Valentina's POV

"Valentina, I think it's time for you to join your studies back. I have already enrolled you in your brother's--Franceso school and you will be going to school from next week onwards."

Those were the words from my father that I heard last Monday and today is the next Monday--the day from when I am going to start my high school in Italy with my brother, Francesco.

I am nervous & scared to be honest. I don't know how my first day at high school will be here ?

Am I going to get bullied like I got in New York ?

Am I going to be all alone like I was in New York ?

Am I going to be treated like a punching bag or just an object of laughter ?

Those types of questions didn't let me sleep well even after I gulped down a sleeping pill inside me.

And that's why I am wide awake right now. I looked down at my old sketch book in which I was drawing from the past one and half hours ago.

This sketch book is something I treasured to my heart. It has drawings that silently reflects my inner feelings which I kept hidden from the outer world.

I closed my sketch book with a sigh and looked towards the wall clock and it shown 5 am in the morning.

3 hours before I start my first day at new high school.

I got up and stretched myself a bit before grabbing my water bottle to drink some water only to find it empty. I grumbled as I have to go downstairs to kitchen to filled it up.

If it had been in the past I would just ignored my thirst and be at my basement room as I don't want to encounter Jack or Elina.

A shiver ran down my spine as a flashback of my past re-surfaced my mind.

Flashback

It was past midnight but I was wide awake and thirsty. I had no water with me so after a lot of arguing with myself I finally gave up and moved out from my basement room to go up and fetched some water to silent my thirst.

I slowly creeped into the living room and it was dark but I managed to get my way towards the kitchen.

I slowly walked towards the water tap without making much noise. I tried my best not to wake Jack or Elina.

I grabbed a glass that was fortunately on the counter near the water tap and kept under it. I tried to fill the glass with water without making too much noise.

Few drops of water and I will be fine until morning. I thought to myself as I turned off the tap and took the glass near my lips.

Just as I was going to sip water into my mouth suddenly the lights of the kitchen turned on making me startled which resulted into the breaking of the glass of water that I was holding in my hands.

I flinched back and my heart dropped when I saw Jack standing there.

His black cold eyes fell on the floor where pieces of glass layed then slowly moved until they stopped at my eyes.

A shiver ran down my spine knowing I made a mistake and I am going to be punished for it now.

Jack slowly made his way towards me and I immediately stood straight while looking down & backing down until my back touched the kitchen counter.

I saw him stopping right in front of me. The broken pieces of glass lay between us creating a distance which I knew going to vanish away soon.

I felt his stare on me making me tremble at my place.

Gathering my non-existent confidence I finally spoke.

"I-I am s-sorry."

"For what ?" Jack asked, coldly.

"For b-breaking the g-glass." I replied keeping my voice low & slow.

"Hmm..so you think you're sorry will repair this glass huh ?"

"N-No..I-I--" I got cut off when he suddenly grabbed my hair and pulled me towards him.

A shout escape my lips when pieces of glass pierced my legs.

"No ? Of course your fucking sorry won't repair my glass but you know what something will definitely negotiate it." Jack snarled as he pushed my head back while pulling onto my hair brutally.

I whimpered as I tried to bear the pain in my scalp but failed when Jack started to pull me somewhere while his hands held tight to my hair.

I got dragged by him while my legs bleed as the glass of pieces stuck there and penetrated my skin.

"I-I am s-sorry please l-let go." I tried not to sound like I was begging because I knew he enjoyed it when I begged him.

He didn't answer instead kept dragging me and I realised he was taking to his bedroom and I trembled in fear.

I was frightened of what he was going to do to me once we got inside his room where Elina was there too.

I can't handle two of them together !

"I-I will be c-careful from n-next time please let go !!" I tried again.

"Shut the fuck up bitch !" He shouted at me as he banged his door open and dragged me inside mercilessly.

My eyes fell on Elina who was laying on the bed but was watching us with an amused cruel smile like always.

Jack dragged me to their bathroom and I shivered thinking what he was going to do to me.

He threw me on the ground and hit my head hard enough to make me dizzy for a few seconds.

I grabbed my head to stabilize myself. I closed my eyes when I heard water running sound.

I opened my eyes and wasn't able to see for a few seconds because of my blurry vision due to tears. I didn't realise I was crying until then.

I saw Jack was filling the tub with water and I got confused.

What was he planning to do ?

I tried to pull myself up but wasn't able to as my legs hurt badly. I scooted back to make as much distance with the man in front of me who was watching me with a cruel smile like he is enjoying my struggle in pain.

He was certainly enjoying it. Who am I kidding here ?

The tub was filled with water and was now overflowing but Jack didn't turned off the tap and instead made his way towards me and crushed down opposite to me.

I looked at him trembling in fear of his next move when he suddenly culped my face with his one hand and squeezed it.

My hands flew to his hand to remove it but one stare from him I stopped everything.

"You were in the kitchen because you were thirsty ? Am I right, baby ?" He asked, creepy sweetly.

Internally cringing at the endearment he called me with I nodded my head silently which earned a tight squeeze on my face and I quickly said.

"Y-Yes. T-Thirsty."

"Hmm so how about I quench your thirst first ?" He wondered aloud more to himself than me.

My eyes narrowed at him, confused but before I could decipher what was the meaning of his words from earlier I was pulled up suddenly and was pushed inside the water filled bath tub.

I shrieked and tried to come out but was only pushed back more forcefully.

I struggled as cold water invaded my senses mercilessly. My lungs fight for each breath but I wasn't able to.

"Now drink water how much you want, baby." I heard the distant voice of Jack saying as I was struggling under the water.

Jack kept pushing me inside the water while I tried to come out so badly. I moved my hands and legs here & there to save myself from this cold cruel punishment.

But I was failing each passing second.

Just as I was going to give up and closed my eyes I was pulled up from the water and threw on the wet floor of the bathroom.

I gasped loudly as I took deep breaths of oxygen into my lungs. I coughed hardly and punched my lungs to get out the water that went inside me.

After a few minutes I finally handled myself and looked up only to meet two pairs of cold eyes watching me with their damn cruel, psychotic smiles.

They were happy to see me struggling for each & every breath.

"Next time you will be thirsty you will remember this."

"Always."

Flashback Ends

"Always."

Jack was right I remember his words & what he did to me that night.

He almost killed me while drowning me in his bathtub.

I fell back on the bed and grabbed my hair in a tight grip. It hurts to even remember those horrible events I had gone through in the past.

Hurts--Physically now ? No ! Mentally ? Fucking Yes ! Everytime.

I took some deep breaths as I tried to assure myself.

'Jack isn't here. He is dead. He can't punish you. He can't drown you.'

I repeat those words to me like a chant until I finally calm down.

I let go of my hair and smooth it. I looked down at the water bottle which I think I dropped down when I was having the flashback.

I picked it up and made my way outside my room.

I am going to quench my thirst and no one is going to stop me. Not even dead ass Jack & his words. That's it !

I quietly made my way downstairs and towards the kitchen and when I was near the kitchen entrance I noticed the lights were on and peeking out.

I frowned. Did maids forget to turn off the lights or what ? I thought to myself when suddenly realization hit me like a truck.

I quickly went inside the kitchen and stopped just near the entrance and there I saw someone who I was dieing to see for the past 2 weeks now.

Dante.

His back was facing me as he was doing something I didn't have any idea of. He was only in his white shirt and his coat layed messily on the kitchen counter.

I am seeing him after the whole two ducking weeks. Last week he was on a business trip at least that's what Francesco told me when I asked about my second eldest brother's whereabouts.

I just stared at his back feeling quite overwhelmed. I didn't know that Dante's absence can affect me even though we hardly have normal conversation.

We literally argued with each other !

But guess what ? That's how a brother & sister should be after all.

But in our case we didn't make up with each other even after our argument.

'And how would you make up with your brother who decided to ghost you for straight two weeks huh ?' My subconscious mind, retorted.

Right ! How will I ?

But I didn't try to talk to him on call as well even after I got my new branded & expensive phone this week.

I should have called him at least to ask him how he was doing ?

But I was just so busy preparing for my new high school that it skipped my mind.

"What are you doing here ?" My chain of thoughts broke when I heard Dante's deep cold voice.

My eyes snapped at him to see him already staring at me with his black emotionless eyes.

My eyes fell down on his hands which was holding a coffee mug.

"I asked something, Valentina." Dante said.

"I-I..need water. Yeah water." I cleared my throat as I replied to my brother while showing my empty water bottle.

He looked at me for a few seconds before nodding his head. I slowly walked towards the water filter while I can feel the weight of Dante's intense stare.

I kept the bottle under the tap and pressed on the button and water start to pour down in the bottle.

I glanced at Dante who was sipping his coffee while his eyes stared at me.

'Come on Valentina ! Talk to him. He is your brother whom you are seeing after a whole damn 2 weeks' I thought to myself and taking a deep breath I said.

"How was your business trip ?"

Woah girl ! Not so bad.

Although, I want to ask him something else but this question wasn't bad as well.

A look of surprise took over his handsome stoic face but he quickly covered it.

"Good."

Yup ! I expected one word answer from him after all he is Dante.

But still *whines internally*

"Good ? That's it ?" I urged him to speak more.

"Yeah." That's the reply I got. Ugh !

"Okay." I mumbled back.

My attention went back to the water bottle which was now almost filled I turn off the button and closed the bottle cap.

I don't want to leave. I want to talk to him more even if it is a hard task to do.

An idea came to my mind and after keeping my water bottle on the kitchen counter I went towards the cabinets and start finding something.

"What are you doing ?" A deep voice said behind me and without turning back I replied.

"I am looking for something."

"And that something is ?" Dante asked, his voice much closer to me.

"Green tea powder." I answered and keep looking.

I hate how big this kitchen is now Hmp !

"Step aside." Dante ordered and I turned around to saw him standing just two steps away from me.

"Why ?" I asked, craning my neck up to meet his black eyes.

Dante didn't reply he just stared down at me, intensely and I followed his order after 2 seconds.

I watched as he opened a top cabinet where my height cannot reach and took out a medium size green box.

'Herbal Green tea' That was written on the box.

Dante kept the box on the counter and went to grab a pot and I immediately stopped him.

"I-I can make myself green tea. You don't need to." I said as I tried to grab the pot from his hands but he just pulled it higher.

Woah ! My ice-cube brother is using his tall height for his advantage. Just great !

Before I can say something he said.

"Go sit there." He said and pointed towards sitting stool that was around the kitchen counter.

"But--" I tried to protest but my brother's one intense stare was enough for me to shut up and quietly obey him.

I watched from my seat how he poured water into the pot and kept it on the stove and ignited it so the water could boil.

Okay Val, start a conversation with him. For that you are drinking this green tea even if you don't want to do that much right now.

"I am starting my high-school today." I voiced out.

"I know." Comes his calm cold reply.

"You knew ? How ?" I asked, frowning.

"Alessandro told me." Dante said as he looked at me.

"Oh ! Okay." I nodded.

5 seconds silence...

"Um..you come late usually at this time if you are out of a business trip ?" I asked a quite weird question but I was trying to talk to him.

"Sometimes. It depends on which country I am in for my business trip." Dante answered, coldly.

"That makes sense." I said, nodding.

"Do you often travel to different countries for your business trips ?"

Dante nodded. Nice answer I got from you my brother. Note the sarcasm y'all !

"Like what countries ?" I urged him.

"London, France, Germany, etc." He said.

"That must be both fun & tiring." I commented.

He raised his right eyebrow and I took it as a sign to further explain my earlier words.

"Fun because you got to see beautiful countries and tiring because travelling so much can be exhausting for your body as the climate, food, clothes, etc changes with different countries." I explained.

He titled his head, nodding. "Only tiring for me it is."

I gasped, "No fun ? How can you not have fun ?" I asked, disbelief.

"I have no time for roaming there. I go there just for my business." He dead paned and I blinked, twice in utter shock.

My ice-cube brother is such a workaholic..geez !

If it was me I would surely explore the streets of those countries with so much passion.

Dante turns off the gas stove so the water can cool it down a bit.

"Still you should explore those countries in your free time. It can help you to relieve yourself from your business stress." I advise, softly.

Dante didn't say anything nor nodded maybe he will ignore my words. It's fine. It's his decision to accept my advice or not.

Dante took a green tea bag out of its box and took a cup and placed it in it. Then poured down the hot water in it.

He took a spoon out of the cabinet and started to stir inside the cup and I watched him doing that simple act which was warming my heart.

I actually didn't expect him to make me a green tea. I was going to make myself that tea and asked him just to accompany me but he surprised me.

Not only that he is actually answering my questions--short answers or just nods but still it matters to me.

"Here." I blinked and saw a cup of steamy green tea cup kept in front of me.

I looked up at him and saw he was looking at me already.

"Thank you." I mumbled, loudly as I took the hold of the cup and took a sip of it.

My eyes widened slightly.

"It's good & warm." I exclaimed.

Back then I tried green tea once--sneakly I add and it wasn't that tasty compared to this one.

Not to forget I got a beating for it because first--I sneaked something which I shouldn't and second--'I don't deserve such luxury' words from my dead ass abusers.

Dante hummed and started to sip his coffee as well. We both have our drinks in a silence not the awkward silence once we share in Dante home office.

This silence was both calm & peaceful.

Soon we were done with our drinks and dumped our mugs in the basin. Earlier I would have washed my used vessels but apparently I didn't have to as we have maids for that job.

Still I tried only to get picked up in a bridal style by my brother--Franceso.

I remember Francesco's words after he picked me up.

"I know you are used to doing your work by yourself but now you don't have to, sisy."

That actually warmed my broken heart. Before I don't have someone to do a simple act for me. I was used to serving others but now I do have people who does things for me without me asking for it.

And I am talking about my brothers & father who show their care for me by their actions.

"Go, rest." Saying this Dante turned around and took his suit coat, ready to leave the kitchen.

"W-Wait.."

He turned back and looked down at me. "Hm ?"

"I-I am..actually I-I am u-unable to sleep." I end up saying the truth.

For a split second my brother's eyes softened and then he asked something which surprised me once again.

"Do you want to accompany me for sometime ?"

Valentine's POV End's

Dante's POV

After hearing my little duck can't sleep I felt the protective instinct of a brother inside me kick in but I stopped myself from hugging her and just asked something which surprised both of us.

"Do you want to accompany me for sometime ?"

I wasn't a man who needed an accompaniment but when it's my little sister who I am seeing after one whole week I don't mind tagging along with her.

"You want me to accompany you ?" Valentina asked, her voice held both surprise & disbelief.

I nodded. Of course she will be surprised after her brother who literally ghosted her for two weeks straight without a word is asking her to accompany him.

'2 weeks ? Like before you went on a business trip you don't used to check on her when she fell asleep secretly huh.' My subconscious mind, teased.

It was true. I made sure Valentina didn't saw me but I did. I did check on her after I came late from the office when she would be asleep after taking a sleeping pill.

It was the only time I can watch my little duck in peace without being disturbed by anyone.

"So ?"

"I will accompany you." She said and I turned around and started to walk out of the kitchen while my sister's soft footsteps heard behind me.

My strong yet quiet & her gentle footsteps can be heard as we walked in our mansion's corridors.

I am shocked that Valentina actually talked to me. I thought she would ignore me like I ignored her but instead she asked me how my trip was and keep asking other questions.

My little duck thinks I didn't notice how she was trying to make a conversation with me but I did notice her effort and it actually warmed my cold heart.

Soon we reached my room's door and I opened it and stood aside so my sister could walk in first.

Valentina looked up, her hazel eyes held quite surprise in them.

What is she shocked about ? I wonder, internally.

"Thank you." She muttered and got inside my room and I closed the door behind us.

I watched as she took the interior of my room with curiosity swooling in her hazel eyes.

"Your room is beautiful & classic." She complimented as she turned towards me.

"Thank you." I said as I walked inside my wardrobe room. I threw my coat in the laundry basket and took a pair of comfortable clothes before walking out of the wardrobe.

I saw Valentina standing in her place where I left her. She was awkwardly moving on her footsteps. She looked up once she noticed my presence.

"Give me a minute I will just change till then you can sit on my bed." I told her.

"It's fine. I can wait for you while standing here." She said.

"Sit." I said more like I ordered and after a few more seconds of hesitation she obeyed my word.

She sat on the edge of my bed and I walked inside my washroom.

After 10 minutes, I walked out and saw her staring at a photo frame which I kept beside my bed table.

A photo frame of me & madre (mother).

She was intensely staring at that frame but it felt like she was lost in some deep thoughts of her.

I walked towards her and cleared my throat, gaining her attention. Her head snapped up at me.

"It's me & our mother." I told her as I picked up the photo frame and passed it to her.

Valentina held the frame with shaking hands.

I wasn't expecting her to remember our mother. She was just 2 years old baby girl when she was snatched from us, from her mother.

"Lei è bellissima." She whispered as she caressed mom's face with her fingers.

(She is beautiful)

"Infatti." I whispered back.

(Indeed)

I took a seat beside her on my bed. She kept staring at the photo frame and I looked down at the frame as I got the flashback behind the story of that photo.

Flashback

I step inside my house. My eyes immediately finding my beautiful mother.

"Hey where is my mother ?" I asked one of the maids who was passing by.

"Madam is in the garden, sir." She replied, politely and after muttering a quick 'thanks' I walked away from her.

I reached our huge garden and began to find her and I finally spotted her watering her flowers.

I walked behind her back quietly so as not to get noticed by her but stopped when I heard.

"Dante, my son being sneaky doesn't look good you know."

"How do you know I was behind you ?" I asked, walking normally this time.

My mother turned around with a gorgeous smile on her face. Her light brown shining beautiful under the warm sunlight of Italy's.

"A mother's instinct." Comes her short sweet reply.

"Huh--fine I don't doubt that answer of yours." I exclaimed as I dumped my bag near my foot while hiding my right arm behind me.

"You shouldn't, son." She said, chuckling when her hazel eyes zeroed at my right arm. "What are you hiding there ?"

"Close your eyes." I said as I stood in front of her.

"Perché ?" She asked narrowing her eyes at me.

(Why ?)

"Pozhaluysta, zakroy glaza, moya prekrasnaya mama." I said in Russian knowing it always works on my mother.

(Please close your eyes, my beautiful mother)

And it did when she closed her eyes after putting the water hoop down.

After I made sure she wasn't peeking out. I forwarded my right arm in front of her.

"Now you can open your eyes, mama."

I watched as she opened her eyes and looked down at my hands where I was holding a certificate and a trophy.

A certificate & trophy that I won in a basketball competition which I have been preparing for quite a long time now.

She gasped and looked up at me. "Is this what I am thinking it is ?" She asked.

"Yes it is exactly what you are thinking, mama." I said with a smile. She took the things from my hands and looked at it with utter adoration in her eyes.

Then she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight while saying.

"I am so proud of you, my son."

I hugged her back, tightly as I whispered.

"Thank you. It's all because of you that I achieved this."

She broke the hug and looked at me straight in the eyes.

"Uh-huh. It's because of your hardwork that you achieved this Dante. I just encouraged you to do nothing else."

"Your encouragement & belief that I can do this pushed me forward to win, mama. So please do not say that you didn't do anything." I said while looking straight in her hazel eyes.

Mama smiled and kissed my forehead lovingly. My eyes closed as I felt the beautiful love of my beautiful mother.

*Click* *Click*

We both turned our heads in the direction of that sounds only to find my father standing there who was clicking our photos.

"Sorry but can't help. You both look so photoable to my eyes." My father said smiling after receiving a playful glare from his wife.

"Wait a second." Mama said as she turned both of us in her husband's direction then handed me my certificate & trophy and wrapped her arms around my bicep.

"Now click the photo and it should come nice or else.." She threatened playfully and father nodded his head, obediently.

I shook at my parents antics but nevertheless I love them a lot.

"Say cheese." My father said as he positioned his phone in our angle, ready to take the photo.

"Cheese !" Mama & I said, together while smiling widely as my father took photos of us.

I am happy that I made my mama happy & proud of myself.

Flashback Ends

"Dante ?" I blinked as I came out of that sweet memory. I looked down to see my little sister looking up at me.

"Are you okay ?" She asked and I cleared my throat before answering.

"Si."

(Yes)

"Okay..um what are we going to do here ?" Valentina asked as she looked around my room then at me curiously.

"Let's go." I said and forward my hand but realising what I did I was going to take my hand back and walk away but Valentina didn't let me.

She grabbed my hand before I can take it back and stood up.

"Let's go." She said, a small smile tucked at her lips and my heard felt warm just by her little acceptance.

We both walked from my room hand in hand. I guided her to our huge balcony area. As we reached I ordered the guards there to go out so we can walk in privacy.

Soon we left alone and we started to walk slowly aimlessly while our hand remaining joined.

Her hand are small & cold making me want to rub it but I didn't want to make her uncomfortable so I didn't and just hold her hand tightly in my big one.

We both strolled in silence. The breeze before sun rise was calm & peaceful. I would usually walk in balcony when I am unable to sleep. It became a quite habit of mine which only Alessandro knew about it as once he came late and caught me going to the balcony.

Of course him being him he asked me if I had trouble with my sleep again but I assured him that I am fine and if I have any problem I will consult it with my doctor.

Suddenly a small voice break my thoughts and it belonged to my little duck.

"I am nervous."

Dante's POV Ends

Valentine's POV

"I am nervous."

Shit ! Why will I say that out of blue ?!

I hope he didn't hear me but my hope vanished when Dante asked.

"Nervous of what ?" He asked calmly.

Just say it Val now.

"N-Nothing." Woah ! Just great.

Dante ceased in his steps and turned towards me as he looked down at me and I looked away, trying to avoid his eyes.

"Valentina, what is making you nervous ?" He asked.

'Before it was my new school now it's you who is making me nervous.' I want to say that but obviously I didn't and kept my mouth shut.

I felt his intense stare on me and I want to hide somewhere but I just stood there while looking down.

My bunny slippers are the most interesting thing right now !

"Valentina." Dante's voice was commanding yet gentle so I give in.

"I am nervous about my new high-school." I confessed then slowly looked up at my brother who blinked his eyes taking in my words.

His face remain emotionless but his black eyes soften more.

A few minutes of silence and we just stare at each other. I was wondering if he thought I was behaving like a kid.

I mean a high-schooler being nervous & scared of her first day does that make any sense ?

'Ofcourse it does. You are literally in a whole new country and just some state so you aren't wrong in being nervous, idiot.' My subconscious mind piped in.

'But--' I got cut by Dante's words.

"Listen, I won't say that everything will be goody & rainbows. There will be some challenges you will face. There will be high-school drama & all." He paused and looked straight in my eyes and my heart beat up.

"But you are a Moretti now--you have always been a Moretti and Moretti's are known to face their troubles with a strong will. We don't hide or escape from problems--we face them like a warrior. We are no damsel in distress okay ? We are a force that hit back twice the force once hit us."

You are a Moretti now.

You have always been a Moretti.

No damsel in distress.

A warrior.

Those words of my brother ring in my head like an alarm that ignited a quite fire inside me unknowingly.

"I can understand everything is confusing & new for you but you just need time & patience to adjust with your new environment and then see how much easy it will became for you." Dante said, his voice deep & calm.

A warmth spread across my broken heart listening to those words from my brother.

"Being nervous is alright but don't let others see your nervousness which they can use to bring you down. Held your head high like a Moretti."

I looked down. My jaws clenched as the silent fire kept flaring inside me.

Only if my brother knew why I am being nervous & scared this much.

I was bullied badly in my last school and that shatter my confidence level to no limits.

And Jack & Elina didn't leave a chance to degrade me with their words & actions.

"Valentina." I looked up and Dante looked shocked for a second before his eyes softened and his right hand raised and wiped something on my cheek.

Tears. Casso ! (Fuck)

I took a step back in order to make some more distance between us. I don't want to be a cry baby in front of my brother who ghosted me for 2 weeks.

Dante stopped me moving from him as he hold my shoulders and pulled me closer to him and he did something I didn't expected him to do.

Dante Moretti hugged me.

I stood still in his arms. Not knowing why he pulled this stunt when I least expected him to do.

Dante was the last brother I thought who will be give me a hug.

I can even imagine Xander giving me a hug then pushing me away saying 'he did that by accident'

But here I am standing in the arms of my ice-cube brother who literally ghosted me for 2 weeks and suddenly re-appears then makes me green tea and asks me to tag along with him. Great !

"Can I know the reason behind your tears ?" Dante asked, his voice deep & gentle.

His question was simple but it's answer was so difficult for me to say.

Should I say I was bullied back then ?

Should I say I have no confidence inside me ?

That people broke me to no ends ?

Should I ?

The answer is no. "N-Nothing. I am just very m-moved by y-your words from earlier." I whispered a half lie stupidly.

Dante's body rumble as I heard a low chuckle escaped from him. My head snapped to see him smiling little as he looked down at me.

Dante is smiling and his eyes are no more cold & distant towards me.

"You are crying because you are moved by my words ? Really ?" He asked, amused.

I nodded, silently as I watched him shake his head with a little smile on his face.

"Incredibile." He mumbled under his breath as he pulled my head back in his chest.

(Unbelievable)

"Silly girl, it's not a reason to cry over okay ?" He said as he gently patted my head.

'For me it is. No one has console me like my brother is doing right now. There were only people who enjoyed tormenting me with everything they have.' I thought as I closed my eyes and leaned in his arms more.

"Okay." I mumbled, lowly as I enjoyed his warm & comfortable hug.

A beautiful & comfy hug from my ice-cube brother.

Slowly I wrapped my arms around him as well. He stiffed for a second like he wasn't expecting me to reciprocate his hug then tighten his hold around me.

We stood in silence but it was peaceful & warm. I, no longer felt cold or scared. I felt warm & safe as my elder brother held me in his protective arms.

"I knew you were ignoring me for last 2 weeks." I stated still being in his arms.

"I don't know why you ignore me but I don't like it." I confessed, bluntly because I doubt I will have this much confidence any other time so it's better I get over it when I can.

"I was scared." His deep voice confessed and I snapped my head up with a frown.

"You scared ? Of what ?"

"Scared that you didn't want to see my face." Dante said as he stared down at me.

"I--huh what ? Why will you think that I don't want to see your face huh ?" I asked, bewildered.

"I forced you to do something that you don't want to. I snitched about you so I thought you don't want to be in my presence that's why I distanced myself from you."

My jaw dropped listening to his words. Was he really serious ? Or plainly stupid man ?

I was thinking he got irritated by my presence that's why he was ignoring me and here he has the whole different ass reason. Geez I am done !

I pulled myself away from him and his face slightly fell but he covered it again with his stoic face. Ugh this ice-cube !

"Dante, how can you be so stupid ?"

"What ?" He look taken a back from my question.

"How can you ignore me for such a stupid reason ?" I asked, frustration laced in my voice.

"I--" I cut him off, sternly.

"No you listen to me now. Just because you snitched about me doesn't mean I don't want to see your face ever again. That makes no sense okay ? I can be angry at you but I can never be that angry that I don't want to see you. I could ignore you for sometime but not for long. You are my brother, Dante we will have our arguments but instead of ignoring me and ghosted me like you did--talk to me. Do not ignore me and disappear like this again. I-I don't l-like it."

My voice cracked in the end and my brother's cold & distant eyes became softer again.

"Valentina, I am sorry." He apologized, his voice was deep & genuine that reflected in his eyes as well.

"You are sorry for what ?" I asked crossing my arms around my chest.

He blinked. "Sorry for ignoring & ghosting you for 2 weeks. I will never do that again."

"You better don't." I mumbled enough to be heard by him.

Dante chuckled. "So am I forgiven, Miss. Moretti ?" His voice was kinda playful making me surprised but I went along with him.

"You are forgiven of you make me that herbel tea again & again." I said, smiling playfully.

A small deep laugh resonated from him and I find myself smiling as well.

"Deal."

"Back to the point. You don't need to be scared or nervous. Our brothers are there for you as well. If something went out of control they will have your back immediately." Dante said, seriously.

I nodded. I have no doubt about that.

"You should go now & rest for a while before you start ready for your new high-school, little duck."

"Okay--wait little duck ?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

Dante chuckled. "Yeah it's a nickname I used to call you when you were little."

"Why little duck only ?" I asked as I felt the warmth in my heart.

"There is a story behind it."

"What is it ? Tell me !" I demanded.

"The story is for another day, not now." Dante said.

I huffed but didn't force him to.

"Go now & rest." He ordered as he patted my head,gently.

I nodded and turned around and started to walk away when I stopped and looked over my shoulder and said.

"Thank you for consoling me. It helped me a lot." I said my gratitude and turned to leave.

I left the balcony but I didn't missed the words that my brother--Dante said.

"I am always ready to console you whenever you need it, little duck."

*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*

Hey you beautiful & handsome people. This is Chapter 13. Hope you like it !

A sweet moment between Dante & his little duck🥹🫶

What's your thoughts about this chapter ? Do you like this side of Dante ?

Next Our principessa is going to face the high-school drama. So brace yourselves up !!

Target :- 40 likes 400 Reads 10 comments

Guys you will have a lot of time to complete this target as I will be having exams so won't be typing any chapters so do complete the target genuinely.

Okay bye, take care.

Thank you, Everyone : )

Words Count :- 6707