Twenty-Six

Elena

I opted for just a random table because the chances of seeing anyone we knew were very low. I heard footsteps behind my back, but I pushed them off because we were not the only ones at the restaurant.

I felt a tap at my back, and I turned around to see who it was.

"Hope." I smiled, and he kissed my hand.

"Elena, it is a pleasure to meet you again. What is the chance, twice in a day?” He smiled.

I got up, hugged him, and directed my hand so he could sit.

"I am sorry, this is my friend Zoey,” I introduced him. “Zoey, this is Hope.”

Zoey was too stunned to speak; she was giving me those eyes—the eyes that were like, Who is this?

Hope took the seat gracefully, his charismatic smile never leaving his face. “Hope Salvatore, it is my pleasure, Zoey," he said, casting a glance in my direction.

I chuckled nervously, hoping Zoey was not feeling uncomfortable with his presence. "Hope and I met earlier today at Luca's office. Small world, huh?" I explained, trying to alleviate any awkwardness.

Throughout dinner, the three of us engaged in lively conversation, discussing everything from work to personal interests. Hope's charm and wit were evident, and even Zoey couldn't resist getting drawn into the conversation. As the evening unfolded, the initial tension melted away, and we found ourselves enjoying each other's company.

When the waiter arrived with the bill, Hope quickly reached for it. "Allow me, Elena. It's the least I can do after running into you twice in one day," he insisted with a warm smile.

I hesitated for a moment, grateful for the gesture but not wanting to impose it. "That's really not necessary, Hope. We've got it covered."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Consider it a small token of appreciation for the unexpected pleasure of your company. Besides, it's always nice to catch up with familiar faces."

Zoey and I exchanged glances, and I nodded in agreement. "Well, if you insist. Thank you, Hope."

After settling the bill, Hope graciously escorted us outside. The night air was crisp as we stepped onto the sidewalk, and the valet brought Zoey's car around.

"I hope you both enjoy the rest of your evening," Hope said, a genuine warmth in his tone. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Elena, and meeting you, Zoey."

Zoey finally found her voice, offering a genuine smile. "Likewise, Hope. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime."

As we prepared to leave, Hope surprised us once more. "Allow me to escort you to your car," he offered, gesturing towards the vehicle.

Zoey shot me a puzzled look, and I nodded, signaling that it was okay. Hope walked us to the car, which was parked by the roadside, opening the door for Zoey and then for me. "Thank you, Hope. It was a delightful evening," I said, genuinely appreciating his company.

Hope pulled me and kissed me. Shocked and furious, I pulled away from Hope, my eyes narrowing in disbelief. "Hope, what was that?" I exclaimed, my tone a mix of surprise and anger.

He looked taken aback, his charming smile faltering for a moment. "Elena, I'm sorry if that was too forward. I didn't mean to overstep," he stammered, his expression showing a hint of regret.

Zoey, who was driving, shot a quick glance at me through the rearview mirror, sensing the tension. "Is everything okay back there?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Yeah, Zoey, we're fine. Just a little misunderstanding," I replied, glancing back at Hope with a stern look.

Hope cleared his throat, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness. "Elena, I apologize if I misread the situation. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

I nodded, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "Let's just focus on getting home, Zoey. It's been quite a night."

As the car journey continued in silence, I couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort. I replayed the evening in my mind, wondering if I had given any unintentional signals that could have been misinterpreted. It was a mix of frustration and disappointment, as I had genuinely enjoyed our conversation until that moment.

Zoey stayed over; she wanted to know the full gist of Hope.

"How do you know Hope Salvatore? How has your network expanded? From Elena Williams, the normal girl who was just struggling to sell her paintings, to the girl who has connections with the two top bachelors in New York, she spoke, looking at me to give her an explanation as to why that was happening.

I shrugged.

"Do you know that Hope and Luca are not on good terms? Their families are fighting, and they do not see eye to eye. What will Luca say if he hears you and Hope have something going on?” She asked me again.

I laughed it off; after all, it was not my business if the two families were at war. Hope seemed like a nice person, and I was not going to run for our friendship because of a man who was bound to me by a bite mark. I cared less about what would have happened if Luca found out; technically, I was not even doing anything wrong because we never had an affair. I wasn’t sleeping with him.

"Zoey, nothing is going on between Hope and me; besides, I just met him today. And why do you have all this intelligence on them? Are you stalking them or something? You have a boyfriend, remember?” I hit her lap playfully and changed out of my clothes.

‘Do not pretend as if you do not know. Luca, Four, Hope, and the last one..." She looked in the air, trying to remember his name. “They were friends before; they all went to the same school, but they became enemies after school. Everyone knew who Luca Avante was—the rich kid who was so popular; not only was he popular, but he was also the most ruthless of them all. After all, everyone in the criminal world knows the Avante family hits the top of the list for ruthlessness." She went on and on.

How was she able to get so much information about them when she knew nothing about them?

    “What do you mean? Luca is in the  mafia."I asked her for clarity.

Zoey laughed.

"The Avante’s, the Salvatore's, and the new one, the Edwardo's, are New York’s top mafia, but for some reason, the Avante’s top the chart, winning every contract and every project. They have New York and almost the entire nation in their palms. Most decisions cannot be taken without their opinion,” Zoey explained.