4

The flight to Los Angeles was okay. She had strided out from the airport after the checking and was sitting on the bench cross-legged for the past few hours feeling contaminated from the emotions overflowing within her.

Her trail of thoughts broke when she saw an old man in a suit approaching her with a banner in his hand. “Madam Seraphina?” He questioned. She nodded at him blankly. “Sorry for the late behavior, I had just received the orders half an hour before so I immediately raced here.”

“Its okay.” She replied, absentmindedly. He brought his hands towards her bag but she instantly shook her head in a no. Nodding, they both went to the luxurious car that awaited for them.

Getting in, she plugged the earphones back in her ears, to avoid any unnecessary interaction. Silence lingered around them as they drove back to the state they lived in.

The old man -- Gary Willows tried to interact but she wasn't just in the mood.

Her eyes took in the mesmerizing scenery. She had last seen America twelve years ago, her mother had brought her too London after they left. She had definitely missed the scent of this air. They heavy traffic is what made America more worth it.

An hour later, they approached the huge metal gates. The scanner, scanned the old mans face and slowly the gate opened. “We’ve arrived.” He said as he halted infront the front door. Seraphina looked around, the fountain that was in the middle of the driveway was same as before.

She got out with utter emptiness. Grabbing her bag, she followed Gary inside. The mansion was pretty much the same, only the difference was that the main entrance wall was littered with pictures. The pictures without her and Renie.

Shaking her head, she took another step. The cream colored walls were adorned with fancy golden crystals. A huge chandelier hung from the roof in between the two edged stairs, which led to the second and third floor. “Common miss, your family is waiting for you in the living room.” He said, breaking her trance.

She gazed at him and nodded. Walking, she heard loud voices from the living room. Her body suddenly felt sweaty. Fisting her palm, she trailed behind Gary who went inside.

Blowing a deep breath out, she strolled inside with her eyes on the floor.

The voices instantly went quiet. Looking up, she saw them.

Her biological family.

Scowls present on some faces whilst some were emotionless. And happy?

Her eyes travelled to the man wearing a black Armani suit, seated on a single sofa with his one leg draped over the other. His hair styled perfectly on his handsome face. The piercing blank sapphire eyes drilled holes within her own.

The same color yet a different chilling emotion.

She instantly knew who he was.

“Why the fuck does she have to be here?” Someone said with anger lurking in his voice. She broke off the eye contact to look at the intruder. “Yeah, better if you had given her up for adoption.” A soft girly voice said from beside the intruder.

“Sienna’s right, just give her away, Agostino.” The intruder huffed once again and leaned back on the sofa.

Ignoring them, Seraphina looked back at the intimidating man who was starring right in her soul.

“Good evening Seraphina, I’m your oldest brother Agostino and your legal guardian.” His deep rough voice resonated in the room, filling the atmosphere with coldness.

The once happy man was just dark and blank.

She nodded, her voice betraying her. “Introduce yourself.” He commanded, leaving no room for arguments.

Internally scoffing, she knew who was who but still she went along with it.

“Your second oldest brother. Alfonso, 28.” He smiled at her with love lingering behind his eyes. Mother hen, definitely. She hesitantly gave him one back but all it came out as a grimace.

“Enrico, 26. Don't even come near me.” He snarled at her too which she ignored. “Fourth oldest. Fulvio, 23.” He blankly stated, gazing back at the book he was reading.

The next one was looking at her with immense hatred which brought a jolt of pang in her heart.

“Sav.” Agostino warned him with a straight face. Huffing, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Why do I have to introduce myself to this bitch?” He hissed. “Just do it.” Alfonso calmly spoke, not wanting another drama to unfold.

“No.” He stated as he glared at her.

“No need. I already know who you are, Savio.” Seraphina mocked him back with the same intense glare, shocking him in return.

“You knew?” Alfonso asked with a hint of hope and happiness. She nodded. Pointing at the human beside Fulvio, she muttered, “Raffaello.”

Moving her index she continued, “Rosario, the twins, 18.” Her eyes moved to the girl who sat with Savio. Her fingers entangled with his.

“Sienna, my long lost twin.”

Her drifted back to Agostino who still stared at her with nothing but emptiness. “You’ll be shown your room, unpack and someone will call you down for dinner, afterwards I expect you in my office.” He said, nonchalantly.

Nodding again, she turned around, marching towards the maid who stood there in silence. “Let’s go, Madam.”