TWENTY SIX

Olivia followed James down the grand staircase of Lucas Moretti's mansion. James walked with confident stride,his cheerful demeanor a stark of contrast to the heavy atmosphere that seemed to permate the house.


“Welcome on board”, James said with a flourish, “I'm your guide for the day. Ready to see some history?”

Olivia smiled, “Lead the way James”.

They began in the main hall, where James pointed out various artifacts and paintings. “This here is an original painting,” he said , gesturing to a dark, dramatic painting. “Lucas has a thing for arts”.

Olivia marveled at the sheer opulence, “It's beautiful. Your family has quite a history”.

They moved through a series of rooms - a grand ballroom, a formal dinning room that could seat thirty, a conservatory filled with exotic plants. James regaled Olivia with stories about their family gatherings,some humorous, some poignant.

As they walked through the hallway, Olivia couldn't help but notice the subtle measures in places. Cameras discreetly tucked into corners, guards stationed at strategic points, always watching.

Finally they reach a small, cozy room filled with photographs. James opened the door with a reverence that hinted at the room's significance. “This is the photo room”, he said, “A tribute to our family”.

Olivia stepped inside, her eyes scanning the walls covered with framed pictures. There were formal portraits, candid shots and everything in between. “It's beautiful”, she murmured, her voice soft.

James pointed to large portrait of a stern- looking man in a tailored suit. “That's our father, Antonio Moretti. He passed some weeks back. And here,” he said, pointing to a woman beside him, “is our mother Isabella”

Olivia moved closer to the wall, her eyes catching a smaller more intimate photo of a young lady with dark hair and a radiant smile, “Who’s this?”she asked,touching the frame gently.

James’s expression softened, “That's Mia, Lucas' finaceé.”

Olivia felt a pang of jealousy. She knew Mia was Lucas’ fiianceé but she hadn't realized they had been together for a long time, “She seems to be part of the family for a long time” She asked, facing James.

James nodded, “Yes, Mia has been part of this family for a long time.She and Lucas have a complicated relationship, but there’s a lot of history there.”

They stood for a moment in silence each lost in their thoughts. Olivia could feel the weight of the history around her, the sense of loss that seemed to linger in the room.

James cleared his throat, breaking the silence, “Anyway, enough of the heavy stuff, let me show you something cool”.

He led her to another room, opening the door to reveal a state - of - the art home theater. “This is where we unwind. Lucas had this built a few years ago. We’ve got every movie you can think of , and the sound system is out of this world”.

Olivia laughed, the tense easing, “This is amazing, I could spend days here”.

James grinned, “We often do movie marathons, game nights, you name it. Lucas even joins us sometimes, though he’s usually all business”.

They continued the tour , James showing Olivia the expansive library , filled with old leather- bound books and modern best sellers.

……🌵

Meanwhile outside the mansion, Marco was driving through the city. The sun was high in the sky and the heat was starting toget to him. He glanced around his car for a bottle of water, but he didn't see any,”I’m thirsty”, he murmured, pulling into a convenience store parking lot.

Marco stepped out of the car, and went into the store, he quickly grabbed some bottles of water . As he exited the store, he spotted a familiar figure walking across the street heading towards the central park.

“Mia?” He said to himself, his tone low.

His eyes narrowed as he watched her. Marco stared walking towards her.

“Mia” he called out smoothly, as he approached, causing her to stop and turn around . Her face fell when she saw him.

“Marco” she replied, “What are you doing here, what do you want”

Marco smile was both charming and predatory, “I just want to talk Mia is that wrong?”

She sighed, knowing that Marco was never just never about talking, “What do you want to talk about”

Marco stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Why have you been turning down my proposal, Mia? Lucas dosen't want you. He's too busy with his empire, too consumed with his power. I, on the other hand, can give you everything you need”.

Mia stiffened, “Lucas and I have history , Marco. You know that. And just because things are complicated right now, dosen’t mean I'm going to run into your arms”.

Marco’s expression hardened, “Complicated? Is that what you call it? Lucas dosen't appreciate you . He never has, but I do Mia, I see your worth.”

She took a step closer, feeling the weight of his words. “Lucas is a complicated man, but he loves me in his own way. And I won't betray him.”

Marco’s eyes flashed with anger. “He doesn't deserve your loyalty. He never did, you’re wasting your time with him, Mia. He’s too wrapped up in his own world to ever truly be there for you.”

Mia crossed her arms, trying to maintain her distance, “And you think you can do better? You're just as obsessed with power and controls he is. Maybe even more so.”

“You don't know what you're talking about about Mia”, he hissed, “I could give you everything you’ve ever wanted. Wealth, power, you name it.”

She shook her head, “You don't get it, do you? I have made my choice Marco, so stop pestering me. You betrayed Lucas, Marco. You turned on your own family out of jealousy.”

Marco’s face went pale for a moment, before his expression hardened. “You don't know what you’re talking about. Lucas and I…..we have an understanding”

“An understanding?” Mia scoffed, “Lucas would never forgive betrayal , especially not from his family . You’re on thin ice Marco. And trying to drag me into your mess won’t change that.”

“You think Lucas is some saint?” Marco sneered, “He’s a tryant. A ruthless dictator , who uses everyone around him. You’re blinded by your loyalty.”

“And you’re blinded by your ambition,” Mia shot back, “Lucas has his faults , but he’s always been upfront about who he is. You, on the other hand, hide behind lies and deceit”

Marco stepped closer, his faces inches from her, “Be careful, Mia . You don't want to make an enemy out of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you, Marco.” She said,her voice unwavering , “And I won't let you manipulate me, into betraying Lucas.”

“I won't hurt Mia, because I'm in love with you” Marco whispered, his voice low and dangerous.

Mia stepped backward, irritated by Marco’s words, “Get lost Marco” , she spat and walked towards her car. Marco stood there, and watched as Mia got into her car and sped of into the bustling street.