Faith [Donati Clan #1] [Complete]

Chapter 13

DAHLIA

Cold wind washed over my face as I stared at the elegant gazebo in the garden.

I embraced the shawl that hung over my shoulders as the sound of the drum rang on my head. The headaches had been constant since morning. Sitting outside and catching the cold breeze didn't help my case, either.

A voice broke my quiet time, "Dahlia."

As I gazed upwards, I saw Zack with a smirk on his lips. The confident persona that loomed over him seemed to be genuine. The last time I saw him, he tried to be carefree and open about his defiance. No matter what side he showed me, it had been clear that the darkness surrounded him.

This was the first time in two days that he had approached me. I must have zoned out, because he asked me, "Dahlia, did you hear me?"

I apologised, "Sorry, could you repeat?"

He sighed and sat next to me. Zack uttered, "Do you want to go out?"

I frowned, "I am sorry?"

Zack continued, "You must be tired of looking at the same four-wall room. A little outing would not be so bad?"

A look of surprise etched on my face as I tried to process his proposition. It had been odd that he had asked in such a manner. However, my will of going outside itched more.

Nonetheless, I accepted, "Where do you have in mind?"

***

Entering the picture-perfect restaurant, I noticed how the scent of warm and delicious food echoed within these walls. The lights on the ceiling were hanging like they were twinkling stars and the furniture was pleasant and comfortable.

Although the clientele was lacking, the welcoming aura remained. The two souls that hung around the restaurant were a waiter and a hostess, who was approaching.

The woman greeted, "Welcome back, Sir."

Zack flirted, "Glad to be back."

The blonde in front of me showed me a sweet smile and continued, "Hello, Ma'am."

I acknowledged, "Hello."

The hostess uttered, "Please follow me."

Zack walked ahead of me with determination, while I followed him. Finally, we reached the table and sat down. A waiter approached us and handed us a menu, while he spoke in a thick Italian accent, "Mr Zack, glad you are back. Would you like your usual?"

Zack nodded and said, "Yes, that would be fine."

The waiter addressed me, "Ma'am, what about yourself?"

Looking at the menu, I saw several options with high-rate prices. I was trying to look for something cheaper, when someone took the menu from my hands and Zack ordered, "She will have the same as I."

The waiter nodded and went towards the kitchen.

Zack looked at me with a smirk, "I know that you were looking at the prices, Dahlia."

I smiled without any grudge, "Force of habit."

Zack continued, "You don't need it anymore. You are part of the family."

I could only force a fake smile.

For the short amount of time that I have spent with him, I understood that he was a mischievous soul. As for him, life was free and carefree. His jokes held dark humour, making him look at everything from a different perspective.