Luca's POV
The meeting finally ended.
"You may all leave" I excused everyone.
They all left. But Linda just sat there looking at me.
"Do you want to say something?" I asked pitching the bridge of my nose.
"Very much, yes" She stood up took her papers and took her papers from the table.
She walked towards me until she was right next to me.
"You know, the table is cold" she sat next to me.
I looked at her confused. "What do you mean?" I asked.
She sighed "Luca, that's what the boardroom is like when you pay attention" She cradled her face in her hands as she rested her elbows on the table.
I furrowed my brows "And today, the room was very warm" she started "Actually very cozy, you know?" she giggled.
I rolled my eyes at her. "So what were you thinking about?" she asked going her head to the left.
"Or better" she smiled mischievously, "Who were you thinking about?"
I shook my head "You don't grow up do you?" I asked.
"Believe me, you're the child here. I know you well enough that you don't need to tell me. I know already" she laughed.
"I know you were thinking about Leah, and you're the baby here because all you do...is procrastinate" she explained.
Linda's words hit me.
She had a knack for reading people, and she was right, as always.
Leah had been on my mind throughout the meeting, a constant presence in my thoughts.
I leaned back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose as I tried to collect my scattered thoughts.
Linda's laughter was a reminder of how well she knew me, but it also emphasized the complexities of my situation.
"You're not wrong," I admitted, my gaze fixed on the empty conference room.
Linda grinned knowingly, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You know, Luca, it's been a long time since you allowed someone to get under your skin like this. Are you sure you're not missing out on something?"
I sighed, a mixture of frustration and longing swirling within me.
Linda leaned closer, her voice gentle.
"You've built your empire, Luca, but you've forgotten to build a life too."
Her words lingered in the air as I considered the truth in them.
"Luca you've talked to everyone with a respectable name. Every single person with power in this world. But you can't tell a normal girl you like her? It's even become ironic" she added.
"I told you to tell Leah about the Mafia. You doubted me, you thought she'd run. But she stood even stronger by knowing the truth" She stood up.
"I have a life so I'll be going. Believe me, telling Leah will help you...and me. Because then I wouldn't have to summarize the whole 4-hour meeting to you tomorrow" she sighed.
"Good night brother" she waved and closed the door.
Leah's POV
The party is almost done, I want to leave so badly but I know I can't.
Hanna was talking to some of her friends and I excused myself.
And Eline too.
What should I do? I don't know anyone here.
I might as well go to the bathroom.
Wherever that is
True, this place is big. How will I know where the bathrooms are?
All I want is some alone time. Is that too hard to ask?
I sighed and tried walking around.
Sometimes I think I'm walking in circles. It's so confusing.
I walked through a corridor and finally found it.
I smiled. I've never been so happy to see a bathroom in my life!
You're really shouting Untisocial tonight, aren't you?
Yeah, pretty much.
I started walking towards it.
"Leah?" I froze.
I know that voice too well.
I shut my eyes hoping and praying it isn't who I think it is.
I took a breath before turning around.
Matteo?
Matteo!?
"Matteo?" my voice barely audible.
He sighed. "Leah I—" I cut him. I know well the tone his using. He is trying to justify himself.
"Congrats Matteo, that's all I'm going to say to you tonight," I said before turning around.
I felt his hand grab my arm. "Let go Matteo" I tried yanking my hand out of his grasp.
"Look Matteo" I tried to keep my cool, "I guess in happy for you. You've found someone just for you, just like you. A person that betrayed my trust" I started.
"I know it sounds just like you" I paused.
"Now go and see your wife-to-be, and maybe...try not to cheat on her too. I know that might sound hard, especially to you—But just a little respect in a relationship is enough, it doesn't require much work...I promise" I gave my best fake smile.
His grip loosened with my words. I pulled my arm away.
"I have places to go and More important people to see, Goodbye" I waved.
I even lost my will to go to the bathroom for peace because of him.
I retreated to a quiet balcony found, away from the lively reception.
The night sky above was a canvas of stars, and the gentle breeze carried the distant sounds of laughter and music.
I leaned on the railing, my thoughts in turmoil.
Meeting Matteo had reopened old wounds, stirring up a complex mix of emotions.
I couldn't help but wonder why I had chosen to attend this wedding, knowing the potential for such painful encounters.
"Why did I even come here?" I murmured to the empty night, the question echoing in my mind.
"Leah?" I turned to see Eline.
"I finally found you" she smiled.
I nodded. Her smile disappeared. "What's wrong, did I say something?" she asked.
"No, no Eline. I'm fine" I summoned a smile. "Okay, if you say so. Let's go. It's the farewell speech and WE-ARE FREEEEEE!" She cheered.
I couldn't help but giggle at her childishness.
"How old are now?" I asked. "15" she replied.
"Yeah, I'll buy you a lollipop later on," I said passing her.
"Hey! I'm not a kid" she protested running after me.
I smiled.
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The farewell speech was boring as fuck.
Kinda reminded me of school assembly done by that one boring teacher. Yeah, that's what it felt like.
I said my goodbyes to Eline and Hanna. I avoided Cindy at all costs. I didn't want to talk to her.
At least Matteo tried texting me, trying to apologise for what I had seen. But Cindy, she didn't send me a single message. As though she didn't even regret it.
I was on my way back to the Mansion.
I looked at the night sky as the car drove.
It's late. Probably Luca should be back.
You really think of him, don't you?
I'm not.
You just did
I wish I hadn't
So do you admit your crime?
I'm innocent.
You wish
Whatever you want to say, Lee
The car finally stopped. And I thanked the driver once again before coming out.
I walked inside and as I expected. Quiet.
I made my way to my room. I sighed as I threw myself on the bed.
---------------
I tried my best to sleep, but I tossed and turned. I had to relax.
I tried breathing. Nothing.
I stood up.
All I want to do is think things out.
I put on my shoes and walked out.
You're in your pyjamas by the way
Okay, I don't really care right now.
I was wearing my matching light blue shorts and shirt.
I walked down the hallway and down the stairs.
I drank water. But I'm still not tired. I tried warm milk. Nothing.
I sighed in frustration.
Maybe some fresh air?
Good idea Lee!
I walked down the corridor. And from the glass floor by the elevator I realised Luca's car still isn't here.
I shrugged, maybe it's a long meeting.
I opened the door which led to the back of the house which held the garden.
It was dimly illuminated by lights in the ground.
I walked around looking for a place that seemed calm.
I saw a wooden bench next to a rose bush. I hadn't realised it before. I smiled and sat down.
I sighed, what's on my mind?
Everything right now.
Matteo, Cindy, Luca, myself, my past, my friends, the kids and the list goes on.
I want peace, for just once in my life. I always felt empty. As though something eats me from the inside.
Why did truth hurt?
Why does lying make it worse?
Where does my heart lay?
•-------------------------------------------•
Idk do you think I should write the next chapter today?
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Love you all❤️
~Xyclonia