The Heiress' Revenge-Chapter 102

Ariana’s POV

I was trying to focus on the computer screen. It was my third day at work and I was doing a good job in learning Dante’s schedule although it was a lot of information to sort out and at some point it make my head spin, but it was worth it.

The door to my office opened without a knock, making me look up with my brows furrowed.

My heart jumped into my throat as my sight fell on Angelo.

He stood there looking at me. I couldn’t help but notice a strange look on his face.

"What do you want now Angelo?" I asked. My voice was cold. I didn’t try to hide my irritatio. "Have you come to threaten me again? To tell me to leave?"

He shook his head slowly closing the door behind him. "No Ariana. I didn’t come here for trouble."

"Then why are you here?" I stood up from my desk. I didn’t want to be sitting down while he was standing.

"I want us to talk," he said, taking a step closer. "Please just listen to me for a minute."

I crossed my arms. "I’m listening but make it quick."

He took a deep breath as he looked down at the floor then back at me. "Ariana... I... I am sorry."

I just stared at him unable to digest what I was hearing.

"What did you just say?"

"I said I’m sorry," he repeated his voice more softer. "I am sorry for everything I did to you, I’m sorry for cheating on you with your best friend after everything we’ve been through, I know I messed up big time."

His words felt like punches even though I knew it was all true. Hearing him say it out loud still hurt.

"I am sorry for the kidnapping," he continued, his voice shaking a little. "Taking Asher... it was the worst thing I have ever done...I was desperate . I just wanted to scare you into leaving and not messing up my plan to take over Dante’s company. I’m sorry I never meant to hurt him. I am so sorry Ariana for all of it."

I felt a storm of emotions inside me.

Anger.

Pain.

Disbelief.

Audacity.

"You’re sorry?" I snapped my voice rising. "You think saying ’I’m sorry’ fixes everything? You think it makes up for the terror I felt when my son was with you guys? You think it makes up for the years of lies? You ruined my life, Angelo! You and my father!"

"I know!" he said, his eyes pleading. "I know I did and I have to live with that every day." I am a different person now Ariana I have changed. I want to make things right. I don’t want us to be enemies... We are still family, you know. Can’t we... can’t we try to be friends? Or at least not hate each other?"

I laughed a harsh, bitter sound. "Friends? You want to be friends? You are only doing this because you’re scared Angelo. You’re scared I will tell Dante your secret. You and I both know that you’re not sorry. You’re just trying to save your own skin."

"That’s not true," he insisted shaking his head. "Yes, I am scared, but trust me, my apology is real. I regret what I did. I was a weak greedy man.... Please Ariana, I beg you to just give me a chance to show you I’ve changed.

He looked so sincere and for a second a very small part of me almost believed him.

But I was damned to fall for his words ever again. I am not that gullible woman he use to know.

Just then the door opened again and dante walked in.

"Ariana, I need you to—" he started, then he stopped seeing Angelo, his smile faded. "Angelo. What are you doing in here?"

Angelo immediately straightened up put on a smooth fake smile. It was amazing how fast he could change.

"Uncle ! I was just welcoming Ariana to the company properly. We had some... past issues to clear up but it’s all good now." He looked back at me. "Right Ariana?"

I didn’t say anything. I just looked at him in disbelief.

Liar.

Fucking liar.

"I was just leaving," Angelo said quickly. He walked towards the door. "I’ll see you both at the meeting later."

He slipped out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Dante turned to me. His expression was concerned and a hint of jealousy. "What was that all about? What did he want?"

I walked around my desk feeling shaky. "It was nothing," I said trying to sound calm. "He just... he wanted to talk."

Dante came closer putting his hands on my shoulders as he looked into my eyes. "You look stressed. Tell me what is going on."

I let out a slow breath knowing I couldn’t tell him the whole truth, not yet, not without proof.

"He was... apologizing," I said, choosing my words carefully. "For our past... for how our marriage ended. He said he was sorry for everything and asked me to forgive him."

Dante’s eyebrows went up. "Really? That is... surprising."

"I know," I said. "I don’t believe him though.... he can fuck off"

Dante pulled me into a hug, placing a kissed my cheek softly. "Maybe you should consider forgiving him," he said gently.

I pulled back to look at him. "What? Why? After everything he did?"

"People can change Ariana," Dante said. He smoothed my hair. "I know I have, I was full of anger and pride before I met you and you change everything. Angelo... he was young and he made terrible mistakes, but he is my nephew... I still gave him another chance and he’s been loyal so far. I’m not taking side but I believe he’s a better person."

I looked at Dante’s face.

He has no idea what a crook Angelo is. Deep down I knew it was all a pretense. Angelo was up to something... he didn’t mean all what he said a while ago, it was just another move in his game. Yet I couldn’t tell Dante that not without sounding paranoid.

Not without evidence.

So I forced a small smile nodding.

"Okay," I said softly. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe people can change. I’ll... I’ll think about it."

Dante smiled "Good. That is my girl." He kissed my forehead. "Now come on. We have that meeting to get to."

He took my hand and led me out of the office.