Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 33 ~ Gianna

Gianna Rostova

I was happy for Camilla and Alessandro, really. And I was not going to cry at their wedding, except for tears of happiness.

Camilla noticed I had been sad recently no matter how much I told her I was fine we both knew I wasn't and I didn't want to tell her.

I figured if Matteos wanted anyone to know he would tell Alessandro and understandably Alessandro would tell Camilla since they're engaged. And if neither of them know then Matteo must have a reason for it. And for some unknown reason, I wanted to respect that.

So, this morning Camilla surprised me saying that we should go out for lunch together which I was okay with since I hadn't been to a restaurant in a while.

I got all dressed up, did my skincare, properly exfoliated, spent an hour on my make up and slipped into a red dress I'd bought a few months ago when I was with Matteo but never actually wore it.

Camilla smiled when she saw me, "You look so hot right now."

"Thanks," I smile.

Me and Camilla got in the car and were off, but everything out the window reminded me of Matteo.

I saw a couple walking on the street and I was reminded of us in Italy.

I saw a limo and was reminded of him taking me to the planetarium.

I tore my eyes away from the window and looked down at my dress. Red. Strawberries. Matteo.

I couldn't escape him. And I hated that. I wanted to hate him.

As Camilla and I walked into the restaurant, I immediately noticed how perfect everything looked. The dim lighting, the soft clinking of silverware, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air-it was all the perfect setup for a relaxing lunch. I really needed this.

Camilla was beaming, as usual. "I'm so glad we're doing this!"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, it's nice to get out."

I was determined to put on a brave face. This lunch was for her too, and I didn't want my mess to ruin it. Plus, she and Alessandro had their wedding to think about. They didn't need my drama.

We were seated at a table by the window, the sun casting a soft glow over everything. As I was about to open the menu, Camilla excused herself. "I'll be right back, I need to make a quick call."

I nodded, not thinking much of it. As I scanned the appetizers, the door to the restaurant swung open, and I caught sight of Alessandro walking in.

But that wasn't what made my heart stop.

Matteo was right behind him.

I froze, my fingers tightening around the edge of the menu. My heart raced, and a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. She didn't know. None of them knew. It wasn't their fault to them, we were a married couple, in love. But I would be lying if I said I didn't want to duck under the table and hide.

Although, I'm sure lying wouldn't be a problem for one of us in the room.

Matteo spotted me instantly, his expression unreadable. The moment our eyes met, it felt like the world shifted, and I was back in that moment-the moment I packed my bags and left.

His words and promises came rushing back to me.

It started like that, yes, but then it wasn't and-

Gianna, i l-

Everything I had tried to bury, all the pain I had been pushing down, came rushing back.

Camilla came back to the table just as Alessandro and Matteo approached. Her face lit up with excitement, clearly proud of whatever surprise she had planned.

"Look who decided to join us!" she announced, as though this was the most casual thing in the world.

Alessandro walked over to her side of the table, giving her a kiss on the cheek, while Matteo hovered awkwardly, his eyes flicking between me and the floor.

I forced a smile, my chest tight. "Hey, Alessandro," I greeted him, hoping the strain in my voice wasn't too obvious. I couldn't even look at Matteo's lying face. His perfectly styled, deceptive self.

"You didn't think we'd leave you out of this, did you?" Alessandro grinned, pulling up a chair for himself, while Matteo sat across from me, his presence impossible to ignore.

Camilla was practically glowing with excitement, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. "So," she started, clasping her hands together, "We wanted to tell you both when you were together. We're planning a little engagement trip! Just the four of us."

My stomach dropped.

No. No, no, no. This couldn't be happening.

"A trip?" I echoed, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yes!" Camilla beamed. "We thought it would be so fun to have a little getaway before the wedding."

I felt the blood drain from my face as Camilla continued, completely unaware of the silent war raging inside me. She was smiling so wide, her excitement was palpable, and I hated that I was going to have to disappoint her.

"We were thinking somewhere by the coast," Alessandro added, leaning back in his chair, already envisioning the perfect escape. "A nice villa, wine, sunsets... just the four of us relaxing."

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding louder with each passing second. Matteo hadn't said a word since he sat down. He just stared at the table, occasionally glancing up at me, and I could feel his presence like a weight pressing down on my chest.

"That sounds... amazing," I said, barely able to get the words out. I caught Matteo shifting uncomfortably in his seat, and I knew he was as unsettled as I was.

Camilla reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "It'll be good for you, Gia. You've been so down lately, and I thought a change of scenery would help plus your husband! We all need this."

I forced a smile. "Yeah, it sounds great," I lied. Inside, I was screaming.

A trip with Matteo? No way. I could barely sit across from him right now without crumbling, let alone spend days together in close quarters, pretending everything was fine. And they had no idea what had happened between us. I couldn't tell them, not here, not like this.

Alessandro clapped his hands together, breaking the tension in my head. "Great! We'll book everything this week. It'll be just what we need."

I nodded mechanically, my mind already racing with excuses I could make to get out of this. Camilla looked so happy, though, and I hated that I would eventually have to shatter that. How could I possibly explain that I couldn't go without revealing the truth?

The weight of it all sat heavy on my chest as Camilla and Alessandro chatted about dates and locations, their voices blurring into the background. Matteo still hadn't spoken, and I wondered if he was feeling the same panic I was.

Eventually, I would have to tell Camilla. But right now, all I could do was smile and pretend. Just like someone I know, or thought I did.