65

                                    

                                          
The grand dining table was adorned with the presence of the illustrious D'Amico Cassanos. The room echoed with the clinking of cutlery and the symphony of hushed conversations. The atmosphere was filled with an air of warmth and familial bliss as the family shared their breakfast meal together. At the head of the table sat Venezio, his eyes twinkling with paternal pride as his young son, Inizio, regaled him with tales of his adventures in Greece.
Dalia, sitting beside Venezio, couldn't help but steal glances at the woman seated on his right-hand side.
Celia, her face veiled in a cloud of contemplation, appeared lost in her own thoughts, unable to fully immerse herself in the animated chatter of her child. Sensing her distraction, Dalia would occasionally interject, eager to delve deeper into Inizio's captivating tales whenever he paused to recall more memories from his young mind. The smiles that adorned the faces of the family members seemed genuine, for the temperature around Celia exuded an undeniable sense of unease.
Venezio, keenly aware of the reasons behind Celia's distant demeanor, understood why she couldn't fully engage in their child's storytelling. Her plate remained half-empty, her gaze fixated on the idle fork in her hand, as if it were the only anchor keeping her tethered to her profound thoughts.
"Mamaaaa," Inizio's whine pierced the air, breaking Celia's reverie. With a small smile, she directed her attention to the pouting baby before her. "What did you say, love?"
Celia didn't waver her gaze from Inizio, even as she felt the intense scrutiny of someone with piercing grey eyes on her. Her focus remained fixed on her son, though the weight of that gaze did not go unnoticed.
"Why didn't Nona come with us?" Inizio's innocent voice carried curiosity once again.
Celia took a moment to absorb the question her young son had posed. "Because she has a family to look after, my child," she spoke softly, her words filled with maternal tenderness. Her gaze shifted towards Venezio, who was already scrutinizing her. "And here, you too have a family," she added, her voice tinged with a hint of longing, noticing how his lips twitched into a smile.
"Yes, you're right," Inizio nodded, his words capturing their undivided attention. "But I want to meet Velancia and play with her," he declared, prompting a raised eyebrow from Venezio.
"You two are friends?" he inquired, his voice gentle and full of curiosity.
"Yesss!" Inizio's reply resonated with enthusiastic affirmation.
"Can I meet her?" Inizio asked softly, his voice carrying a sense of longing.
"You can, darling," Dalia chimed in, matching his energy. "We will go together today in the evening," she added, turning to Celia and Venezio, seeking their silent approval. Both nodded in unison, giving their consent through a shared glance.
As the breakfast progressed, Inizio continued to share his vibrant tales, and everyone listened attentively. Celia could feel Venezio's gaze upon her, yet she chose to avoid acknowledging it. They ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Venezio rose from his seat and bestowed affectionate kisses upon Inizio's cheek and forehead, reciprocated by the two-year-old. Before leaving, he cautioned his son to behave and not disturb anyone. Casting a last tender glance at Celia, her eyes filled with swirling emotions, he made his way towards the exit, only to be stopped by her voice.
"I need to talk to you. I hope you'll be home before midnight," her voice carried a soft urgency. Venezio nodded in understanding, acknowledging her request, before leaving for his business affairs.
****
The relentless stream of cold water cascaded down upon Celia, enveloping her in a chilling embrace. Standing under the shower's icy embrace, her mind was consumed by the haunting memories of the events that had unfolded merely a week ago. She closed her eyes tightly, seeking solace from the turmoil that raged within her, her hands pressing firmly against the cold glass of the shower stall for support.