212

Damien 212

As I entered the room, the tension hung thick in the air, palpable and suffocating. My father, Vito, sat on one side of the room, his gaze cold and unyielding as it bore into me with a sense of contempt that sent a shiver down my spine. On the other side sat Emilio, my father-in-law, his expression stern and disapproving as he regarded me with a look of disdain.

Isabella and Ava were seated nearby, their faces drawn with worry and apprehension as they watched the exchange between myself and the two men who had played such significant roles in our lives.

"Damien," Emilio greeted stiffly, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. "It seems you've finally decided to join us."

I bristled at his tone, the underlying accusation not lost on me. "I'm here, aren't I?" I retorted, my voice sharp and clipped.

Emilio's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he leveled a stern look in my direction. "Yes, you're here," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But where were you when my da