14. Control

"We need to report this to the police Mom," I say to her.

"No-no, there's no need for that," She says shaking her head vigorously. She looked distressed.

"What do you mean there's no need? This is a serious matter, I'll just grab my phone from my bag and tell them about this," I retorted, rummaging through my bag for my phone.

"No, Emily. You will do no such thing. Don't involve the police in this situation," my mother insisted, her tone becoming more serious.

I am taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor as I look at her in astonishment.

I look at my phone and then back at her. I didn't know what to do.

"Okay Mom, let's just wait for Giovanni to come back home." I finally say, dropping my phone.

She nods her head. I spend the rest of the day, telling her about father's company, Salma, Reynolds. I talked about anything, trying to get her mind off the message.

It wasn't until evening that Giovanni arrived. I was so relieved to see him that I didn't know what came over me as I