Chapter 17 - Vittorio Apologizes To His Traumatized Daughter
That evening in the newly decorated guest suite, Vittorio sat on the edge of Lucy’s plush velvet bed.
The little girl was drawing pictures with colorful crayons, her favorite stuffed rabbit resting safely beside her pillow.
“Lucy, sweetheart... I want to tell you something very important,” Vittorio began, his voice thick with emotion.
Lucy looked up from her drawing pad, tilting her head with innocent curiosity as she met his loving gaze.
“I am so sorry I wasn't paying close enough attention. I let bad people hurt you while I was away,” Vittorio confessed.
Lucy reached out small, gentle hands, placing them softly over her father’s rugged, weathered cheek.
“You’re here now, Daddy. That’s all that matters to me,” Lucy whispered with a sweet, forgiving smile.
Vittorio pulled her into a tender embrace, burying his face in her golden hair as silent tears of gratitude fell.
May you like
He promised himself he would never let work or deception blind him to his daughter’s safety ever again.
---
