I woke up early the next morning and headed for the hotel where my father was staying. I decided last night in the car that I would talk to him about Josiah.
I didn't want to tell Emiliano what Josiah had told me just yet, I wanted to make sure it was the truth before I forgave my father for the past.

I had to walk for almost 20 minutes before I was finally able to catch a cab. Halfway though the ride my phone started ringing, I ignored it. I didn't want to be sidelined or distracted.

After 10 minutes had past with my phone ringing again and again I finally had no choice but to pick up.

"Hel-" I began.

"Where the fuck are you?" Emiliano growled, interrupting me halfway though the greeting.

"Sorry baby, I just need to take care of something quickly. I'll be back in 2 hours... Okay?" I said.

Their was silence for a few seconds as Emiliano thought over my words.
"No. Why couldn't you take someone with you? Why didn't you tell me? I swear to God if your meeting another  man I will kill you." he spat angrily.

I sighed rolling my eyes.

"No Emiliano I'm not cheating on you or whatever. And I didn't take anyone with because I need to do this alone. I'm not comfortable with telling you until I know it's true." I explained giving virtually nothing away.

It was his turn to sigh now.

"Alessandra. You will be punished when you get back. You better call me every 30 minutes, or else" he threatened before ending the call in my ear.

Fucking possessive animal.

The taxi eventually parked outside the hotel I recognised for one of those top 10 of Italy magazines. Of course my father would want nothing but the best.

The interior of the hotel was grand with actual diamond chandeliers hanging from the roof and gold statues against the wall. I found it completely stupid and pointless to make it so grand and overpriced.

"Hello." The receptionist said cheerfully. "How can I help you?" She asked with a broad smile.
"Hi, I'm looking for a Mr. Rousso, first name Sullivan. " I said watching her type the name into her computer.
"Aah, yes. Mr. Sullivan is in room 2435 does he know your on your way?"

"I want to surprise him...I'm his daughter" I answered.

I struggled as I had to take the elevator to the 21st floor. I didn't deal well with small cramped places, especially when I was already so nervous, and the elevator was very cramped.

16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Ding!

The elevator opened and I was the first to get off. I walked down the long hallway counting the numbers on the door and getting more and more anxious the closer I got.

My father. I was going to meet him today after avoiding him for years. What if that man lied to me? What if my father didn't love me like he said? What if he just said it to make me feel guilty?

It was no secret to the upper class people that I was being ransomed for a hefty 1 million by my father.

But none of them would have dared to try and capture me. I was never in the same place even though I was. I was like a ghost.

I stood outside the door, staring at the gold numbers engraved on the dark mahgony wood door.

If I knocked, would I regret it?

I didn't have time to consider before the door opened widely and a young man stepped out, knocking into me.

"Sorry" he mumbled in a thick Italian accent that matched mine, catching my arm to keep me from moving backward . "Papa. There's a lady by the door." he called out into the room.

He had green eyes and dark brown hair, but even so I recognized him immediately. He looked just like my father, the colour of his hair and eyes were a bit different but other than  his features were almost an exact copy.

He was my brother.

He didn't linger, walking past me, not giving me a second glance before entering the elevator, leaving the door slightly ajar.
It wasn't long before the door swung open again and Sullivan stepped into the doorway.

He looked up at me, slowly taking in my face . His eye went widen in shock as he stared at me. He kept staring, not believing that I was actually standing in front of him until he touched my arm.

"Alessandra..... My child" he whispered almost inaudibly.

His previously black hair was now greyed in certain areas. His face had more wrinkles and his eyes seemed duller then before, almost hopeless.

But that quickly changed. His sad eyes seemed to brighten and his downcast expression lifted. It was almost like he was happy to see me. Like he was relieved.

"Mr. Rousso" I said formally giving him a small nod in recognition.
His expression almost fell instantly. But he picked himself up grabbed my arm pulling me into his chest and wrapping his arms around me.

I almost hugged him back, but I guess there were a lot of things that almost happened.

"Alessandra. La mia bellissima bambina" his voice cracked at the end making my heart throb painfully.

He was crying.

But why? He abandoned me on the streets. Then when he finally decided to come back and find me he treated me like shit. For over a years I lived like a slave. And now his crying over the fact that I ran way from him. That I faced excruciating torture and pain just so I wouldn't have had to go back to the father that didn't want me.

At least the Trinity never faked their interest in me. I was always just a machine to them and they treated me like one. My relationship with them was never one built on fake affection. They didn't care about me and I was okay with it because they at least they gave me protection.

Sullivan on the other hand always told me he loved me, but his action never backed his words. That's why lying and cheating is the only thing I could never forgive, my psychologist said it was because of my 'daddy issues' that I was so closed off to men. He wasn't wrong.

"Let go of me. I won't be here long" I said coldly, pulling away from his embrace "I don't need you to act as if you care".

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