CHIARA
Lake Como trip was fucked up, but not as fucked as it came to an end. I was returning home with a new victory to boast about. Relieved with a newfound friendship that we had formed between me and Carmelo. At least my time away from my gallery was worth it.
The gates slid to the side, and the driver drove us in.
CC: Promise me you won't drink alone. I'll be in Milan for a while, so just tell me.
Me: Promise.
No way in hell had I thought I'd be chatting in leisure with the man either. But here I was, grinning like a fool as I exchanged texts with him. Turned out he could be tolerable. I slapped a hand on my face hard, shocking the driver who dared not ask a question.
I couldn't get carried away by these stupid feelings that were built in one day. How could I forget that I was using him without remorse? I shoved the phone back in the bag and sat straight as the car pulled over at the entrance.
The moment I stepped down, a guard and a maid came over. Without a word, the maid took my suitcase inside. "Sir, has called for you. This way, please." Uttered the guard, wiping off the light feeling I'd had just a few seconds ago. I followed him with the usual heavy heart and steps.
The guard took me to the garden, where Antonio, Luca, Marco, and surprisingly our mother were settled in a gazebo. Mamma looked less exhausted. She must've been having a good rest and meals on time. However, it was the grim look on her face the moment she raised her head that alerted me. The air was thick. And I could tell from miles away that I was fucked up. What did I do this time again?
Antonio dismissed the guard with a wave of his hand. "What is this news I'm hearing about the casino? You gave it away to that Conti asshole? Are you out of your fucking mind?" Antonio hit the table hard, making my mother jump.
"Yeah. I did." I replied. "And that's all you have to say to me? Do you have any idea how much this has ruined my image to people? My daughter gave out my casino to our rivals. That's what the news article said. Do you know how much I was going to make with that casino?" He growled, deep lines popping on his forehead.
"Well, good thing that I'm not. You could've just told them that." I replied. "What was that?" His eyebrows furrowed further. "Good thing that I'm not your daughter, is it not?" He pressed his temples, "You still don't understand what you have done, do you?" He said.
I crossed my hands over my chest, chin up. I was so done with this man. "I have the right to the money and properties under your name as much as you are, and these two." I pointed at my twin brothers, who silently watched us. Good thing they knew when to pick their battles.
"Or need I remind you of how much you used me for ages to build your empire? A single casino shouldn't do that big number on you. You're making a big deal out of it." I said, not backing away from his intense glare. As much as he wanted to refute me, he couldn't. Because it was the truth.
He used me to build his empire since I was a kid, and that's that.
He sighed in defeat. "Come and join us, I have news for you." He said, motioning at the empty seat right beside Luca. I eyed his ridiculing face. "I'd rather sit on fire than sit with him. Just say whatever it is you want to say." I'll never forgive nor forget what these two did to me, ever.
Luca made a hurt face. "Ouch, sis." I spared him no more of my attention and focused back on the Father of the house and the cause of all pain in my life. Not sparing a glance at my mother or Marco either.
Antonio grunted. "Fine, stand if you want. We were just talking about your wedding here." He said. "What about it?" I asked. Preparing myself for his ambush. "Unfortunately, the wedding has been pushed closer and will be held in two weeks." He declared to me.
My confidence faltered, and my heart squeezed so hard that I could feel it tighten my chest. "Two weeks?" I asked, needing more clarification as though he was going to offer me any.
"Yes, your mother here would go with you to pick your wedding dress tomorrow. And Marco and Luca will take care of the rest of the preparations." He added, further fueling the fire that was burning inside me. I clenched my hands so hard I could hear my fingers snapping.
"Alright," I said and turned to leave.
"Chichi," Marco called after me. "Leave her." Antonio reprimanded him.