Hesitantly, Leila made her way to the dining hall. Her brothers were already present there and 'serious' one of them were busy in business related conversation while remaining others were just playing around, talking about everything and nothing.

But an abrupt silence fell over when Leila took a step inside. Bowing her head to avoid their stares, she sat down on her seat in between Angelo and Zach.

"Hey, Angel sister." Luciano waved with a cheerful look on his face.

Leila faintly smiled back.

He grinned even more wildly if possible, looking psychotic as usual.

"You look like a pretty Angel, you should smile more."

Leila felt her cheeks heating up.

Thankfully, his attention went away from her in next minute.

"Leila, make sure to be ready by 10 in the morning. You have an appointment." Xavier told her just as she about to leave to her room after finishing her food.

She slowly nodded and without wasting another second, made her way to her room.

It felt like the morning came by a blink. After breakfast with older three of her brothers as she had no idea about where the rest of them were, she headed back to her room to get ready.

When she came back, Carlo and Xavier were waiting for her at the end of stairs.

Xavier dropped the bomb by telling her that Carlo will be the one taking her.

There was absolutely no word exchange between them throughout the whole ride. About twenty minutes later, the car finally stopped in front of a hospital like building.

Leila bit her bottom lip softly and dug her nails in the palm of her hands. She was tensed and scared to step outside.

Carlo who was watching her silently from the corner of his eye since the whole time, took notice of her frozen stature.

Her stiff muscles and eyes, that looked dazed.

Her strange quietness had always bugged him. He badly wanted to start a conversation with her but he did not know where actually to start.

Should he ask her if she is ok?

No! Any blind person could see that his little sister wasn't ok.

Her nature was always kind and caring. And, looking at her this state, he could say that his sister did not deserve this.

In any way, Leila wasn't a normal teenager. She had mold herself in such a way that she acted almost like an responsible adult and this was what Carlo did not want.

He wanted her to live like a normal teenager. Careless, worry-free and happy.

But living the life that they all live, Carlo knew that it was not full 100% possible.

Carlo's eyes bore into her. She was so lost in thought. He did not have to guess that she was not even feeling his stare on her.

She was silently hurting herself. Be it the small physical pain or vast amount of mental pain, she was suffering with.

He extended his hand forward but hesitated. The hesitation cleared away, when he noticed that tears had filled the corners of her eyes.

She was broken. She was in the need of comfort.

He needed to treat her delicately. He needed to provide her warmth she needed the most at this time.

He placed his hand on her shoulder, effectively snapping her out of her thoughts.

She looked at his hand and dragged her eyes to look at his face while a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Carlo felt a twinge of pain in his heart.

"You will be fine, Leila. Trust me."

'Trust' it was such a small word but it had a huge impact on a person's life. It would hurt worst than death, if this trust was ever broken.

But in the opposite path, it will be soothing.

"I will be there for you, always."

'You were never there before.' Leila wanted to tell him so bad that the damage was already done.

"Forgive me, I know I was never there for you---

Her eyes widened. She didn't say it out loud. Perhaps, he was reading her mind or maybe he was really starting to understand her. He understood her sufferings and pain. He understood his own fault, his mistakes.

---let me help you heal, Leila. Let me come along with you, so we can make everything alright this time."

Leila froze when he pulled her into his embrace. His muscles were hard like a rock but he felt warm to her. His arms were big enough to engulf her, hiding her from the outside world that was nothing but cruel.

For the first time ever in her life, she felt protected.

Carlo could feel how stiff and cold she was. He waited and waited and finally he felt her relaxing slightly.

It was just a little gesture but Carlo knew better.

She was starting to trust him a little. It felt like a small victory and Carlo was glad. Now he would be damned, if he let this trust be broken again.

Pulling away after a minute later, he looked in her eyes deeply.

"Are you ready? You don't have to worry. If you feel uncomfortable, we will leave immediately."

He almost smiled when she slowly nodded. Getting out of the car, together they made their way inside the building.

Leila felt a little scared thinking about what will happen in next second, but her anxiety and every fear washed away when Carlo's big hand engulfed her.

She looked up at him a little surprised. He was busy talking to the receptionist but feeling her stare, he gently squeezed her hand.

It doesn't matter what will happen in the next second. They will go through this together. These unspoken words were said with that small action and for the first time ever in her life, she felt confident.

She was ready to accept a big change in her life. Hopefully, it happen soon.

Thank you for reading... I hope you like these chapters.... Do comment if you have any suggestion... Check out my other works if you have time or interest...

You can get early access of 'The Missing Piece' upto chapter 72 on my Patreon account. Link is in the profile...💖❤