Chapter 2 #2
I burst out laughing, the sound echoing warmly through the air. “Yes, exactly.”
“My father used to make the same joke,” she reminisced, her eyes reflecting memories as she looked at me.
I couldn’t help but wonder if she was aware of the deep-rooted connection between our fathers.
I imagined them sitting together, laughter spilling from their lips as they joked about the popular Greek wine, perhaps clinking glasses in a toast to their enduring friendship.
The photographs of the two radiated adventures and camaraderie, showcasing a bond that I rarely saw my father share with anyone else.
As I gazed into Layana’s eyes, I felt we would share many glasses of wine, lost in the same amusement.
“You’ve done an incredible job managing this place, Nikolas,” Avra said. “Clearly, overseeing such a large operation demands substantial effort.”
“I was lucky to inherit my father’s estate,” I replied, appreciating her praise.
“While I’m proud of it, I’m particularly grateful that my father established such an efficient system and assembled a dedicated team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
I cannot take all the credit alone. The daily efforts of many people make this possible.
I could never manage everything by myself. ”
There it was again—alone.
It echoed in my mind, resonating with a certain truth.
Lingering like a shadow.
Technically, I never lacked company, having my days filled with work commitments, various friends, and occasionally a socialite when the need for feminine companionship arose.
Additionally, the extensive staff, resembling a small army, meticulously maintained my family’s estate in a state of immaculate perfection.
Yet, despite constant company, loneliness haunted me since losing my parents and sister. Stefano and Markos shared my blood, but our connection truly had no meaning. They only reached out when they needed financial support for yet another ill-conceived venture.
“Speaking of the head of the household, let me introduce you to Sotirios, the true genius behind the Galanis estate. We call him Soti,” I stated as my trusted oikonomos approached elegantly.
“Good afternoon,” Soti welcomed everyone with a graceful bow, exuding a soothing and inviting elegance, much like a fine aged wine. “Welcome to the Galanis estate.”
“Soti manages the household. Let him know if you require anything.”
“Dinner will be served soon,” Soti announced with a firm nod. “I have cocktails ready for you in the living room while you wait.”
“Thank you, Soti,” I replied. “We’re taking a brief tour and will be there shortly.”
“Very well, sir,” he responded.
Soti disappeared just as mysteriously as he had come, and I led the group around the same curve.
The house opened to a recessed living room, featuring two impressive, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a stunning view of the vineyards.
I cherished living here. My parents had constructed this home from the ground up, and living here meant being constantly enveloped by memories of them.
“This view is incredible,” Layana remarked as she approached the windows, her tone infused with genuine wonder.
“Every day, it amazes me,” I said. “As if it’s painted just for us.”
She laughed.
“And what do you feel, exactly?” she inquired, her eyes locking onto mine with curiosity.
I smiled and said, “Every moment here seems like a story waiting to unfold. My favorite view is when a storm develops in the east. It’s so powerful. I might come across as an old man, reminiscing about my days watching the weather change.”
“You hardly look like an old man to me,” she teased, with a touch of flirtation, making her eyes sparkle.
I met her gaze with a wink. “Maybe not yet, but sometimes I wish I could anticipate every twist of fate as clearly as the skies change.”
A brief silence fell between us as we held each other’s gazes.
Her pupils dilated, and she licked her lips before breaking eye contact. Another moment of silence lingered between us, leading me to question who this woman truly was. At that instant, she remained an enigma.
Sure, I knew snippets of her past.
Through my research into her family, I uncovered that she and her sisters endured unimaginable hardships, emerging from a background of violence and power.
They escaped to Prague to avoid the grim fate shaped by their father’s murder.
In this new city and under new identities, they embraced the chance to grow up free from the dark shadow of the Vitalis legacy, leading ordinary lives in a world that once felt so harsh.
“But then it takes away the adventure,” Layana said thoughtfully. “I mean, who are we to know the entirety of someone’s story before it unfolds? What if knowing causes us to alter it?”
“I concede your point,” I acquiesced, then added, “Is adventure what you seek?”
While I awaited her response, I spotted Avra and Vik heading toward the fireplace. Avra’s gaze fixed on a photograph on the hearth, her eyes narrowing curiously.
I sensed their impending discovery of the connection between our fathers.
“Look at this, Vik,” she said, eyes wide, filled with wonder. “That’s Papa.”
“This is years before you were born,” Vik responded, detached. “Your grandfather was still godfather back then.”
Any moment now, the questions would come.
Less than a second later, Avra called, “Layana, come over here.”
“Excuse me.” Layana briefly glanced my way before joining the small gathering.
Elias then stepped up beside me, giving my back a hearty pat. “Been a while.”
“Yes, it has,” I replied, nodding. “It’s good to see you again, Elias. How’s everything?”
Elias and I cultivated a friendly relationship through various business dealings. When I learned he was marrying Avra, I was genuinely happy for both of them, recognizing the significance of their union. All signs indicated their marriage was flourishing.
“Avra and I have found our way together,” he answered, gesturing with his chin toward the fireplace. “It looks as if this house has some stories to share.”
“Something like that.”
Layana picked up a photo of a group of young men posing in front of a soccer field, with Juno and my father at the center, arms around each other.
“Be prepared for an inquisition,” Elias warned.
“I’m expecting nothing less. Who wouldn’t have questions when they find their father’s photographs in a near stranger’s house?”
“The Vitalis women are formidable—lethal and beautiful in equal measure.”
“I’m well aware of this. I saw them in action a few months ago.”