CHAPTER FIFTEEN—CONFESSIONS

The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside the window, the soft light filtering through the blinds. I groaned, rubbing her eyes as I tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. The warmth from the car ride was still lingering, but my mind was filled with memories of the previous day. I had managed to get through the dinner with Luca’s family, and despite my initial discomfort, I felt... different. It wasn’t the kind of ease I’d expected, but maybe it was a start.

Rolling out of bed, I stretched my arms over my head, letting the cool air of the room settle on my skin. Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it.

As I made my way to the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. My hair was mussed, but aside from that, I looked well rested. My eyes lingered on my reflection a bit longer than usual. A frown crept its way to my face.

What was I doing? What had I gotten herself into?

I immediately shook the thoughts away, splashing cold water on my face to clear my mind. After drying off, I wrapped myself in a robe and stepped out of the bathroom.

I made my way down the stairs, my feet dragging as I found myself humming to myself. I was happy for reasons I couldn't decipher and I didn't want to spoil the happiness by overthinking.

The moment I reached the bottom, I froze.

Luca was sitting in the dining room, a mug of coffee in his hands. Noticing my presence, he looked over his shoulder, and the corner of his mouth twitched into a knowing smile on seeing me.

“Good morning, Principessa,” he said, his voice smooth and casual.

“Good morning,” I muttered back, and went to take a seat beside him.

“Sleep well?” He asked.

“Yup,” I nodded.

There was a brief silence, the air charged with awkwardness. We'd been so free and casual with each other last night. The memory of the day before was still fresh in my mind, but I wasn’t sure how to act around him now. Everything felt different.

“Coffee?” Luca asked, holding up the mug in his hand.

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure, why not.”

I avoided his eyes as I reached for a mug. The way he was looking at me, the way he seemed to always watch me so intently—it made me nervous. I quickly poured myself a cup and leaned against the counter, trying to avoid any more awkwardness.

“You seemed to enjoy yourself last night,” Luca said after a few moments, his voice quiet. “My grandma certainly took a liking to you.”

I glanced over at him, just as the maids started bringing in breakfast. I smiled. “She’s sweet. I don’t know about your sister though.”

Luca chuckled softly. “She’ll warm up to you, eventually. She’s just protective.”

I took a sip of my coffee, savoring the warmth as it spread through me. “I hope so,” I murmured, then hesitated before asking. “I couldn't help but notice the awkwardness between her and Santiago. Santiago is someone who loves to rattle people. With him, he was more reserved. And she… well, I don't know if I'm being theatrical , but I could see the longing in her eyes.”

Luca’s gaze softened, though the flicker of something unreadable remained in his eyes. Then he smiled approvingly. “You’re observant, Ariadne

I'll give you that.” He praised. “And yes, Valentina is Santiago's mother.”

My eyes widened in shock at the news. She was Santiago's mother? But she looked too young, so how…

“And if you're thinking she looks too young, that's because she is. She was just thirteen when she had him. Apparently, her high school boyfriend managed to convince her that you can't get pregnant your first time. She tried hiding it from our parents, and when our mother found out, she was already four months along.”

I covered my mouth in shock. “What? And what about the boy? Her boyfriend, I mean.”

Luca shrugged. “He denied it. His parents were well connected so they had the means to cover it all up, saying, ‘our son has a bright future ahead of him and we can't taint it with a bastard.’ I was pissed but I was too young to do anything about it.”

My heart bled for him. I could see the anger and regret simmering in his eyes. I felt sorry for his sister too. No one deserved to be treated that way.

“Anyways, when Valentina had Santiago, she was angry at him. Instead of blaming the asshole who got her pregnant, she took her anger out on an innocent child. Six months later, she ran away, and let's just say grandma and I raised Santiago.”

“And your parents?”

“Pricks. I haven't told anyone this, but on the day of the car accident that claimed their lives, I was happy and relieved.”

I frowned. “What makes you say that?”

“I don't know,” he shrugged. “I was just.”

It was funny how life worked. You know the saying, you don't know what you have until it's gone, it definitely applied to me.

Here I was, hating my mother for having my best interest at heart and I was mad at her. Meanwhile, the award for the worst parents went to Luca's parents.

Without thinking it twice, I placed my hand on his and offered him a gentle smile. “I'm so sorry for what you guys went through.”

He seemed taken back by my words, before he smiled back and squeezed my hand in appreciation. “Thank you, Ariadne. Although, the people who owe us an apology are six feet under.”

We shared a look, and then started eating.

While we ate, I made my decision. I was going to call my mother and Georgina. It was time to accept their apology and give mine too.