Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 74 』

As they made their way through the crowd, they started to receive curious glances from some of the guests, and it did not take long before the music completely stopped and the surroundings fell silent. All eyes were now on them, and a hush fell over the crowd.

The tension in the air was audible as everyone waited to see what would happen next.

They stopped in front of a long table where Yuri could recognize some familiar faces, whom she knew as Giancarlo's brothers. Aside from Stefano and Vincentius, Giancarlo has three more brothers who were known for their ruthlessness just like him, while the women beside them were certainly their partners, given that they have the Edelweiss pin attached to their dresses.

The brothers exchanged a quick glance, their expressions unreadable. It was clear that this unexpected arrival had disrupted the carefully planned event, and the atmosphere grew even more tense.

Aside from Giancarlo's brothers, Yuri saw another woman at the table – the one who really stood out to her was the one who was sitting at the head of the table. She looks similar to Giancarlo, with the same piercing gaze and commanding presence on top of their striking physical resemblance.

Yuri did not need to ask who the woman was, as obviously she was Giancarlo's mother.

"Il suo nome è Yuri. La donna che sposare," (His name is Yuri. The woman I'm going to marry) Giancarlo started in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

There was only silence until Giancarlo's brother, Rolando spoke up.

"La tua sposa non ha una lingua? Perché non la lasci parlare da sola?" (Doesn't your bride have a voice? Why don't you let her speak for herself?) Rolando said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

She does not understand what is being said, but she can sense the tension in the room, especially now that all eyes have turned to her. She looks to Giancarlo for guidance, unsure of how to respond to Rolando's comment.

"They want you to introduce yourself," Giancarlo said, his voice on the edge of annoyance. He knew his brother's sarcastic remark was only adding to the discomfort.

Yuri mustered a smile, then a face. the group, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. She took a deep breath, hoping to project confidence as she began to introduce herself.

"My name is –"

"Parla Italiano." (Speak Italian)

It was Giancarlo's other brother, Nicollo, who interrupted her. Giancarlo was about to lunge at his brother, but she held up a hand to stop him.

"I am sorry, but I do not speak Italian fluently. I am still learning the language," she replied calmly, and she could see how the others in the group exchanged glances as if what she said was an insult.

"Una donna dai capelli neri è una cosa, ma una non italiana? Quanto in basso ti abbasserai, fratello?" (A woman with black hair is one thing, but a non-Italian? How low will you stoop, brother?) Nicollo sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Giancarlo freed himself from her grasp and took a step towards Nicollo, his anger evident in his clenched fists.

"Hai già parlato troppo," (You've already spoken too much) he growled. "Potrebbe non parlare un italiano fluente, ma questo non la rende meno degna di rispetto." (She may not speak fluent Italian, but that doesn't make her any less deserving of respect)

Yuri watched the tense exchange unfold, unsure of how to intervene. She contemplated maybe just walking away, but before she could make a decision, Valentina was already on her side.