Belonging Season

09

Lorenzo and his father, Mattia, were sitting in the lavish study of their Italian mansion, the walls adorned with expensive art and heavy curtains framing the windows. Lorenzo's father leaned back in his leather chair, swirling a glass of wine as he considered his son's request.

Lorenzo's father took a sip of his drink, eyeing his son intently. "You want to transfer to Buenos Aires?" he repeated, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

Lorenzo fidgeted in his seat, sensing his father's reservations. "Yes, Papa," he replied, his voice firm despite his nerves. "I've been thinking about it, a lot."

Mattia stroked his chin thoughtfully, mulling over his son's words. "You still have feelings for her, then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Lorenzo, you know I like the girl," he reiterated, "The two of you would make a fine couple. But is all this effort really necessary? What about that Altieri girl? I've been doing business with her father for years. She's a solid alternative, and a respectable match."

Lorenzo's heart sank at his father's words. He knew that the Moara Altieri was a logical choice, a respectable match due to their families' business ties. But his heart yearned for Stella, not for some strategic alliance.

Lorenzo clenched his fists, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Damnit, Papa," he said forcefully, "I can't just leave her alone with fucking Matteo Balsano. He's no good for her!"

Mattia's eyes widened in recognition. "Balsano?" he repeated, a frown on his face. "That name sounds familiar."

Lorenzo's father's face darkened as he recalled the details of the business deal gone wrong. "Ah, yes," he said bitterly, "I remember now. The Balsano boy's father and I did business together years ago, and the bastard cheated me out of one million euros!"

Lorenzo seized the opportunity, his voice filled with conviction. "See, Papa? That's exactly why I have to be there for her," he exclaimed. "Matteo is dangerous, and I can't let him hurt Stella."

Mattia let out a sigh, his expression relenting. "Alright, son," he relented, "I'll see what I can do. We may still be able to get you into the exchange student program. And I'll have to look into my properties in Buenos Aires, see if there's any place suitable for you to stay."

Mattia fixed his son with a stern yet loving look. "Don't get me wrong, son," he said firmly, "After you finish school, you're coming straight back here to take over the family empire. You're my only son, and it's important that you
understand your responsibilities."

Lorenzo interrupted, his voice firm yet tinged with determination. "I understand, Papa," he said, nodding solemnly, "I will take over the family empire when the time comes, and I will follow in your footsteps. But please, listen. Stella is the one I want. I can't let her be in Buenos Aires alone, with Matteo and whoever else. Please, Papa, let me go there to be with her. I want to protect her, and I want her by my side."

Lorenzo's father's expression softened, a hint of pride in his eyes.
"I believe you, son," he said, placing a hand on Lorenzo's shoulder. "You've never disappointed me, and I recognize that I couldn't have asked for a better son. I will do whatever I can to ensure you can be with Stella. Just give me some time to arrange things."

With that, Mattia stood, signaling the end of their conversation. "I'll get started on making arrangements," he said, the sternness returning to his voice. "In the meantime, focus on your studies.
I expect you to finish school strong so you can return home and take your place at my side."

Lorenzo nodded, his heart filled with a mix of relief and determination.
"Thank you, Papa," he said fervently,
"I won't let you down. I'll finish school with honors and be ready to take my place when the time comes. This is the only thing I will ever ask of you."

Mattia chuckled softly, his eyes softening as he thought of the past. "You know," he began, his voice laced with a hint of nostalgia, "When I was your age, I probably would have done the same thing for your mother. Love has a way of driving even the most rational minds a little mad."

The second Lorenzo's father left, Lorenzo grabbed his phone and typed a heartfelt message to Stella, his fingers moving quickly over the screen.

"Amore," he began, his words filled with tenderness, "I can't stop thinking about our argument. I'm so sorry for what I said. Can we please talk? I miss you so much."

Lorenzo's heart skipped a beat when he noticed Stella's name appear on his phone screen. He quickly answered the call, his voice filled with both excitement and nervousness.
"Stella?" he said, his heart racing. "Amore?"