55. Serafina
CHAPTER 55
Serafina
T he music swirls around me, a blend of laughter and clinking glasses that should feel like a celebration but instead feels distant. I navigate through the sea of faces, my heart pounding in my chest. The scent of roses mingles with expensive cologne, but it does nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.
"Serafina! Auguri!" An aunt grabs my arm, pulling me into an embrace. I smile, nodding politely, but my eyes scan over her shoulder, searching for the one face I never thought I'd see again.
"Grazie, Zia," I murmur, slipping away as gracefully as I can.
And then, I see her. Paz. My breath catches. She stands at the edge of the room, looking almost out of place among the glittering guests. Her dark hair is shorter now, but those eyes—those same soulful eyes—lock onto mine.
"Santa madre de Dios," I whisper, pushing my way through the crowd faster now. Time seems to slow, everyone else becoming a blur as I zero in on the woman who was once closer than a my own mother.
"?Paz!" I call out, my voice cracking with emotion. She turns fully towards me, a smile breaking across her face, and suddenly, all the pain of the past months melts away for a moment.
"Serafina!" she exclaims, rushing to meet me halfway. Our bodies collide in a hug so tight, it's as if we're trying to fuse our souls back together. Tears spill freely down my cheeks, mixing with hers.
“I never thought I’d see you again," I choke out into her hair, holding her even tighter, not wanting to let go. The world fades away, leaving just us, two hearts reunited against all odds.
"Mi ni?a," she whispers back, her voice thick with tears. "I’m so happy to see you again."
We pull back slightly, just enough to look at each other, both of us crying and laughing at the same time. Her hands grip my shoulders, as if she's afraid I'll vanish if she lets go.
"Look at you," she says, wiping a tear from my cheek. "You’re even more beautiful than I remembered."
"I really can’t believe you’re here," I reply, my voice trembling.
Paz's smile fades just slightly, enough for me to catch the shadow in her eyes. "Serafina, there's so much I need to tell you, but this isn't the place. Please, go get Lucas. We need to talk—todos juntos."
"Lucas?" My brow furrows, the urgency in her voice sending shivers down my spine.
"Sí, mi ni?a. Trust me," she whispers, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go. "We'll meet in one of the private rooms."
"Okay," I nod, though my heart feels like it's caught in a vice. With one last glance at Paz, I turn and weave through the crowd, my mind racing.
As I make my way towards Lucas, fragments of memories and half-formed thoughts swirl around me. Paz, my dear friend, was always a mystery, but now... Could it be? The way she speaks, that look in her eyes—it hits me like a ton of bricks. She’s involved with the mafia. But how deep does it go? And why now?
"Lucas," I call out, spotting him near the bar, his strong frame cutting an imposing figure even in a sea of people. He turns to me, concern etched across his rugged face.
"What's wrong, Sera?" he asks, instantly reading the turmoil on my face.
"Come with me," I say, grabbing his hand and pulling him away from the crowd. "It's Paz. She wants to talk to both of us. It's important."
"Alright," he replies, squeezing my hand as we move through the throng of guests. "Lead the way."
We reach the door to the private room, my heart pounding in my chest. I push it open and step inside, Lucas right behind me. The room is dimly lit, a stark contrast to the lively reception outside. And there, sitting on the plush sofa, is Paz—and next to her, Don Martin.
"Don Martin?" Lucas says, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of suspicion. My own shock mirrors his, but I keep my focus on Paz. What does she have to do with Don Martin?
"Please, sit," Paz gestures to the chairs opposite them, her eyes pleading for understanding. "There's much to explain, and not much time."
"Alright," I say cautiously, taking a seat and feeling Lucas's presence steady beside me. "Start from the beginning, Paz. We're listening."