LORENZO'S POV
I understood Riccardo's desire to leave his mother's house. It was understandable that he needed space with Aunt Giovanna and Giulia present. Riccardo had never spoken out. He simply wasn't up to handling all the rumors, particularly those pertaining to women. He would prefer to observe from the sidelines. Me? Even though I could manage it better, I didn't find it enjoyable.
The women were already seated around the large breakfast table, savoring a spread that appeared to have been taken from a magazine, when I arrived. It was a breakfast that was more of an occasion than a meal. At one end was a charcuterie board, laden with cured meats, fresh fruit, and a variety of cheeses. The seafood tower in the center, however, was the true showstopper. You could find anything shining under the lights, including jumbo shrimp, oysters, and lobster tails.
Giulia was the first to notice me, and her smile gave you the impression that you had been missed, even if it had only been for a few hours. As usual, she looked fantastic. She wore jeans and a basic white t-shirt underneath a high-end denim jacket. She managed to make it appear effortless, though. As if she were effortlessly gliding down a runway.
Giulia said in a kind and hospitable tone, "Lorenzo, you look sharp." "Sorry you had to leave early last night. How is Elena doing? Is everything okay with her?
When she said Elena's name, I felt a little irritated. We didn't have a good day. I forced a smile and said, "Yeah, she's… fine." You know, I had to see how she was doing. Things became a bit tense.
When I mentioned Elena's name, Mom—or rather, Alessia—rolled her eyes. She muttered in frustration, "She always has to make things more complicated than they need to be."
Giulia spoke up before I could respond. "Alessia, I'm to blame. I should've been more careful."
Her hands twisted together in her lap as she cast a quick glance down. She was trying to hide her discomfort, but I could tell.
Always the defender, Alessia touched Giulia's shoulder. "That girl's drama doesn't have to be your fault. Alessia remarked dismissively, as though she had lost all patience with Elena, "She's the one causing all the trouble."
I tried to lighten the situation by saying, "You're right, Mom"." Elena has recently been a bit of a mess. She's experiencing something. However, I believe she is simply under stress.
"Stressed out?" Alessia laughed. "She has nothing to worry about. With all of your money, she is living the good life. She gave me a sly smile. " You've done everything for her. What is the issue?
I sighed. She was unable to comprehend. Not one of them did. Perhaps the money wasn't the only factor. Perhaps there was more to it. I was not seeing something, or perhaps I was simply refusing to see it.
Giulia's eyes were worried as she glanced up at me. "Are you certain you're alright, Lorenzo?" Her voice pierced my mind despite its gentleness.
I tried to ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind and said, "Yeah, I'm fine." "Just… work stuff. You are aware of the situation.
In an attempt to divert my attention from the conversation, I reached for a croissant.
However, my phone buzzed before I could bite into it. Elena's name flashed across the screen.
Fantastic.
I got up and moved away from the table, muttering, "Pardon me for a moment." Though I knew it was coming, I wasn't in the mood for this.
Elena broke the silence by saying, "Lorenzo, we need to talk." "I'm not kidding. I would like to speak with a lawyer. I've finished all of this. The divorce documents must be prepared immediately.
I tried to control my annoyance by massaging my temple. "Can we talk about this later? I'm at my mom's house right now."
"Lorenzo, it doesn't matter where you are. I've had enough of this. I can't wait for you to sort out your priorities any longer.
Her remarks were like a kick to the gut. However, I spoke steadily. "This cannot be done to me in the middle of breakfast. What would happen if I were in a meeting?
Before I could stop them, the words escaped. I was becoming more irate than I wanted to be.
From the table, I could sense Giulia and Alessia looking at me. They were, of course, hearing everything.
"Lorenzo, is she bothering you?" Alessia's voice was purposefully loud as she called out across the room.
The judgment in her voice was audible to me. I detested it. It felt like I was being treated like a child even though I was no longer one.
I made an effort to control my feelings, but it was too late. I could tell Elena had heard Alessia's comment. On the other end of the line, she fell silent.
"Elena?" I said, but the call ended after a brief beep. She ended the call.
A headache began to grow as I gazed at my phone for a while. That was novel. Elena had never hung up on me before.
I stepped back to the table, everyone looking at me, waiting for some kind of explanation.
I tried to sound calm as I said, "I have to go." "I have a meeting to prepare for."
Giulia had a worried expression. Would you like me to accompany you? I might be able to assist with the presentation.
"No, it's all right," I blurted out. Later, you can join me. All I need is some alone time to reflect.
I didn't want to involve her in this mess. At least not yet.
I kept thinking about Elena as I left the room. What was she playing? She was aware of the significance of today's meeting. However, she was dragging me into this divorce paperwork mess. What on earth was happening?
It felt like I was losing control of everything, and I didn't like it.
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