Hold Me, Then Hurt Me

In his office, my father's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's.

"Harper, you need to think this through."

"Our legitimate businesses in Europe are the family's future, but they are also our soft underbelly."

He tapped the mahogany desk.

"For these four years, I will not provide you with any of the family's muscle. If you can't carve out a piece of the European market for us, then don't bother coming back."

"The Costello family has no need for pretty ornaments. If you return a sheep, I will find a more capable wolf to inherit my empire."

I looked at my father intently.

In my past life, I always thought he only cared about business, that he was indifferent to me.

That was why I was drawn to Rocco's twisted affection like a moth to a flame.

But I understand now. That wasn't it.

He loves me.

Just in his own way.

I spoke softly. "Don't worry, Papa."

I'll prove it to you.

Back in my bedroom, I pulled out a suitcase.

I didn't pack anything related to Rocco, only a few tailored suits and necessary documents.

Unexpectedly, Rocco walked in without knocking.

He was holding a box of my favorite French macarons. Seeing me packing, he immediately came over and gently took my wrist. "Harper?"

He sighed. "How long are you going to keep this up?"

"Where are you going with all this luggage? Are you running away just to make a point?"

I didn't look at him, continuing to fold a silk blouse. "I'm going on a trip."

Rocco's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. He clearly thought I was just going on a vacation to blow off steam.

"A trip? That's fine. Go shop, relax. But how long will you be gone?"

"A few months," I said indifferently.

Rocco's brow furrowed instantly, his displeasure evident. "A few months? Harper, don't be childish. You're going to miss the wedding."

"There's no one to take care of you over there, no one to peel your shrimp, no one to even pick you up when it rains."

"Or is it... you just can't stand seeing me and Clara together?"

I remained silent.

How could I explain to him that my life was about more than petty jealousy? That it included my education, my career, and a much bigger future.

But in Rocco's eyes, my silence was an admission of guilt.

He glanced around anxiously, his gaze finally landing on the exquisite pistol case in the trash can. He was stunned.

It was his coming-of-age gift to me, a gun he had personally placed by my pillow, saying it would protect my dreams in his place.

Rocco's gentle mask finally cracked.

"You threw it away?"

"Harper, that was my gift to protect you. You said you would keep it forever."

I calmly closed my suitcase and snapped the latches shut.

"I've grown up, brother."

"Besides, I'm going to Europe. It would just collect dust at home. Better to get rid of it now."

Rocco was speechless.

After a long pause, he managed to force out a few words. "Fine, Harper. Just fine!"

"Go on your little vacation. But when you're done throwing your tantrum, you come back."

He leaned in, whispering by my ear, "My little princess, when you can't take it anymore, don't try to handle it on your own. You call me, and I'll have someone bring you back."

"And another thing, don't mess around out there. If I find out you've slept with some random guy just to spite me..."

His fingers squeezed my shoulder hard, leaving a sharp pain.

"I'll kill him."

I almost scoffed. This time, Rocco, you were completely wrong.

In addition to my studies, my father has also tasked me with managing our overseas assets. I doubt I'll have time for anything else.

Three days later, the estate was ablaze with lights for Rocco and Clara's engagement party.

All the bodyguards had been reassigned to the front of the house to maintain order, and my father was still tied up with complicated family business.

I changed into a black trench coat and, dragging my suitcase, slipped quietly out a side door.

I got into the car that was waiting to take me to the airport, never looking back.

Inside the grand hall, the engagement party was in full swing.

Rocco stood at the center of the room, his arm around Clara's waist. But his eyes kept darting toward the staircase, searching for a figure that wasn't there.

"It's a shame Harper isn't here," Rocco said to a group of family associates, his voice tinged with nonchalance,"She's still throwing a tantrum. Gone on some vacation."

The group fell silent. They exchanged awkward glances, looking at Rocco as if he were the only one not in on a joke.

"Vacation?" one of the older Capos asked, staring at Rocco weirdly. "Don't you know?"

"Know what?" Rocco's frown deepened.

"Harper isn't on vacation," the Capo said, "She's been admitted to London Business School. The Don has signed over full control of the European Business to her."

"She left on a one-way ticket an hour ago. I doubt she'll ever come back to New York."