Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 35 ~ Gianna

Gianna Rostova

What was wrong with me? How did I manage to trip over nothing? Running away from Matteo was useless, he was everywhere and I couldn't escape him.

When he caught me, I could feel my face heat up, and I hated that, he broke my heart and used me for his own selfish gain mere days ago and I was blushing? Damn, him and hormones.

He still had an effect on me and I had to take that away from him before I hurt myself more with it, i turned the corner into the dining room where Camilla and Allesandro sat at the table, their plates empty, smiling at each other.

They looked so happy, Camilla had never looked so in love and I didn't know Allesandro very well but he seemed to be head over heels for her.

Both of them must had sensed my presence because they turned to me, "Oh, hey Gia, take a seat"

I smile and sit down, Matteo sits down right beside me and his arms brushes against mine sending me into a small blush that was clearly noticeable.

"Aw, you guys are so cute!" Camilla says excitedly.

I force a smile, just the maids came in and placed our food on the table, we all thank them and they nod and leave.

Awkward silence grew, although me and Matteo were sitting closely together, I felt like there was a wall between us.

Alessandro told a story about a vacation they took to the Amalfi Coast, but I barely heard it. My mind was too preoccupied, replaying moments from the past few weeks in a vicious loop.

"Gianna," Camilla's voice cut through my thoughts. "You and Matteo have to share one of your favorite memories together. Come on, it'll be fun!" She beamed, unaware of the slow ache building inside me.

I froze. Matteo shifted uncomfortably beside me, his hand clenching the fork a little too tightly. This was the last thing I wanted to do, to pretend in front of everyone, including myself. But Camilla was looking at us expectantly, along with Alessandro.

Matteo spoke first, his voice measured, "I think... our trip to Italy, recently."

I didn't trust myself to speak, so I simply nodded. Bali had been a beautiful trip. It was before I knew anything, before the lies began to unravel.

"That was a good one," I finally managed, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

Camilla's eyes gleamed. "Tell us more! What was your favorite part?"

I swallowed hard, the words sticking in my throat. Matteo glanced at me, and I could feel the weight of the moment.

"My favorite part?" I said, my voice soft. "It was when I realized that nothing lasts forever."

Camilla laughed, unaware of the double meaning behind my words. But Matteo's face paled slightly.

He knew. He knew exactly what I meant.

And it was true, vague but true.

Allesandro smiles and turned to Matteo, "What about you?"

Matteo looks at me out of the corner of my eye, "It made me feel things I didn't know I could,"

I straighten and take a deep breath not giving him the satisfaction of knowing what inner turmoil his words were doing to me. He sounded so genuine I almost believed her cared about about me, and that what we had was real.