Chapter 8: The Truth About His Father
“The ones causing complications,” she guessed.
“Yes.”
His jaw tightened.
“Several of my father’s old lieutenants resist the changes. They see our transformation as weakness. As abandoning traditions that built our strength.”
“Are they dangerous to you?”
The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Revealing a concern for his safety she hadn’t meant to expose.
Dante’s eyes softened slightly.
“They would be to anyone else. To me?” He shrugged one shoulder.
“I’ve maintained my position because I’m more dangerous than they are.”
“What do you know about my father’s disappearance?”
The abrupt change of subject caught her off guard.
“Just what everyone knows. He went missing three years ago. His body was never found. Most people assume it was a rival family or an internal power struggle.”
Dante nodded slowly.
“That’s the story we allowed to spread. The truth is more complicated.”
He moved to the window.
“My father didn’t disappear. He’s in a private medical facility in Switzerland under a different name. Has been for the past three years.”
“He’s alive?”
She whispered.
Stunned by this revelation.
“In a manner of speaking. He suffered a massive stroke. The doctors say he’s aware but cannot speak. Cannot move beyond blinking his eyes. He requires round-the-clock care.”
“Why fake his disappearance?”
“Because in our world, illness is weakness. And weakness invites attack. If our rivals had known my father was incapacitated, they would have moved against us immediately. The family would have been torn apart. Our territory divided among enemies.”
“So you took over.”
“I created a narrative of mysterious disappearance that suggested both external and internal threats. It kept everyone uncertain. Cautious. It gave me time to secure my position.”
She stared at him.
Still confused.
“What does this have to do with what I asked you?”
Dante moved back to the chair.
Sitting closer this time.
“I visit him every month. Fly to Switzerland under the pretense of business meetings. Sit by his bed for hours. Telling him about the family. The business. Reading to him from books he used to enjoy.”
His voice softened.
“He was a monster in many ways. Cruel. Unfaithful. Indifferent to my mother’s suffering. To Sophia’s illness. He taught me to be ruthless. To trust no one. To see compassion as weakness.”
“And yet you care for him still.”
“He is my father. Family is everything. Even when they don’t deserve our loyalty. Even when caring for them goes against every logical consideration.”
He reached for her hand.
“You’re showing me that if I choose you… if I accept this life, this commitment… you would never abandon us. No matter what happened. No matter how difficult things became.”
His dark eyes held hers.
Filled with an intensity that stole her breath.
“I would die first.”
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