Chapter 86

Mena

I had been running around, trying to make sure everything was perfect for Domenico and Giulia’s arrival. The mansion was decorated with Giulia’s favorite flowers, pink roses, there was a buffet, and the entire family had gathered.

We all stood on the porch, waiting for their car to pull up. Apparently, it was some kind of family tradition to welcome someone back in this grand manner. Alessio did say it was only because the people loved free food, because soon after, they would all scatter back to their daily routines.

Alessio stood beside me, his arm wrapped around my waist. He had already looked down at his watch several times, his impatience growing.

"If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you hate your parents," I commented.

"I hate waiting," he muttered back. "I still need to take care of a few more things today."

I couldn’t blame him for being this stressed. He would leave tomorrow in the early morning, and not just him but many others who had forcefully been gathered here.

“I