The entire hall buzzed with laughter and conversations, each attendee engrossed in their own business, their intentions concealed behind smiles and polite words.
However, my attention remained fixated on one person—Cindy. She was my dearest assistant, my confidante, and the only friend I had truly considered throughout my entire life. I watched as she effortlessly moved through the crowd, engaging in animated conversations with most of my business partners. A sense of unease gnawed at me. Could it be?
I took a sip of my wine, attempting to quell the rising discomfort within me. The mingling voices in the room seemed to fade into the background as I continued to observe Cindy. There was a grace to her interactions, a charm that had always drawn people towards her. I couldn't help but wonder if her loyalty, like a chameleon, had shifted its colors.
As I lost myself in my thoughts, I felt a familiar presence behind me. A deep, baritone voice broke through the haze of my contemplations.
"You should be careful around you, because their might be a snakes you've raised and would bite you from behind." He said as he stand beside me.
I looked at him and I can see his resemblance to my husband.
"Excuse me but, do I know you?" I asked in a tone.
Chuckling he pointed behind and their I saw the man I've been waiting for. It's been a week since I last saw him, or I'm just busy fixing the problem before that I didn't noticed him.
His wearing a three piece black suit that suits him. That jaw and with striking deep ocean eyes that could've drown me for so long. Damn where is this man in my intire life.
And with every strides my heart thumps that I can almost be deaf by it. The power he hold screams supremacy and power that everyone couldn't stand long before their knees becames weak. But I felt the opposite as I felt the ryhtmic of my heart. And I knew I'm already domed and in danger. Typically, I would've fall in love to someone who is dangerous but I knew behind those eyes hid a different man that everyone thinks.
"I see you've meet my brother, Amore mio." Massimo uttered as soon as he reached out place. I noticed how his brother smirked at him when he snaked his arm to my waist.
"Hmmm, do not worry I'm just reminding her something before the snake came after her." Massimo's brother said while sipping on his glass.
Massimo flicked his gaze down the people interacting. I can see that we've attracted their attentions beacuse most of them had their eyes up here where we stand. But nevertheless they still carry on with their conversation or mostly sharing thoughts on what might be happening up here.
"I see." Massimo only answered as he fixed his gaze towards Cindy. " And trust my brother to whatever he said, I see a snake." He added before fixing his gaze to me.
"Err... that's..that's pointless. Why would she do that if ever she's the one?" I asked them.
"We'll that's the thing you must find out, Cognata." I didn't know what cognata means but I do hope it's not a bitch word.
My heart raced as Massimo and his brother exchanged cryptic words and veiled warnings. The atmosphere had shifted around us, growing more tense with every passing moment. The party continued around us, oblivious to the drama unfolding in our little corner.
"Cognata," Massimo's brother repeated, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he saw my confusion. "It means 'sister-in-law' in Italian, dear. And it seems you're in for quite the family intrigue."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at the mention of family intrigue. Cindy's loyalty had been unwavering for years, and the idea of her turning against me seemed preposterous. But as I looked at her again, chatting animatedly with my business partners, doubts continued to gnaw at me.
Massimo tightened his grip on my waist slightly, pulling me closer. His presence was both reassuring and intimidating. I had heard rumors about the power and influence of the Deluca family, but now I was standing right in the middle of it, entangled in their web of secrets.
"I trust my brother's instincts," Massimo said in a low, serious tone. "We have our ways of sensing when something is amiss, and Cindy has been acting peculiar lately. There are whispers in the shadows."
I couldn't deny that I had noticed changes in Cindy's behavior myself, but I had attributed it to the stress of our recent business dealings. Now, however, I couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was at play.
"What do you suggest we do?" I asked, feeling a mixture of anxiety and determination. I had built my business empire from the ground up, and I couldn't let anyone, even someone as close as Cindy, threaten it.
Massimo's brother leaned in closer, his gaze never leaving Cindy. "Keep her close for now, but don't reveal your suspicions. Let her think she's in control. Meanwhile, we'll discreetly gather information. Family loyalty can be a double-edged sword, and if she has indeed turned, she won't be able to hide it for long."
Massimo nodded in agreement. "And don't worry, Amore mio, we'll protect you. The Luca family looks out for its own."
As the evening continued, I tried to put on a facade of normalcy, engaging in conversations and laughter, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Cindy. The party went on, but beneath the glittering chandeliers and elegant attire, a storm was brewing—one that threatened to upend not only my business but also the delicate balance of trust within my inner circle.
I knew I was about to embark on a treacherous journey, one filled with secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances. And as I stood there, between the enigmatic Deluca brothers, I couldn't help but wonder if my life would ever be the same again.