Chapter 14

                                    

                                          
Eva 
Its the next day afternoon and I've already had my lunch.
Now I'm getting ready for dinner at my in-laws' place. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for an evening of conversation and getting to know them better.
I slipped on my favorite red sundress with white small flowers printed everywhere, feeling the lightweight fabric hug my body in all the right places.
The sweetheart neckline accentuated my shoulders and arms, while the flared skirt fell just above my knees, making me feel feminine and playful. 
I loved how the bright color popped against my dark hair and skin.
My dark hair was styled in loose waves cascading down my back. My makeup was subtle yet elegant, with a soft focus on my eyes and a hint of color on my lips.
I adjusted the thin straps and smoothed out the subtle wrinkles, feeling confident and ready for dinner at my in-laws. 
I heard the sound of a horn outside at door at 4. My heart skipped a beat as I assumed it was Lorenzo arriving to pick me up. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
I walked towards the car, meeting Lorenzo's adoring gaze as he watched me approach. His eyes lingered on mine, filled with a warm intensity that made my heart skip a beat. 
We exchanged a brief greeting, and then he cleared his throat and opened the door for me to sit. 
I felt a flutter in my chest as I settled into the passenger seat, his eyes never leaving mine. The air was charged with a sweet tension as he closed the door behind me.
As he got into the driver's seat, I couldn't help but notice the way he looked at me, his eyes filled with a deep affection and admiration. 
He started the car and began to drive, the silence between us comfortable. 
I gazed out the window,the warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow over everything.
As we drove up the winding road, the trees grew taller and the air grew thick with the scent of pine and earth.
Suddenly, the forest parted, and we emerged into a clearing, revealing a stunning estate that took my breath away.
The mansion stood majestically, its grandeur and beauty surpassing even Lorenzo's estate. 
The estate's grounds stretched out in every direction, with the forest encircling the property like a protective embrace, except for the road that led us to the entrance. 
I felt a sense of awe and wonder as Lorenzo pulled up to the entrance, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires.
The heavy iron gates swung open by their men, and Lorenzo drove through, pulling into a spacious garage filled with sleek cars and gleaming motorcycles. 
He parked the car with a soft purr, and we stepped out into the cool, shaded air. The sound of the garage door closing behind us.
I felt a sense of seclusion, as if we had entered a private world, hidden from the rest of the world.
Together, we walked towards the entrance of the mansion, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As we stood at the entrance, my nerves got the better of me, and I began to fidget with my hands. 
Lorenzo noticed my anxiety and gently took my hands in his, his warm touch calming my fluttering nerves. "Hey, you're going to be okay," he whispered, his eyes locking onto mine.I remembered our wedding night where Lorenzo had shouted on me fidgeting. So much has changed since then. 
"Everyone already likes you here, Bella. You're part of the family." His whispered coming closer, hiswords were reassuring, but it was the way he looked at me that truly settled my nerves. 
We got lost in each other's gaze, the world around us melting away. For a moment, it was just us, suspended in time. I felt my heart slow down, my breathing steady, and my nervousness dissipate.
Lorenzo's eyes held a deep affection, a sense of belonging, and I knew in that instant that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
As we were lost in each other the door swung open snapping us out, and Lorenzo's mother, Maria, stood before us, a warm smile on her face.
She opened her arms, and Lorenzo and I stepped into her embrace, her perfume and warmth enveloping us. "My dear children," she whispered, her voice full of love.
I had met Maria a few times before, and her kindness and grace always made me feel at ease.
Lorenzo's father, Giovanni, stood behind her, his eyes twinkling with welcome. He greeted us with a gentle handshake and a smile, his strong presence commanding respect. 
As we entered the mansion i could see its high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and intricately carved marble floors. The grandeur of the space took me in awe. 
As we stepped into the grand living room, Luna, Lorenzo's 16-year-old sister, strode towards us with a bright smile. 
Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back as she threw her arms around Lorenzo's neck, giving him a warm hug. 
"Ren! It's so great to see you!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbly and enthusiastic. 
Lorenzo returned the hug, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, Luna! Good to see you too, sis." 
Luna's gaze shifted to me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "And Eva! I'm so glad you're here! We've heard so much about you." She gave me a friendly hug, her perfume filling the air. 
"We're going to have so much fun together, I can already tell!" Her words tumbled out in a lively torrent, her energy and excitement palpable.
Just then, a tall, dark-haired young man burst into the room, a charming smile spreading across his face. 
"Lorenzo! My brother, my brother!" he sang, striding towards us. 
Dante, Lorenzo's younger brother , enveloped us both in a warm hug, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And Eva, beautiful Eva! Welcome to the family chaos!"
He winked at me, his playful energy infectious. Lorenzo's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Dante. 
"Dante, stop it," he growled, his voice low and warning. But Dante just chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, come on, Lorenzo! Lighten up! I'm just showing my sister in-law some hospitality!" 
He released us from the hug, but not before giving me a playful squeeze. "I'm the fun brother, Eva. Don't worry, I'll make sure you have a blast here." 
His grin was irresistible, and I found myself laughing, feeling a bit more at ease in the midst of this boisterous family.
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Publishing date:08/07/2024
Words:1136