Love & Affinities (18+)

35

SOFIA MARCELLO

I turn to look at him and find the same man with peppered hair and a clean shaved face, yet the same physique. Tears prick my eyes as he pulls me into his arms carefully. My hands wrap around his torso as his hand runs down my hair. "I missed you so much pa" and that's all it takes for me to shed a few tears until  a rather unfamiliar voice is heard.

"So this is Sofia cara, oh my she's so pretty." I stretch out a smile at the relief that she was nothing like the evil step mother described in books and movies. She hugs me tight, before letting go to caress my face. "Thank the God for such a blessing. You are just like my daughter and I hope you will love meeting her." Despite the fact that she was anything but rude, a pang of hurt hits me in the chest when I realise that the space my father had for my mama has been filled with her. 

And I'm afraid I can't say the same. "What is she doing here mama?" And there she is, Samantha. Her manicured red nails dig into the rails as she walks down the stairs. 

"You know her?" Both my father and Nadine, his wife spoke out at the same time. They exchange glances between the two of us, expecting an explanation from either. 

''Uh we-'' Samantha cuts me off smirking as she reaches the end of the stairs to greet us all. 

''She's the girl I told you about mama and papa. The one who was living with Ad and also my friend who I went shopping with.'' From the response of both my father and Nadine, it was obvious that they had a different version of the original story and I could do nothing but stand like a fool. As always. 

Their big grins made us look like friends in their heads, but oh well, what could I do? I sensed Adriano's gaze narrowing at her but one look of mine stopped him from saying something that could probably bring about the wrong impression. 

''Let's head inside for dinner. Oh and not forgetting our announcement Adriano, son.'' I felt Ad tense beside me before relaxing as if trying to assure me to stay not worried. 

I moved forward expecting Ad to accompany me but instead, Samantha snaked her slender arm around his clothed one who ignored my gaze. Ronan tapped my shoulder to lead me to the table, which I gladly accepted and appreciated. Why was he not saying anything? Something wrapped around my throat like a noose and a sense of jealousy and insecurity awoke within me. I did not want to accept the reality sitting in my presence as Samantha clung onto his arm and sat opposite Ronan and I. Samantha facing Ronan, while I faced Ad. He didn't even look at me once. 

Everyone dug into the meal saying grace yet I couldn't handle the cutlery properly. No one but Ad seemed to notice yet made no action. Maybe it was because we were in everyone's presence and maybe they're good friends or something. Ronan held my hand under the table as I looked at him. He smiled tightly trying to comfort me but I couldn't return the same. Adriano and father engaged in a deep conversation regarding their business deals while Samantha and her mother sought out nail designs on their phones. 

''Take a deep breath.'' I did and Ronan did too. ''Good girl. Now eat, don't force yourself, stay calm, okay?" I nodded and dug into the pasta.

''Papa, will you?'' Samantha's voice pulled my attention towards her interaction with father. He smiled and nodded before gauging everyone's attention. 

''So we have decided as a family, and with the future relatives of course, the dates for the auspicious day.'' 

''To bring together Samantha and Adriano, we have decided to hold the wedding in two months. Of course we will-'' and that's where I zoned out. How could I? No, how could he? He had a fiance? No, stop this right now, this can't be true. My head was about to combust from the pain searing through but it could not numb out the pain in my chest. The one right in the organ of power over a person.