Chapter 257 Chapter 257
Chapter 257 Chapter 257
Damien's POV.
Breakfast was served earlier than usual. Isabella insisted on having a nice little gathering before my strike operation happening later in the evening. This was the least hospitable she could get.
Amaris joined us at the table as I waited patiently for Sophia to show up with Hailey. I barely saw her yesterday after her sudden leave. She never came out of her room again and it was looking like she was never gonna show her face.
I had an idea why she was acting strange. Amaris’ presence might have caused it. Actually, it was hard to tell especially when Amaris acted too close to me, like the memories I had forgotten were events that happened just yesterday to her.
Outside, the table seemed nice and warm with clanging cutleries but inwari, it was tense and nervous with everyone almost at edge. My mother kept staring behind her as though expecting to find someone that would piss her off.
“I don't think Sophia is planning on showing up,” Amaris spoke up.
“You've met my daughter,” I said with a curious look.
“Oh yes, I did. She is so sweet, looks just like Elena's. Honestly, my jaws almost dropped when I saw her yesterday. She wasn't in a chatty mood so I left her to settle in. You must be proud of her,” she said, tapping her fingers softly on the table.
“Yeah, I am. She's not entirely perfect but she's a great person. She has my interest at heart.” I replied.
My mother cracked a smile, clasping her hands in prayer. “It seems like the others aren't ready for breakfast, so can we get this started, I'm starving,”
“Umm, they'll show up. Give them time,”
A few seconds later, Sophia strutted in with Hailey behind her. She looked tired and her eyes were partly swollen as if she had been crying all night.
As soon as Hailey pulled out a chair to seat on, my mother glared at her, her grip tightening on the fork
“She's still here,” she fired.
“Yes mum, she's still a member of the family” I sighed.
“No traitor is a member of my family,” she snapped. “I didn't ask to hold a breakfast just so she could be present. This is a family dinner only, if you are not one of us then you shouldn't be here,” she banged her fist on the table, exhaling heavily.
“Really grandmother, it's not necessary. But Hailey is also part of us. She is the mother of your grandson, so I don't see the…”
“Sophia dear, you won't understand, so leave this to the adults in the room.” She stated, prompting Sophia to bulge her eyes at her.
“Adults? I'm not a child, Grandmother” she shook her head.
“Enough of this, can we just dig in already,” I muttered.
“I'm a grown woman. And if you are so rooted in family, then Amaris shouldn't be here. I don't even know the lady yet she's seated here all smiles like my goddamn mother.” she continued.
Isabella gasped in shock as Sophia slammed her hands on the table, causing Hailey to flinch and Amaris to turn in her direction, a bitter look glitching on her face.
I had made a mistake. Housing Amaris always felt like I was seeking trouble and it came with a house full of temper tantrums. Sophia was done playing nice and Hailey felt like falling into a pot where they wouldn't notice her.
“How dare you say that to her,” Isabella warned.
Sophia rolled her eyes, locking contact with Amaris. “I think she can speak for herself, grandmother. She's not as… she didn't even like my mom in the first place, so it's weird bringing her back to compete for a love she'll never…”
“Enough!” I thundered. “Can't we have a normal dinner for once?”
“No, we can't,” Hailey chorused, springing up to her feet. “This was a bad idea, I'm sorry for ruining it,” she looked towards my mother and bowed her head. “I'll be in my room if you need anything.”
She walked away in silent steps without turning back to stare at us. I tried to stop her but Sophia's uneasy stare made things awkward. She shook her head as soon as Hailey disappeared out of our sight.
“You have the power to make things less complicated but you proving clueless. Honestly, it's disappointing," she stood up to leave, grabbing a few waffles on her plate as she rolled her eyes at Amaris in a displeasing manner.
“And where are you going?” Isabella sneered at her.
“Away from here as fast as possible. I don't need a fortune teller to predict that this breakfast has been ruined before it even started.”
“Sophia!”
“Sophia!”
“Sophia!”
She kept calling but Sophia did not look back or even think to reply. The breakfast ended before it began, leaving my mother to place her hand on her forehead. “Goodness, that stubborn child,”
She exchanged glances between Amaris and I, letting out a soft hiss.
“Mom, I think we need to talk after my mission today.” My eyes locked with Amaris and she quickly looked away, pulsing her lips together.
“About what?”
“About a lot of things.” I rose slowly, resting both my hands on the table as I leaned my face close with a straight look. “This cannot keep happening. I loved the house when it had less drama. If you claim you came to help me, then you can at least try to accept whatever I think it's right instead of disrupting it,”
“Damien…” She tried to cut me off, but I wasn't having any of it.
“No, you listen to me, mother. If this continues, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to force you to go back to Italy.” My eyes darkened. “You are making things worse and I do not appreciate it!”