Chapter 101
As the news of Stephanie's return spread like wildfire throughout the estate,
Angelica and Cristiano couldn't contain their excitement.
They rushed to Alessandro's suite, eager to confirm the rumors and catch a glimpse of their beloved Stephanie.
As they burst through the door, they were met with a heartwarming sight.
Stephanie and Alessandro were seated at the dining table, laughing and chatting as they shared a meal together.
Angelica's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the scene.
"Stephanie, is that really you?" she exclaimed, rushing to her sister's side.
Cristiano followed close behind, a huge grin spreading across his face.
"We were so worried about you," he said.
Stephanie stood up from the chair she was sitting making her way towards Angelica's direction
“I missed you Angelica,”She said, embracing her.
“I miss you too, I'm glad you're alive”Angelica replied
Alessandro looked up from his plate, a smile on his face.
"I'm glad you're here," he said, his eyes shining with happiness. "Stephanie and I were just catching up."
Angelica and Cristiano exchanged a knowing glance.
They had never seen Alessandro eat anything since he returned to the suite, consumed by grief and worry for Stephanie's safety.
The fact that he was now sharing a meal with her was a testament to the depth of their love and connection.
“I'm glad to see that my master is happy again”Cristiano said and they all burst into laughter
As they joined the table, the group fell into easy conversation, laughing and joking together like old times.
The tension and worry that had hung over the estate for so long began to lift, replaced by a sense of hope and renewal.
For the first time in weeks, the estate felt like home again, filled with the warmth and love of the people who mattered most.
“By the way, where's Francesca, I haven't seen her since I arrived, she suppose to follow the both of you here, I missed her too”Stephanie said.
But Angelica's expression was somber, and she hesitated before speaking.
"Stephanie, I have some bad news," she said, her voice trembling.
Stephanie's eyes narrowed, sensing something was wrong.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Angelica took a deep breath before delivering the blow.
"Francesca...she's gone," she said, her voice cracking.
Stephanie's face contorted in shock and grief.
She stumbled backward, her eyes wide with horror.
"No!" she screamed at the top of her voice, her body shaking with sobs. "I won't lose Francesca! She can't be gone!"
Alessandro rushed to Stephanie's side, gathering her in his arms.
He held her close, trying to comfort her as she wailed in anguish.
"Stephanie, stop crying," he whispered, his voice soft and soothing. "Francesca won't be happy to see your tears wherever she is. She'd want you to be strong, to keep going."
Stephanie's sobs slowly began to subside, replaced by hiccuping gasps.
Alessandro gently wiped away her tears with his hand, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding.
As Stephanie looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy,
Alessandro smiled softly.
"We'll get through this together," he promised. "We'll honor Francesca's memory and keep her spirit alive in our hearts."
Stephanie nodded.
“But…I…miss…her”She stammered
“We all miss her,”Angelica and Cristiano said in unison.
★*************★
Sara carefully set the plate of food in front of Chiara, who dug in with gusto.
Sara watched her for a moment, hesitating before breaking the news.
"Chiara, I need to tell you something," Sara said, her voice gentle but serious.
Chiara looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, but Sara could see a hint of wariness behind them.
"What is it?" Chiara asked, her voice neutral.
Sara took a deep breath.
"It's about Gabriel. He...he didn't make it. Your father is dead”
Chiara's expression didn't change.
She didn't even flinch.
She just kept eating, her movements mechanical.
“That's good news mom,”Chiara said, her mouth full of waffles.
Sara exchanged a worried glance with Camellia, who was sitting across from them.
“What! Chiara!”Sara exclaimed
“Mom, you don't expect me to get sad because of dad, that's not possible”Chiara said
“You should at least show some care, he’s your father”Sara replied
“I don't care mom, he has never prove that fact”Chiara said
“I hated him when he was alive, I must confess”Camelia replied
“I know Gabriel doesn't show his love for you both, but he cares”Sara said
“Gabriel should rest in hell mom, allow me to eat in peace”Chiara replied
But then, Chiara suddenly dropped her cutlery, her eyes narrowing.
“What's wrong? Any problem!”Sara asked.
"Who killed him?" she asked, her voice cold and deadly.
“Who?”Sara asked
“Gabriel of course”Chiara replied
Camellia hesitated before answering.
"It was Alessandro."
As soon as the words left Camellia's lips, Chiara stood up from her chair, her movements swift and fluid.
“Damnit, oh my gawd”Chiara screamed, slamming her hands on the dining table
“Calm your nerves twin sister, what's wrong?”Camelia asked
Sara and Camellia watched her, unsure of what to expect.
But Chiara's expression was calm, almost serene.
"Gabriel will be back soon," she said, her voice dripping with conviction.
“Chiara I know you're just eight years old but I want you to remember that anyone that dies can never come back to life”Sara replied
“That's what you humans believe, it's a different case when it comes to the world of wolves”Chiara said
“What do you mean?”Sara asked, looking very confused.
“According to the wolves' rules, as long as any werewolf is killed by humans then they are capable of returning back to the world,”Chiara explained.
“So you mean Gabriel will be back after his death”Camelia asked
“Yes, he will, but this time he’s coming back to ruin the person that killed him”Chiara replied
“Alessandro?”Sara asked
“Yes, he’s coming for Alessandro”Chiara replied