It begins with us.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ava's POV

I stood off to the side with Rivka beside me, my eyes began taking in trolley after trolley of the most gorgeous dresses I had ever seen. Different shades of blues, golds, pinks and green material all sown together to form the most elegant styles and dramatic designs that were meant for actual royalty. The sunlight that shone through the large windows seemed to reflect the crystals that were sown into the fabrics, shimmering as the light danced over them. We were currently in Sofias part of the manor, hidden away in one of her five rooms as the gold four-tiered crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling. A small white podium with one step sat off the side, placed in front of a floor to ceiling mirror with gold leaf molding that made up the frame. There was a thick white curtain that hung from a golden rode that was contacted to the ceiling, the while material was pushed up against the wall reveling a large space behind it. Fresh flowers filled the space as their scents mixed together around me, making this moment feel like something out of a Hallmark movie, minus the violence of course.

"Marco, thank you so much for moving our appointment to the manor. I hope it wasn't too much of an inconvenience."

Sofia's apologetic smile reached her eyes as she leaned in to kiss the older man on the cheek. Marco was dressed in a light blue suit that made his vibrant hazel eyes pop out against the colour, his salt and pepper hair was cut short while his grey mustache sat heavy under his bent nose. He was a short man, maybe five seven, but his frame was anything but small. His shoulders were wide, arms muscular and legs stretching out the pants that covered them. He walked with a straight spin and head held high as he stopped in front of Sofia.

"Never an inconvenience when it comes to you, Sofia."

He smiled, his thick Italian accent deep and alluring while his eyes swim with appreciation and awe. I had gathered that Sofia was not only a popular woman here in Israel, but all over Europe a well, and if I wasn't mistaken by Marcos body language and the way his eyes help deep emotions, I would say that Sofia had herself an admirer. Sofia only smiled politely in return before motioning with her hand in our direction.

"My daughter you know, and this is Ava, my son's partner."

Marcos eyes widened when his hazel eyes met mine, and suddenly I felt like an ant trapped under a coloured piece of glass.

"Danial finally opened himself up to the possibility of a monogamous relationship?"

My head snapped back in disgust while Rivka giggle beside me. Sofia gently shaking her head as I shook mine vigorously. He had got to be kidding!

"No Marco, Danial is to set in his ways unfortunately. I meant my oldest, Yaakov."

It was only then that Marco's body tensed under his expensive blue suit, face draining of colour slightly as fear and pity stared back at me through his black rimmed glasses. I knew Yaakov's name instilled fear into people, but seeing it was something that I hadn't experienced yet. And I didn't like it in this instance. What Yaakov and I have wasn't something that should be feared or pitied at, our love was beautiful and pure, making both of us feel alive and free, and I wouldn't stand by and watch it become tainted by anyone.

"Oh... I see."

Marco muttered as he fought to bring back his once relaxed state but failing miserably. The colour still hadn't returned to his once rosy cheeks and his shoulders were still tense.

"What is there to see?"

The question was out of my mouth before I had a chance to stop and think. The need to defend Yaakov burned a whole in my chest as I narrowed my eyes at the man, not liking his judgment one bit. I felt Sofia's eyes on me, but she didn't say anything, nor did she try and stop the words leaking from my lips. Marco's eyes widened slightly while his body tensed even more under his suit. He looked towards Sofia for help, his eyes pleading with her to intervene, but she only looked towards me, waiting to see how this exchange would go.