Silent Scars

CHAPTER 33

The ride home was quiet, save for Kendric's humming as he scrolled through his phone. The weight of the evening hung heavily in the air, and Ariana stared out the car window, her mind swirling with emotions she couldn't quite name.

She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if Domain's cutting words had peeled back a layer of her armor.

Luca's quiet reassurance had helped, but the way Domain had looked at her, like she was some kind of intruder, made her chest tighten.

When they pulled into the driveway, Kendric hopped out of the car first, his usual energy undiminished.

"Come on, Aria! Let's show Marcus what we got!"

Ariana hesitated but followed.

Marcus was in the living room, flipping through a file when Kendric burst in, dumping the bags on the couch.

"Look at this!"

He exclaimed, pulling out the bright red hoodie he had insisted she try on earlier.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Looks like you had fun."

Kendric grinned.

"Yeah! Aria's gonna look awesome in this!"

Ariana stood quietly by the door, her fingers gripping the handles of her bag. Marcus's eyes softened when they landed on her.

"Did you find everything you needed?" He asked.

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor.

"Good."
He said, his tone warm but not intrusive.

Luca appeared behind her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Why don't you go put your things away?We'll call you down for dinner."

Ariana nodded quickly and slipped away, grateful for the excuse to retreat.

She made her way to the room which was far from the rest of her brothers rooms, offering a sense of isolation that had both comforted and unsettled her.

As she began placing the shopping bags on the bed, a knock at the door startled her. She turned to see Leonardo standing there, his imposing figure framed by the doorway.

"Aria" He said, his voice calm but firm.

She straightened, clutching one of the bags like a lifeline.

"I've had your things moved."

He said, gesturing for her to follow him.

Her brow furrowed slightly, confusion mingling with apprehension. She hesitated for a moment before trailing after him, her steps tentative.

Leonardo led her down a different hallway, one closer to the rooms her brothers occupied. He stopped in front of a door, opening it to reveal a room similar in size to her previous one but with subtle differences that made it feel more personal.

The soft cream colored walls, the neatly made bed, and the large window that bathed the space in warm light all felt strangely welcoming. A desk sat in one corner and a shelf that was partially stocked with books. What caught her attention most, however, was the walk-in closet to the side, its doors slightly ajar to reveal shelves and hanging space that seemed far too luxurious for her.

"This is your new room."

Leonardo said, stepping aside so she could enter.

Her gaze flickered between him and the room, uncertainty written all over her face.

"It's closer to the rest of us."

He explained, his tone measured but kind.

"I thought it would be better for you to be nearby."

Ariana's brows furrowed in confusion, and she looked up at him briefly before dropping her gaze again.

Leonardo studied her for a moment before continuing.

"I know this hasn't been easy for you or for us. But I want you to understand something, Aria. We're not here to push you out or make you feel unwelcome."

His words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity.

"This family is complicated."

He admitted, his voice dropping slightly.

"We don't always know how to show it, but... we protect what's ours. And right now, that includes you."

His words hung in the air, weighted with sincerity she wasn't sure how to process.

"If you need anything, or if something feels wrong, you come to me. Understood?"

She nodded, her throat tight with unspoken emotion.

He turned to leave but paused in the doorway, his expression softening slightly.

"And, Aria... welcome home."

The door closed behind him, leaving Ariana standing in the middle of the room.

She placed the shopping bags on the bed. Kendric suddenly came in with even more shopping bags and put it all aside. Then they both went for dinner.

When they came downstairs, the dining table was already set, the smell of freshly cooked food filling the air. There was an empty seat near Leonardo, and as she hesitated at the edge of the room, he motioned for her to sit beside him.

She walked over quietly, lowering herself into the chair next to him. Luca shot her a small smile from across the table, and Kendric immediately began chatting about the shopping trip.

Leonardo, seated at the head of the table, glanced at her briefly before turning his attention to Marcus. They were discussing something about the family business, their voices low and serious.

Kendric nudged her with his elbow, grinning.

"Try the pasta. It's amazing!"

She picked up her fork and took a small bite, the warm, rich flavors unfamiliar but comforting.

"So...."

Domain said suddenly, his eyes fixed on her.

"Do you always eat this little, or is it just for show?"

Leonardo shot him a warning look.

"Domain."

"What? It's a valid question."

He said, leaning back in his chair.

"She barely eats, she doesn't talks makes me wonder what she's hiding."

Ariana's grip on her fork tightened, her appetite vanishing.

"Enough!"

Leonardo said, his voice cold and commanding. The room fell silent, the weight of his authority pressing down on everyone.

Domain muttered something under his breath but didn't say anything further.

Ariana lowered her head, her face burning with shame. She wished she could disappear, to melt into the background like she always had before.

But then Luca leaned in, his voice soft.

"Don't listen to him."

He said quietly.

"You're doing fine."

She looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and gave a small nod.

For the rest of the meal, no one pressed her to speak or eat more than she could manage. But the tension lingered, thick and unyielding, as if the unspoken questions hanging in the air were too heavy to ignore.

Jakeyflake & SadiaIslam690
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