4

I stood up, wiping my tears and making my way into the bathroom. I stood by the sink, sobbing quietly. I let out a loud sigh, splashing water on my face a couple of times before grabbing a cotton towel and wiping my hands and face before throwing it in the trashcan.

There was a loud flush and an old lady came out the cubicle. She must of heard me crying. She didn't look at me though, as I stared in the mirror at myself. She washed her hands, drying them before, touching my shoulder.

I looked her as she said, "dear, I couldn't help but hear your heated conversation with that young man." I blushed, "it's okay," I said, my voice shaky. "My husband cheated on me when I was young," she started, sighing. "It was with Sarah Longsdale. Every boy in town liked her. She was beautiful, more than me it was seem," she said chuckling as I gave her a sympathetic smile. "I walked in on them. I couldn't forgive him for six years." I was shocked "six years without George. All that time were were both beating ourselves up for it. When we met again I was angry but I forgave him because I knew that is how I would move on. Not forgiving holds us back." I nodded at her words. "Forgiving doesn't necessarily mean you have to be together, but me and George got back together. Years and years on. Now I have six children, now I have fifteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren." I gaped at her. This woman was strong.

"The point is, dear is that love always takes us to unexpected places. Never lose sight on what you love most. Forgiving will set you free. Whatever you feel, he feels too." She smiled at me once more before leaving the restroom before I could say anything.

She was right. What was I doing? Forgiveness would set me free, that was what my mother always told me. I walked out the restroom and scanned the cafe. The woman was nowhere to be seen. My eyes landed on Vincenzo. His head was in his hands, his back shaking slightly. My heart sunk at the sight.

I went to him, taking me seat. I touched his fingers, he lifted his head from his hands, his eyes red. I swallowed, giving him a small smile. "Vince. I want to forgive you," I said softly, placing my hand over his. "But I can't. I can't forget that easily. I need time. I . ." I exhaled slowly. "I do miss you but I can't be with you. When I see you, I keep replaying that scene in my head." He nodded, now holding my hand which I loved.

I looked at our hands clasped together. I squeezing his hand, "I hope that one day, I can hold your hand and not feel sad but happy to be with you." He nodded, I let go of his hand, standing up. I leaned over and planted kiss on his cheek, my lips lingering there for a moment, before I moved away, looking into his eyes one last time. I turned to move when he grabbed my hand, clutching it. "Mia cara, please." I looked at him through my glossy eyes.

I pecked his warm lips before turning and leaving. Once I got to the door I hesitated and looked back at him. Our eyes locked. I pushed the door opened, about to leave when I heard his voice.

"Mia," he started, I bit my lip, trying not to cry. "I will win you back." And with those words said I left, not looking back.

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