Love never meant to be

Antonio's Pov,

"You cannot love a Winfold, Antonio!" my mother screamed, her face flushed with anger. "It would bring nothing but shame and dishonor upon our family." I looked at her, dumbfounded. I had never seen her so furious, and I struggled to find the words to respond.

"But why, Mother?" I pleaded, my voice rising. "Why can't you accept my happiness? She makes me feel alive, she makes me feel loved." I could see the disappointment in her eyes,

"I have seen the pain and destruction that the Winfolds have caused many, and I cannot in good conscience allow you to marry into that family, It would only lead to heartache and misery for you, and I cannot bear to see you suffer." She pleaded.

"Mom, but Sylvia is different," I said defensively and she shook her head.

"She's a winfold and has her blood flowing in her veins. She is just like her family. Cold-hearted and evil"My mom added.

"That's a gross generalization, Mom, you're condemning Sylvia based on the actions of her family, not on her character. You're making a sweeping judgment about her without even getting to know her. I think that's unfair, and I know you're better than that," I said, trying to keep my frustration in check.

"Even if I give you my permission to go ahead which would never happen, do you think her family, especially her stepbrother Bobby would ever accept your union?" My mom questioned. I could feel my heart sinking as my mother's words sank in. She was right, even if she did agree to let me pursue a relationship with Sylvia, it would be an uphill battle to gain the approval of her family. Bobby, in particular, had been nothing but hostile towards me.

"I only want what's best for you. Please don't put your future in jeopardy by chasing something unlikely to happen. I know you're upset, but it's important to be realistic. I'm not trying to crush your hopes, I'm just trying to help you see things." Her words were like a salve on my wounded heart.

"What about my father? When will you finally let me know about him?" I asked and my mom's countenance changed as usual.

"He is dead," She said avoiding my gaze as usual.

"But what about other family members?" I pressed. "What about aunts, uncles, cousins?" I knew I was grasping at straws, but I was desperate for any information I could get even though I knew it was a waste of effort.

"Antonio" she called softly. Trying to change the topic as usual.

My mother had always been reluctant to discuss her past, particularly her relationship with the Winfold family and my father's identity. No matter how many times I tried to broach the subject, she would always change the topic or dismiss me with a few terse words. It was like a brick wall I couldn't get through, and it was beginning to frustrate me.

"Mom, for once say something. You can't tell me, my father has no one? You want me to stay clear of Sylvia and her family, then tell me why and also about my father's past?" I said frustratedly.

"I've told you all I'm going to tell you, Antonio," my mother said in a raised voice,

"Your father's past is none of your concern, and I will not discuss the Winfolds. They're not part of our worries and we should have nothing to do with them. End of story." She stared at me, her eyes blazing with anger.

"You can't keep this from me forever," I said in a low voice. "I deserve to know about my father's past and I'm not going to leave Sylvia without a valid reason," I threatened.

"I understand that you're frustrated, Antonio," my mother said, her tone softening slightly. "And I'm sorry if I haven't been able to answer your questions. But please, trust that I'm doing this for your good. I don't want you to get caught up in dramas. There's nothing for you to gain by digging into the past." She reached out to take my hand, but I pulled away.

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. "I know you're trying to protect me, Mom," I said, my voice trembling. "But I need to know the truth. I can't go on like this, not knowing anything about my father. I'm not going to let this go, and I won't stop until I get answers." I met my mother's gaze, determined to show her that I was serious.

For a moment, we both stood still, caught in a strange and awkward silence.

"Wait a second, I'm I a winfold? Is one of the winfolds my father? " I questioned with a racing heart.

"I rather sleep with a dog than let one of those losers touch me," My mom remarked furiously. Her hatred of the Winfolds was so strong that it frightened me.

The knock on the door interrupted any further discussion as Aunt Missa, my mom's best friend walked in.

"Did I interrupt anything?" She questioned and I nodded.

"No, no," my mother replied with a false smile. "We were just having a chat. Nothing too important." She sounded dismissive, and I could sense the tension in the room ratcheting up a notch.

"Aunt Missa," I said, trying to defuse the situation. "It's good to see you." I hoped my words would help to lighten the mood,

Missa's eyes darted from me to my mother, and I could see the worry in her expression.

"The Don has requested your presence. He wishes to speak with you," Missa said facing my mom.

"I'll leave you two to talk," she said, her voice uncertain.

"I'll see you later, Anton." She gave me a quick smile, then turned to my mother.

"I'll be outside," Then, with a brief nod, she left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

"You can go answer the Don. There's no need for this conversation, Mom," I said and she took a deep breath.

"This conversation isn't over yet, Anthonio," My mom said before leaving the room.