Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

Struggles with the truth (Lorena's POV)

My parents' news of another boy struck me like a tornado crushing a house. That was a strange analogy to put it with, but it captured the overwhelming and shocking feeling I went through. There was no way my parents were trying to set me up with someone, it was absurd. Where did this even come from?

My parents gave me the boy's number, his name was Francesco, and they told me that I should arrange a date with him. I don't know why my parents were so controlling about my love life, but I just did what they asked. If I don't listen I may never inherit Offredi's legacy in Wysandale, Europe. Or worse, they could pass it down to someone else.

Truth be told, I was feeling extremely guilty that Elias had no clue. I couldn't tell him though because these past few days he was visiting his relatives and I would rather tell him in person.

Elias seemed frustrated through his texts as well. He told me some part of why he was upset but not the entire story which I don't know why that is. I hoped that his frustrations were about his encounters with his family and not about me.

When I heard Elias was home, I asked if I could meet up with him and talk. I want to tell him about the other boy. He agreed to meet up and we met up at a flea market that was taking place near the restaurant.

"Hey, Lorena," Elias calls out, stopping me in my tracks as I pivot towards him. "Hello," I reply, lifting my arms as he envelops me with a closed embrace. Releasing me, he cups my cheeks in his hands and gives me a gentle kiss on my forehead.

How am I supposed to tell this man about another man?

"How are you?" I ask. He takes a deep breath. "Well I'm alright, it's just family concerns." He walks with me with his hand in my hand along the street.

"Do you want to share it with me?" I ask as we both enter a small sitting area along a shop. "Um, I really don't wanna talk about it if that's okay with you." I nod in understanding.

I sometimes don't wanna discuss with my parents about who will be getting Offredi's one day because I know the tension I will endure with running a business. I always thought that having two people sharing the responsibilities that a business entails would be better than just one singular person drowning over too much stress. Hopefully, the person I choose to run the business with will be the right person.

We sit on this bench and I allow my hair to fly with the gust of wind that is delivered on this cloudy and windy day. I take in his casual outfit -- a light blue button up shirt with some black pants. It seemed as if everything he wore had to be somewhat fancy and formal even if it was casual.

"So, you want to walk around for a bit?" I suggest, trying to regain his attention as he looks at people talking. "I would like that." He slightly smiles with his lips and we wander around a few shops.

When we are done browsing, I have two bags in my hand and one hand in his hand in the other. "I enjoy being with you, Lorena." He tells me making me lost in his eyes like he normally does.

I feel the flames of guilt raging inside of me. How could I deceive this man? Every passing moment intensified with an inferno of guilt and I found myself struggling with the truth.

How would we react if I confessed the truth? Would he abandon me and call me a cheater because I'm going on a date with another guy? Would he leave me because of the challenges posed by my parents?

"Elias," I say, almost whispering. We stop in a secluded place right by an alley. "Yes, darling?" He asks, confused with my sudden stop.

Oh goodness, the endearment, the nicknames, the tenderness, everything.

I find myself struggling to catch my breath as my heart beats, bursting outside of my chest. Thud, thud, thud, thud, the rhythm pounds in my ears with its upbeat tempo.

"Nothing," the words escape me involuntarily. My gut's inferno intensifies as I lie to him. "Are you sure? You don't look okay?" He peers in both of my eyes.

"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you for this wonderful time." He lifts me up and places a kiss on my lips. The kiss distracts me from the turmoil within.

As I feel his warmth, I can't shake the feeling that whatever was going to happen with this, I knew that I caused the potential downfall. Really, my own self-conflict caused the downfall. All about inheriting the Offredi Legacy and filial piety. I only hope that he can find it in his heart to forgive me, no matter what happens.