Twisted Loyalties

14

I can't keep the smile off my face as I scan the menu, soaking in the soft candlelight and the peaceful view of the water just beyond our table.

Ale glances at me every few seconds, that same warm, steady smile on his face, like he's genuinely happy to be here with me.

Finally, I catch him in the act. "What?" I laugh, setting the menu down. "Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

He leans back in his chair, his smirk widening. "I don't know, just... it's nice seeing you happy. I missed this."

His words tug at something deep inside me, and I find myself smiling even wider.

It's been so long since I felt this light, this free, and hearing that he notices—he sees it—makes it mean even more.

"It's been a while since I felt this way," I admit, my voice softening. "Thank you for tonight. Really."

He reaches across the table, his hand resting just a few inches from mine. "You don't have to thank me, Sab. I wanted this, for you to have a night that's just... about you."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I feel like I don't have to hide anything—no worries, no pretending. Just this easy, open warmth between us.

The waiter arrives with our food, and I'm momentarily distracted by the rich aroma wafting from our plates.

I take a deep breath, and Alejandro grins at my obvious excitement. "What, you're gonna pretend you don't miss food like this?" he teases.

"Oh, I do," I laugh, picking up my fork.

I pause, glancing up at him, feeling a familiar warmth in my chest. "You should come over soon, you know. Mama would love to see you."

His smile brightens. "Yeah? It has been way too long. And if she's still making those empanadas, then I definitely need to get over there."

I laugh, picturing him in my mom's kitchen, trying to sneak a taste before dinner like he used to when we were kids. "Trust me, she'd love that."

Alejandro's expression softens, and he leans in a little closer.

I start twirling my fork through the pasta, letting the flavors sink in as I take my first bite. But my gaze drifts to the faint cut just above Alejandro's eyebrow, and I can't help but reach over, lightly brushing my fingers against it.

"Does it still hurt?" I ask, my fingers lingering for a second before I pull them back.

Ale grins, shaking his head. "Nah, it's just a small cut now. Hurt worse yesterday, but I gave him a little more to remember me by." He gives me a sly smile, clearly enjoying his victory.

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "What would've happened if Matteo hadn't pulled you two apart?"

Alejandro raises a brow, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Let's just say, it would've ended worse for him."

He takes a sip of his drink, then leans in a little, his tone shifting. "Actually, one of my guys told me earlier—apparently Matteo's sister Camilla got into this huge fight with her dad."

I blink, surprised. "Really? I've never met her, but from what Val says, she sounds like a nightmare."

Alejandro chuckles. "From what I've heard, that's pretty accurate. Sounds like she doesn't get along with anyone, not even her own family."

I shake my head, letting out a sigh. "Guess we're not the only ones dealing with family drama, huh?"

He nods, and we fall into an easy silence, letting the calm of the evening settle around us.

I lay sprawled on the couch, Camilla curled up against me, her head resting softly on my shoulder.

She looked so peaceful, and I couldn't bring myself to wake her.

After everything she'd been through, she deserved this quiet moment of rest.

I picked up my phone and started scrolling through my feed, hoping to distract myself. But a notification caught my eye, and I clicked on it.

My heart sank when I saw a picture of Alejandro and Sabrina at some fancy restaurant. The warm glow of candlelight highlighted their faces, but what really hit me was Sabrina's smile.

It was the widest, most genuine smile I'd ever seen, and it twisted something deep inside me.

She wasn't with Val; she was with Alejandro. That thought made everything worse. A pang of jealousy shot through me.

Sabrina looked so happy, so carefree with him.

Was I really losing her to him?

I glanced down at Camilla, still blissfully asleep and unaware of the storm brewing in my mind. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thoughts.

It was just a picture, just a moment captured in time. But seeing Sabrina so alive and joyful with someone else only highlighted how much I missed her.

With a sigh, I decided I didn't want to dwell on it anymore. I focused on Camilla instead, wrapping my arms around her gently.

She needed this sleep, and I could use a little peace too. I pulled the blanket over us both, feeling her warmth against me.

"Goodnight, Cami," I whispered softly, letting my eyes drift closed as I let the world fade away, choosing to be present in this moment.

AUTHORS NOTEE
Guys I'm planning for Sabrina and Camilla to meet soon so be readyyy!!
I love jealous Julian.
I'm also planning for Julian and Sabrina to make up next chapter dont worry y'all!