Chapter 68: Chapter Sixty Eight

*Gabriela*

Something weird was going on in this household.

I wasn’t sure what it was, but I wasn’t the only one who thought it as I look over to Giovanni with his furrowed brows of confusion as he looks around the dining room table. We were all seated for dinner and both Maria and Ernesto were happily having a conversation about the harvest this coming year.

But I don’t think anyone was paying them any attention.

Both Enzo and Domenico were acting a bit strange, while Ivy was smiling for no apparent reason whatsoever. It was still awkward with her being here, but for the past week it was quiet with everyone and that concerned me just a little.

“I want a small event, nothing too fancy and grand.” Giovanni interrupts.

“An event? Is there something to be celebrated?” Ivy suddenly inputs, bringing me back to the discussion at hand.

She looked genuinely interested as she looks to them. Her food half eaten which is surprising since she was such a picky eater. For the past week all she’s done was complain about the food that Maria and Sabrina work hard to make for all of us. But today, she seemed to be enjoying it which was odd.

I nip pick my own as I watch her carefully, but she seemed to be genuinely interested in the conversation now. Looking over to Enzo he seemed awfully quiet and so was his cousin. It was almost like they knew something that no one else did and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what had changed between them or what they were hiding.

“We should have it this Saturday.” Domenico suddenly blurts out not looking at anyone as he continues to stare down at his hardly eaten food.

Which was the first since he shovels it in his mouth and was always the first to finish before anyone else. Maria noticed it too and frowned. Everyone turns to look at him.

“Saturday? That’s a bit soon isn’t it?” Maria asks.

I agree. Today was Wednesday, which would only give us two days to set everything up. But I was highly curious on why he choose such a day and so soon. I go to voice my opinion when Enzo finally says something.

“Saturday seems decent enough. His birthday’s Friday anyways. Why not do it around the actual day? I have to head back to the city next week and I would like to be here for it.”

My eyes widen at that announcement. He didn’t say anything about heading back so soon. He doesn’t look at me, but I jerk when his hand slips on my thigh and he squeezes just a bit before pulling it away.

“Well…it’ll be a bit of a challenge, but I might be able to manage just fine. I’ll have to make some calls tonight then if that’s something you want?” Maria looks to Giovanni, and he nods.

“Okay, then the rest of you finish up here and I’ll clean up later.” She rises, taking her plate and quickly leaves into the kitchen.

“I’ll start preparing the back patio for the event.” Ernesto puts in as he finishes his food.

“Will you be inviting others?” I ask, looking to Papi Gio.

“NO.” I snap my head back to Enzo and Domenico as they strongly stated that one word.

“It’s best that it’s just us, la mia gioia. With things the way they are, we don’t want unnecessary attention.” He says sadly, patting my hand.

I couldn’t help the feeling of guilt. Because of me he had to refrain from inviting guests over because they were afraid that something bad would happen. Because of my father they couldn’t risk of having their own family and friends knowing I’m here and it getting back of my location to him.

Honestly, I was tired of hiding. But it wasn’t just my life at stake. It was Domenico’s too. But what I wouldn’t give to march up to the man that sired me and telling him off and saying screw his name and his money. I don’t need it and I don’t need him. He was never there for me while growing up and as an adult he still wasn’t there. He just wanted to control my life and get whatever benefits that I could provide for him.

But that didn’t stop me from feeling bad about this entire ordeal. Looking to Enzo I find him watching me. I give a halfhearted smile that he slowly returns. Looking across the table I frown again when Ivy was staring down at her food with a tiny smile on her face, taking little bites of her food.

The screech of a chair brings everyone’s attention to focus. Domenico suddenly stands up, grabs his uneaten plate, and quickly scans the room. “I’m…tired. I think I’ll head in early.” Not waiting for a response he heads to the kitchen; we hear a clank in the sink and he storms right back out.

He doesn’t look at anyone nor does he say another word as he leaves the room altogether. Swinging my gaze at Enzo I raise my brows in question at this odd behavior. But all he does is shrug and continues eating as if that wasn’t just weird.

After the rest of the unbearable meal where no one spoke so the silence was deafening I wait in my room for Enzo to make his appearance. What seemed like forever he finally knocks on my door, and I quickly pull him in and shut it.

“What’s going on with you two? There was something you talked about that you’re not telling me. What is it because neither of you are doing a very good job at pretending.” I demand instantly in a low voice.

He sighs heavily. “It’s nothing to worry about. Domenico just finally came to terms with something, and he wants to handle it.”

“Is it a secret? Why aren’t you telling me?” I ask, folding my arms against my chest.

He takes my shoulders and guides me to the bed to sit down. After sitting next to me, our hips and thighs smashing together he sighs again. Taking my hand he gently strokes it in his. “It’s not really a secret but he wants to figure this out on his own and honestly its not really my place to say, but know this, he’s finally come to his senses.”

It took me less than a second to understand what he was telling me.

So, Domenico finally came to terms that my stepsister was using him or realized that she didn’t love him the way he loved her. A part of me felt a bit sad actually. To learn that the person you wanted most didn’t want you back was painful. I’ve lived through it for years.

“Okay. I won’t push further.” I whisper, giving a smile.

“I know that…this is tiring, and it seemed like it’s taking such a long time but soon we’ll be able to move around freely. We’ll get there.”

I nod my head. As much as I loved being here with him, with everyone, I was starting to get really antsy being stuck in this house. I wanted the freedom to roam around and just be. To hide from the world because of what our fathers are was taxing. It was my life, and I should have the right to choose on how to live it.

And I knew he felt the same way.

“Saturday is a bit soon.” I mention when the room got quiet.

“Saturday is for a purpose. The sooner, the better. Trust me?” he asks, gently grazing my cheek.

Looking into his eyes I see the sincerity. “I trust you.”

“But what is this about leaving next week?” I demand with my eyes boring into his.

Slipping an arm around my shoulders he hugs me to him, and we both fall back against the bed drawing a tiny oof from my lips. He sighs as he faces me on his side, not once letting me go. It felt good being pressed up against him, His warmth seeping into my very core. Snuggling into his body, I keep looking at him waiting for his answer.

“I have to check on my business. I left Charlie in charge but as the owner and businessman I can’t help but make sure everything is running smoothly. It’ll only be for a few days.”

I quirk a brow at that. “That’s what you said last time, and you ended up being there for two weeks.” I mumble feeling the heavy weight of him leaving settle on my shoulders and heart.

“I know, that was a bit different. A few things were brought up that I had to handle. That won’t be like that this time. Promise.”

I slowly nod my head, looking down at his chest. Spreading my hand on him I slowly rubbing, lost in thought. He wraps his arms more firmly around me and we just lay there, completely comfortable in the silence.

“I feel like Ivy is up to something.” I blurt out.

“Yeah. I got that vibe too. Don’t worry. She won’t be here much longer.”

I frown with that statement. Looking up at him, his eyes were closed, and his breathing started to calm as he gently falls asleep. I guess he was exhausted. Especially after everything that was happening recently. Leaning in I kiss his clothed chest and whisper,

“I love you.”