tears heavily rolled from his eyes to the tip of his nose, since he had his head down. When the teardrops hit the floor, Agatha immediately rushed to him and placed her hands on his cheeks, trying to force him to raise his head.

-Ryan? What’s wrong? -She whined, trying to wipe his tears. -Talk to me! What’s wrong?

She pushed his face harder and he gave in, sliding with her to the floor. He was leaning on the wall with Agatha sitting over one of his legs. She was leaning against his other leg which was folded up, and she was holding his head firmly against her cheek while he sobbed. Lucas just watched them with his mouth agape. He had never seen Desmond cry, and the sight of it made him feel really bad.

-Fuck! -Desmond groaned, trying to wipe the new tears but just crying even more, then starting to sob. -Fuck, it's hers… I knew she was alive. I knew it!

-What do you mean? This isn't a song, Desmond. -Lucas shook his head. -I know it hurts, but she's gone… This is just a distraction, it is not a song.

-It is. -Ryan nodded vigorously, which made Agatha's cheek brush repeatedly against his forehead. -It's Piano Man, by Billy Joel… The intro… Played by me.
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Thank you author ❤️❤️ waiting for the next chapter eagerly

arinzone · Aug 29, 2023

Riiii said: ↑

Thank you author ❤️❤️ waiting for the next chapter eagerly
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me too

arinzone · Sep 4, 2023

https://www.wattpad.com/1023803972-entanglement-completed✔-note

Just want to share my reading to fill the gap . Enjoy no offence because the story a bit out sense but some how i always remember about belle and ryan. Its not so related but the age make me think about them.

arinzone · Sep 6, 2023

Everyday i will refresh almost every hours if i got chance. And i just pray that gibro will have good life and can make this story to the end. But will have other side story or bonus. Hahah i love belle and ryan so much

GiBro · Sep 6, 2023

arinzone said: ↑

Everyday i will refresh almost every hours if i got chance. And i just pray that gibro will have good life and can make this story to the end. But will have other side story or bonus. Hahah i love belle and ryan so much
Click to expand...

Good morning, dear @arinzone =D
Thank you for your support
Don’t worry, I will finish the story, for sure. Sorry for the delay, but soon I’ll take vacations and be about to concentrate daily on the writing. I’ll come here and announce beforehand the date and time the next chapter will be posted, though, so you don’t need to refresh this much =( again, sorry for the delay

arinzone · Sep 19, 2023

Gambate @GiBro

TZia · Sep 28, 2023 at 3:23 AM

@GiBro, I hope that you are doing well and that we will be hearing from you soon. We miss you and your wonderful story

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Novel ✪ Memory Corruption (R-18) (Book 1 and 2 Finished) (Book 3 on release now)

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