Estate De la Roi

· El Regreso ·

As the car glided closer to the towering gates of the illustrious estate, Ariela De Santis found herself lost in a whirlwind of memories. The tinted windows framed the familiar houses she had grown up seeing, their facades whispering stories of her past. Unconsciously, her fingers traced the name etched into the cold metal encircling her waist, a silent reminder of a life she had left behind for almost fifteen years.

With each passing moment, anticipation mingled with apprehension, tugging at her heartstrings. The car finally entered through the imposing gates of the 5 Spade, and Ariela's gaze was immediately drawn to the grand mansion that had once been her sanctuary, a place she had once called home. It was here that she had bid farewell to the six remarkable women who had meant the world to her.

As the car came to a halt, Ariela took a deep breath, steeling herself for the reunion that awaited her within the walls of the De Santis mansion. After she had carefully adjusted her glasses she looked through the window and she couldn't help but notice the familiar sight of her family standing at the steps of the mansion waiting for her. By their age and an old family tradition, her mother stood at the top, looking least pleased at her return. The rest of her family on the other hand looked most joyed, each standing in their designated spots, a testament to their unwavering respect for the family hierarchy. Despite the tension that often lingered among them, Ariella couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in the familiar sight of her family before her. Pinching her inner cheek forcing her best smile as the chauffeur opened the door.

"Aunty's Home!" she exclaimed, holding out her hands as they left their spots and headed towards her Andréa being the first to reach her.
"Tía!" They hugged twirling around in content
"I am so sorry I missed your wedding I tried to make it" Ariela said with sincerity
"Apology not accepted" Andréa feigned sadness
"You sure? What about now?"She put a Dior Trotter saddle bag in Andréa's hands. Andréa was beaming engulfing Ariela in a tighter hug
" Gracias!"
"Hey, what about me?" Ariela looked over at her other niece Ayra. The difference was clear as her growth had been magnificent but her style was still the same—shiny and sparkly—
"Ayra darling..." They hugged resting comfortably in each other's arms. "You've grown so tall, even taller than I am and your waist is so thin."
"Well I am a De Santis, isn't that what we're known for?"
"That and our ability to have man..."
"Or woman..."
"Wrapped around our fingers."Ariela looked over her shoulders knowing very well who had been speaking to her, the only people skilled enough to creep up to her back without her noticing.
"Ashley and Astrid, my favorite twins." She hugged them both being careful with how she held Astrid. She had always been a bit different from them but they loved her regardless but were always careful not to trigger her.
"Hola hermanita."Araceli smiled down at her; it was a warm smile that held no ruses or schemes, one she hoped would last.  They stared at each other for some seconds before finally sealing it with an embrace one that showed the start of a new beginning between the sisters that held loyalty and trust, not like it once was. Now Ariela had gone through the rest. She had only one person to face somebody who had been standing at the threshold on the same exact spot with the same facial expression while all the exchange of had gone on.
"Saludos Madre." Ariela bowed, taking her mother's hand to greet her. Aquila snatched her hand from her daughter's grip Her face maintained its original expression—loathing and disdain— Aquila turned away walking gracefully into their home with no single word to her. But she could have sworn she heard her whisper 'Disgrace.'