A MAN TO HATE

chapter thirty seven

Bellatia

We remain silent for a moment, and every second that passes feels like an eternity to me

After a long sigh, my aunt finally speaks

" You...look beautiful Bella "

I look at her, not knowing what to answer cause I feel like this compliment might hide her real intention

" Hum...after the dinner with...the Jeon yesterday night, I had a conversation with Preston...and I realized that, maybe I was too rude with you "

I look at her

" Maybe? " I ask with a frown

She nods

" Okay, I was rude...but Bella, you're my niece, I'm worrying about your choice you know "

" I know, but I'm also a grown woman, I know what I'm doing "

" Yes, you're right "

" And for years, I've been taking my decisions all by myself, and see...I survived until now "

" Yes, and I'm proud of you, but... those people..."

" They are my fiance's family, soon my husband...they are not " those people " " I reply

" This situation is still intriguing to me, you can't blame us not to trust them , cause we know the story of the past "

" Everyone here knows the story of our past, my friends, my colleagues, his family members, his business partners, everyone, even the whole country...yet they are here, to support our decision, not to judge or to bring the past in every sentence, and this was the only thing I was waiting for you to do as well when I asked you to come here "

My aunt sighs

" Can you blame your family to care more about you ? I'm scared you know "

" What are you scared for? They can't kill me, you're only worrying about the hotel chain and the income...not about me "

" Of course I care about you...they will use you for profit, don't you realize how powerful your name is ? "

" This is a business marriage, of course they will use me...but guess what? I'll use them as well, this is how it works, I'm not a baby, I know how to handle my deals "

She looks at me and nods

" You are so mature for your age, you are really like your father "

The mention of my father makes me a little sad, I wish he was still alive

I miss him more than ever today

" Yes, I know " I finally reply

She stands up and walks to the window

" The venue is so beautiful... congratulations for your wedding, everything is perfect, I have to admit " she says, looking at the yard

" Yeah...I know "

She turns around to look at me and finally smiles at me for the first time

" Do you have someone to walk you down the aisle? I haven't seen Warren "

" Hum...no... I'll walk alone "

" Oh no, out of question... Preston gonna walk you "

" Aunt Sylvia, it's not necessary " I protest

" I insist...I don't want those people...I mean, your fiance's family to think that you're an orphan, you have family too..." She says firmly

I shake my head, defeated already...or just too tired to retaliate