125
Lia's POV
As I made my way through the elegant crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety clawing at my chest. The engagement party was in full swing, with laughter and music filling the air, but my mind was miles away, focused on the ominous phone call I’d had with Luca. The uncertainty surrounding Lex’s fate left a knot of dread in my stomach. It was all I could do to keep a calm face in front of the guests.
Benedicta, ever so perceptive, leaned over and placed a comforting hand on my arm. “Lia, you seem on edge tonight. Is something bothering you?” she asked, her voice soft but firm.
I took a shaky breath, realizing I couldn't keep this from her. She was like a mother to me, and if anyone could help me, it was her. “Benedicta, Luca called me earlier…,” I whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “He said Lex is missing. He heard gunshots on the line, and he thinks something terrible has happened.”
Her eyes widened slightly, but she kept her composure. “Oh, Lia,” she murmured, her hand squeezing mine. “You’re worried that this is more than a simple disappearance.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of it all crashing down on me. “Yes… and there’s more. Ever since I arrived tonight, I’ve noticed Jenny and Bianca acting strange. They’re restless, whispering to each other, constantly looking over their shoulders. I have this gut feeling that they know something about what happened to Lex.”
Benedicta’s gaze was calm and calculating. She gave me a reassuring smile but shook her head. “Lia, listen to me carefully. Don’t jump to conclusions. I know you’re worried, and I don’t doubt your instincts, but sometimes our fears can lead us down the wrong path. Leave this to Luca. He’s already working to get to the bottom of it. The best thing you can do now is focus on tonight and act as though nothing is wrong.”
I let her words sink in, knowing she was right. Benedicta always had a way of grounding me, of keeping me from letting my emotions get the better of me. I forced myself to take a deep breath, letting the tension in my shoulders release just a little.
Just then, Finn approached us, a warm smile on his face. “Benedicta,” he greeted her, taking her hand respectfully. “It’s a pleasure to have you here tonight. You did a remarkable job raising Lia. She’s strong, intelligent, and everything I could hope for in a partner.”
Benedicta returned his smile, clearly pleased by his praise. “Thank you, Finn. Lia is like a daughter to me, and I’m thrilled she’s found someone who appreciates her qualities. I can see you’re both a good match.”
A hint of pride touched my heart at her words, but the underlying tension remained. Finn and Benedicta exchanged a few more pleasantries before he excused himself to mingle with the other guests, leaving us alone again.
As soon as he was out of earshot, I turned back to Benedicta, the knot in my stomach tightening. “I don’t know how to explain it, but something feels off about Jenny and Bianca. They’re hiding something, and I feel like it’s connected to what happened to Lex. Every time I look at them, they seem… nervous, like they’re waiting for something to happen.”
Benedicta regarded me thoughtfully, her expression unreadable. “Lia, you may be right, but jumping to confront them could put you at risk. Bianca, especially, is not someone to underestimate. Let Luca handle it. He knows what he’s doing, and he won’t let anything happen to you.”
I hesitated, chewing my lip as I considered her advice. “I understand, but waiting around, pretending everything is normal… it’s not easy.”
She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I know, but trust me. Luca has his ways, and he’ll keep you safe. You have to play the part tonight, Lia. Don’t let anyone suspect that you’re worried. Blend in, smile, and let Luca do the heavy lifting.”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. Benedicta was right. Luca was handling it, and I had to trust that he knew what he was doing. For now, I needed to focus on the engagement and let my suspicions lie.
As the evening wore on, I kept an eye on Bianca and Jenny from a distance. Their behavior hadn’t changed—Jenny kept whispering to Bianca, and Bianca’s gaze darted around the room as if she were expecting someone to approach her at any moment. They were definitely hiding something, but what?
Suddenly, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Benedicta smiling at me, her eyes kind but filled with a silent reminder to keep calm. “Lia, remember what we talked about. Breathe, and focus on the night.”
I forced myself to smile back at her, nodding as I tried to push my worries aside. She was right. Tonight was too important to let my anxiety show. With a deep breath, I pulled my shoulders back, determined to face the night with confidence.
Later, as I moved through the crowd, I slipped out onto the balcony for a moment to gather my thoughts. I reached for my phone, dialing Luca’s number. When he picked up, his voice was low and calm. “Lia?”
“They’re here, Luca. Jenny and Bianca are acting strange. I feel like they’re on edge… almost as if they know about Lex,” I whispered.
Luca’s response was measured. “Everything is under control, Lia. Don’t let them suspect you know anything. Stay calm, and go back inside. I’ll take care of it.”
His reassurance brought me a sense of calm, and I thanked him before hanging up. Tucking my phone away, I took one last deep breath, steeling myself to return to the party.
As I re-entered the hall, I noticed Benedicta’s approving smile. She had been right about everything. For now, I would follow her advice and stay focused on the night. I’d let Luca do his work, and I’d do mine: act like the perfect fiancée and leave my suspicions hidden—at least, for now.
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