Chapter 3
Three
Aria
I arrived at Antonio's ten minutes ago and I'm still sitting in my car.
I can't shake the anxiousness that takes over me.
Every minute that passes only makes it worse, but no matter how long I sit here, I can't avoid the inevitable.
I have to go in and speak to my father. I have to face whatever this unexpected dinner invitation truly means.
But, why?
Why is it so hard for me?
Why am I so scared of what this dinner might entail? It's probably because I know anything with my father comes with a price.
Who knows, maybe since my father's getting older he wants Sasha and I to be closer to his other kids. Or, is there something else entirely behind this invitation? So many scenarios race through my mind, but the fact of the matter is I don't know.
The only way I will know is if I go inside and face it.
Fuck it, I can't hide in my car any longer. Even if my anxiety is making it hard to breathe, I have to go inside, and I need to do it right now before I chicken out.
I take a deep breath, gathering my keys, purse, and phone before finally exiting my vehicle. As I walk away I lock my car and soon enough I'm stepping on the pavement, about fifteen feet away from Antonio's front doors. My heart is pounding in my chest, not slowing down in the slightest.
Part of me wants to turn around and not waste my time, but there's another part of me that only wants answers.
As I approach the restaurant, I can see through the large front windows the bustling crowd inside. The sounds of clinking glasses and lively chatter spill out onto the street, beckoning me to come closer.
As I enter, one of the impeccably dressed employees greets me with a warm smile and opens the door for me.
I make my way to the hostess station, where a young woman stands on the other side.
"Good evening, do you have a reservation tonight?
If not, we won't be able to seat you." There's a hint of sass in her tone.
"I don't, but the other member in my party does. It will be under Zuyev," I reply, adding a bit of sass in my own tone.
She nods and expertly navigates her iPad until she lands on his name. Her face pales a little bit and she plasters on the fakest smile I've seen in a while. "Ah, there you are. Please, follow me," she says as she leads me through the maze of tables and patrons.
Every inch of the restaurant is touched by an elegant Italian theme - from the rich red curtains hanging from the ceiling to the intricate mosaic tiles lining the floor. My eyes dance over every detail as we weave our way through the bustling restaurant and up a short stairwell.
We walk through a small hallway, adorned with framed photographs of Italy's famed landmarks.
With every step, I can feel my anticipation growing.
Finally, we reach a set of double doors that lead into a private dining room.
Inside, my father sits at the end of a long table set for four with his wife, Tatiana.
I swallow hard, not expecting her to be here. I haven't seen her since I was a child. They're surrounded by soft candlelight and plush velvet chairs. My heart swells with warmth as he stands to greet me with arms open wide, meanwhile, Tatiana stares at me, eyes pinned on my own.
What in the fuck is going on here?
"Hello," I greet them both, making my way over to the table. My heart clenches and an uneasy feeling settles over my entire body. The hostess shuts the door behind me and I'm tempted to turn around and bolt. However, my curiosity is getting the best of me.
I can't, though. I have to know what he wants.
"Aria, you look amazing! Have you changed your hair?" My father beams, laying on his compliment a little too thick.
I shake my head, "No, not really. It's the same old thing."
I make it to the table and he makes it a point to come up to me and engulf me in a hug. Over the course of my entire life, I have never gotten a hug from him. It's tight and full of force, almost like he actually gives a shit.
Has hell frozen over or something?
My mind is racing with questions as I try to make sense of his sudden change in behavior. Why is he acting like this? Does he need something from me? Or, has he turned a new leaf and honestly wants to create a better relationship with me?
He releases me and returns back to his seat, which is next to his wife.
Tatiana stares at me coldly, forcing a smile.
I used to have so much empathy for her as a child.
My father betrayed her by being with my mother.
It couldn't have been easy on her, but my mother's choices were her own.
There was no reason to punish me or Sasha.
My eyes take in her appearance, capturing every detail.
Despite the passing years, she embodies the perfect image of a powerful Russian woman.
Her long, straight blonde hair holds not a single strand of gray, giving her an air of eternal youth.
Though her face shows no signs of aging, but we all know that's all attached to a hefty price-tag.
Her body is thin and delicate, easily fitting into a size four dress.
And draped around her like prized trophies are expensive pieces of jewelry, adding to her regal aura.
"Aria, it is so lovely to see you." There's an insincere sweetness in her tone. God, it makes me sick to my stomach.
"Is it?" I'm not trying to be a bitch, but Tatiana has never wanted to see me.
I take my seat and grab the glass of water in front of my plate, taking a much needed sip. Tatiana glares at my father like he should say something to keep me in check, but he doesn't say a word.
"I've taken the liberty of ordering for you already." My father announces, and I'm a bit annoyed by his confession.
"Okay, great." I keep my tone normal and don't bother making a fuss about it.
All I need to do is stay here and figure out what's going on. "So, what's--"
"Oh, joy! The wine is here," My father comments as two waiters come around the table.
"Red, or white, sir?" One of the men asks him.
"White,"
He asks the same of Tatiana.
"White,"
Then it's my turn.
"Red, please. Thank you."
Both of the waiters pour our wine and then exit the room, leaving the three of us to get back to talking.
"As I was saying, what's the reason for this dinner invite?
" I'm not going to play coy. I want to know what he wants.
I'm not the kind of woman who beats around the bush just to keep others happy.
My father takes a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for the right words.
He knows he has to tread carefully with me, or I'll react in a way he's not fond of.
His hands fidget with his silverware, a nervous tic I've never seen before.
Tatiana sits beside him and takes a sip of her wine, her posture stiffening slightly, her icy gaze fixed on me.
"Well, Aria," my father begins, his voice betraying hints of hesitation, "there is something very important I need to discuss with you tonight."
I lean forward, my heart pounding in my chest as anxiety takes its hold once more. The air grows heavy with anticipation, and I can almost taste the tension that lingers between us.
"What is it?" I ask, my voice steady despite the turbulence within me. My gaze locks with my father's, searching for any signs of deception or ulterior motives. His eyes, normally guarded, flicker with a mixture of certainty and hope.
"I... I've made a decision, Aria," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "One that will change everything within our family."
Tatiana stiffens beside him, her grip on the wine glass tightening. I can see the fear in her eyes as she braces herself for the storm that is about to come.
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever bombshell my father is about to drop. "Can you just tell me what it is?"
He swallows hard and tells me something I never expected him to say. "I've found a good match for you. Actually, a great match. Maxim Volkolv, the son of the Bratva leader. Your marriage to him will not only heighten our family's reach but guarantee safety."
I break out into a fit of laughter. He can't be serious. "Now, that is the funniest thing you've ever said to me."
Tatiana angrily places her glass down on the table. It's so forceful the table shakes. "He isn't joking, you incompetent fool. Goodness, I told him you wouldn't take this seriously. Instead, you laugh in our faces when we've done you a great honor."
I raise an eyebrow at Tatiana's outburst, her words stinging like the snap of a whip. She wants to call me incompetent? The last thing I am is incompetent. If my memory serves me, none of her children graduated high-school, college, or got a medical degree years ahead of their peers.
The fucking audacity of this woman, thinking they both could dictate my life and expect me to bow down to their plans. Fuck that!
"Normally, I'd apologize, but I'm not going to.
What you've just revealed to me is a big, fat joke.
Now you're mad that my sense of self-preservation doesn't align with your precious 'great honor,'.
I am in no danger, and yet you speak of safety.
Safety from what, exactly? Huh?" I retort, my voice dripping with anger.
"But forgive me for not jumping at the chance to be a pawn in your little game of power. "
Tatiana's face turns crimson with rage, her delicate features contorting into a mask of fury. She leans forward, her voice a dangerous whisper. "If you had ever thought to learn about the family, you might understand the risks associated with it."