Love Lost: Mafia Story

Chapter 17

LUCA'S POV (oldest brother)

I sat at the table, watching as Harvey's words hung in the air, the weight of her pain palpable. The entire room seemed to be engulfed in an uncomfortable silence, and I could feel the tension lingering in the air. My heart ached for her, knowing that she had carried so much burden for far too long.

As Harvey stormed out of the restaurant, her steps filled with determination, I wanted to chase after her. But I knew she needed her space, and she had found support in Damien and Killan, who had followed closely behind her. The three of them formed an unbreakable bond, a fortress of strength and understanding.

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, feeling a mix of guilt and helplessness. I had failed her as a brother, as a protector. Over the years, I had been consumed by my own demons, leaving Harvey to fight her battles alone. But no more. It was time for me to step up, to be there for her when she needed me the most.

I glanced at my father, who sat at the head of the table, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. He had made his own mistakes, and now he was witnessing the consequences. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.

I rose from my seat, determined to find Harvey and offer her my support. As I made my way through the restaurant, I noticed the lingering glances and whispers from those who had witnessed the confrontation. It was clear that Harvey's words had struck a chord, exposing the cracks in our family's foundation.

Outside the restaurant, I spotted Harvey, Damien, and Killan on a park bench. They were huddled together, a united front in the face of adversity. The sight both warmed my heart and deepened the ache within me. I approached them slowly, not wanting to intrude on their moment.

"Harvey," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "I'm so sorry. I should have been there for you all these years."

She looked up at me, her tear-stained face showing a mix of surprise and vulnerability. I could see the years of pain etched in her eyes, but there was also a glimmer of hope. Damien and Killan glanced at me, their expressions filled with understanding.

"I want to be there for you now," I continued, my voice unwavering. "I want to support you, to make up for lost time. You're my sister, and I love you."

Harvey's eyes softened, and she nodded, her voice trembling. "Thank you, Luca. Thank you for finally being here."

Damien and Killan offered me a small nod, acknowledging the importance of my presence. We sat there, a newfound unity forming among us, as we listened to Harvey's story, her pain, and her dreams. In that moment, I knew that we would heal together, as a family.

As the night sky enveloped us, we vowed to face the challenges ahead, to confront the past and build a better future. Harvey, Damien, Killan, and I, united in our love and determination, would navigate the tumultuous waters of our family's history, creating a foundation of strength and support that Harvey had longed for.

From that moment onward, I would be there for my sister. I would offer her the love and protection she deserved, standing alongside her as a pillar of support. Together, we would rewrite our story, healing the wounds of the past and forging a brighter path ahead.

As I watched Harvey, my younger sister, sitting across from me, a surge of emotions swirled within me. Her words lingered heavily in the air, revealing the immense pain she had endured. I had always sensed a hidden burden within her, but now I was faced with the stark reality of her suffering.

We found solace in my modest home, a sanctuary away from the outside world's chaos. I had prepared a simple meal, hoping to provide her with some comfort and nourishment. As she returned from washing up, donning my oversized clothes, I couldn't help but notice the vulnerability etched upon her face.

"Harvey," I began softly, my voice laced with both concern and curiosity, "I want you to know that I'm here for you. You don't have to tell me more than you're ready to, but I want you to feel safe sharing with me."

She hesitated, her gaze shifting downward, seemingly gathering her thoughts. I respected her silence, understanding the weight of her experiences required delicate handling. Trust needed to be nurtured, and I was determined to prove myself worthy of it.

Finally, Harvey looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and resilience. "The school they sent me to... it wasn't what it appeared to be," she whispered, her voice fragile.

My heart constricted at the implication of her words. The mere thought of the horrors she might have endured sent waves of anger and sorrow through me. But I remained composed, offering her a steady presence that would empower her to share more if she desired.

"It was a front for a trafficking ring," Harvey confessed, her voice trembling with the weight of her revelation. "I was subjected to unimaginable abuse, Luca, in ways that no one should ever have to endure."

Her words pierced my soul, a torrent of emotions surging within me. I reached out, gently placing my hand over hers, offering a sense of solidarity and comfort. "Harvey, I am deeply sorry for what you've gone through," I said sincerely. "But please know that you're safe now. I will do everything in my power to protect you and ensure that no one ever harms you again."

Tears welled in Harvey's eyes as she met my gaze, her hand clutching mine with gratitude. "Thank you, Luca. Having you by my side means everything to me."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to thank me, Harvey. We're family, and family takes care of each other no matter what. We're going to get through this together."

As we finished our meal, a renewed sense of purpose filled the air. I stood up and enveloped Harvey in a tight embrace. Our hearts beat as one, a testament to the unbreakable bond between siblings. Holding her close, I silently vowed to be her guardian, her pillar of strength, and her source of unwavering love in a world that had once failed her.

;)