a heavy heart and a mind swirling with thoughts of redemption. The gravel crunched under his shoes, a stark reminder of the

He knocked, the sound echoing louder than intended in the quiet morning air. Mei-Mei opened the door, her presence as formidable a

antino declared, his voice a mi

stance unyielding. "You're not welcome here, Santin

er flared at t

kuza ties? I came here for Ann,

rowed, a dangerous

This is my place, my rules. I put people lik

's anger, forcing him to reconsider his approa

t with Ann. I know I've done wrong, and I'

er expression unreadable. Finally, she s

ber one wrong move, and you're o

ceable, each step reminding him of the severity of his actions and the long road to potential forgi

y doing this because she needs to

dow, the morning light casting shadows that played across her thoughtful face. She looked up, a

d tone that made them both shiv

mouth to answer, bu

days. I've come a long way to see you and apologize. I know I

words. She then took one look at Mei-Mei lingered by the door

her gaze and look

Santino, asking he

ou can say it with me here. Unless you got a problem

h stare on each other for a couple of se

lright

sur

ld be fine. She then headed for the door but stopped with her

bag included." She said as she stepped out of t

e can talk."

at a simple "I'm sorry" is going to be enough? After the horrible things you did

n't take back but tell me what to d

ll this time you come all the way here t

nd slammed his fist

t I? What more do you

m in disgust and

started to care. That something changed in you." She walked

r word, she op

a proper conversation or make any amends. So, leave and

rience that she was not one to be convinced through force. Especially after everything that went down i

oom here." Said Santin

ious." She said i

ing back to that house without you."

She said before slammi

g a no for an answer, Santino sat in front of the door. He was going to wait for he

stairs and stopped at the end of the staircase, sho

oing to take a lot more than that to get Ann back." She sa

g to need

of surprise plast

She asked trying to make

on?" Asked Santino as he picked up his phone to make a

to bring a change of clothes and some o

or words. THE Santino V

red as she looked at the door to Ann's room befor

run amok in her stomach. The thought of him looking for her all this while and doing everything he could to bring her back made her heart race. The thought of going back to that cage she