27. Can't Lie Anymore

[LIZZY]

After an entire day of shopping, where we spent every last cent on Vector’s card, we finally leave the upscale mall and make our way to our boats. I must admit, I had my doubts when we boarded that plane and flew straight to Venice. However, returning here isn’t so bad.

While I still have some unpleasant memories associated with this city that occasionally haunt me, I can’t ignore the fact that I also have some wonderful ones.

I remember mom taking me to one of those gondolas. I remember her dancing in the rain when sickness hadn’t claimed her health.

I remember how my dad used to bring candies and toys from various foreign places he used to travel to due to his work with the mafia.

And then there was Rose. Zarina. Hazel. And Vector, too.

Though he did end up hurting me in the worst way possible, I cannot deny what we had—what I felt for him once upon a time.

A gentle tug on my hand jolts me back to the present, reminding me to focus on the here and now rather than getti