Authors: Melita Joy
“It would seem that way,” Renato agreed. “Shortly before you were conceived your mother met another man. He was her age and single. From what she said, he was quite taken with her, and your mother had an idea of forming a relationship with this guy to make Vittorio jealous. Soon after meeting him she let him into her bed the only flaw in her plan was that she fell pregnant almost immediately.”
“Oh no, so in that case she couldn’t have been sure herself who my father was,” Leilani realised.
“I think that was true initially. Realising that she would be better off claiming you as Vittorio’s, she confronted him with her pregnancy. She possibly thought he would now leave Lucia,” he added.
“Oh what a mess,” Leilani thought aloud.
“ Vittorio confronted Lucia with the news that he was to be a father to Rosa’s child and once again pressured for a divorce. I have to hand it to Lucia though she absolutely would not let go of him. When it came to being ruthless, I think she outdid him. She eventually conceded that Rosa could live on the property and once you were born you were often allowed into the house in a nursery of your own,” Renato was now reminiscing.
“You were living here at that time; I remember that you once told me that you remembered me as a small infant,” Leilani was feeling involved in the story.
“You were a beautiful baby. I didn’t tell you all that I remembered from that day though. After letting you wrap your tiny little fingers around mine Vittorio, entered the room followed by a raging Rosa. She was swearing and cursing him, and he instructed me to leave the room. My nanny at the time took my hand and led me out of the room. After that day, you were gone. After a while, you left my memory banks until the day Vittorio asked me to go collect you and marry you. On that day I remembered you, the memories came flooding back,” he thought back to that fateful day when Vittorio demanded he marry Leilani.
“We must have left immediately for Australia,” she tried to time the events.
“Yes, that’s what happened. Vittorio sent you both off with a plane ticket and a small amount of money to get you started in Australia. I think your mother used that money as a down payment on her house. Rosa was a beautiful woman, and she soon found your step dad who was willing to take her in even though she had a baby,” he continued.
“I know it’s mean to say this, but sometimes I wish he hadn’t have come into our lives at all.” She felt bad saying it because you weren’t supposed to speak ill of your parents. Even though he wasn’t blood related, he was still the man who raised her and to date the only father she knew.
Renato took her hand in his and held her gently. “Here is the thing. When Vittorio and I went to talk to Rosa, some interesting revelations occurred. If we hadn’t have turned up who knows, it might never have come to light.”
“What did you find out?” she asked with impatience.
“When your mother met Franco she mentioned that your real father was Vittorio Favalli. His business was well known at that point in Italy and starting to build globally. What Rosa didn’t know is that Franco had gambling problems and throughout the entire marriage she never found out,” he stated.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked with uncertainty. “I have to say the man wasn’t very nice, but I never saw any indication that he had gambling issues,” she was dubious.
“Rosa was astounded herself having lived with the man for over twenty-five years. What she didn’t realise is that the entire time they were together Franco was sending fraudulent letters to Franco pretending to be your mother. Over the years, he managed to extract hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
“Good grief,” Leilani found this news difficult to comprehend. “How on earth did he keep it a secret from my mother? Surely she would have noticed the money going into their bank account? I know they had a joint bank account, one of those old passbook type accounts. I kept telling mum that she should update and make her life easier with a key card account. However, she remains sceptical of technology and would rather walk to the post office to pay her bills in person,” Leilani recounted.
Renato smiled at his wife, “That’s exactly how he kept her in the dark. Franco told Rosa that he had to have another account for his employer to deposit his salary. That it was mandatory and not to worry because he would have the bank automatically move the money into their joint account. Your mother said the money was always in their joint account the day after his pay day like clockwork.”
Leilani nodded her head intrigued by the story, which was ultimately the story of her life.
“From the very first letter Franco forged he asked Vittorio to ensure that all money be deposited into that account. Vittorio was told that it would upset Rosa’s husband to see the money coming from him. Vittorio was given a post office box email address as well. That way they could continue to correspond without upsetting her new family,” Renato stated and squeezed his eyes shut to remember the tale.
“Who would have believed him capable though, it’s just crazy,” she was amazed that he had gotten away with it for so many years. For her entire life if this story was true.
“This is the important part for you to know,” he paused capturing her full attention before going on. “Vittorio sent you money, presents and even letters throughout the years. Apparently all of it was sent to the post office box address, and I believe from what Rosa has said none of it got to you?”
“Not a single letter,” she confirmed. “I can’t believe it. I wasn’t even Vittorio’s and he was helping me all these years. Didn’t he tire of sending communications that I never responded to?” she asked.
“He is not an overly emotional man and no doubt his letters wouldn’t have been all that sentimental, but he felt duty-bound and every special occasion he sent you a gift and a small card. He believed his money paid for a more than modest house, your education, clothing and many other needs of a growing girl into a woman,” he stated softly.
“I feel awful. It seems I have more in common with him than I first thought,” she softened towards the older man.
Renato stood up and walked around. “It’s taken me a lot longer to explain this than I thought,” he ran a hand through his hair.
“I appreciate it more than you would know. You’ve helped to unravel a lot of my past and I’m glad you took the time to do that for me,” she stood up and walked to him.
Taking both of her hands in his he looked at her in appeal. “Leilani, the thing is after all that you’ve been through I’ve gone and put you through more hurt. I forced you ruthlessly into marriage. I allowed Camilla to taunt you at the ball, and I let you walk away thinking that it didn’t matter to me,” his voice was lowered, but his eyes never left hers.
If they were to have a chance, then they would both need to open up and clear up any misgivings they had. “You knew about how Camilla was treating me that night of the ball?” she asked.
“I had some idea. I could feel a frost between the two of you, I knew something wasn’t right, but I need you to believe one thing. There never, there was never anything between her and me. She may have harboured romantic hopes or notions, but I never reciprocated,” he said vehemently.
Leilani searched his face and knew that she could trust him on this but before she could respond, he turned towards the window. Taking a moment he faced her once again and with her hands captured in his grip and his voice a gravelly whisper he called her, “La mia bella farfalla,” his beautiful butterfly. “How could I ever expect you to trust me when I’ve allowed my integrity with you to become shattered? I need you to know how much I love you but how could you believe a word I say after all my lies and manipulations,” his eyes misted, and her heart squeezed.
“I believe you,” she said so softly that when he didn’t respond she raised her voice and spoke clearly. “I believe you, and I do trust you and did you just say you love me?” she asked laughing with tears spilling down her cheeks.
“I said it, and I’ll say it many more times in our life if you allow me to stay married to you,” he smiled at her. “I can’t believe that you would trust me after all that I’ve done,” he looked in awe. “How can you forgive me?” he asked.
“There is nothing to forgive. When all is said and done, there were so many reasons for each of us to behave the way we did. Even I can’t claim to be entirely innocent. When you first pushed me into marriage, I thought that the money would help me in my efforts to find my real dad. So I guess even I am not above reproach,” she admitted.
Renato picked her up and whirled her around. “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he yelled loudly dropping her down almost to the ground before kissing her thoroughly.
Leilani reciprocated with every fibre of her being. She had finally found her home; she had found where she belonged.
EPILOGUE
A month later…
Leilani looked around the table at her wonderful if slightly unorthodox family. Her mother whom she’d very emotionally reconnected with sat across from Leilani and was seated next to Vittorio. The man could be a little frightening to some, but she knew better. He was deep down a softy and empowered with that knowledge, she could no longer take his bark seriously.
She had thanked him profusely for all that he’d done for her over the years. It didn’t matter to her that the money, the letter nor the presents had reached her. It was the thought that had honestly counted and knowing that he had gone to that effort for her meant everything. She had kissed him on his cheeks and flung her arms around him, embracing him in a hug to make up for all the missed years.
“You may not have been my real father, but you have shown me more love than any other supposed father I’ve had,” she stated sincerely. He’d gruffly accepted and promptly told her to quit her carry on about it.
To her right, pouring champagne for Rosa, Vittorio and himself was the love of her life, her adoring and much-adored husband. “I’m sorry, but sparkling apple juice will have to do for you,” he laughed.
She had given him a mock grimace before he proposed a toast. “I have something I’d like to say,” he stated somberly.
Renato had all of their attention before beginning. “I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my amazing wife,” he started. “As you are all aware, none more so than you, my sweetheart,” he gazed directly at her. “I began our relationship, well pretty poorly,” he openly admitted. “But you generously forgave not only me but I hope I can speak for all of us?” at Rosa and Vittorio’s nod. “You opened your heart to all of us here and allowed us to be your family.”
Tears were welling in her eyes at her husband’s beautiful, heartfelt words. “But Leilani it is us who are privileged to be allowed into your world. You show us daily how much you care, all the little things you do. We don’t want you to think that any of it goes unnoticed. Most women can talk the ear off a cob of corn,” they all laughed, “But you my sweet, you listen, you understand and you support and we don’t take that for granted. Now I could go on all day,” he proposed.
“Please have mercy on us,” Rosa laughed, beaming with pride at the both of them.
“Fine I will just say this. Leilani, I know we had an unconventional start to our marriage. However, I promise you this, I will never intentionally hurt you or let you down. I will be faithful all of my days and I will love you eternally,” he declared. “Oh and finally, I will love our baby and all future children to come,” he shouted proudly.
Leilani embraced her husband, and they kissed each other with genuine love.
“Break it up,” Vittorio demanded but his smile gave away his joy in the couple.
“I love you so much,” she stated simply. Her eyes shining with happiness she turned to the dinner that was being placed before them all.
“I’m so proud of the two of you,” Rosa stated a catch in her voice.
“It’s alright mum; I love you, and I’m so glad you are here,” she knew her mum still felt raw. It had been a great shock to find out that her husband of so many years had been a liar, a gambler and a thief. They hadn’t decided to press charges, but Rosa had up and left him.
Renato had been incredibly supportive and offered her a place in his home. “You are family,” he had comforted her mother. However, it turned out that she didn’t need the accommodation for long.
Leilani watched as her mother fussed over Vittorio during the meal. Their love had never actually died; the embers just needed a puff of oxygen to breathe life into flames.
“All this talk of love,” Vittorio was gruff. “You’ve turned my boy soft,” he declared.
“I hardly think so,” Leilani winked at her husband.
“Ha, that’s what you think,” Vittorio chose not to pay attention to her naughty wit. “You should have seen him when I got to him in the hospital before you arrived,” he revealed. “I thought he must be delusional, declaring his love for you and babbling about how you would never forgive him. The highlight though was him telling me to stuff the business where the sun doesn’t shine,” he roared with laughter.
“What, I haven’t heard this story. I thought there were no secrets,” she smiled. “Tell me everything,” she demanded.
“Renato was prepared to give everything up to convince you to be with him. He thought he needed to show you that he was willing to give it all up to prove his love for you,” the old man shook his head before continuing. “I may be a little set in my ways,” he admitted and they all laughed at the understatement.
“All right I’m set in my ways,” he went along with them. “I just wanted to say that son; I’m proud of you. You took a stand for what meant the most to you, and you demonstrated your love for your wife undisputedly,” he raised his glass towards Renato.
“Rosa,” he turned towards her mother. “I should have had the guts to follow through and claim you as my wife years ago,” her mother teared up and Vittorio pushed his chair back and stood up. “I’d get on one knee, but it’s a bit risky at my age,” he joked. Then more seriously, “Rosa I may not have all the romantic words of these young ones but I want to say this,” he paused and held her mother’s gaze. “I love you Rosa and I always have from the moment I first walked into the bakery in town and found you working behind the counter. You were a sassy young thing, and you developed into a fine, strong woman. I should never have dangled you along like I did, and it was my weakness and fear of failing that stopped me.
You’ve come back into my life, and it’s a second chance that I don’t deserve, but I’ll ask. Marry me, Rosa, my heart has always been yours,” he declared.
Her mother jumped up, “I used to dream of you saying those words to me and for years even after I married I would still fantasize. Yes, the answer is yes,” they hugged and kissed.
Renato topped up the champagne glasses it was a day to celebrate.
Not long after dinner Vittorio and Rosa took their leave and Renato and Leilani retired to their room. “I can’t believe how everything has turned out,” Leilani felt more content than ever.
“We have all been blessed,” Renato agreed. “Vittorio’s health has improved, and I’ve never seen him happier,” he stated.
“Is it true you were prepared to give up the business? What on earth would you have done without it?” she couldn’t even imagine him without it.
“It’s true and if you were to tell me to give it up now or to give you up I’d choose you in a heartbeat,” he declared. “The old saying is true; all the money in the world can’t buy happiness. Just take a look at Vittorio, he is living proof of it,” Renato verified.
“He sure does look a lot happier these days,” she agreed. “Well, you needn’t worry I would never make that demand of you. You’ve put your life into the business, both of you have, and I’m proud of all you’ve achieved,” she declared.
“As I’m proud of you, without you I doubt we’d have ever cracked that deal. I’m still in awe of how you handled all of us at the business dinner,” he reminded her.
“I was shaking in my boots,” she admitted. “He was a grouch and a half. Luckily enough he appreciated my interest in providing good service in my previous roles and a conversation was struck,” she secretly felt proud that she had been able to help her husband secure the deal.
“Well no more talk about other men,” he feigned jealousy. He kissed her gently clearly wanting to make love but hesitant.
“Are you worried about the baby,” they’d only had it confirmed that morning.
“I never want to do anything that hurts either of you,” he was so serious and she loved him for it.
“I know and with you to protect us both we couldn’t be more loved,” she took the lead and they made love slowly and sensually.
Six months later…
“Renato, it’s time,” she yelled.
Understanding her meaning, he ran into the room. “I’ll call a doctor,” he looked panicked.
“No, it’s fine. We will go to the hospital as planned,” she stated. She clutched her extended stomach and remembered her breathing instructions. The contraction slowly subsided as the look of alarm increased on Renato’s face.
They got into the car, “Wait I forgot my bag,” she exclaimed.
“I’ll get it later,” not wanting any further delays he started the engine immediately.
Two hours later they were the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl, Emilia Giada Favalli.
Holding his baby girl with pride and wrapped in her soft pink blanket Renato placed her into Leilani’s arms. “She’s adorable,” Leilani stated quietly, the pain of the birth already a distant memory.
“You are both beautiful,” Renato declared and hugged them both he knew that he would always treasure and love his precious family.