Chapter 177 So...Do You Live Here Now?

Chapter 177 So...Do You Live Here Now?
SANCIA

Nostalgia hits me as I make my way downstairs behind Antonio. Any other time, I would've flipped the bastard off and told him to go fuck himself for daring to lock me up instead of following him out.

But I can't stay locked away if I want to find out what's really going on in this famiglia. It's obvious Antonio holds the power here, even if he's pretending otherwise.

Besides, I need to see Sergio. I haven't seen my brother since I arrived, and I can't help wondering if he's aware of Antonio's high-handedness—and if he is, how he feels about it.

The clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversation greet us as we step into the dining room.

Everyone is there. Isabella, my cousins; Zia Lorena and Zio Romero's children. Everyone except Sergio and Lenny, who should be Sergio's Consigliere in a couple of years, if he isn't already.

Lucia isn't here either. Zia Lorena's niece had grown up alongside us, but she'd always been an introvert, preferring her own company over ours.

“Sancia, come sit.” Zia Lorena smiled warmly. “I made a few of your favorite dishes. I'm sure you've missed the taste of home.”

I forced a smile as I pulled out a chair and sat down. “Thank you, Zia.”

I didn't tell her I was never really alone in London. That I had Zetta and Giulia and they'd become my family too. Hell, they've been more of a family to me than my own family in my time of need.

Isabella and Zia Lorena took it upon themselves to pile food onto my plate while chatting casually with Antonio as though nothing had happened.

“Where are Lucia, Lenny, and Sergio?” I asked. “I haven't seen any of them since I arrived. Not that I've exactly had the chance, considering I've been locked up in my room.”

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

Everyone ignored the second half of my statement and continued eating.

Zia Lorena let out an awkward laugh before answering, “Lucia got married two years ago. She's expecting her first baby now. And Lenny accompanied Sergio to Spain. They should be back soon.”

I turned to Antonio, who was calmly pouring me a glass of wine.

“So... Do you live here now?” I asked, letting my gaze sweep around the table.

Antonio had always been welcome in our home, but he'd always been just that—an honored guest.

Now, judging by the guards and the way my own family behaves towards him, it felt like he was the one running my family's affairs.

“Yes, actually,” Antonio replied smoothly. “I offered to stay here after we were attacked last year. It was the safest way to protect your family while Sergio runs the famiglia until things settle down.”

He met my eyes, something like hurt in his gaze. “I'm sorry if it feels like I've imposed on your home, but I'm doing this because I consider all of you my family.”

“Right. Protection.” I gave a humorless laugh, twirling my fork in my food. “I don't know, Antonio. It seems to me you're very comfortable living here. I mean you locked me up, and apparently no one in my famiglia sees anything wrong with that.”

“I'm sorry you feel that way, Sancia,” Isabella said before Antonio could answer. “But I support Antonio. It isn't safe for any of the Vincenzos to be out there right now. There's been a lot of bloodshed lately. Antonio has been the one keeping us safe from the elders backlash and the enemies.”

I scoffed, then bit back the sharp retort in my throat. “Right. Of course.” I flash her a close-mouthed smile and continue to stab my omelet.

For some reason, my family couldn't see what Antonio was doing. They genuinely believed he was protecting them, which made him the hero in their eyes.

Either that or they're too afraid to show it. And honestly if that's what it is, I don't blame them for doing what they can to survive, pretense is easier than the reality of his betrayal.

Unfortunately I don't have that luxury. I can't just ignore everything he's done.

The asshole was so damn good at manipulation that he'd fooled me for most of our relationship. Now that I'd finally seen his true colors, I couldn't help wondering how much of the Antonio I'd loved had ever been real.

I barely managed two bites before my appetite disappeared.

“Where's Mama?” I asked Zia Lorena. “Why isn't she joining us for breakfast?”

“Mama hasn't been able to come downstairs for meals in a while,” Isabella replied softly. “She prefers eating in her room now. I think the stairs are part of the reason. They always leave her winded.”

I nodded, my chest tightening. I'd like to see her again, despite all her hurtful words. But I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to see me.

“Maybe you can visit her afterward,” Isabella suggested.

I shook my head. “No. I'm sure she doesn't want to see me.”

Isabella pressed her lips together and gave a small nod.

The rest of breakfast was pretty much uneventful. I just chatted with Aunt Lorena and ignored the two liars at the table.

When I was done, I decided to take a walk around the property. Antonio kept his word and didn't lock me back in my room afterward, though that didn't mean I was free.

I still wasn't allowed beyond the property. The most I was permitted was the garden.

Everything looked the same. Yet the constant presence of the two guards shadowing my every step, along with the others stationed throughout the property, made the entire estate feel less like home and more like a beautiful prison yard.

Tonight I'm going to call Diavolo. I missed him and Dario so damn much. I just have to be careful when using my burner phone.

By the time I retire inside the house it's already dinner time. I was forced to sit through another torturous dining experience.

Listening to Antonio converse with everyone like he belong was nausea inducing, suffice it to say, I didn't eat much. I didn't have the stomach for it.