Shadows Of Desire

Chapter 11

Leandra Moreno

As my mother and I walked in, way behind schedule, eyes turned to us. Everybody froze, heads turned and it seemed like everyone was holding their breath. The flashes of cameras lit up around us as I changed my stance, subtly posing, trying to keep my composure like my mother directed me too. I posed in a way that matched the elegance my mother had forced me into.

I gave a half smile, the kind that said. "I know you're watching and I'm here to deliver". I could feel the weight of tonights expectations, pressing down on me with an overwhelming force. 

"Leandra, remember what I told you." my mother's voice was a low murmur, barely audible to loud sound of the guests talking amognst themselves. "Grace, poise, and no unecessary gestures."

I give her a tense nod, the edge of irratation barely concealed in my expression. "Yes, mama, I know."

The crowd's attention was now fully on us, their eyes following our every move. Whispers began to ripple through the gathering like waves, the buzz of curiosity almost tangible. I caught snippets of their conversations as we passed, some voices edged with intrigue, others tinged with barely concealed judgment.

"Did you see them finally show up?" a woman murmured, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"About time," came another voice, sharp and laced with judgment. "I was beginning to think they weren't coming."

I looked up at my mother, who was maintaning her stiff, and controlled posture with practiced precision. I could almost see her face flash with discomfort for a brief moment before she masks it with her usual cold expression.

As we made our way through the crowd, the hum of conversations and the click of glasses filling the room, I could feel the stares on us. A few people greet my mother on our way but nothing really happened, which was surprising.

The setting wasn't bad with chandeliers casting a glow over the guests, and the interior decorated elegantly and almost vintage. Nice going, Eduardo.

The crowd seemed to be indulged in something..someone. I approach closer, my mom narrowing her eyes at me but I ignore her, walking to the group. 

Shit.

I realize who the man is, stepping back a bit and looking at my mom who looks like she had just seen a ghost. "All we have to do is talk to him, just a small greeting and it's over." I feel like she was saying that more to herself than to me.

She fixes her composure, straigtening her dress before walking into the crowd, the guests make way for her as she approaches the middle, face to face with the man she had tried so hard to forget--my father.

I follow quickly beside her and I can hear the crowd's whispers at the sudden action but they stay quiet. "Eulalia, it's been awhile. You promised you'd write. Well, that doesn't matter, though it's good too see you. And I see you've brought your little....friend." He says almost mockingly, his eyes flickering to mine. 

He wasn't aware that I was his daughter, I don't think so. I had only met him when I was younger, in circumstances I would not like to think about. He was a horrible man, I would be dead before ever admitting he was related to me. The way he said friend was almost dismissive, like I was inconvenient to him.

"I wish I could say the same, Salvatore. Seems like you haven't changed one bit." She says bitterly, her facade almost crumbling. "This little...friend, you say? This is my daughter."

"Daughter?" He repeats, as he looks at me. His eyes flicker with recognition or surprise, I can't tell and don't care. "How..interesting."

My mother grabbed her purse tightly, I could tell she was uncomfortable. "Mama, let's go find somewhere to sit." I murmur, sensing her uncomforbality. She hesitates for a bit before gripping my arm firmly, walking us away.