Field of dandelion

Family Tensions

Chapter 3: Family Tensions

Sia

I sat nervously on the plush couch in the grand living room of the Armando estate. The room, with its high ceilings and elegant decor, felt both intimidating and foreign. I clutched the edges of my seat, my eyes darting around as I tried to take in everything at once.

My father, Nikolai, stood nearby, watching me with concern. He had called a family meeting to introduce me to my brothers, who had been waiting in another room. The air was thick with tension and anticipation.

One by one, my brothers entered the room. Alexei, tall and composed, was the first. He gave me a brief nod, his expression unreadable. Next came Dmitri, his powerful build and stern face making him look like a formidable opponent. Sergei followed, his sharp eyes cold and calculating, and finally Yuri, who offered a strained smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

“Sia, these are your brothers. Alexei, Dmitri, Sergei, and Yuri,” my father said.

I glanced up at them, my heart pounding. I wanted to speak, to say something, but the words stuck in my throat.

Alexei was the first to break the silence. "Father, we need to talk," he said, his voice steady but with an edge of concern.

My father nodded, guiding my brothers into his study, leaving me alone in the living room. I could hear their muffled voices through the door.

Inside the study, the tension boiled over.

“This is dangerous,” I heard Alexei begin, his voice firm. “Bringing her here puts her at risk. Our enemies will use her against us.”

“She’s been through enough. Do you really think she can handle this life?” Dmitri added.

“Father, we love her, but this isn’t the place for a young girl. She needs peace and safety, not the constant threat of violence,” Yuri said, sounding worried.

Sergei’s voice cut through the others, harsh and filled with resentment. “She doesn’t belong here. She’s a liability. How do we even know she’s still the same person? For all we know, she’s been turned against us.”

I heard my father’s voice harden. “Sergei, that’s enough.”

But Sergei wasn’t done. The door burst open, and he stormed out of the study, heading straight for the living room where I sat. He glared at me, his face twisted with anger.

“You should have stayed gone,” he spat. “We don’t need you here. You’re nothing but trouble.”

I flinched at his words, my eyes filling with tears. I had hoped for a warm welcome, but this was a nightmare. Sergei's words cut deep, and I could feel the weight of his anger and distrust.

As Sergei stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him, Alexei, Dmitri, and Yuri re-entered the living room. They looked at me with a mix of guilt and concern.

“We’re sorry,” Alexei said quietly. “This is a lot for all of us to take in. It’s not your fault.”

Dmitri nodded. “We’re just...worried about you. This life isn’t easy, and we don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Yuri stepped closer, trying to offer some comfort. “Give us some time, Sia. It’s been a long time since we were a family. We’ll figure this out.”

My father appeared behind them, his expression a mix of anger and sorrow. “Sia, come with me,” he said gently, guiding me out of the room. “We’ll let your brothers cool down.”

As we walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of rejection and uncertainty. The reunion I had dreamed of was turning into a painful reality. I wondered if I would ever truly belong in this family again.