Letters from a Lost Love
Chapter 9: The Truth Will Out
Six months later…
"Would you like anything in particular for breakfast, Ariella?" Michael asked as he looked through the closet.
"No, it's all right. I think I'll just have an egg and some toast this morning."
"Are you sure? I can have Connie make whatever you like."
"I'm sure. Thank you for staying with me last night."
"Where else would I be, my love?"
"I know that's not how you expected your night to go."
"It's a natural part of pregnancy, sweetheart. I'd be surprised if you weren't feeling sick at all."
"What are you going to do today?"
"I was going to do some light paperwork. I can do it up here if you need the company."
"No, you can work in the study. I'll either read or go back to sleep after breakfast."
"Okay. I'll get your breakfast. I think Connie said she wanted to spend some time with you later in the day."
"Thank you, and that would be wonderful."
Michael gave his wife a gentle kiss, then went downstairs.
Ariella sighed.
It was getting harder and harder to move around as he pregnancy progressed. But she wouldn't complain. She was ecstatic that she was carrying Michael's child.
Her thoughts strayed to her sister. She hadn't spoken to her sister in almost two years. She'd tried to reach out, but to no avail.
She had tried not to be too upset about it, but she couldn't hide her emotions from Michael. Her husband had done his best to console her, reminding her that at least Anna was still alive and there was still hope.
"If she doesn't want to talk to you, give her some space. She's still hurting from what happened."
"I know, but I was trying to protect her. How can she not see that?"
"She's older, she feels she should be the one protecting you, not the other way around. It was the same with Fredo. He felt slighted because he felt he should be the head of the family and it passed to me instead."
"So what do I do?"
"Let her be the one to come to you. It might take some time, but believe me, it will happen. She loves you, regardless of how hurt she is."
Ariella had to agree. She marveled at how far her husband had come in terms of beginning to understand emotions, his own and others.
As he walked back into the bedroom, Ariella smiled at him.
"What?" he asked, puzzled.
"I'm just so proud of you."
"For what?"
"How far you've come. You're more open to understanding emotions than you were before."
"I'm not sure what to say."
"It's okay. It's probably just hormones talking."
Michael chuckled.
"That didn't sound like hormones to me."
He placed the breakfast tray on his wife's lap, then lay next to her.
"I thought you were going to be in your study."
"In a few minutes. I just want to make sure you're all right."
"I'm fine, Michael. Really."
He wound a strand of her hair around his fingers.
"I know. I'm just being careful."
Michael gently placed his hands over his wife's stomach, feeling a kick under his palm.
"Our child is very active today, isn't he?"
"She. It's a girl."
"She, then. Did you think of a name for her?"
"Elise."
"That's a beautiful name. Where did you get it?"
"It was my great-grandmother's name."
"Which side of the family?"
"My father's."
"I should have guessed. You never talk about him much."
"Well, there's not much to talk about. He died when I was three. I barely remember him."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you."
"He would have loved you, you know that, right?"
"Yes. I often thought that very thing many times."
"Do you have any memory of him?"
"One. We had a tea party together. I don't know why I remember that so clearly, but I do."
"It was a happy memory."
"It was. I'm glad I have that, at least."
Ariella finished her breakfast, then lay against the pillows.
"I'm going to take a nap now. Thank you for breakfast."
"You're very welcome. If you wake up and need anything, let me know."
"I will."
Ariella closed her eyes, falling asleep a few minutes later.
Michael watched his wife sleep, a smile crossing his face. He loved her so much, the intensity of it scared him sometimes.
He tucked her in, kissing her forehead.
"I love you, Ariella. Forever."
Then he took the tray downstairs, placing it on the counter and heading into the study.
Ariella slept through the morning, waking up when the sun was high in the sky.
Neri was standing by the door, watching her.
"Good afternoon, Ariella."
"Hello, Al. How are you?"
"I should be asking you that question. But I'm fine, thanks for asking. Do you need anything?"
"I'm a little hungry."
"Michael guessed you would be. Connie made lunch. I'll bring it up for you. Anything else?"
"No, I'm fine. I'm sure you have more pressing matters."
"Ariella, apart from Michael, you are my first priority. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
"Well, would you mind spending some time with me?"
"Of course not. Give me a minute."
A few minutes later, Neri and Ariella were talking, Neri telling her stories of his past.
"I still can't believe you hit a man over the head with a flashlight," Ariella commented.
"I did, and I don't regret a thing."
"You shouldn't."
"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
"You're not afraid of me, are you? You know I would never hurt you. Not just because of Michael, but because you're my friend. I hope I'm not overstepping."
"You're not, and I'm not afraid of you. I was, at first, but as I got to know you, and then with everything I went through, I realized there was no need to fear you. We're all dangerous in this family, some of us more than others."
"Very true."
"Okay, my turn."
"Ask away."
"Did you ever do any of this for Kay?"
"No. She didn't trust me too close to her husband, and she never would have considered asking me for anything."
"She was a trip and a half. I never trusted her."
"Neither did I. I never fully trusted Tom either, but I never let Michael know that. And it nothing to do with loyalty."
"No, I understand, believe me."
"You do, don't you? You know more about people and their intentions than anyone I've ever met, and yet, you're still capable of so much love and loyalty."
"Thank you, Al."
"You're very welcome."
"Can I ask a personal question?"
"Of course."
"Why did you never remarry after your wife left?"
"Never found the right woman. And it's not just about the business. I don't trust easily, so finding someone I can trust without a doubt would be a challenge. Michael is lucky to have you. I've never seen him as happy as when he's with you, even when you're fighting. He loves you with everything in him."
"I love him in the same way. I always have."
"I'm a little jealous of the two of you, to be quite honest. Sometimes I wish…well, there's no use wishing. I'm glad I'm needed here."
"I'm sure Michael wouldn't object if you wanted to find someone. But you'd have to talk to him."
"I think I will. Thanks."
"Anytime."
Neri glanced at Ariella for a minute, noticing the way her hair framed her face, her blue-green eyes animated, his eyes following the curve of her lips. She was a beautiful woman.
The thought crossed his mind, then left as quickly as it came. There was no use thinking about it. Michael would kill him.
As if his thoughts had summoned him, Michael was suddenly standing in the doorway.
Neri felt his blood freeze in his veins. He had never been afraid like this before. He made sure to school his expression to one of friendliness and nothing else.
He got up quickly, nearly passing out at the change in pressure.
A pair of strong arms wrapped around him, anchoring him to the floor.
"Easy. I've got you."
Neri closed his eyes, focusing only on Michael's hands on his chest.
When his mind had cleared sufficiently, Neri opened his eyes.
Michael let go of him and let him to a chair.
"Are you all right?"
Neri nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
He looked at Michael, wondering if his boss could tell what was going on inside him.
It didn't seem like it, but Neri knew him well enough to know Michael was always ten steps ahead of everyone. It was how he had survived this long.
Michael sensed there was something going on. Neri seemed a little of, and it had nothing to do with him almost passing out.
Michael told Ariella he would check on her later, and told Neri he needed to see him in the study as soon as possible.
Minutes later, Neri went downstairs, his heart thumping in his chest.
Once he was in the study, he closed the door behind him.
"You're not in any trouble, Neri. I just want to talk," Michael began, leaning back in his chair.
"All right."
"What happened upstairs?"
"Ariella and I were talking, and she asked me why I had never remarried."
"I see. Well, since you've brought this up, is there someone you have in mind?"
"No."
"I'm not keeping tabs on you. You're free to date whoever you like, or get married if you so choose."
"Thank you."
"But that's not quite it, is it?"
"No."
"Tell me the truth. Nothing bad will happen to you, I promise."
Neri knew this was a dangerous situation. He remembered Carlo, and shuddered inwardly. Michael had used this exact tactic to lure Carlo into a false sense of security before having him killed.
Neri knew his fate would be far worse.
So much for loyalty. This had never happened to him before. Why did he have to go and think about Ariella in that way? He knew she was off limits.
Neri stared into Michael's dark eyes, captivated and terrified at the same time.
He knew anything he said, whether the truth or a lie, would get him killed.
Michael stood up, walking over to Neri.
For the first time in his life, Neri felt trapped.
Michael placed his hands on Neri's shoulders.
"It's just you and me. Don't you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me the truth."
"I don't think I can. I'm afraid you'll kill me."
"I won't. No matter what you tell me, I won't kill you. I trust you with my life. I can't kill you."
Neri looked down, ashamed.
Michael gently lifted his chin.
"Would it make it easier if I guessed?"
"Yes."
"All right. The only reasons you would think I would kill you is if you betrayed me or if it had to do with Ariella. Does it?"
"Yes."
"Do you have feelings for my wife?"
"I think so. I'm sorry, Michael. But I would never…"
"I know. I'm not angry. You're allowed to have feelings. You're not a monk."
"It was just a thought, a brief one."
"Even a brief thought can take hold of your mind and your life."
"I'm sorry. If you want me to stay away from her, I will."
"No. That'll be physically impossible, especially since I'll need you to make sure she's all right as her time draws closer."
"I just…I think it's because she's the first person I've seen who makes you truly happy and she loves you so much."
"Thank you for caring for me so deeply, Al. I appreciate it. That's why I'm going to trust you with something."
"Yes?"
"If anything ever happens to me, you have my permission to marry Ariella. You're the only one I trust to take good care of her, apart from myself."
"I'm honored."
"Good. Now, about the rest, I'm not going to tell you to stay away from her, or even to bottle up your feelings. That won't help matters. Do you mind if I ask…how far do you want to go with Ariella?"
"I just wanted to kiss her, that's all. But I'm worried I'll want to do more."
"I'm confident in your ability to control your emotions, Al."
"I understand."
"Good. And Neri…in the future, never be afraid to tell me anything. You can trust me just as I know I can trust you."
"Thank you, Michael."
"Don't mention it."
Although it seemed as though the matter had been resolved, Neri felt on edge.
He didn't know if he could fully trust himself around Ariella, and that thought scared him.
But he couldn't mention that to Michael, although he suspected Michael already knew.
Logically, Neri knew there was a much easier solution: go find a prostitute and take care of the situation. But he knew that wouldn't quell his feelings anytime soon, in fact, they might make things worse.
"Al."
Neri's eyes flashed open to see Michael staring at him in concern.
"I'm sorry, did you need something?"
"You're slightly off today. I think you need a break."
"No, I just…"
Michael waited patiently.
"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this," Neri said finally.
"I disagree. I think about it is exactly what's needed here. Have a seat."
Once they were comfortable, Michael said, "Tell me what's on your mind. I'm not going to judge you. Just be honest with me, that's all I ask."
"Okay. My feelings for Ariella, they didn't just happen overnight."
"Do you love her?"
"No, not like that. It's just physical attraction. But it's more than that. I want to protect her. I know I already do, but I want to protect her from anything that will hurt her. Including herself."
"So what do you suggest I do?"
"Nothing. I'll just do my duty to you like I always have. I'll forget about all of it if that's what you want. I'm yours, Michael."
Michael stared at Neri intently for a minute, then nodded.
"You've proven yourself more than trustworthy. I don't believe for a minute that you would ever take advantage of me or her. Am I correct?"
"Yes."
"Good. Let me talk to Ariella, and if she agrees, and only if she agrees, you have my permission to spend time with her."
"Thank you, Michael."
"No need to thank me. Would you like me to talk to her now or later?"
"Now, just to get it over with."
"I'll be back soon."
As Michael ascended the stairs, he thought over what Neri told him. Ordinarily, he would never allow anyone to be with his wife in that way, but Neri had earned Michael's trust and respect many times over.
Ariella was talking with Connie when Michael walked in.
Connie glanced at her brother and knew he needed to talk with his wife.
She quickly excused herself.
Michael sat on the edge of the bed, taking Ariella's hand in his.
"How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine. Is everything all right?" his wife inquired.
"Yes. I just need to talk to you about something. It's Neri."
"What is it?"
"He told me he has feelings for you. He wants to know if you would be okay with being with him in the same way that you are with me."
"I don't see him that way. He's a good friend, that's all."
"All right. But if you ever change your mind, I won't object."
"Why now, though?"
"I did tell him he was free to find a woman he wanted to be with."
"That doesn't mean he needs to be with me. I know this lifestyle isn't easy, but I know there's someone out there who would appreciate him."
"Have you Seen something?"
"Not exactly, just a feeling I have. But I don't want to hurt him."
"I don't think you will."
Michael kissed his wife's cheek, his hand cupping her face gently.
"You're the most amazing woman I know. I'm sure we'll find a solution."
"We will. Someday."
Neri watched the two of them from the shadows, his eyes taking in everything. He was happy that Ariella hadn't completely dismissed him. He vowed to protect her even more fiercely.
Ariella could feel someone watching her, and looked up, locking eyes with Neri, who gave her a small smile. She was instantly relieved, knowing that he understood and didn't seem angry.
It would have to do for now. Nothing could change between them.
Could it?