Page 63 of Lost Prince
I can't help but feel a wave of empathy for her. She wants to please her father, to find safety in a powerful family.
As I listen to Lazaro gently probing Ava about her desires, I'm struck by his compassion. He genuinely seems to care about what she wants, not just what this marriage could do for his family or hers. It's one of the things I love about him, his hidden kindness beneath that gruff exterior.
A pang of longing hits me as I imagine them together. Lazaro, with his strength and intensity, and Ava, with her innocence and vulnerability. They could be good for each other. He could protect her, give her the safety she craves. And she could give him a fresh start, a chance to build something untainted by his past. It would please his family, something I’m certain he wants to do.
The thought of them finding happiness together both warms my heart and breaks it. I want Lazaro to be happy, to find peace after everything he's been through. But the idea of watching their relationship blossom, of being on the outside looking in… it's unbearable.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself to enter the room. Whatever happens, I need to remember my place. I'm here to do a job, nothing more. Even if every fiber of my being longs to be the one sitting across from Lazaro, sharing hopes and dreams for the future.
“I’ll take it.”
I nearly jump out of my skin when Lana appears beside me. My heart races as I brace for the inevitable confrontation. But to my utter shock, Lana simply takes the tray from my hands without a word and enters the room.
I stand there, frozen in disbelief. No harsh words? No threats? No accusations about my relationship with Lazaro? No terminating my employment. It doesn't make any sense.
I stumble back to the kitchen, my mind reeling as I mechanically return to my tasks. Does Lana’s lack of reaction mean she's already written me off as a non-threat? That Lazaro's marriage to Ava is a foregone conclusion? That he’s accepted it and is prepared to let me go?
It’s time for me to face the truth. Lazaro will marry Ava, solidifying his place in the family and the business.
I've always known my time here was temporary. It's been the nature of my life, moving along when my time has come to an end. But for the first time, the thought of moving on fills me with a deep, aching sadness.
I do my work for the day, hiding in the kitchen and avoiding the family. When the day is done, I head upstairs, grabbing my bag and packing. It doesn’t take long because I don’t own much. I consider leaving without a word to Lazaro, but it had upset him when I’d done so before, so I sit on the bed and wait.
Hours later, I’m sitting. It’s like déjà vu from last night. But if I’m to find a place to stay before it gets too late, I need to go.
I head down to Anna’s room. She’s surprised to see me at her door.
“Do you know where Lazaro is?”
“I believe he had to go out with Mr. Moretti,” she says, referring to Matteo. Her gaze goes to my backpack, and her eyes soften.
"I want to thank you for all you’ve done to help me in this job. I’ve really enjoyed working with you, but I… I think it's time for me to move on. I'd like to resign."
There's understanding in Anna’s eyes. She pulls me into a tight hug, surprising me with her warmth. “You’re a good cook and reliable worker. If you need a reference, give them my name.”
Tears prick at my eyes as I return her embrace. "Thank you for everything, Anna. You've been so kind to me."
As I walk out of the D'Amato mansion for the last time, a bittersweet ache settles in my chest. This place, these people… they've become more important to me than I ever expected. More than I truly realized. But it's time to close this chapter of my life.
I climb into Lola and take one last look at the grand house. So many memories, both good and bad, are wrapped up in those walls. Part of me wants to wait to see Lazaro one last time. But perhaps this is better. He might be upset, but at the same time, my leaving makes his life easier too. I’m keeping him in limbo. He needs to move on too.
As I start the engine, I smile wanly at the smooth purr. Lazaro's handiwork, his final gift to me.
With a heavy heart, I pull away from the garage and down the drive, leaving behind the place that, for a brief moment, felt like home.
24
LAZARO
Ienter the living room, my jaw clenched with frustration at Elio and Lana's meddling. They set up this meeting with Ava without consulting me, pushing forward their agenda for me to marry her. As I step inside, I see Ava sitting primly on the edge of the sofa, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
The moment our eyes meet, I notice her flinch almost imperceptibly. A flash of fear crosses her face before she schools her features into a polite mask. That brief glimpse of terror hits me like a punch to the gut.
"Miss Rinella," I greet her, keeping my voice low and even.
“It’s Ava.”
“Ava. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lazaro D’Amato.” I think back to how I’d been Danny Paine for the last few years, but now Lazaro is feeling comfortable. My name.