The Five Years He Missed Chapter 05

The Five Years He Missed Chapter 05

After getting Brianna to safety, Dominic tried to go back. Firefighters held him. “You’re insane! You’ll die!”

“My wife and son are in there!”

“Look!” One pointed.

Through the window, a rope of knotted sheets hung down. I was climbing with Luca on my back, inch by inch. He was so brave—small face white, but he didn’t cry.

Dominic rushed over. I hit the ground with my last strength, saw his panicked face, and blacked out.

When I woke, the room smelled of antiseptic. I stared at the ceiling, then shot up. “Luca—”

“He’s next door. Fine.” Dominic’s voice was hoarse. He sat by the bed, dark circles under his eyes. He looked relieved to see me awake, then his jaw tightened. “Why did you climb down? I told you to wait.”

My voice was flat. “I don’t trust you.”

“What? Why don’t you trust me?!” Dominic stared, incredulous.

“You said you wouldn’t see Brianna. A few months later, you were tangled up with her again. You said you’d spend our anniversary with me, but on the day, you ran off to set off fireworks for Brianna. The day Luca had a high fever, you took Brianna’s call, said you’d be right back, and never came.”

There was so much, I’d lost count. Dominic froze, a little lost. “I…”

I cut him off. “It’s fine. I don’t blame you. You love Brianna so much—I’ll set you free. After Luca’s surgery, we divorce.”

Second time. Dominic frowned, still dismissive. “I know you’re hurting, but don’t threaten me. You can’t survive outside this family.”

I closed my eyes and said nothing more.

Dominic didn’t push. Over the next days, he took care of me, cooked for me, fed me medicine. I ignored him. He brought Luca, had him coax me. “Mommy’s mad at Daddy. Luca, help Daddy cheer her up, okay?”

“Luca is mad at Daddy, too. Daddy didn’t save Luca!” He was small but not stupid.

Dominic paused, guilt finally crossing his face. “Luca, Daddy was wrong. I swear I’ll never leave you two again. Cross my heart.”

Luca hesitated. “Really?” Then he forgave him, kissed his cheek, crawled into my lap. “Mommy, don’t be mad.”

I forced a smile. “I’m not angry.” Dominic softened.

Life almost felt normal again—until Brianna burst in, crying, “Elena, why did you frame me for arson?!”