85|Spur of the Moment

~Benny~

This year, Markus decided to celebrate his birthday. It was a surprise since he shied away from huge gatherings, always sending Klaus in his stead. And for the last two years, he was content with family dinners, a simple celebration to mark his age.

Soft jazz music spills through the hallway of the Amara Hotel in Ragusa, a hotel named after Klaus’ mother. Black and gold streamers and balloons adorned the function halls. A huge ‘happy 68th birthday’ was written on the stage across the entry. Guests in thousand-dollar suits and signature gowns huddle at each table covered with linens matching the gold and black theme.

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. This was my first event as Berenice Martinelli. It was inevitable that I’d be introduced as a Martinelli among my family’s friends and associates. Knowing that doesn’t take away the uneasiness and overwhelming balloon swelling in my chest, though.

I was dressed right for the occasion. Rylee helped me pick this black spaghet