Chapter 32 I Missed My Mother
••Luciana••
"That's not what I meant," I said, but he remained there, staring at me, completely unbothered. "Yes, I want kids, but not right now, and definitely not anytime soon." I kept trying to clarify my thoughts.
"Can we go now?" he interjected. I was uncertain if I had upset him or if he was just angry. But honestly, did it matter? He was only my husband because that’s what our families wanted. I thought to myself.
We exited the store and climbed into the car, sitting in silence. Roman didn’t utter a word, and neither did I. The atmosphere was heavy and uncomfortable, dragging on longer than I appreciated.
Then my phone lit up. Antonio's face appeared on the screen; it was a FaceTime call from him.
"Oh my God," I sighed, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank goodness. At least this way, it won’t be quiet." Roman glanced at me as I picked up the call.
"Luci!" Antonio grinned. "Sorry for not calling lately. Things have been a bit overwhelming."
"I thought my family had abandoned me to my husband," I replied.
"I hope you're doing okay, Sis. That jerk hasn’t done anything to hurt you, has he?" Antonio remarked, unaware that the 'jerk' in question was right beside me.
Roman shot me a glance, prompting me to plug in my earbuds so he could concentrate on driving safely.
“I’m doing alright; how’s everything at home? And Matteo?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Things have changed,” he responded. “More responsibilities have fallen on us now. Dad hardly leaves the house these days.”
My smile disappeared. “Antonio… I went back home.”
His expression shifted noticeably. “I know, and I wish I could have been there to see you,” he said, his face reflecting sadness as he half-covered it with his hands.
I took a deep breath. “There was a woman there. Who is she?”
He paused, then let out a resigned sigh. “That’s what’s going on.”
“What do you mean? Father was... distant. He told me I don’t belong there anymore.”
Antonio's jaw clenched. “He’s changed a lot since you’ve been gone.”
I frowned, and got curious. “Changed how?”
“At first, I thought he missed you. Maybe he regretted marrying you off like that,” Antonio explained. “But now, I don’t think it’s just that.”
My heart sank. “What are you saying?”
“The woman you saw,” he continued, “she’s the one he intends to marry.”
My eyes widened as I stared at the screen. “Marry?"
“She’s the eldest daughter of a Serbian mafia family,” Antonio said quietly. “She’s been overdue for marriage, and Father sees this as a way to secure power. To form stronger ties, and bigger reach.”
My heart sank.
This was not what Mama would have wanted.
My parents used to be perfect. At least to me. The soft glances, and quiet understanding. I grew up believing in the love and loyalty they share. Until she left.
Now everything felt wrong. I missed my mother, and the absence of her felt like the reason everything had fallen out of place.
“What is happening to him?” I whispered.
Antonio shook his head. “I wish I knew.”
The call ended shortly after. I lowered my phone, staring at the dark screen.
\---
••Roman••
I noticed the change right away.
Her shoulders drooped, and her eyes seemed to stare as her head turned to the other side, looking outside the car. It was clear she had just been in conversation with her brother; I sensed it was tied to something family-related, but I refrained from probing.
My thoughts were preoccupied.
She mentioned wanting children—not specifying if it was with me or not. Even so, the weight of her unspoken words filled the air like thunder.
Once we got home, she headed straight for her room while I sank into the living room couch. Just then, my phone buzzed.
It was Mustapha, the Arab boss I had been making deals with. He sent a dinner invitation. Accepting is essential if I want to secure this deal, and, of course, I must bring my wife along.
I have to inform her now if we want to be there on time, so I went to check on Luciana without bothering to knock.
She was by the bed, freshly emerged from the bath. Her damp hair cascaded down her back, while a towel clung to her breasts, hinting at her curves. Water dripped lazily down her bare skin. Our eyes met, and she froze.
In that fleeting moment, I felt a lump form in my throat.
I had seen many women in my life. None like this. Her skin glowed softly under the light. Smooth, unguarded, and real. My eyes betrayed me before my discipline could step in.
“Do you not know how to knock?” she snapped.
I was brought back to reality, I shut the door immediately.
From the hallway, I cleared my throat. “We have somewhere to be by 6pm”
There was silence.
“It’s a dinner,” I added. “Formal. Please no delays."
I walked away before she could answer.