𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝒶 𝙼𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝

𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻

⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙♡☼⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the lapels of the dark blue pinstripe suit. My reflection was sharp—dressed impeccably for the evening, with the double-breasted jacket giving me an air of control. The crisp white shirt beneath it stood out, the matching white pocket square neatly folded in place. 

I looked every bit the man i was expected to be. My fingers grazed the buttons of the suit, ensuring everything was in order before i reached for my phone and slid it into the inside pocket.

With a quiet sigh, i picked up the cologne from my dresser and applied just enough to let the subtle, woody fragrance settle around me. It was time.

I  took one last look in the mirror before stepping out of my room and heading downstairs, where my family was waiting.

As i entered the grand living room, the soft hum of conversation greeted me. My mother, Giovanna, stood at the center, her quiet dignity radiating from her as she spoke with my sisters.

My sisters, Sophia and Isabella, were deep in conversation, their bond obvious in the way they leaned toward each other. Sophia, always the bold one, laughed as Isabella, the quieter of the two, smiled demurely.

My brothers, Dante and Matteo, stood off to the side, engaged in their usual teasing banter. Dante, the serious, composed elder brother, gave a knowing look to me as i approached, while Matteo, ever the playful one, flashed him a grin and said, "Looks like someone's ready to take over the world tonight."

I smirked and greeted each of them in turn, starting with my mother. "Mamma," I said, kissing her on the cheek gently. 

She smiled warmly at me, her eyes holding a hint of sadness, the same sadness that lingered every time the family gathered since my father's passing. My father's absence was always felt, even on nights like this, when the family was supposed to be celebrating.