I observed the faces of Mom and Dad as well as that of Alex, as I descended the stairs, an uneasy tension settled in the air, making each step feel heavier than the last.
The silence in the room became a thick veil, wrapping around me, amplifying my apprehension.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I hesitantly standing in the middle of the living room.
It became obvious to me that I was not going to like what I was about to be told. The antique clock on the wall ticked rhythmically, its echo filling the room with a subtle reminder of time slipping away.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the worn-out rug beneath my feet.
"Why all the long faces?" I joked, trying to act as though I could not feel the tension that had overcome the entire space.
"Have a seat, Aria '' My dad said to me as he let out a heavy sigh. It looks as though he is preparing himself for what he is about to say.
When he set his eyes on me again, it was cold, empty and unreadable. I could not tell what he was thinking or feeling. Taking a seat on the sofa, I shifted my eyes from his to stare at that of my mom's. Mom's eyes flickered with a fleeting glance at Dad, a silent exchange that hinted at the storm awaiting me.
The atmosphere crackled with unspoken words, a heavy foreboding hanging in the room like a shadow. Her eyes held sadness, it looked as though she was holding herself from letting her tears flow.
What in the hell is going on? Did they find out about Jason and I, but how? I was sure that I was discreet enough about it. Taking a seat I waited.
My fingers nervously traced the edges of the worn-out novel on the coffee table, a habit I developed during late-night reading sessions.
The family portraits on the walls seemed to watch me, frozen smiles capturing moments of joy and unity that now felt distant.
The sound of my dad clearing his throat brought me out of the trance I put myself in. "There is something that I need to let you know Aria…You'll be getting married"
With my eyes glued to his, I could feel it widen as I tried to process what I just heard. Did I mishear him? Must be. He couldn't possibly have said what I just think he said, right? He wouldn't, he CAN'T.
"What are you saying, Dad? Can you please come again?" I croak out, I could feel myself getting choked up. No..no, I must have heard wrong. "I heard you incorrectly right Dad?" I asked again, I could feel the fear settling in me. "Answer me!" I let out a little roughly this time around.
"Watch your tone with me, Aria" My dad boomed. "You heard me well, you would be getting married to the Don of the Italian mafia and there's nothing you can do about it" With each word, my dad's expression grew colder, and the weight of the revelation hung in the air.
"NO!!" I disagreed. I felt the tears welled up in my eyes, dropping, and I kept shaking my head in denial. "You can't do that, you have no right to say that. I am not a slave you can just marry off as you like" I hissed out at him.
He can't just do that. He can't just try to ruin my life as though it is nothing. "Please tell me that this is all a joke, Dad. Please!" I crumpled to the floor.
My breath was unsteady and heavy. This can't be, I can't just get married to some random man. What about Jason?
"No Dad, I'm in love with someone, he loves me and I love him. Please don't do this to me" I begged, hoping that he might consider my feelings and end this misery he's put me in.
"What?" He bellowed. His eyes turned to daggers as he glared at my mother. "Did you know about this?" His question came out harshly, Dad rarely speaks to mother that way.
"No..i am confused myself" I could hear my mother's voice filled with confusion as she answered him. This was the first time she's spoken since I came down the stairs.
Seeing that he won't get anymore from her, Dad gave me one last glare before turning on his heels and left for his office.
After a few seconds, the slamming of his office door was heard. I looked around and all that my eyes met were pity in the eyes of my mother and brother. Unable to bear anymore of it, I hurriedly stood up from the floor and rushed to the stairs.
Shutting my bedroom's door, I dropped to the floor once again at the foot of the bed stand, unable to keep my legs strong. The tears I was trying to contain, burst out of me once again. This time was worse than before.
What would I tell Jason? Would he hate me if he finds out? No, Jason loves me. He wouldn't let my Dad do this to me. He would fight for our love. Yes, I need to tell him, maybe he'll even propose to me to avoid it right? That'll be so amazing.
I could feel a smile appear on my face at my thoughts. I rushed to my walk-in closet and grabbed a small travel bag. Stuffing it with some of my clothes here and there, I zipped it up. Taking it to my bed, I grabbed my needed necessities from my bed stand such as my phone, purse and car keys.
With that I left for the door, heading down the stairs and towards the front door, I have to pass through the living room to get to it. "Aria?, where do you think that you are going?" The voice of my father stops me. Turning towards the sofas in the living room, I see my father sitting on the one farthers away the front door.
I paused. Where am I even going to? Should I tell him that I am on my way to see Jason? What if he doesn't let me? He probably wouldn't. I can't tell him that, let me use Jessica as an excuse.
"I going to stay at Jessica's for a few days, can't I? You're already adamant on selling me off, can't I just enjoy the last days of my freedom?" I asked. I knew that I was being rude but I can't help it. The cold glare that my Dad was sending my way, sent a shiver down my entire body I could feel the hairs the back of neck stand due to the chills I felt.
After a few seconds which felt like hours to me, he spoke up "You have a day. The Rocci's will be here in a two days time to secure the proposal and you must be present! Is that clear?" He sounded so stern and I knew that he meant it.
"Crystal" With that I turned and continued on my journey to the door, walking out onto the porch, I walked to my car which was a Porsche panamera. Getting in I drove off with thoughts of how I would be able to get out of the new-found trap I got pushed into against my will.
"What if this tangled web becomes an inescapable maze, trapping me in a fate I never chose?"