The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 82

Alessio

"I want you to meet up with the Baldinis, ask thEmily for the one responsible for your Uncle's death, and if they don't want to give him—then we'll go with your plan." Gustavo's words were of no use.

It would have been a failed and hopeless attEmilypt. There was no negotiation possible with the Baldinis, especially not to ask for the head of Maxine's fiancé.

Not to mention, meeting up with the Baldinis would have been dangerous.

I glanced back at my uncles, seeking their guidance. All they did was return my look with a nod, agreeing with Gustavo, although they too were certainly not eager to patch things up.

Despite being the one with the final say, I respected thEmily more than anything. They were more experienced and had never worked against me.

"I'll do what you say—and I'll get back to you at our next meeting," I said to please him. I would play his stupid game, meet up with the Baldinis, and show him there was absolutely no other option but to go to war.

Gustavo smiled, satisfied with my response. Because of the stunt he had pulled, I was forced to end the meeting abruptly until next time.

By the time everyone had left, I was surrounded by Dante, Levi, and Donni. "You are aware talking to the Leone won't work, right?" Donni couldn't wait a second to bring it up.

I shrugged. "I know, but if that's what I have to do to make that man realize they're out for blood, I will."

"How are you going to get information on the wedding?" Dante hopped into the conversation.

"I will ask my friend to visit my old friend because I can't be seen with my old friend," I told him parts of my plan. What I would do to get that information was none of their business. All they had to do was to be present for judgment day. When I would decide who would get to keep their heads and who wouldn't.

Dante cracked a smile. "You're not making any sense. As usual."

Donni chuckled. "When does he?"

By now they knew me so well they had no choice but to accept my cryptic words. My eyes glanced to the clock on the wall.

"Levi and I have to go," I announced. "Dante, you're in charge until I get back, and Donni will be with you—you know what to do."

Dante looked up with curiosity in his eyes. "Where are you going?"

"I got Emily a surprise which should get here soon," I revealed, growing a smile on my face. It was one she deserved after getting through all those days.

I would leave her alone in that mansion because I didn't have a choice, would come home late—and I hadn't heard her complain at all. She had every right to, but she didn't—because that was Emily. She would wait for me, sometimes struggling to keep herself awake due to tiredness—and then she would fall asleep in my arms.

Hopefully, the surprise would cheer her up during the times I wouldn't be there to do that.

"We're doing surprises now?" Donni let out an exaggerated sigh. "Look at this corny guy."

Seeing the way he reacted rEmilyinded me of my past self. That's something I would've said. But now everything had changed. I didn't care about how corny, clingy, romantic, or whatever else I was being or what anyone had to say about it. For Emily, I would be all of that.

~

Levi and I waited outside for Emily's surprise. "You want one?" he asked, smoking his cigarette as he leaned against the car.

"No, I'm good."

It went silent. There was only the sound of air.

"How is Emily dealing with all of this?" he asked. "You know, the revenge and all."

I took a breath, thinking about my answer. She was caught in the middle of all of this, and I didn't want her to be. I had told her one simple thing, and that was that I would cut Jason into pieces, and when I did—she better not interfere.

I saw the look on her face when I had said that, and that's why I wouldn't discuss anything with her.

Levi threw away his cigarette and hurried to her side to help her with her luggage. Pilar wasn't having any of it and smacked away his hand. I couldn't help but laugh under my breath, watching the scene unfold. It had somehow slipped my mind to mention to him that she was over the top.

"Do I look weak to you?" Pilar snarled, and because I knew her by now, I was aware she was only kidding.

Levi was taken aback and quickly shook his head. "No, not at all—just trying to help!"

"Never mind, your reaction is boring," Pilar exhaled, releasing her grip on the suitcases. Levi caught thEmily just in time, and his reaction was priceless. If he was anything like me when I first met her, he must've been thinking that something was seriously wrong with her.

"Alessio!" Pilar then turned her attention back to me with a wide smile. She ran over with baby steps as to not trip in her high heels and then she pulled me into a bone-cracking hug.

"Good to see you too," I mumbled to myself, politely pulling away from the hug. Looking over her shoulder, I saw Levi struggling with her suitcases. They were gigantic, and I didn't know how long she was planning on staying, but the longer the better.

"Hey!" Pilar tapped my shoulder, forcing me to look at her. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't stop thinking about what happened." her voice was soft and sincere.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I replied, using the same words I had said to everyone who had mentioned my Uncle.

"Yes, sure!" she bounced back to her cheerful self. "And if you need something in advance to take care of any future eye-bags, I'm your girl."

I chuckled at her offer.

"No seriously—I have eye creams, I have some pills to keep you awake, if you know what I mean," she whispered the last part, moving her eyes side to side.

I smirked. "Your daddy's drugs?"

"No," she slapped my back, "Vitamin D pills and lion's mane, you asshole!"

I tuned her out, already regretting my choice to poke fun at her as she ranted about her health supplEmilyents. Only Emily knew how to deal with her, and she would have her work cut out with this one.