S O N D E R
(n.) the realisation that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own
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"Vianello." I smiled bitterly at Gianna, seeing her after out little meet in Landon's school.
"Torres." She sniggered, her husband tired of her already as he eyed his wife.
"Hello, Amara, dear," He gave me a small smile and I looked up at the middle aged, dull and tired man.
"Jason." I gave him a firm nod but didn't miss the daggers his wife was sending me with her eyes.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Gianna raised her thin brow, eyeing Lorenzo who stood next to me, his arm wrapped around my waist lightly.
I smirked, they didn't believe who Dominic was last time, let's hope they believe Lorenzo. "Gianna and Jason Vianello," I looked up at Lorenzo who nodded like he was interested but his smirk told me otherwise. "And this is Lorenzo." I placed my hand on his chest and Gianna and Jason looked at him with confusion like they don't recognise him.
"D'Agostino," Jason's expressions dropped and Gianna's eyebrows only raised higher, reaching for her receding hairline. "Lorenzo D'Agostino." He popped his hand out and Jason eyed it, hesitantly reaching for it before Lorenzo firmly gave him a handshake.
"I remember you," Jason gave him a small smile and Lorenzo looked at him as if he already knew. "You were only a teenager, attending a meeting with your father so you'd know what it would be like once you take over." Jason smiled and Lorenzo nodded, they weirdly look like they'd get along. Gianna didn't seem to happy about that.
Even though I'm standing here, smiling as I stood arm in arm with Lorenzo, I cannot get that son of a bitch out my head.
Atlas can't be alive, there's no way.
"That was years ago, I was probably around eighteen... I think." Lorenzo's fingers were gently squeezing my waist and as much as I tried focusing on them, it was all directed towards his hand.
"I was pretty new into this too back then." I bet, Lorenzo was eighteen about sixteen years ago.
Their smiles started to fade and Jason furrowed his brows, looking behind him then back at Lorenzo.
"You haven't heard, have you?" Jason smirked as he looked up and Lorenzo.
This doesn't sound good.
"Hear what?" Lorenzo questioned Jason who looked at Gianna, her Wicked Witch of the East smirk returning on her paper thin lips.
"DeAngelo's and D'Agostino's are here," Jason informed him and Lorenzo's jaw clenched so fast. "Your family's outside, in the garden," Jason tucked his hand into his pocket. "Good luck, D'Agostino, see you around," He patted Lorenzo's shoulder and when I looked at his eyes it looked like he could kill anyone around him. "Amara." Jason smiled at me and with that, both Vianello's walked off.
I didn't even know there were more D'Agostino's and that DeAngelo's were a thing. These guys are like an infestation, keep seeing one more after another.
"Lorenzo?" I looked up at him, this is the most angered I've ever seen him.
His jaw clenched, prominent through his stubbled jaw and his eyes glaring at the exit to the garden, a bunch of people outside. This hit a nerve for him.
"We need to get Dominic." He told me, his voice as calm as ever but the hint of a deadly tone in it did not want me to question him.
"He's right there." I was staring at Dominic considering he was staring at me first.
After a few more seconds of glaring, I sighed, signalling him to come over and he looked at me confused. Signalling him again after rolling my eyes, he looked hesitant at first but still walked over.
"What?" He rudely asked, his arms flailing.
"Oh, stop bitching, I warned you about having a last chance and you fucked that up too," Lorenzo pulled a face and rolled his eyes. Last chance? Am I missing out on something? "Our loving family's here." Lorenzo sighed as he informed his shocked brother, his shock dissolving and the anger filling in quick.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Dominic spat and Lorenzo shot him a look, Dominic slapping his hand over his mouth due to frustration as he looked around. "Let's go then." Dominic raised a brow as he looked between Lorenzo and I.
I don't think I wanna get myself involved in more of D'Agostino business. They can be a real bitch.
"I'll see you later," I smiled up at Lorenzo, slipping my arm away from his but he pulled me back all of a sudden.
"No," He was firm with his answer. "You're coming with us." I sighed after he told me that, looking around the area to see it packed with people.
"It's a family matter, Enzo—"
"Darling," He shot me a look which made me shut up in an instant, I'm not usually like this. Not the type to do what anyone says, forget reacting like this to a simple look. "You're coming with, no ifs and no buts," He stared down at me with his intense stare, it was overwhelming but in a good way. God, I feel tingles just by his look. "Don't make me tell you this twice." And to this, I just gave him a firm nod, knowing his stubborn nature.
"You should come, Amara." Dominic spoke now, I could see his fists clench but now, I don't give a shit.
I should've listened to Landon; I should've understood after the constant arguing Dominic and I had, after the multiple times he slept with Mila and thought I would just fall at his feet, after not understanding me but Lorenzo... he knows. He knows how to handle me, how to react to whatever situation I'm in and instead of controlling me and the whole situation like Dominic he gets to know it and understands, helping me through and it and not pushing me into it even more.
Oh, how different they are.
Dominic had Maria on his arms as soon as possible. Guess he got over me real quick — which I'm not surprised by the way. Though, I will be honest, he's me but the male version. I'm stuck between the D'Agostino brothers and he's stuck between the Scarlett sisters. Guess we both fell for the older one.
We're not that different, Dominic and I.
"Alright." I nodded slowly and Lorenzo gave me a small smile.
"Good," He looked up now, staring the the doors that led to the garden, his stone cold features hardening up. "Fuck me." He muttered underneath his breath and I suppressed a smirk from giving him a sarcastic retort at that, now doesn't seem like a good time for that.
We all strode over to the garden, Lorenzo on my right with our arms linked and Dominic on my left, walking not too far from me, his delicious cologne radiating off him.
Though Lorenzo's cologne was stronger but in a good way, it rubbed off on me and all I smelt like was champagne and Lorenzo. I'm not complaining. The aromatic scent of Tom Ford felt so exquisite, like the cherry on top for Lorenzo that made his authoritative personality prominent.
The air was cool, fresh even. It felt so good to be away from the smell of overly shown of wealth and judgement, there weren't many people here probably like ten.
A guy had noticed us walk in first, a mixture of different grey in his hair as he looked at us with a cocky smirk.
"Ah, here is our almighty leader," He raised his champagne glass and Lorenzo rolled his eyes, a ghost of a smirk on his lips.
"Nice to meet you too, Juniper." That is a beautiful name, holy shit.
I didn't miss the glare I was getting from an older woman, knowing she was looking me up and down. There was no judgement on her face but it was like she was trying to understand me.
I looked back at her, glaring as well, right in her eyes. She happened to notice, holding the stare with a slight tilt of her head, her grey hair all slicked up well into a messy yet neat bun. Her facial features sharp, she honestly looked like a milf.
Dominic had noticed as he looked between whoever she was to him and me, Lorenzo still exchanging a few words with Juniper.
A smirk tugged on the lady's face knowing I'm not backing down, a small smirk now appearing on my lips as I watched her walk over. The closer she got the more I could smell her fruity perfume that held a ting of darkness.
Lorenzo looked over, his eyebrows raised a little as he gave my hand a small squeeze before letting go, greeting the woman as he grabbed her hand, giving the back of it a small kiss as he smiled down at her.
"Zia Chiara." Aunt? Well, damn.
"Lorenzo, darling." Her accent was a thick English one, pulling him in for a comforting hug as she rubbed his back and now Dominic in front of her to greet her. "Ah, Dominic." She had a proud smile on her lips as she looked between both men before pulling Dominic in for a hug.
After they pulled away, I felt as if I have to introduce myself. Reaching my hand out as I had caught her attention yet again.
"Amara Torres," She was quick to grab my hand, giving it a shake as she smiled up at me.
"Chiara DeAngelo." Mother's side, got it.
"Nice to meet you," I pulled my hand away, watching her give me a gentle nod.
"You too, sweetheart." She seems lovely. "I see you're wearing my sister's necklace." This definitely isn't making me feel even a little awkward... fuck.
I gave her a smile before speaking. "It's one of a kind."
"It looks beautiful on you." Her voice was buttery soft, delicate even and I could hear the class in it. She was like royalty.
"Thank you." This time I genuinely smiled, appreciating her comment. I do plan on giving Dominic this necklace back as soon as the clock hits twelve.
She looked between Dominic and I then between me and Lorenzo, a satisfying smile on her peachy lips.
"I like her." She told Lorenzo before she walked off, Lorenzo darting his tongue out his mouth as he gave his bottom lip a quick lick before a smirk stretched out on his lips.
"I like her too." I jerked a brow before I looked up at Lorenzo with an astonished smirk.
Lorenzo didn't say anything, instead looked down at me with twinkling eyes and a hopeful smile. "Amore Mio," He muttered before he tucked his hand underneath my jaw, his touch just making me all fluttery. "You're adorable..." His voice was delicate and soft, I could sit here all day and just listen to him talk.
I felt my cheeks burn up, a smile forcing its way onto my lips as I bit down on my bottom lip but Lorenzo's thumb grazed over it then tugging on my lip until it bounced back.
"Don't do that." He muttered as his eyes looked lost at my lips, his voice low and heavy and I licked my lips as my eyes trailed to his soft ones. "And that too." I smirked, moving away from him and Dominic in the back talking to someone caught my attention.
No matter how I act, I do feel bad. I feel extremely bad but the satisfaction of getting back at Dominic overpowered the guilt.
It's not just about getting back — at first it was, when the thought about kissing Lorenzo passed by my mind so quick but then when our lips touched, it was a whole new story from there.
It's as if everything I needed was right there, it was him but I was too blinded by the things I wanted and chased. I pushed away everything, even an ounce of feelings I felt towards him thinking I was 'betraying' Dominic somehow.
"Come, meet Juniper," He slowly walked us over to Juniper who looked at me with a smile, Lorenzo's hand pressed against the small of my back.
"Hello there, sweetie," Juniper had an unmissable deep voice. "I see you got the 'Angelo Approval'." He said it as if it was a thing — maybe it is. Everybody had stopped moving and talking until Chiara was done.
I laughed as Lorenzo wore a big smile as he looked at me. "Of course, it's hard to resist the Amara charm." I cockily joked and he jerked a brow.
"Oh, it's so weird hearing the name Amara for you, it's always been Lucía but this industry's full of surprises." That had caught me off guard.
"You know me?" I asked with surprise and of course, a feeling of being proud.
"Yes! My boyfriend used to love you but then you disappeared and here you are!" I laughed at his excitement, this means so much to me.
"That's Fabio, Juniper's boyfriend." Lorenzo signalled over to the guy with jet black hair, all curly as they gently cascaded down to the end of his neck. They looked so luscious, he just radiated a clean vibe.
"Fab!" Juniper called out and Fabio turned around, amazed as he looked at me, excusing himself from his current conversation before rushing over with a big grin.
"Holy shit," Fabio was quick to pull me into a rib squeezing hug. "It's the legend," He pulled away looking down at me. "The icon, Lucía — Amara, my bad, I'm still not used to it." He grinned and his excitement rubbed off on me, grinning back at him, feeling as if we match energies.
"You know it." I proudly claimed. "And don't worry about it." I patted his shoulder and he his smile made both his dimples prominent.
"I have so many ques—" Fabio was cut off by two men... and all I can say is their vibe was dark.
It gave off a murder-y vibe, as if they'd kill impulsively. They had that serial killer smirk. They both stood tall, body clad in rich, well fitting suits that complimented their slim physique.
For some reason, I reached for Lorenzo's arm, clinging onto it and he reached for me at the same time too, like he read my mine. Holding me by the waist as I stuck to his side.
"Lorenzo!" They cheered with sickening smiles on their faces, I guess they were the kind of family Lorenzo doesn't like. He doesn't seem to ecstatic about their presence.
I did realise their eyes sickly scanning my body, a disgusting smirk on their lips and I felt Lorenzo's body tense next to me; slowly pushing me behind him like he was a shield.
"Isaiah," Lorenzo looked at the man with gel slicked hair, both of their hair black and now thinking about it, they look alike — very alike. "Isaac." Lorenzo's tone was sharp, making it obvious he doesn't like them.
"Oh, cheer up, cousin," Cousin? Well, shit just got interesting.
Lorenzo clenched his jaw so hard it looked like he can shatter his jaw. I gently slipped my hand into his thay held my wrist, interlocking our fingers in attempt to calm him down and surprisingly it worked. The heavy breathing calming down as his jaw unclenched slightly.
"Aren't you going to introduce the beautiful woman on your arm that you're trying to hid from us." Fuck off, no he isn't. Ever heard of minding your business?
"You two are like the Grady twins, you're ruining my positive energy with your creepiness." Juniper flailed his hands as if he was clearing the air of it, a smirk on my lips as I watched Juniper's taunting smile.
"Respectfully, DeAngelo... shut up." Isaac, the one with the curly dark hair rolled his eyes, not even looking at Juniper as if he was too good. So he's a D'Agostino... do they all share the same kind of charm, like they weirdly have the same smirks but all with different intentions. Their's seems evil, intrusive, not the kinda smirk you'd like.
"Disrespectfully, suck my dick." Juniper snapped and I raised a brow, damn, drama?
"Awe, isn't your good for nothing boyfriend not doing his job right?" Isaiah butted in, childishly teasing Juniper and they both condescendingly scoffed.
"You're a thirty five year old man, it's embarrassing." Lorenzo was quick to put Isaiah in his place, a glare being shot towards Lorenzo but he didn't care. Didn't affect him in the slightest.
I was disturbed from this very interesting conversation by someone standing by the trees, way far back but the face was somewhat visible.
I felt my skin turn cold and the hairs on the back of my neck pin up straight, feeling as if my heart had dropped right down into my guts with a wash of the most sickening feeling engulf me.
Atlas.
He's not real... he can't be. This is just a hallucination because I've drank more than my limit this week and I happened to forget about my medication for a few days. It has to be, there's no way that's him.
A smirk on his lips once our eyes met, his skin pale and not how I remember him. A simple suit on his body yet he looked ethereal, his head tilting a little before he raised his hand, his fingers moving as he gave me a small, weird wave.
No, no, no!
I felt the wind being knocked out of me and Lorenzo suddenly grabbed my arm, helping me stand straight as worry slapped over his face.
"Mar?" He breathed out as he looked in the direction I was looking but by then I had looked away.
Looking back with him, there was no one there. Not a single soul. That has to be a hallucination... but that felt way too real.
"What happened, what are you looking at?" He questioned me as everyone around us looked between me and the woods, God this is embarrassing now.
"Nothing, I just though I saw a big animal there... like a dog or some shit." I muttered as I balanced myself properly.
Lorenzo looked at me puzzled, like he didn't believe a word of it. "Are you okay?" He asked, his hand on my bare back as he gently rubbed it.
"Yes." I nodded firmly.
Liar.