Chapter 7. Father, Mother, and Daughter

VESTA

My breath had almost ceased by the time I reached the door of my beloved’s abode. I banged on it impatiently, and before long, it went ajar, revealing my man. My beautiful man. He was topless, with my daughter in his arms. Their rosy hair complemented each other, and their charming smiles were enough to calm a raging storm.

“What’s wrong, Vesta?” Marcellus’ face waned at the sight of me. But instead of wasting my time or his, I grabbed my daughter from his arms.

“Please help me pack the bags. We must leave Rome now.”

“Sweetheart, can you not hear the bell ringing?”

“Marcellus!” I yelled, forcing him to cringe. Realizing this, I raised my voice at him. My legs weakened, and my heart grew heavy. I took a deep breath and lowered my voice. “I’m sorry, honey. But please take a look at my face, do my bidding, and ask questions later…”

“Mummy!” my daughter’s voice sang in my ears, cutting me off as her tender lips caressed my neck. My heart melted,