The Sicilian's Bought Cinderella

‘I’m scared,’ she whispered.

‘Read it.’

Filling her lungs, Aislin summoned the courage to open her eyes.

The writing was atrocious. The words, however...

My darling Aislin,

This ring belongs to you to do with as you will.

I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry for abusing your trust. I’m sorry for being a stubborn, distrustful fool. I’m sorry for everything. I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Thank you for taking such good care of our sister and nephew. Live your life for yourself now—I will be here always to share the load. I swear I will never hurt them again.

Whatever you decide to do with your life, be happy. You deserve happiness more than anyone I know.

My love for ever,

Dante x

Aislin had to read the letter a dozen times before the words sank in.

My love for ever...

My love for ever...

My love for ever...

Her heart leapt, and with it she jumped off the bed and flew to her dressing table.

‘What are you doing?’ Orla asked, bemusement in her voice.

‘Looking for my passport... Can you lend me some money?’

‘No, but I can give you some.’ Orla’s grin went from ear to ear. ‘Do you want me to book you a flight to Sicily while you get dressed?’

* * *

Dante carried the last box out to the corridor, laid it down for his men to take and put in the back of the truck with the other boxes, then stepped back into his father’s office.

He was done.

He stared around at the empty space, bittersweet pain raging through him.

He’d flown back from Ireland early that

morning knowing he had one more task to complete. He’d undertaken it alone. It had been the hardest job of his life.

The scent of cigars and bourbon had become very faint but he caught a trace and filled his lungs with the scent of his father one last time.

‘I love you, Papa,’ he whispered.

And then he turned the light out and closed the door of his father’s office, knowing he would never step foot in it again.

The box had already been taken when Dante walked back down the corridor.

He didn’t know what he was going to do with the house and the rest of its contents but this job was the one that had pressed on his shoulders with the greatest weight.