chapter Eight

The three of us sat around a small table at the bar. I leaned back in my chair, swirling my drink causally, a smug smile creeping into my face.

I grinned. "You won't believe I ran into her again. She was sitting alone on the barstool, no idea I was watching her. I played it cool and tipped Frank, pretending I was the bartender." I chuckled taking a sip. "She bought it completely, even insisted she was gonna report me to the manager."

Enzo laughed. "You mean to tell me you literally got Frank to leave for you? That fucker doesn't even listen to anyone. especially me, his boss. I know it had to take a lot of convincing to do that."

" Nah... It was all the right timing. There's nothing a few dollars can't solve."

"So how did it go? Did you pour the most expensive drink on her dress in your attempt to make a cocktail?" He teased.

I smirked. "I told her that she literally came to harass me at my workplace. She actually looked like she was stressed up. Like she had no clue she was talking to someone who's been keeping tabs on her for months now."

Marco frowned slightly, crossing his arms. "Wait, so you just pretended to be the bartender? That doesn't sound like something you should be proud of. Besides you know the news, Her father is already a damaged man."

I shrugged. "I don't care if he's paralyzed as long as I have to deal with him myself. What's the harm? She'll never know the difference. Besides, it was fun watching her tremble, figuring i had the upper hand."

Marco raised a brow. "Hmmm, what did you do?"

"I showed her the video."

I watched as they looked at each other, confusion spreading on their faces.

"You did what?"

I smiled even more. " It was so smart of you too blab about enzo's secret hacking of the estates security. I guess you're not the only one who snoops mails". I patted his back mockingly. " You should have seen how mute she became after that."

" What's gotten into you bro?" He straightened up. " That was supposed to be a private stuff, not to be shared with the victim."

"Oh, so she's a victim now?" I raised my brow. " Why are you so concerned with this Marco?"

" I'm not", he defended. "But doing that, it's... It's dangerous. What's happens when she eventually finds out who you are? You're supposed to be the best detective around here, then why you acting so dumb?"

"Come on..... come on", Enzo jumped in waving his hand dismissively. "Don't be such a downer, Marco. It's not like he's hurting her. It's just a game, right Jamie boy?

I leaned forward, my voice dropping slightly, "Exactly, It's all part of the plan. And when it's all clicks, her dad would be crying for mercy."

" Hmmmmm", Marco spoke quietly. "Or maybe she'll wish she'd never met you at all."

* * * * * * * * * * *

I stared blankly at the paper in my hands. Do I really need to do this?

You don't have to do this heather.... I didn't need to go home too.

I could just chill and wait till it all blows over. Maybe it would be better.

It was official, I was blackmailed. Blackmailed by a lonesome bartender, with a kink for rich women. How did my life get to this point.

I checked the time, it was 11:05. Maybe everyone would be sleeping, they won't notice if I sneak in the driveway.

There was no turning back, I was stuck. The news of dad's illness was spreading like wildfire and tomorrow, the media would be choked everywhere.

If you don't go home, you're just giving the society big news... Kim message popped in my phone.

Who actually cared about the society?

I smacked the steering wheel in anger. Why do I always get to be on the hot seat.

Kim was also my publicist, he would get it under control. But you need to go home first, let the world think you're in pain.

I came down from the vehicle, a clear view of the old mansion to my complete view. This was my house, our house. The same place I grew up at. I despised it so much.

Anziano stood at the driveway. He'd expected me, he knew I would come. Walking hurriedly towards me, "La mia principessa, thank you for coming home. It means so much to us and Georgio.

I gave a quick nod. "Let's get this over with already."

"Aria", a familiar voice called me. "I can't believe it's you. Oh my god, it's really you."

I turned around to miss Bianca staring at me with tears in her eyes. She looked completely different from how I remembered. It's been five years, I couldn't say she looked the same.

"Assomiglia molto a sua madre. Welcome home Aria, I'm so happy to see you."

She rushed at me for a quick hug before retreating. "I'm so sorry for touching you with my messy hands, but I've missed you so much. This house hasn't been the same since you left". She turned sober, " what am I even doing saying all these? Non sono sicuro che tu ricordi ancora una sola cosa che dico in italiano. Why do you look so lean, Aria? You no longer eat vegetables?"

I stared at Bianca as she interviewed me, her eyes not taking a single look off my body. Deep down, I had missed this. I had missed this woman who troubled me alot.

Bianca used to be my personal nanny. She would usually get in trouble with mum because of me, and always ended up scolding me. I personally felt she was a nosy old lady who only likes to ruin the lives of teenagers. But now, seeing her had made me realise how much I've missed home.

"Cosa ti ha fatto sentire così? I still practice enough, Miss Bianca. Even though I hardly meet anyone to practice with.

She looked at me in astonishment. "Dio ti benedica, figlio mio. I better start talking your stuffs from the car, okay." She walked away smiling, mumbling to herself.

Anziano held my hand, " it feels so good you're here. Excuse me, I'll call Kim and tell him you're home."

" Is he here?" I asked, suddenly remembering my encounter with James.

"No. Do you need me to send for him?"

"Yes. Tell Kim that I need him over right away. If he wants me to come home, he better be around to keep me company."

"Okay", anziano walked away. " I'll send for him right now."

I stood at the front door examining my the house. Everything was so familiar, yet so strange. Walking inside, a cold chill filled my body. The atmosphere was damp, cold and heavy.

...it was lifeless...

I ignored the other rooms, walking directly to mine. I was here strictly for business, nothing else.

I stared at my room, It looked a little different than how I remembered it. I had expected the curtains and duvet covers heavy with dust, but surprisingly, everything was so clean. My bed was arranged in a totally new position and fresh roses rested on the vase.

Yet it was so cold...

Something caught my eye. My dairy was arranged neatly on my reading desk. I quickly rushed to it, tears forming around the corner of my eyes.

Placing the book in my hands, it felt huge and sparkly. A huge picture of Justin Bieber hung carelessly from the covers, trying to get loose. I straightened it with my hands. It was locked.

The last time I wrote on this was when mum was sick. I'd spend all night composing poems of how I wished for a totally different scenario. I straightened it once again.

"We thought it was best you opened it yourself," anziano voice echoed from the door.

I quickly wipe my tears. "How did you get this? Mum...mum took it away." I stared at the book. "She hated how I spent all my time writing on it rather than living. How did you find it?"

" Well in that case, I think you should give all the credit to Bianca. She found it here in your room after her massive clean ups." He straightened his glasses, "we couldn't find the lock but we thought you'd like it. It must be something of great sentiment."

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Bianca, speaking aggressive Italian, while cleaning my empty big room.

Anziano carried on, "it feels so good that you're here. Even though it's just going to be for a few weeks, we really appreciate it."

I pulled back. "I don't think I'd want to stay more than my intended days. I can't guarantee you that I'll even be here up to a week."