The knowledge that he was Francesco's father seemed to change Nicholas. After moving Aurora to a hospital, he had Francesco moved to a separate room. There, he interacted with the boy for two whole days. Nicholas bought toys, stuffed animals, and games. He did everything to ease the boy's tension towards him. The two ate every meal together, watched movies, and Nicholas recounted tales of his adventures with Aurora and their friends.
Francesco engaged his father readily in conversation, and the duo talked at length over the two days they spent together. Nicholas didn't have an interesting hobby like Logan. He preferred to spend money collecting limited-edition products. Try as he might, Francesco found it difficult to converse with his father. They had nothing in common. Neither sports, games, entertainment, nor interests. Nicholas also talked in a boastful tone about his achievements. These amounted to nothing more than getting his way through his family's name and influence. As such, their conversations were often one-sided, with him talking and Francesco occasionally asking questions.
Following Nicholas' openness with him, Francesco tried to find out about his mother. But every time he asked, Nicholas would brush him aside, saying she was fine and recovering. Nicholas defended his actions towards Aurora, saying that sometimes she was difficult to speak with and that she was more open afterwards.
"Your mother is a masochist." He smiled. "Being rough is the best way to get through to her."
A cold calm washed over the boy at his father's words. His mind was clear and unbothered. "Mom doesn't like being called a masochist," he said coldly.
"Of course she does. Aurora's always been a masochist; she's never denied it."
"She doesn't want to marry you."
"That's not true. I've known your mother for more than twenty years. She just likes to play difficult. This is all a game to us. Women love it when we give chase. Never forget that." Nicholas said, shaking an enthusiastic finger at his son. "We're meeting your grandparents tomorrow. Your grandfather will sort out Logan, then announce our wedding officially." Nicholas stroked Francesco's head. "You're the pride and joy of the Baggio and Olíveira Groups. We will finally be a family."
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Francesco stared silently at Logan as the helicopter zoomed over the Italian landscape. But Logan wasn't looking at him; his eyes were locked on Aurora, who sat between Francesco and Nicholas. She was awake, but her eyes were lifeless, and her face was expressionless. She looked like a mannequin. She had been like that since they met at the airport an hour ago. She hadn't looked at Francesco or Logan, nor did she say anything to them. She just stared blankly ahead. Because of her state, she was in a wheelchair.
Nicholas took her hand in his, kissing her fingers and making promises about their future. Francesco, too, held his mother's hand, hoping to offer her some support. But Aurora's hand hung loose in his. Logan was right; he could protect her. The boy squeezed his mother's hand and leaned his head on her shoulder. He would protect her.
The helicopter landed at the house where Francesco had lived. But the number of security guards was greater than the detail he had been assigned. There were guards every five steps, and clusters of them were discussing and then splitting up.
Luciano and Claudia greeted them along with an unfamiliar couple and Sophia. Sophia winked at Francesco when their eyes met but otherwise maintained her serious look. Claudia and Luciano didn't react when their eyes connected with Francesco's; their focus was on Nicholas, who walked up to them. The two unknown faces were Nicholas' parents, Raul Olíveira and Frieda Huber-Olíveira. Nicholas greeted his parents, and he proudly greeted Luciano and Claudia.
"Father. Mother." He said with a wide smile as he shook Luciano's hand and hugged Claudia.
Aurora exhaled a sharp, trembling breath. Francesco turned to his mother. That was the first time she gave any reaction. Aurora remained mannequin still, but tears ran from her right eye.
"Mom?" The boy whispered.
Francesco cast an anxious look at his grandparents.
"Piccola?" Claudia called over Nicholas' ramblings.
"Sophia!" Luciano ordered.
Sophia hugged Aurora and whispered something softly against her ear before pushing the wheelchair into the house.
"She's fine. She had a respiratory attack a few days ago, so she's still recovering. Conserving energy so she doesn't have another attack." Nicholas explained.
Luciano called his grandson to his side, and Claudia embraced and kissed the boy. "I'm glad you are back safely." His grandmother said, teary-eyed.
"He'll always be safe with me. Right Adam?"
Nicholas proudly rubbed the back of the boy's head, but Claudia slapped his hand away. "You're the one who took him from me!" She spat.
"Just a father anxious to see his son." He answered defensively.
"Father?!"
Nicholas smiled. "We should all sit down and talk."
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