Morning came. The rays of the sun passed through the glass door of the balcony. Its warmth prevailed inside my room, caressing my skin. I’m enjoying the last of the sun before winter, yet my eyes remain open. I’m in deep thoughts because of what I heard last night.
That agreement still bothered me. What could it be? From the way my parents spoke of it, I’m sure it’ll have a great impact on our family, or if what I fear is right, on our family business.
The Lucianos are a long-time friend and affiliate of the Walkers. I grew up with the tight bond of our families and as far as I know, it all began with Grandpa Josiah and Grandpa Mansueto Luciano. I was never interested in business, and I’m glad that my parents never forced me to drift deeper into it like what Pier did with his sons. The Luciano Corporation and Walker Corporation have ventured into businesses together, just like the LW Brewery and so much more.
The smart lock of my bedroom door made a silent hiss. I sighed, knowing well that it was my mother.
There are only five of us who know the combination to my room. My parents, Penny, Erik, and I but Erik has never stepped inside my room. There’s no need for him to protect me here. Sometimes, I even think that the old man wishes for me to stay indoors all the time so he wouldn’t worry about answering to my father for my actions.
I turned on my side, meeting her gaze as she sauntered in her floral printed maxi wrap dress. She’s too beautiful at six in the morning, brown hair already tied in an elegant updo while here I am, a mess, looking ten years older than my actual age.
“How are you feeling, honey?” She sat on the edge of my bed, reaching for my forehead with the back of her hands, checking my temperature.
“I’m okay, Mom,” I propped myself up, sitting crossed leg, tucking my messy locks behind my ears. “Are you… are you and Dad disappointed with me?”
“What?” she breathed out, scooting closer to me, taking my hands in hers. “Why would you think that way, Zia? We are disappointed in Calvin for what he did.” She sighed, caressing my cheeks. “Your father and I will have dinner with Pier and Francine later to discuss the wedding and what their son did to you.”
“Mom…”
She shook her head. “They need to know what Calvin did, Zia. None of this is your fault. You’ve been faithful to the engagement, right?”
I looked at her shocked. “Of course, mom…” I said with teary eyes. “I-I love him so much.”
“Oh, honey.” Her motherly warmth enveloped me in the safety of her love. It’s nice to tell someone how much pain I was nursing and receive some love back in return. But it doesn’t change anything. The truth remains. I love Calvin and I wasn’t enough for him.
Since Nadia died, I’ve always felt so alone even inside this mansion where we have over 100 staff. No one, apart from Erik and Penny, really knew me beyond the title of being the princess of this family. The sole heiress to the Walker fortune.
However comforting it was to have my mother’s arms around me, I can’t bring myself to pour my heart out to her fully. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever talked to anyone about what I’m really feeling apart from my sister.. even in her grave.
My best friend Penny is another issue, though. I might have to talk to her in the coming days, but I have to deal with this problem first.
~~
At six in the evening, dressed in my black ribbed button-front dress, I waited for mom and dad to descend from their room. The dinner will take place at one of our restaurants in the city named after my sister at seven p.m. sharp.
My parents gazed at one another, confused at seeing me waiting for them. I gave them each a hug, and my father spoke first.
“You don’t have to go with us, Zia,” he said, buttoning his gray suit jacket. His blue eyes, one that reflects my own, gaze at me with pity. Something I don’t appreciate. I hate being at the receiving end of someone’s sympathy. All my life, I’ve lived to the expectation of what Levi Walker’s daughter should be. The first family rule is that Walker’s are no quitter.
“I want to be there, Dad,” I replied curtly.
“Alright,” Dad mumbled, “just know that we will not allow you to wed that boy no matter what they say.”
~~
We arrived first at the restaurant, the maître d’, Mr. Rome guided us to the family lounge. Since Nadia’s is a 3-Star Michelin restaurant, it takes weeks, sometimes even a month, to get a reservation here. My parents hold meetings and conferences on the second floor of the restaurant most of the time, but it usually serves as our private lounge.
People watched as we walked by, some curious, and some already knew who we were - they knew my parents, but I doubt if they really know who I am. I wish for it to remain that way, but because of this wedding fiasco, I’m sure that my face will be plastered in all magazines and tabloids once the news breaks out.
Seated at the long table for twelve, we waited for the Lucianos to arrive, but I already asked Mr. Rome for a glass of Domaine Leroy. Mom gave me a stern look. I responded with a shrug of my shoulders, hearing the door to the private lounge opening and closing.
My side remained facing the entrance, never bothering to peer at the people walking towards the table. The rigidness of my mother’s body as she glanced at whoever entered the hall tells it all.
He’s with them.
Hi Loves, I had to break today’s chapter into two parts because it’s a bit longer. ~ Please don’t forget to leave X and Zia some stars for the ratings. It’ll help us get promoted on the app. Thank you in advance ;) xx
The nerve of that man to join this dinner! My father wears a passive look. The way he pressed his lips into a thin line is my only sign that he is in for business. This is what I was afraid of. After this night, a rift will give enough distance to the unbreakable bond of the Walker and Luciano clan, two of the most wealthy and powerful families in New York City. We exchanged pleasantries. It surprised me to see Xavier gracing us with his presence. He never comes to any family gathering, ever… so why is he here? “They forced me to come and wear this,” he said, answering my mother’s compliment about the gray suit he’s wearing. He looks good indeed. The Luciano brothers are quite an alluring sight dressed to the nines. Xavier has that hot and rugged yet smooth vibe goin
‘When in trouble, blame it on the alcohol.’ I reminded myself, swallowing hard, ignoring the ear-splitting silence that followed my declaration. My mother’s hands squeezed my thighs excessively tight, surely leaving a mark on my skin. Francine choked on her wine. The poor lady couldn’t even bring her hand to wipe the beads of the liquid that dribbled on the side of her pouty lips. Pier gaped, green eyes fixated in my direction while my father remained calm. It’s like he was expecting me to say something stupid. “Fuck, no!” Calvin assumed he had the right to speak his mind into this matter, announcing his protest, breaking the painful stillness. “Zia, honey,” my eyes stand glued on Xavier, watching him. His features remain still, as if he’s lounging on a beach, alone
Something in me felt different. I can’t point out what it was. All I can say is that I don’t like what I’m feeling. I hate it. If this was part of his game to change my decision about my proposal, well, it’s damn working. He could’ve just said no. He didn’t have to humiliate me like this. I didn’t wait for Erik to respond to my message and headed straight through the door where we came in. I might have shoved one or two intoxicated clubgoers on my journey to exit accompanied with half-hearted apologies. Truly, I am not sorry because they’re blocking my way out of this suffocating place. So I’m dealing with the asshole, Xavier. He lives up to his surname. He lives up to the standard his brother imposed on my head. I don’t
This is your author CastielLj, and I’d like to introduce my stories before FFMH if it’s your first time stumbling upon my work. If you are already a follower of mine, thank you so much! We’ve come a long way since Devin, eh ;) Here are my books on GN. 1|Devin ~ CEO/Billionaire Romance 2|Don’s Fiancée~ Mafia Romance 3|Promise Me Jake~ Teen Romance [A sad love story.] 4|Evan~ CEO/Billionaire Romance [Devin’s spin off but it can be read as standalone] 5|Falling For My Husband ~~ Lastly, this novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. xx ~She’s the flame that melted his cold heart. He’s the glacier that calmed her burning
“You do?” Once again, I spoke without thinking. My words came out as if what he uttered was an answer to a prayer I’ve waited years for a positive response. I’m thankful for the darkness that looms over this alley. If not for it, this infuriating man would’ve wallowed in the heat crawling on my cheeks. Not to mention the uncomfortable burning sensation in my core that’s still perturbing me up to this moment. I cleared my throat, rephrasing my statement, hoping to save myself from humiliation. “I mean, you agree, to marry me?” Xavier sighed, sauntering away, leaving me confused. The patter of his Italian shoes with each step bounces off of the walls. His figure, almost bathing in the warm street light glow, paused and asked without glancing back, “are you coming or what?”
What he said baffled me, but I didn’t say anything. I waited for him to explain further. “Nadia and I, we came to an understanding that we will keep our marriage, but we will still see other people. Everything is just a responsibility to our families.” “Oh,” I never actually thought of that because again, I acted on impulse, which landed me in this troubling situation. But the effect of this reality turned my stomach upside down. I want to puke all the alcohol I’ve consumed. I knew this was his way of saying there could be no love between us. What was I expecting, anyway? Needing something to keep me going, I finished the content of my glass, hoping it was enough to help me accept this. Something about what he said made
“What?!” my blood didn’t boil. No, it thickened - fast, like molten lava slipping within each vein, looking for a way out. It tickles every nerve ending in my body, teasing me to let out my fury to the world. “It’s not their choice,” Xavier explained, stepping further into the dimness. “I don’t care!” I hissed, succumbing to my anger. My foot began tracing the pattern of the Persian rug laid on the floor. Each skid of my flat shoes sounds like the wheels of a drifting car. “The nerve of that bitch to set foot in my house!” “Zia, calm down.” He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his jean’s pocket, lighting it up, taking a long drag before puffing out the smoke in the dimmed light of the balcony. Leaning on the stone railing, he had one palm gripping the edges while the other held the slow burning cig.
I knew Xavier was speaking. I can hear every word, but my mind can’t process what he meant. I took another glance from the dimly lit garden back to his face, locking gaze with his dark hues. There was something in my chest that disturbed me. It’s confusing, but the sensation of the tight knots in my belly is not helping me figure out what it is. From the contour of my closed knuckles that’s still holding onto his shirt, I could feel his beating heart. It’s as wild as my own, and his chest is heaving the same way mine does. The only difference between us is the calmness in his face. How he managed to put on a show like that is beyond my understanding. I’m pretty aware of how hot my entire skin is. It’s not because of the humidity… it’s because of this man. The burning splash on my cheeks and core clouded my thoughts. All senses in my body are in an uproar, but