Arianna's heart raced as she sat at the back of the car driving through the familiar streets of her childhood home, each turn made her remember her childhood memories, this is where she grew up, all the memories of her late mom were left here, Mom don't worry I will surely avenged you murmured Arianna sadly . The house loomed in front of her, its windows staring down at her like silent watchers, guarding memories she wasn't sure she was ready to face.
She stepped inside their hotel suite; the smell of freshly baked bread and the faint scent of strawberry hit her like a storm. It felt like an eerie reminder of everything she had lost, everything she had been forced to give up.
Lucia was the first to see her. She barely closed the door behind her before Lucia's arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace. Lucia's face beamed with relief and smile, the kind of relief that only came from seeing a loved one after a long absence.
"I missed you so much, Aunt," Lucia whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Where have you been? You just... disappeared. I was so worried I thought you abandoned me, said Lucia bombarded her with questions while fidgeting with her hands sadly. "How can I abandon you, sweetheart? You're my life. I love you so much; always remember that, said Arianna while reaching out to hug her. Where did you go last night?.
Arianna stood frozen for a moment, unsure of how to answer. How could she explain everything that had happened? How could she tell Lucia about the betrayal, the stranger, and the spiral she had fallen into? not to talk of her being her father's fiancée The words stuck in her throat, unwilling to come out.
Lucia pulled back, her eyes scanning Arianna's face with concern. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from Arianna's face. "I was with your ... Arianna opened her mouth to continue but was cut off by the sound of the hotel bell. Her best friend, Kate, appeared at the doorstep of their suite.
She paused for a moment before walking over to Arianna, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Arianna..." she began, her tone soft but laced with curiosity. "What happened last night? I was worried. You were pretty out of it when I saw you... I couldn't get why he took you suddenly... you left. Where did he send you?" Arianna felt her cheeks flush, the weight of Kate's question pressing against her chest.
She had no intention of telling her friend the truth—not yet. She just couldn't tell her friend she slept with a stranger twice while she was engaged.
"I... I don't remember," Arianna lied, forcing a weak smile onto her face. "I was just... Remember? He mistook me for his cheering fiancé. I guess I... I had a lot to drink last night, so I could resist. He apologized to me later when he found out I wasn't the one on his mind.
Kate didn't look convinced. Her sharp eyes were trained on Arianna, searching for a crack in her amour. But before she could press further, Lucia spoke up, running towards them. Aunt Kate welcomed, "Shouted Lucia while approaching them, 'Did you come to visit me? My aunt said you were busy yesterday; that's why you couldn't pick us up. I'm just happy you're here now," Lucia said, her face plastered with a bright smile. Yes, sweetie, I was so busy yesterday, but don't worry; I will make it up to you, said Kate while fondling little Lucia. Thank you, Aunt Lucia. You look so adorable; how can I refuse such a cutie? replied Kate sharply.
Aunt Kate, do you know my aunt is going to be my mom? My dad is going to marry her; she will be my mommy soon. She said happily in her childlike voice innocently voice while giggling.
Arianna's stomach twisted at the mention of the engagement. She had betrayed Nathan; the thought of him finding out what happened yesterday scares her. The idea of facing Nathan again made Arianna feel sick with guilt. But she knew she would have to face it. Nathan had helped her more than even her so-called family members three years ago. If not for him, she would have died. She didn't want to do something that would destroy their relationship.
When are we moving into our new home, Aunt? asked little Lucia probably in the evening, sweetie Yeah... I can't wait to show Dad our new home.
Arianna walked upstairs to her room, leaving both of them to talk. She didn't know what she was running from, but she knew that coming back home wasn't going to be easy. There were still so many things left unsaid, so many things, her mom, her accident she wasn't sure she was ready to face.
She sank down onto the bed, her mind racing with thoughts of last night. Of the stranger—of the connection they had shared, even if it was only for a fleeting moment. It was a memory that felt like both an escape and a trap, and she wasn't sure which one she wanted more.
Just as the silence threatened to engulf her, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. her guilty conscience stepped in when she saw the name flashing on the screen.
It was him. How am I going to face him? she murmured.