CHAPTER 6

"The journey of healing begins when we let go of our pain and embrace our own path towards happiness." - Unknown

Piero Antonio POV

As I entered the police station, the solemn atmosphere weighed heavily upon me. The sound of shuffling papers and hushed conversations filled the air. My eyes scanned the room, seeking the officer with whom I needed to finalize the necessary paperwork. That's when I noticed her—the little girl, tucked away in a corner, her appearance disheveled and her countenance marked by fear and vulnerability.

My heart sank at the sight of her dirty clothes and the visible signs of neglect on her small, trembling body. How could Natalia, her own mother, subject such a fragile soul to such harsh conditions? Anger surged within me, the instinct to protect and nurture overpowering.

I approached the girl cautiously, mindful of her fragile state. Kneeling down to her eye level, I offered a gentle smile, hoping to convey warmth and reassurance. "Hello there, sweetheart. Are you alright?" I asked softly, my voice carrying a blend of concern and empathy.

Her eyes, filled with a mix of apprehension and longing, met mine briefly before averting their gaze. She hesitated, unsure whether to trust me. I extended a hand, a gesture of comfort and support, waiting patiently for her response.

After a moment of hesitation, she tentatively reached out, allowing my hand to encircle hers. The connection was delicate but significant—an unspoken promise that she wasn't alone in this world. With care and compassion, I vowed to provide her with the safety and love she so desperately deserved.

"We h-have same e-eyes and n-nose sir" she said with her little voice that make my heart melts with her cuteness an innocence in her eyes.

"Indeed, vita mia, we do have the same eyes and nose," I replied, my heart melting at her innocent observation. I couldn't help but be captivated by her sweetness and vulnerability.

"Vita mia, please don't call me 'sir.' I am your father my name is Pierro Antonio Caruso I'm 40 years old, what about you my love?" I reassured her, my voice softening even further. It pained me to hear the confusion and sadness in her words.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, recounting what she had been told by Natalia. "I am Iswa Isabelle Cawuso I'm twee, B-but ma'am t-told me t-that my f-father d-does n-not want m-e," she whispered, her voice trembling.

My heart ached at her words, realizing the depth of the lies and betrayal that had been forced upon her. With a gentle touch, I wiped away her tears, my voice filled with sincerity and love. "It's not true, vita mia. I love you with all that I have. I promise I won't leave you again, and I will always protect you."

As I saw the fury in Vita Mia's eyes upon hearing her referring to Natalia as "ma'am," my heart swelled with a mix of protectiveness and anger. It was evident that there were deeper wounds inflicted upon my dear daughter, and I vowed to uncover the extent of the mistreatment she had endured.

Seeing her play with her hands anxiously, I gently encouraged her to open up to me. "Vita mia, what's troubling you? You can tell me anything, and I promise I won't be mad," I reassured her, my voice filled with sincerity and empathy.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she mustered the courage to voice her concerns. "Will you also give me boo-boos like ma'am and sir?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear and vulnerability. The pain in my heart deepened at the realization that she had suffered physical harm under the hands of those who should have protected her.

With every ounce of sincerity, I leaned closer to her, looking into her eyes with love and compassion. "No, my precious Vita Mia, I will never hurt you. I promise you that. You are safe with me," I said firmly, willing her to believe my words.

Her eyes softened, and she extended her little hands, seeking the comfort and reassurance only a parent can provide. Without hesitation, I scooped her up into my arms, cradling her gently against my chest. The weight of her small body was a reminder of my responsibility to shield her from any harm, physical or emotional.

My heart sank as I saw tears streaming down Vita Mia's face, her tiny hands gripping her dirty clothes tightly. Her distress was palpable, and I couldn't bear to see her in such anguish.

Instinctively, I reached out to wipe away her tears, my voice filled with reassurance. "Oh, my sweet Vita Mia, you're not a bad girl. It's okay, we can find a way to make sure Mr. Bun-Bun feels safe and loved too."

Turning to Santino, who had been standing by my side, I conveyed a silent plea for help. He nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation.

"Santino, can you please go back to the house and fetch Mr. Bun-Bun for Vita Mia? Make sure he's brought back safely to her," I instructed, my voice laced with a gentle urgency.

Santino nodded again, his expression reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "Of course, boss. I'll make sure Mr. Bun-Bun gets here as soon as possible."

With Santino's assurance, Vita Mia's tears began to subside, replaced by a glimmer of hope in her eyes. I held her close, soothing her with soft words of comfort. "See, my dear, we're going to take care of everything. Mr. Bun-Bun will be here soon, and you can show him how much you love him."

As we settled into the car, Santino swiftly made his way back to the house, ensuring that Vita Mia's cherished companion would soon be reunited with her. In the meantime, I focused on creating a sense of security and warmth for my daughter, eager to demonstrate that she was now in a safe and loving environment.

With each passing moment, Vita Mia's anxiety began to ease, replaced by a flicker of excitement. She gazed out of the car window, marveling at the building passing by, and I couldn't help but smile at her innocence and wonder.

"Boss I already get the stuffed bunny of that little girl, but can I ask who is she?"

Santino listened attentively, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and curiosity. He knew better than to question my judgment, but he was genuinely intrigued by the sudden revelation.

"I trust your instincts, boss," Santino responded, his voice laced with sincerity. "If you believe she is your daughter, then she is. We'll make sure to uncover the truth and protect her at all costs."

I nodded, appreciating Santino's unwavering support. It was crucial to investigate further and confirm Vita Mia's true identity. We couldn't afford to make any mistakes when it came to her safety and well-being.

"I'll have our contacts dig deeper into Natalia's past," I said, my tone filled with determination. "We need to unravel the truth about her and the circumstances surrounding Vita Mia's existence. We can't let her suffer any longer."

Santino nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He had seen firsthand the consequences of deception and betrayal within our world. Together, we would uncover the truth and ensure justice for Vita Mia.

In the meantime, I glanced at Vita Mia, peacefully sleeping on the couch. Despite the turmoil she had endured, she looked innocent and fragile. I couldn't help but feel a surge of protective instinct rise within me. She deserved a life filled with love, care, and a sense of belonging.

"We'll do whatever it takes to give her the life she deserves," I declared, my voice firm and resolute. "She's a part of our family now, and I won't let anyone harm her. We'll rebuild what has been broken and create a safe haven for her."

As I reached out and caught the young girl, preventing her from falling, a rush of concern and protectiveness washed over me. She seemed startled by the sudden movement, trembling and apologizing profusely. I reassured her, my voice gentle and soothing, assuring her that there was no need to fear or apologize.

"Woah there, little girl, are you okay?" I inquired, my tone filled with genuine care. Her frightened reaction tugged at my heart, and I wanted to ease her distress.

Her trembling body slowly began to relax as I held her, offering comfort and security. Minutes passed, and her tearful hiccups subsided, leaving behind a sense of calm. I gazed at her delicate features, marveling at the innocence that radiated from her.

"Vita mia," I whispered tenderly, using an endearing term meaning 'my life,' "do you want some water?"

Her innocent voice responded, filled with curiosity and trust. "Can I have some water?"

A warm smile graced my lips as I reassured her. "Of course, my love. You don't need permission for something as simple as water."

Confusion clouded her young eyes as she hesitated, her innocence juxtaposed with the weight of the words she had heard. With gentle strokes, I ran my hand through her hair, comforting her and affirming her worth.

"Sir said that I don't deserve anything," she softly revealed, the weight of those words revealing the pain she had internalized.

My heart clenched at the thought of someone tarnishing her innocence, of subjecting her to such unwarranted negativity. Determination welled up within me, fueling a fierce protectiveness that I would not allow anyone to break.

"You are deserving of everything, my princess," I declared, my voice firm and unwavering. "Never let anyone tell you otherwise. You are precious, and you deserve love, kindness, and all the good things in this world."

Taking her hand in mine, I led her to the kitchen, where I poured a glass of cool water. As she sipped from it, I watched her, resolved to create a safe and nurturing environment for her, shielding her from the harsh realities she had encountered.

In that moment, a vow formed within me—an unyielding commitment to protect this young soul, to ensure that she would never again question her worth or be subjected to the cruel judgments of others.

As I gently placed her on my bed, her tired nod indicating her willingness to take a bath and change into clean clothes, a surge of determination filled me. I wanted to provide her with the care and comfort she deserved, starting with a warm bath to wash away the traces of the chaotic world she had experienced.

As I prepared the bath, a realization struck me—I lacked the necessary items for her, such as a car seat, clothes, and toys. Without hesitation, I dialed James, one of my trusted associates, instructing him to purchase these items and more. I wanted nothing but the best for her, a testament to the love and care she deserved.

While awaiting James' arrival, I observed Bella as she wandered around my room, her eyes alight with curiosity and wonder. She seemed like a lost little puppy, exploring her surroundings and finding amusement in the simplest of things. Her innocence and zest for discovery tugged at my heartstrings, stirring a sense of protectiveness within me.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her, a flicker of warmth igniting in my chest. In her presence, I found solace, a respite from the harsh realities of my world. As she touched the various objects in my room, her excitement palpable, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.