Azalea Faye Larau - The sweetheart socialite with a fire underneath and an up and coming ballet dancer in London striving to stay afloat in an ocean of sharks, all the while dealing with heartbreak and loss.
Harlan Emeric Marchetti - The Italian Maf...
"But you should've seen him, when he first got me."
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The following morning at breakfast, the tension in the air was palpable. Jamie sat across from me, his expression strained as he avoided my gaze. I put down my knife and fork, feeling the weight of his silence after he had told me the news.
"They know?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My fingers gripped the edge of the table as I searched Jamie's face for answers.
He gave a terse nod, glancing between me and Harlan.
"Papa and Uncle Gabriel told Mum and Dad when they found us snooping around." He spoke quietly.
My stomach sank but I tried to keep my composure, aware of the girls' curious gazes on me. Harlan, ever composed, reached across the table and squeezed my hand. The simple gesture anchored me, reminding me that despite everything, I wasn't alone in this.
"Did anyone call from Papa's side?" I ventured hesitantly, bracing myself for the answer.
Jamie nodded again, his expression softening.
"Papa called. He wanted to know how you were doing. And..." Jamie paused, looking between Harlan and me, as if debating whether to continue, "He said they all plan to attend the wedding."
My heart clenched. I lowered my gaze to my plate, swallowing the knot in my throat.
"Okay." I murmured, my voice barely audible. My hand tightened around my fork as an unspoken question clawed its way to the surface.
"Is... Is my father..." The words stuck in my throat. I couldn't finish the question, but the room's sudden silence spoke volumes. Jamie's back straightened and he sighed.
"I asked Uncle Gabriel, but he didn't say anything." Jamie admitted, his eyes carefully studying my reaction.
I nodded slowly, pushing my emotions deep down.
"Alright." I replied softly, though the ache in my chest refused to subside when Harlan's voice broke the silence, calm and unwavering.
"Do you want them there, butterfly? Say the word, and I'll make sure they don't come." He spoke and I glanced up at him, startled by the sheer conviction in his voice. His gaze locked onto mine, steady and resolute.
I knew he was trying to shield me, but the truth was, I wanted my family at the wedding. No matter how complicated things were, they were all I had left after Mum.
"No," I said quietly but firmly, "I want them there. It's alright."
Harlan's jaw tightened, but he nodded.
"As you wish." His tone was neutral, but his hand stayed wrapped around mine, grounding me.
My appetite had vanished, and I pushed my plate away. Harlan's frown deepened as he watched my actions closely, his sharp eyes scrutinizing me.
