CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

SANDRO DAVALO

It's always his way!

Just as he had done with my brother, my father had called the next week, requesting that I come with Lara for dinner the next day. The moment I answered the phone, I could sense the authority in his voice. He spoke in a way that made it difficult for me to argue, even though my heart raced with reluctance.

“Lara and you are expected at our house tomorrow evening,” he said firmly. “7 pm,” he swiftly added.

“But Father, it’s too sudden!” I protested, trying to push back. My mind raced as I thought about the implications of the dinner. “Besides,...