readsfreenovel Chapter 183: Leave
Chapter 183: Leave
Ariana’s POV
I stood behind a large oak tree, hidden in the shadows, watching from afar, with my heart pounding.
And my hands were trembling.
My whole body was trembling as I pulled my black hoodie tighter around me, trying to disappear.
Trying to blend in.
Trying not to be seen.
Below in the cemetery, they were lowering my casket into the ground, my casket, the one that was supposed to hold my body. The one that was filled with nothing but sand
Dante stood at the front, his face pale, and his eyes were red.
His shoulders were slumped. He looked like he had lost everything
His suit was black
He stood there cold like ice as he watched the funeral go on
The kids were beside him
Mum was sobbing while Daniel was holding her up.
Ares was beside them, his face wet, his jaw tight.
Marcus was there too, with Sarah in his arms, her face buried in his chest.
Everyone I loved was down there.
Mourning me.
Grieving me.
Burying me.
And I was up here watching from afar.
The priest said some words. I couldn’t hear them. My guilt was too heavy, and the shame was too much.
They lowered the casket into the ground.
Dante stepped forward.
He picked up a handful of dirt.
He held it for a moment, staring at it like it held all the answers.
Like it held all the pain, then he let it fall.
"Dante," I whispered, my name escaped my lips before she could stop it. "I’m sorry, I’m so sorry."
The tears came.
I couldn’t stop them.
They poured down my cheeks like rain.
Hot.
Heavy.
Unstoppable.
I put my hand over my mouth and tried to hold in the sobs.
I couldn’t.
They tore out of me.
Quiet and broken
The kids started crying.
I wanted to run to him and scream. I wanted to tell him I was alive.
That I was here.
That I never left.
But I couldn’t. I had made a choice, a selfish choice, but a painful choice.
A choice that was supposed to protect them and keep them safe.
But watching them now, watching them bury an empty casket, watching them cry over a woman who wasn’t dead, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right choice.
I wasn’t sure if I had made any choice at all.
I wasn’t sure if I was helping or hurting.
Saving or destroying.
The ceremony ended.
People started walking away.
Dante was still kneeling. He hadn’t moved. He hadn’t looked up; he was just there.
Staring at the grave like it was surreal.
A man walked up to him.
He put his hand on Dante’s shoulder and said something.
Dante shook his head.
The man walked away.
Dante stayed.
I couldn’t watch anymore, so I turned away, my legs barely carrying me
I was walking away from my life, my family, my children, my husband, from everything I had ever loved.
The car was waiting at the end of the path.
I got in the back seat and closed the door. The sound was loud in the quiet cemetery.
The car started moving.
I leaned my head against the window, and the glass was cold.
The tears were still falling.
I didn’t wipe them away.
I didn’t have the strength.
I didn’t have the will. I didn’t have anything.
The car drove to the airport at the private terminal. Ares was waiting by the entrance, holding a small envelope.
His face was tired.
I got out of the car and walked to him. He handed me the envelope.
"Your passport," he said. "New identity. New name and life. Everything you need to start over."
I opened the envelope. I pulled out the passport. The picture looked like me, but the name wasn’t mine.
Emily Stone.
"Thank you," I said. My voice was quiet. Hoarse. "Thank you for everything."
Ares shook his head. "You don’t have to thank me. You’re my sister. I would do anything for you, even though I don’t want this, but I’ll support and respect your decision."
I smiled a sad one.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked. "Are you sure this is the only way?"
I nodded. "It’s the only way. As long as I’m in their lives, they’re in danger."
Ares’s eyes filled with tears. "They’re heartbroken, Ariana. Dante is destroyed; he still can’t wrap his head around things."
I felt the sob rise in my throat, but I swallowed it down. "They’ll heal and move on. They’ll find happiness again without me."
Ares grabbed my arms. His grip was tight. "Will you? Will you find happiness? Will you move on? Will you be okay?"
I didn’t answer because I knew my happiness was with them... and I had just sacrificed it for my safety.
"Ariana, please, please reconsider coming home. Tell Dante the truth—"
"No." My voice was firm. "No. This is the only way. This is the only choice. I’ve made up my mind. I’m not changing it."
Ares let go of my arms and stepped back, taking a deep breath.
"Take care of them," I said. "Take care of Dante. Take care of the kids. Take care of Mom and Dad. Take care of everyone, please. I’m trusting you, I’m counting on you."
Ares nodded. "I will, I promise. I’ll take care of them."
I pulled him into a hug and held him tight, his arms wrapped around me. He held me just as tight.
"I love you," I said. "I love you, Ares."
He kissed my forehead. "I love you too."
I pulled back and looked at his face.
"Goodbye, Ares."
"Goodbye, Ariana."
I turned away.
I got into the plane and settled down.
I sat in the leather seat and buckled my seatbelt. I stared out the window.
I was alone.
Completely alone.
Soon, we departed and
I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall.
Goodbye, Dante.
Goodbye, my love.
I will love you forever, even when you forget me and move on.
Even when you find happiness with someone else.
I will love you.
Always and forever.
No matter what.