Belonging Season

03

As Rey pulled up to the airport, Stella saw him waiting outside his car, his tall stature and familiar smile instantly putting her at ease. She rushed towards him, and Rey enveloped Stella in a warm hug, his arms encircling her in a protective embrace.

Rey held Stella tight, his hand rubbing her back in a comforting gesture. "I missed you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's been too long, mija"

Stella chuckled softly, touched by Rey's affectionate nickname for her. "I missed you too, Rey," she said, her voice a bit shaky. "It feels like forever since I've been home."

Rey nodded, understanding the mix of emotions Stella must be feeling. "I can imagine," he said, pulling back from the hug. "But you're finally here, and your family can't wait to see you."

Stella chuckled bitterly, a hint of resentment in her voice.
"Yeah, I bet," she replied dryly. "They haven't visited me even once in my five years studying in Italy. Clearly they've been missing me terribly."

Rey winced slightly at Stella's sarcasm, sensing the underlying hurt in her words. "I'm sure they had their reasons," he said, trying to console her. "But I promise you, they've been counting down the days until you returned."

Rey chuckled wryly, his smile lacking humor. "Believe me, I wanted to visit you in Italy, but you know your mother. She can be... difficult."

Stella rolled her eyes, knowing all too well how demanding and stubborn her mother could be. "Yeah, that's an understatement," she said dryly. "But it's fine. I had Lorenzo and the rest of my friends to keep me company."

Rey, ever the protective figure in Stella's life, heard the mention of Lorenzo and immediately felt his fatherly instincts kick in.
"And this Lorenzo, is just a friend?" he asked, his tone cautious but his concern evident.

Stella chuckled, amused by Rey's protective nature. "Yes, Rey, he's just a friend," she assured him. "We're good friends, but there's nothing more going on there."

Rey studied her face, searching for any hint of dishonesty or deception. Finding none, he nodded reluctantly, still not entirely convinced. "Well, just be careful," he said gruffly. "Men can be unpredictable."

As they approached the mansion, Stella's breath hitched in her throat. The familiar sight of the grandiose entrance, the tall columns and the well-groomed greenery, filled her with a mix of nostalgia and nerves. They pulled up to the entrance, and Rey got out of the car, walking around to open Stella's door for her.

As Stella stepped out of the car, the front door of the mansion opened, and her family emerged. First, her mother, Sharon, appeared, her perfectly coiffed hair and poised demeanor a stark contrast to the warmth that was missing from her eyes. Standing beside her was Stella's adopted sister, Ambar, her once tomboyish nature now replaced by the elegance and grace expected of the young socialite she had become. And behind them, Stella's grandfather, Alfredo, smiled widely, his wrinkles deepening with the effort.

The staff members who had worked in the mansion for years were lined up beside the family, their expressions solemn as they waited to greet Stella. Among them were Cato, the handyman who had been there since Stella was born, alongside the chauffeur Tino, and Amanda, the head housekeeper who had practically watched Stella grow up.

The manager and chef, Miguel and Monica, smiled politely and greeted Stella with a nod. "It's an honor to finally meet you," Miguel said. "Our daughter, Luna, was also hoping to welcome you, but she had some errands to run and will be joining us shortly."

Stella nodded in acknowledgement, although a sense of unease gnawed at her. The mention of Luna stirred something within her, but she couldn't quite place it. "I look forward to meeting her," she replied politely.