Chapter Seventy-nine: The Unraveling Truth

Rei’s Point of View

“I think … I think he’s left the building,” Salem said sadly.

My youngest son slowly slid off the bed and didn’t run to me. Salem ran to Xavier, who picked him up gently and held him while my son sobbed in his arms.

We all stood there, frozen, not quite sure what to do. The only one who seemed able to process and release any emotion was the youngest in the room, with a larger-than-life personality.

My heart, which was already broken, shattered further. I didn’t think it was possible to hurt even more than I already was. I was tired of being so strong. I didn’t want to be strong anymore.

I’ve got you. Be strong for the kids. Just for now, Rei. Let me give you the strength you need.

I didn’t understand why I felt X’s presence so strongly now, but it enveloped me like a warm embrace, making me feel safe and secure. This feeling helped me resist the pull of despair that surrounded me. I knew I couldn’t explain it, but his presence was enough. Maybe I was going insane, but I didn’t care at that moment. Deep down, I felt that even if I were overwhelmed by the weight of my new reality, X would save me, just as he always had.

“Mom, what happens now?” Shiloh asked.

I sighed. That was a good question I didn’t have the answer to.

“Your mother and Xavier will be coming back with us. It’s not safe for them anywhere else right now,” Aamon answered my daughter.

“Xavier, I know you have nothing with you, but we will take care of that. Just bring Rei to my home. Grace and I will bring the kids back with us,” my brother said to my boyfriend.

I have a brother. My boyfriend Xavier is holding my son and wiping away his tears. Yet, I still feel Xavier's arms around me, protecting me from myself and the overwhelming emotions that threaten to consume me. It's too much. This is all just too much.

Rei. Hold on just a little bit longer. Please.

I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing. I needed to breathe to remind myself that I was alive and would get through this: one more battle and hurdle. I was doing it for my kids and myself. I could fall apart, but not right now. X was right; I needed to hold on a little longer. I could do this.

“Mom?” Shiloh’s voice broke through my thoughts again, and I looked up to see my teenager gazing at me with worry.

“I’ll go with Xavier. Shiloh, could you please help your Aunt Grace and Uncle Aamon get the boys ready for bed? Xavier and I will be there shortly,” I said, blinking away my tears.

Shiloh nodded and kissed her great-grandfather’s cheek before walking to Xavier and gently taking her youngest brother from his arms. Salem didn’t want to leave Xavier, but my boyfriend assured him he would be at the house soon. I tried not to show that I was hurt that Salem didn’t go to me, but Onyx sensed it and hugged me before leaving with Grace and Aamon. My best friend hadn’t tried to talk to me again, which was wise. I didn’t trust myself to speak with her right now.

I knew that arrangements would be made for the body. I saw the bodyguards standing outside the room, speaking with hospital personnel. Everyone would know soon that I was a part of the Brzezinski family. I wondered what Mary would say. But then I started to laugh, realizing she wouldn’t give a shit and, if anything, would think it was cool.

Xavier looked at me concerned but didn’t say anything. He also didn’t approach me. I was equal parts hurt and relieved. Fuck, my heart and head hurt so much. But it was funny, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Mary,” I managed to say amid bursts of hysterical laughter.

“What about Mary? Do you want me to check if she's working?” Xavier asked, his eyes filled with concern over how I was behaving.

“No, she’s not working tonight. Mary worked earlier in the day. I was just thinking about how she would react to finding out that I’m the granddaughter of Kazimierz Brzezinski. She’d probably ask if I get any discounts or say something silly to make me feel better,” I sputtered between laughs.

Xavier's mouth began to curve into a smile, and soon he was laughing as well. Although he had only met Mary once, he was sure she would have plenty to say about this revelation and how it could benefit me and her.

I wiped the tears from my eyes and looked at my grandfather. I was unsure about the traditions of my new family. Would it be a funeral where strangers gathered to pay their respects, with the Don displayed in a casket before being laid to rest? Or would he be cremated, his remains kept in an urn forever? There was so much I didn’t know about my new family and, ultimately, my new life. Like my daughter before me, I kissed his cold cheek, then turned away and sought comfort in Xavier’s arms, just as my youngest child had.

Xavier’s Point of View

I didn’t know what to say; the words to comfort him just didn’t come. I was surprised that Salem had run to me. I fully expected him to go to his mom or even Grace, but it was me, Rei’s youngest son, who was seeking comfort. He held on to me tightly as if he feared I would leave, too. I didn’t want to go; I already knew I wanted forever with Rei. I just didn’t know what she wanted anymore. I had hurt her, and she was angry and overwhelmed right now.

I was genuinely concerned when she started laughing hysterically until she explained why. Then I couldn’t help but laugh as well. I could completely picture Mary making some silly comment, mainly to ease the worry in Rei’s eyes. It was comforting to see that even though Mary wasn’t physically there, she still could help Rei find humor in a terrible situation.

And then she was in my arms—my love, my life, my everything. I held onto her while Rei cried, sobbing and allowing herself to feel all that pain. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the depth of her suffering, and she still didn’t know everything that had happened. I could only hope that Rei would forgive me. I loved her enough to walk away if that’s what she truly wanted. I would never love anyone like I loved Rei, but I would go if she didn’t want me.