Serenity

• Belucci Property •

- A T H E N A -

I can't believe how, after ten long years, I'd be stepping again on these grounds.

The Belucci Property.

The literal definition of luxury, a testament to wealth, and success, with billions of dollars invested in this massive sprawling mansion almost a castle that was gloriously standing before us.

The grandness of the place was far beyond what my imagination including bits of memory had ever conjured.

As we stepped out of the car, the driver moved to open the trunk, ready to retrieve our suitcases. However, I intervened, preferring to handle them ourselves.

"No need, we'll carry them ourselves."

"It's boss's instructions, Miss Belucci..." He persisted but I quickly cut him off.

"It's okay, we can handle it." I assured him.

With my backpack slung over my shoulder, Matteo and I struggled together to lift our bulky shared suitcase. I attempted to grab Matteo's bag, but he gently brushed my hand away, avoiding eye contact.

He was still mad at me, and I understood. It was entirely my fault. We had always been honest with each other, yet I had kept the existence of our older brothers a secret.

I should have told him, but I had myself forgotten about them for whole years until the social worker mentioned them.

I never imagined the silent treatment could hurt that much.

We carefully placed our luggage on the ground a few meters away from the car.

"My job is done now. Just head straight through that gate to the entrance. Have a nice day." And just like that, he climbed in the car and flew away, leaving us to our own devices. Great.

I let out a sigh before we turned and walked through the imposing gravel gate, surrounded by the lush greenery of trees and meticulously maintained gardens.

"Are we...are we really gonna live here from now on?" Matteo whispered, his eyes beaming with excitement as we walked. I nodded in response, my heart swelling with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. I think he kind of forgot that he was just mad at me a few seconds ago.

I still felt a pang of sadness and guilt, how Matteo was all overjoyed and mesmerized seeing this. He was never made aware of our brothers until now. He sure now feels left out and betrayed since we share everything with each other.

I have lived here for the first five years of my life. I still had some fragments about it. Everything feels so refreshed and relieved now that I'm standing in this ground. All the memories were starting to resurrect now and still, it was so blurry.

Dragging our suitcases behind us, we finally reached the mansion's entrance. Standing awkwardly before the massive front door, Matteo and I exchanged puzzled glances as we looked at the door adorned with detailed carvings and polished to perfection.

Matteo moves his head up toward the door, signaling me to knock. I shrug before bringing my hand and knocking. I waited for more than several minutes. No answers.

I knocked on the door several times, the echoes resonating in the vast entranceway. Despite my persistence, there was no response from within the mansion. The eerie silence only intensified the sense of awkwardness.

I scanned the surroundings, my eyes darting around, and it didn't take long for me to spot men in black suits stationed discreetly in nearly every distant corner of the property. They watched us with an air of vigilance that sent shivers down our spines.