Our Forced Love

𝓔𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷

Aurora

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Maricceli." I greeted my mother and father in law as they walked through the door. Antonio informed me last night that they would be paying a visit to check up on us. I already prepared a meal consisting of steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.

"Oh, Aurora." Mr. Maricceli pulled me in a hug and kissed both my cheeks. "You look more beautiful every day." He smiled and I smiled back. His wrinkled, tan-colored face was gleaming with a smile.

I chuckled. "It's nice to see you, Mr. Maricceli." I said. His hugs always seem to bring forth a certain comfort that I have always had from my dad — who I'm always missing very dearly. He reminds me of a big teddy bear. It's hard to believe that he once was a huge and violent gangster. He treats me as if I'm his own, and that enough is special to me.

"Aurora." Mrs. Maricceli walked up to me. She pulled me in a small hug as well. "It's nice to see you. I bought some more watermelon seeds for you, if you'd like them." She said. She's being exceptionally nice today. She's been nice the last few times we had spoken to each other, even though it was very brief. I only hope that today's lunch isn't like the last time we all sat down and ate.

I smiled. "Of course." I gleamed. "Thank you so much." She held out the watermelon seeds and I grabbed them from her and placed them on the bar. It seems as though we've created a weird bond over plants and fruits and vegetables since we both have a green thumb. "Lunch is ready. It's still hot too." I told them, leading them both into the dining room. Heavy footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. My husband whom I haven't seen since yesterday morning. Antonio looked tired than he did yesterday. I'm wondering if he's even sleeping at night.

For the past few nights, he's spent his time in his home office. There were times I'd have to bring his dinner to him because he couldn't even come downstairs. I'd join him eventually because I'd be lonely in bed but end up falling asleep and waking up in our bed. I don't want him working himself to death, but what can I really do? I want to talk to him about it, but I don't want him getting defensive. Especially because as his wife, I should be supportive and not question his every decision.

I couldn't help but notice how he's carrying himself right now. It's as if he's lost his mind, almost. Whatever is bothering him is getting to him hard. His hair, which is normally kept properly, looked messy and his suit jacket was all wrinkled. Definitely not Antonio, who would be all sophisticated looking. "Your parents are here." I informed him. He nodded and kissed my cheek before walking into the dining room to greet his parents. I hope he's okay.

After more hugs were exchanged, we all sat down to eat. "Antonio. How's everything going?" Mr. Maricceli asked. I look at Antonio and he looks out of it. Just plain tired and probably not up for lunch.

Antonio just shrugged his shoulders. "Everything's going fine, Dad." He replied blankly with a sigh. His dad's facial expression changed, and I saw that he had noticed exactly what I noticed. Antonio's just simply not himself. And

"That's nice, my dear." Mrs. Maricceli smiled. "Aurora, how's life been since the wedding? I'm sure it's been difficult adjusting to this life?" She asked. I appreciated her efforts at being cordial — anything is better than the remarks she had made the last time we had a meal with his family.

"Oh, life has been... not too bad." I replied. "I mean, it gets a little lonely, I guess, around here. But it's not too bad. I've started cooking more and I have an art room, so good has come out of that." I said with a tiny chuckle. I turned my head and glanced at Antonio. His face looked as if he was feeling bad. But what about?

"That's nice, dear." Mrs. Maricceli said. "I remember when Lucian and I got married. We were so young. I was only a year older than you were, and he was 24. I can say it did get lonely at times. But you must understand that what Antonio does for a living isn't easy. His life is not promised everyday. I suggest you be thankful for the moments you have with him before you don't have them anymore." She explained.