Wednesday, October 7th, 2020

Kina's POV

"Daddy, can you help me over to the bed?"

"Of course, Kina."

After my dad helped me onto the bed, I pulled the cover over my face and cried until my eyes hurt.

My mom tried to pull the covers away, but I didn't let her.

"Please, I just want to be alone. Mom, can you take Natalia for a walk? I want to be alone now."

I immediately began crying again as soon as Pops and my parents walked out of the room. I can't believe I am a widow after being married for just one year. ONE FREAKING YEAR!

I no longer have my husband. Natalia will NEVER see her dad. Is this a nightmare?!

Someone walked into the room. "Whoever you are, please leave me alone. I'm not in the mood to be watched or stared at!"

Whoever it was didn't say a word. They sat on my bed and peeled back the cover. It was Jayce. He was crying too as he pulled me into a hug. The floodgates of my tears fell onto Jayce's shirt.

"I'm so sorry, Kina. I tried to do all that I could to save Dario."

"Jayce, I am a widow after being married for one year. And, I know you tried to help Dario. I'm not upset or mad at you. When I signed up to be a bodyguard, one of the questions that Pops asked me several times was 'Am I willing to risk my life to protect another?' My answer was yes every time. I know for sure he asked Dario. Being a bodyguard is a dangerous line of work, but I love it. Dario loved it too. Jayce, what happened at the hotel?"

I held on tight to Jayce as he answered my question.

"It happened so fast. We were waiting for the Escalade at the valet stand. All of a sudden, shots were fired in our direction. We all dropped to the ground. But when I glanced at Dario, I saw that he was shot in the chest. I tried to contain the bleeding but I couldn't. I watched my friend die before my eyes. Those bullets were meant for me. I know it. Once again, someone I care about gets hurt."

Jayce and I became quiet while continuing to hug each other. He needs support too. How can I be so calm after hearing that my husband of one year is dead?

"Jayce, stop it. It hurts so much that Dario passed away. Natalia will never get to spend time with her dad. I would have felt the same pain if it was you. You're one of my best friends."

"You consider me to be one of your best friends?"

"Yes, I do. We may have started off on the wrong foot, but look at us now? Jayce, like I said, you need support too."

"You're special, Kina. Always remember that."

******

12:00 pm

Jayce's POV

Kina cried herself to sleep about an hour ago. Natalia is in her bassinet, asleep as well. I couldn't sleep after witnessing Dario's murder. That's exactly what it was because whoever did this was intent on killing someone. They will pay for what they have done.

I postponed my trip to my parent's house. I talked to my mother, who was terrified and upset about what happened. I told her I was okay physically. But mentally is a whole different story.

Kina's mom came into the room.

"Jayce, son, what are your parents' names? We'll have them picked up from the airport."

"Their names are Oliver and Madeleine Sterling. I have a picture of them on my phone. They are flying from KC tomorrow
morning."

"Okay. Don't rush. Kina is right. Jayce, you need support too. You're not alone. If you ever need someone to talk to or cry with you, call me. I'll give you my number."

"Every time I try to close my eyes, I see Dario being shot. I have flashbacks of Kina being shot too. I feel terrible."

"Jayce, neither incident is your fault. I don't want you to ever believe that. There are sick people in society who want to bring harm to others. Dario and Kina are dedicated to their work. Sure, it's dangerous. But Dario and Kina had what it takes to become a bodyguard. I still worry about Kina. But she can handle herself."

"It still doesn't take away the fact that Dario and Kina were shot while being my bodyguards."

"I know it's easy to say, but try and get some rest. I asked if another bed can be brought into the room. One should be on its way. I'll stay in the room with you. Natalia will probably wake up soon for her bottle."

On cue, Natalia began fidgeting in her bassinet. But Kina also woke up, screaming.

"Jayce, can you take care of Natalia?"

"Of course." After all, I made a promise to Dario before he passed away. I grabbed a bottle from the mini-fridge and then went to pick up Natalia. We took a short walk to the rocking chair.

Natalia tried to hold her bottle again. She is the most adorable baby I have ever met. Yes, my cousins have children, but as babies, not one of them can top Natalia.

Pops entered the room. He looks defeated as well. "I can officially confirm that it was Dario that passed." He sat on the sofa and ran his hands through his hair.

Kina's doctor came into the room. "Kina, I'm so sorry for your loss. If anyone in the family needs anything, please let me know."

"We need more bottles for Natalia. There are two left in the mini-fridge."

"I'll have the nurse get some more bottles."

After Doctor Chapman left, Kina's dad came into the room.

"There is a media hoard already in front of the hospital. I gave them a statement and emphasized respecting our privacy at this time. There are so many bouquets of flowers that I couldn't bring all of them to the room. Mike and Josh are taking them to the hotel."

Through her tears, Kina replied, "I refuse to go back to that hotel. I just can't. I don't want to see the spot where Dario died."

I agree. I can't go there either.

Pops added, "There's a penthouse in the downtown area we can use. The penthouse has plenty of space and rooms for everyone. Chaotic owns the building. I'll have a team pack up everything and move it. Jayce, we'll move your things too."

"Thank you."

I just gazed at Natalia while she drank her bottle. I felt tears falling down my cheeks. This beautiful baby girl will never get to see her father. I can't help but feel terrible.

"Jayce, can you bring Natalia to me?"

"Of course. Natalia just finished her bottle."

Natalia and I walked over to Kina. After Kina put a blanket over her shoulder, I handed Natalia to her.

"Natalia, princess, it's just the two of us. I'm going to find who took Dario away from us. Count on it."

*************

Thursday, October 8th, 2020

Kina's POV

I have not gotten an ounce of sleep since yesterday afternoon. I'm the most miserable person on the entire planet.

I'm glad Jayce is here, but I glanced over at him several times throughout the night to see him tossing and turning.

I heard a knock on the door. My parents came into the room.

"We brought some clothes for you and Natalia."

"Thank you. Before we leave this hospital, I want to see Dario's body."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Daddy, can you help me off the bed? And, mom, can you help me change into my outfit?"

"Of course, Kina."

My dad came over to my bed and helped me stand up. My mom then helped me walk to the bathroom to get dressed.

After washing up, mom helped me put my clothes on. She then packed my bag and we left the bathroom.

Doctor Chapman came into my room.

"Good morning, Kina. I have release papers for you and Natalia."

Doctor Chapman handed me a pen and the release papers. After signing the release papers, I handed them back to her.

"Thank you, Doctor Chapman."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Here is my card. Please let me know if I can help in any way."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"Kina, honey, have a seat in the wheelchair while I get Natalia ready."

"Okay, mom."

Doctor Chapman left the room. After 20 minutes, mom placed Natalia in her carrier. We all then left the room.

"Pops and dad, will you come with me?"

"We'll be right by your side, Kina."

Doctor Chapman escorted us to the morgue. My dad helped me stand up, then I linked arms with him and Pops as we walked inside the morgue.

My eyes immediately went to the body on the table that was covered with a white blanket. I didn't think I had any more tears left but they sure were streaming down my eyes.

I unlinked my arms with my dad and Pops. I slowly pulled back the white blanket to reveal my dead husband. After crying into my dad's chest, I tried to compose myself as best as I could. That idea didn't work.

"Dario, I know you can't hear me, but I wanted to talk to you for the last time. I feel miserable without you. Of course, I have the family and my friends, but they are not you. Jayce is also upset about what happened and blames himself. But you knew the risk, and I know the risk of being a bodyguard. I lost the best thing that has happened to me. Natalia is never going to see how wonderful of a dad you were going to be. It's going to be hard raising her without you by my side. I love you so much. I know you would tell me not to be sad, but I can't. I'm going to find out who took you away from us, Dario. That is a promise. Goodbye, my charming, Italian king."

I turned to Pops this time and cried into his chest. My father pulled the blanket back over Dario.

"We sure are going to find out who did this to Dario. Count on it, Kina."

"I'm not ready to go back to Miami. I just can't."

"Let's get you to the penthouse and we can talk more there."

"Okay."

************

The ride to the penthouse felt long and lonely. I flew to Chicago as a married woman and was due to deliver my baby. I will be leaving Chicago as a widow with my newborn baby.

Dad drove the Escalade into a private entrance of an amazingly tall skyscraper. Natalia didn't cry once since we left the hospital. So far, she sleeps well throughout the night, except for when she wants a bottle.

After everyone finished parking, my dad helped me out of the Escalade. My mom carried Natalia.

"Where is Jayce?"

"Jayce is already in the penthouse with his parents."

"Okay. Pops, I want Dario to be buried in his hometown. It wouldn't feel right to bury him in the U.S."

"We'll take care of that for you. Come on, let's get you upstairs."

My dad carried me over to the elevator. "Thank you, daddy. You didn't have to do that."

"You're welcome, Kina. And I know. But I vowed to always take care of my kids. Besides, this brings back memories of caring you as a little girl."

"I'm not going to protest." I rested my head on my dad's chest as we got onto the elevator. It took us to the top floor.

The elevator immediately opened at the penthouse. Wow. My dad carried me over to the couch. Natalia started crying, so it's now feeding time.

"Can someone bring me a bottle for Natalia?"

My mom handed Natalia to me and my dad walked into the kitchen.

"Kina, Kalisa, and the family are flying to Chicago. They will be here this evening. Reece is coming with them too."

"Okay." My dad handed me the bottle for Natalia. I started crying again because I am staring at Dario. Natalia looks just like her dad.

Jayce and his parents came from the kitchen. His mom sat next to me and hugged me. "Jayce told me what happened. I'm so sorry, sweetie. Just let us know what we can do. Jayce was right - Natalia is a beautiful baby."

"Thank you, Mama Maddy. You're welcome to hold her." Natalia was mad when I took the bottle out of her mouth. I quickly handed her to Jayce's mom, then put the bottle back into her mouth.

I patted the other side of the couch for Jayce to sit. He hesitated for a minute, then sat down.

"Can everybody give me some space so I can talk to Jayce?"

Everyone left the living room so I could talk to Jayce.

"Jayce, why did you hesitate?"

"Haven't I hurt you enough? I even remember the time I wished death on you because you were my female bodyguard. What happened to Dario is going to terrorize me forever."

"That I told you was in the past, and needs to stay there. But Jayce, a part of me felt hurt that you hesitated. I thought I did something wrong." I rested my head on his shoulder and started crying again.

"I'm sorry, Kina. I really am. You didn't do anything wrong. It's me. I've never been scared of anything until now. I already called my agent and Sam about taking a break from acting. I just can't get this out of my head, watching Dario on the ground, bleeding to death."

"Jayce, what did I tell you at the hospital?"

"That it's not my fault."

"I'm going to tell you again ‐ I will never be mad at you. I need you and everyone in the penthouse to help me through this tragedy. You need everyone too. I understand you want to take a break. But, Jayce, don't quit. That's what those thugs want. They want both of us to quit. I am never going to quit. Promise me you won't quit, or I will harass you forever."

"Okay, I promise I will not quit. It's just that I see how calm you are, and it hurts."

"I have to be as calm as I can so that I can take care of Natalia. She is my top priority. I have had my moments and will continue to have them. Will you help me to one of the bedrooms on the first floor? I need to lay down."

"Of course."

Jayce stood up first, then he helped me stand up. We slowly walked to the closest bedroom we could find. After pulling the covers back, Jayce gently helped me sit on the bed. I rested my head on the pillow then Jayce pulled the covers over me.

"I'm going to sit in the rocking chair near the window."

The tears started flowing onto the pillow.

*******

5:00 pm

Jayce's POV

I stared out the window the whole time while sitting in the room. It felt like I was in a trance, just thinking about my life and what's happened this week. I was snapped out of that trance when I saw Kina sit up quickly. She began screaming, "NO, Dario! NO!"

Simeon and Tauni ran into the room.

"Kina, sweetheart, it's okay. Mama is right here." Tauni pulled Kina in to hug. My heart has shattered into a million pieces seeing Kina lose Dario.

"It's not okay, mom. My husband is dead! Dario is dead!" Kina said as she cried into her mom's chest.

"Sweetheart, how about we take you and Natalia with us to New York for a visit? We'll fly out tomorrow morning. I'll stay in the room with you tonight."

Kina shook her head to say yes. "Someone has to get Beau, Bentley, and Blaze. I want them with me."

"We'll take care of that for you. Jayce , you and your parents are welcome to come too. We have plenty of room in the house."

"Thanks for the offer. I'll check with them."

I left the room to find my parents. They were sitting in the living room. My mom was still holding Natalia. I sat next to my mom and rested my head on her shoulder.

"Hey, Jayce. Natalia is a sweet little girl. She's stayed with me since earlier today. I'm not going to ask how you're feeling because I already know."

"You're right. It's bringing back memories of what happened to Skylar. (Jayce's younger sister passed away.) It hurt with Skylar, and it hurts watching Dario pass away."

"Jayce, your father and I took time off to spend time with you. We knew this would be hard for you because of the accident that took Skylar away from us. Son, we'll always be there for you. Are you going back to Miami?"

"I have something to ask you. I'm traveling to New York with Kina's family. We're leaving in the morning. Will you come with me?"

"Of course, we'll come. It's been a while since we've been to New York."

Kina and her parents walked into the living room. "Thank you for taking care of Natalia, Mama Maddy."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Natalia is a sweetheart. And, we would love to come to New York."

Kina sat down on the loveseat. My mom then stood up and gave Natalia to Kina. Twenty minutes later, Reece, and Kina's brothers and sisters, entered the penthouse.

Kina's POV

"You guys are going to have to sit next to me to hug me. I just sat down about 30 minutes ago."

Reece, Ky, and Sage came too. Everyone took a turn to hug me. "Thank you all for coming, but we are flying back to New York in the morning. Sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Sis. It's okay. Wherever you go, we'll be there for you and Natalia."

"Thanks, Kalisa. Now, who wants to hold Natalia first? I'm hungry."

They all raised their hand like kids in school. I managed to chuckle.

"I'll get you something to eat, Kina."

"Thanks, Sage."

I handed Natalia to Kalisa since she was already on the couch with me. "Hi, there, pretty girl. I'm your Auntie Kalisa. Auntie is so happy to hold you in her arms. Yes, I am."

Natalia started making little noises like she was talking back to my sister. Sage came back with some food.

"Thanks."

Mama Giorgia made lasagna. It is the best lasagna I've ever tasted. And my mom made jerk chicken with peas and rice. I must have been hungry because I scarfed that food down quickly. I'll probably have heartburn later.

"Can one of you guys help me up? I need to move around a little. And I want to talk to Reece."

Reece helped me up, and we walked slowly to the library in the penthouse. We sat on the couch in the room.

"Reece, can you do a favor for me?"

"Of course, Kina. What's up?"

"Keep an eye out on Jayce. Jayce saw Dario drop to the ground. He tried his best to help Dario until the paramedics came. Jayce keeps blaming himself for what happened. I tried to reassure him that I don't blame him for Dario passing away. Dario and I knew the risk of being a bodyguard."

"Of course, Kina. I hope this doesn't sound insensitive, but how are you feeling?"

I rested my head on Reece's shoulder and cried. Reece wrapped his arm around me.

"It's not insensitive. And, so far everyone is afraid to ask me that question. Thank you for asking. It hurts so much, Reece. I can't sleep much. And every time I try to sleep, I have a nightmare. And my eyes hurt from crying so much. Dario and I had so many plans for our future. Natalia looks so much like him. It's going to be hard, but I need to be strong so I can raise my daughter."

"Kina, you're one of the strongest women I know. If you need anyone to scream or yell at, call me. Jayce and I will chat on our way to New York."

"Thanks, Reece. I'm going to stay in here for some quiet time."

Reece hugged me before he left the room. I just need to be alone for a little bit.

**********

Friday, October 9th, 2020

9:00 am

Thank goodness we got an early flight. As we pulled up to the private airport entrance, there was a hoard of media people standing near the gate. What part of what my father said don't they get? How did they even find out we were catching a flight out of Chicago?!

Natalia was fast asleep in her carrier. Now here comes the hard part for me - walking up the stairs to Jayce's plane. We had to rake two separate flights. Jayce, his parents, my parents, Natalia, Reece, Kalisa, and I are flying on his plane. The rest of the family is flying with Pops.

My dad helped me out of the Escalade. My mom carried Natalia onto the plane. "Uh, daddy, the steps look high. I just delivered Natalia, remember?"

Jayce came over and said, "Wrap your arms around my neck. I'll carry you. "

I'm not going to protest. After wrapping my arms around Jayce, he effortlessly carried me up the stairs to the plane.

"Thanks, Jayce. Uh, when we land in New York, you know you have to do this again, right?"

"Yup. I'll be right back." Jayce walked to the cockpit. He came back within 15 minutes.

"Everyone can buckle up now. We are ready for takeoff."

The seatbelt sign began flashing. Once everyone buckled up, the sign went off. I'll wait until we are in the air to tell Jayce what I decided.

The pilot started the plane and we taxied to the runway. We're on our way to New York.

"Jayce, I need to tell you something."

"Sure. What's up?"

"I decided that Natalia and I are moving."

**************