Before dawn | Dark romance

Chapter 54 - Unveiling connections

May 24, 2024

Friday

Dear diary,

Let me tell you about my day.

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[1/2]

I adjust my sunglasses, glancing at Emily and Brianna beside me. They are deep in conversation about where we are supposed to have lunch, their animated voices blending with the symphony of New York's bustling streets. Luckily, I have my friends here in the city, because, although I knew before hand that Luca would be busy with his work, I expected that he would have made more time to spend with me. Other than the dinner from last night on top of the Empire State Building, I have barely seen him. This morning, when I woke up, he was already gone.

"Can you believe how hot it is here?" Emily says as we stroll through Central Park, the sun filtering through the leaves, casting shadows on the path.

"It's for a reason the Castellanos always escape the city during the summer months," Brianna responds.

I chuckle, trying to push away the nagging disappointment of Luca's absence. "Oh come on, we can still enjoy it. There's so much to see and do."

Central Park stretches out before us, a verdant oasis amidst the concrete jungle. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and music, and the aroma of hot dogs and pretzels wafts through the air. We stroll along the winding paths, passing families picnicking on checkered blankets, children playing tag, and couples rowing boats on the tranquil lake. It's a picturesque scene, almost enough to distract me from the unease that's settled like a stone in the pit of my stomach.

Last night, Luca had assured me that Federico would be the only bodyguard following me around. But as I glance around, I can't shake the feeling that more eyes are on me, shadowy figures blending into the crowd. I scan the faces around us, searching for anything out of place.

Emily notices my distraction and frowns. "Why are you acting like a mad woman?" she asks, her eyes following my gaze as she tries to discern what I'm looking for.

I force a laugh, trying to sound nonchalant. "I don't know. Weird feeling."

Brianna, ever the perceptive one, raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Instead, she points to a group of street performers setting up nearby. "Look, they're about to start. Let's watch for a bit."

We find a spot on a nearby bench, and as the performers begin their act, I try to lose myself in the spectacle. But my mind keeps drifting back to Luca. He had been so attentive and charming during dinner last night, making me feel like the center of his world. But this morning, the cold, empty bed beside me was a stark reminder of his other commitments. His real life. I know he has responsibilities, but part of me can't help but feel a little neglected.

The crowd erupts in applause and cheers as the street performers finish their dazzling routine. The vibrant energy fills the air, but my thoughts are far away, tangled in the mystery surrounding Luca. What secrets is he keeping from me?

As the performers take their final bow, the crowd begins to disperse. We get up from our bench, ready to move on. Suddenly, Brianna breaks the silence.

"Soph asked if she could join us for lunch," she says casually.

I blink in surprise, trying to process her words. Sophia? Here in the city? I had no idea she was even in town. Weren't she and Alonso supposed to be getting married in Sicily in like... just two weeks? Luca had been so vague about the details, and now, out of nowhere, everyone had to be back in New York. There must be a reason for that.