Marianna's POV

"Wait a damn minute..." I frowned at the book. "It can't be the last page.

"Nonna you said a bad word!" The little girl giggled.

"Damn? It's a bad word?" I asked her.

"Yes. You have a potty mouth." She leaned against me.

She's a pretty little thing. "Would you happen to know where the rest of the pages are bambina?"

"That's the end."

"Oh no! I have read these stories many times and this cannot be the end."

She frowned at me. "But that is the end. They suffer because they have evil step mothers."

It's my turn to frown at her. I can clearly see that the pages have been ripped off. "Did you rip off the pages Maddie?'

"No."

"Then who did? Look here. There are missing pages." I showed her the rough edges. "We are missing the pages that tell the ending of the story." I closed the book. "But you're in luck because He know the story."

I read Nickolas fairy tales. I wanted a daughter. I got a son. So I read him stories about palaces and fairytales. I know them off head.

"So after Cinderella was locked up, the little mice that were her friends came in and saved her. With the help of her fairy godmother, she got the prettiest dress and a pumpkin changed into a carriage! The little mice became horses that drew the carriage all the way to the palace! You see even if her evil stepmother forbid her from going to the ball, she went anyway and she danced with the prince!"

She smiled at me. "What was tge colour of her dress?"

"Blue!" My eyes looked around and I can't see that blue in here. "A pretty blue! As pretty as your eyes bambina." I pulled her little nose playfully. Noses remind of Pinocchio. Nick knows that story because I used to tell him that he will turn into a wooden toy if he lies. I never forgot to mention that his nose got longer each time he lies.

"And did her evil stepmother and step sisters see her?"

"They couldn't recognize her! She was sleeping beautiful everyone was in awe!"

"What happened next?" She climbed on my lap eager to hear more.

"Well, she danced and danced with the prince. She was the only one the prince wanted to dance with. She had so much fun until the clock struck midnight. She had to run away because the fairy godmother's spell was wearing off. She forgot her glass slipper while escaping. But the prince found it and he went on a search to find Cinderella. Because he didn't know who she was, all the women in the kingdom had to try on the shoe. But it didn't fit anyone until they came to Cinderella's home."

"Was Cinderella home?"

"Oh yes! But her stepmother locked her up."

"Again?" She flung her little hands in the air. When Nick got a little older he told me Cinderella was stupid. She should have used the window. He is a realist pretty much like Helena. They don't dream. They only work with reality. Fairytales don't make sense to them. I am a dreamer. I still am. I wonder how Maddie will turn out. "Yes! Again! But the Duke heard her singing and he demanded that she comes to try on the shoe. Before Cinderella got to wear the shoe, her step mother tripped the person carrying it and because it's glass..."

"It broke!" She covered her face. "Oh no! But nonna! There are two shoes! We have two feet!" She squealed in excitement. It sounds like something Nick would say. In fact he told me that glass slippers are impractical. Maddie will be a realist.

"She had the other shoe!"

"Yes!" She screamed.

"And when she tried it on..."

"It fit!" She giggled.

"She moved away at once! She married the prince and she lived happily ever after!" I kissed her forehead. "Madeline, that is how the story ends."

"That is not what mommy said." Her bright eyes became suddenly dull. "She said Cinderella and Snow White suffered forever because they have step mothers and I will suffer too."

"Why would you suffer bambina?"

"Because daddy will bring me a step mother. Keira."

Now I get it! Margaux is truly a witch in need of a broom so that she can fly far far away from us.

"I would never allow anyone to hurt you. Your father loves you so much and he would never allow anyone to hurt you. I know Keira. She's a good person. She loves you. Your mother, lied to you."

"But why?"

"Because she wants you to hate your father. She wants you to hate Keira. You're young and impressionable. But remember this. No one should ever tell you what to believe. Find out for yourself. I love you and now you have to sleep."

She gave me a hug. "I love you too nonna."

I tucked her in.

On my way out, I took the books and checked every single one. The happy endings are ripped out. What kind of mother does this to her child?

Keira's POV

"I was thinking that it would be great if we do this more often." Keith suggested. He has a face that is halfway happy and somewhat nostalgic. "I took for granted the freedom I had and this family. I took you guys for granted. Now that I'm here in prison, I can't help but regret every moment I squandered away in a casino and in hotel rooms with women instead of you guys."

My mother reached across the table to take her hand. "It's all right Keith. Everyone has something they regret. Right?" She looked at all of us.

I have a laundry list of regrets. I nodded in agreement.

"What matters is learning from mistakes. If you can learn from your mistakes, your life will be much better. You should have stayed in the Navy. The discipline helped you."

"I was not eager to serve. I dis that because you pressured me. In a way, I regret leaving the navy. Ma, I regret not marrying that girl from your prayer group."

We all burst out laughing.

"I quit that group. I regret it just a little."

As Keith continues to list his regrets, I'm reviewing my own. I should have taken the scholarship to the culinary school in Paris. I wouldn't have married Jason. He's my biggest regret. I also regret not being around to meet Nickolas when we were younger. My life would probably have been different. But I also believe the trials we face in life build us to be stronger.

"If we don't make mistakes, how are we to learn?" I posed the question to him.

"Look at you sis. Always the smartest one in the room. I love you."

I reached out for his hand. "I love you too."

The guards are starting to send people away. Visiting hours are over.

I stepped away to allow my parents to have a few words with Keith. I made my exit and stood outside next to the car. After this, my parents are leaving. They're going to Texas for a few days to sort some things out about repurchasing the land they sold. They invited me to tag along but I want to see Nick, spend some time with him. He's going through a hard time. I am also meeting Bruce. He wants to talk to me about Lorraine. I asked him to look into it. I really would like my best friend to be around me right now. I miss her very much.

"Are you sure about not tagging along? We hate to leave you alone." My mom rubbed the sides of my arm.

"I'm sure. You two love birds need some time alone."

"Are you feeling well?" She whispered.

My father has started the car. Over the years he has gotten used to waiting for my mother and I. We are never good at keeping time.

"What do you mean?"

"You're pale. Sweetie, I know you're pale but you're really pale! Are you unwell?" She's staring at me strangely.

"If you have something on your mind-"

"Like what? What?" She's getting defensive.

My father hooted. We concluded our strange conversation and got into the car. He will drive to the airport and then I'll drive the truck back to the farm.

"Kei." My father addressed me as he drove.

"Yes daddy?"

"Your mother and I have been talking and we agreed that your divorce is overdue. When are you filing?"

"Uhm... I will get to it."

"When I come back from Texas I'll personally see to it. I was also thinking that maybe you need to give yourself space to heal. Not just physically but emotionally."

"What your father is trying to say is that you should give this thing with Nick a break."

"Why?" I asked. "Nick has been generous to us and he took care of me when I was in the darkest moment of my life."

They both sighed. He pulled up at the airport parking. "Step out of the car honey. I want to talk to you." He addressed me.

"For the record, I don't agree with him." My mother whispered with a fleeting smile.

I closed the back door of the car. He has his hands tucked in his pants. It's rare to see my father without his hat. He loves his cowboy hat.

"Keira, I know Nickolas Bale enough to assure you that he won't give you room to breathe. As soon as he's out of his marriage, he's going to marry you. He has my blessing because I approve of him but I don't think that with everything that has happened to you, that it's a good idea for you to jump into another relationship. He's demanding. He has a daughter. It's going to strain you both. Even he needs to pace himself. So please, take some time off relationships and focus on yourself. All right?"

"All right daddy." I won't win this arguement. It's easier to submit and revisit it later, probably after their trip to Amalfi.

"Give your old man a hug." He opened his arms for me. I embraced him, settling into the comfort and warmth of his arms . "I love you Keira. I love you so much my little princess."

He kissed my cheek.

"I love you too daddy."

He gave me the car key. "You drive straight home. Lock the doors when you're in the house. If trouble comes your way don't confront it. Run. Call me if you need anything."

I cupped his aged face. "Stop worrying about me. I'll be fine. I promise." I kissed his forehead when he bent his head.

"No hug for me? I feel like he's the only one you give hugs and kisses to!" My mother protested.

I gave a hug to silence her. "There you go mama."

"See you soon." She walked away with her husband. I watched them until they were out of sight.

I can't stay away from Nick. I think I have fallen in love with him. I want to tell him. I know he's driven and ambitious when he wants something. If he wants me, as he has already demonstrated, what can possibly deter him?

I find it interesting than New York is home to Bale Industries, the St Patrick Group, the Catherine Black Oncology Center and the Harrington Hotel. The people connected to these businesses also reside here. They also happen to be friends. They came into my life one after another. Nick, Cole, Ferrer, Marc and Bruce. I don't regret meeting any of them even if the circumstances were not right.

I pulled up in the almost empty parking lot of the St Patrick Group. It's a Sunday. Bruce insisted he will be here. I walked into the building, approaching the man at the front desk. "Good morning, I'm here to see Mr St Patrick."

"Name?"

"Keira Ballard."

He passed me a visitor's pass. "Wear that around your neck. Use any of the elevators, go up to the twenty first floor."

"All right, thank you."

I went on my way, following his instructions. When the elevator opened on the 21st floor, I walked around looking for his office. It's so quiet and no one is around. A lot of the doors are locked and have little keypads outside. There's one door that is slightly open. I gave it a slight push.

"Bruce?" I called.

It's a big office, very minimal. There's only a table, chair and a separate sofa. Nothing else. Beyond that is a great view of extensive land with a lot of trees.

"Nope. You just missed him." A man with a deep voice answered. "You are..."

His blue eyes are curiously studying me.

"Keira Ballard. I'm a... his friend."

He walked my way and offered me his hand. "Chris. I'm his father. What did he do? Are you suing us?" He narrowed his eyes. "Are you pregnant?"

"Oh no sir! No!"

He bursted out laughing. "Oh thank goodness! When you have a son, you just never know what will happen. "I'm Chris. So who are you to Bruce?"

"Colonel. Stop. Just stop." Bruce walked in. "She's Nick's girl."

The Colonel frowned at me. "Oh. Okay. I'm backing off. No wedding for you Brucey."

Bruce gave him a file and he left promptly.

"Your father?" I asked. "No resemblance. Zero."

"I take after my mother."

"Lorraine? I'm sorry to get to the point. But do you have any news on Lorraine?"

"No. I came up empty. I'm sorry."

"Where could she be?" I felt suddenly disappointed.

"I have a bad feeling about things." I rubbed the side of my arm.

"You may not be wrong. Be careful Keira."