[Aria]
I sat up in my bed, head pounding and eyes heavy. I had been studying all week, and the stress was getting to me. It was Saturday, though; I didn't have any lectures. I tilted my head slowly in the direction of my clock. It was already 9 am. My eyes widened in shock. "How could I have slept for so long?... Well, at least I don't have anything doing today," I said assuredly. I had never slept that long. I was more of a night owl - stayed up all night, studying and texting, while I took short naps during the day.
While I was still wallowing in my bed, I heard a knock on my door. "Miss Russo," a voice called out. It was our house maid, Mary. Why had she come to look for me? I sluggishly got out of bed and proceeded towards the door. Slowly, I twisted the door knob. As the door creaked open, a sudden shockwave jolted me. Standing beside Mary was my father. I was shocked and confused. Normally, father would be out of the house by this time, and he never comes to my room. What could have happened? What could I have done? "Father," I said, my words struggling to come out. I was startled and motionless.
"What are you doing here? You should be at work by now." "Work?" He asked, his eyes twitching. I became even more confused. If I recall correctly, my father was a real estate manager and CEO of Moretti Corp.; of course, he had to go to work. Plus, he was the supreme leader of one of Italy's biggest syndicates. "Yes, work... it's already past 9, and you're late, so... bye bye." My voice sounded as if I was chasing him away. But father had a serious look on his face. He took a few steps into my room and slowly glanced at me from head to toe. "You forgot, didn't you?" He asked me with a slightly furious tone. I paused for a second, and finally, it dawned on me that I was supposed to follow father today to see one of his associates. Apparently, he was going to introduce me to the man's son, whom I was intended to marry against my own will.
"Oh no, no no no... I didn't forget, I was just... uhhm.... joking. Yes, I was joking." "Okay, so why aren't you dressed yet?" Father asked. He was in a hurry because he and his associate had some urgent business issues that needed attention. "Oh, father, I was about to put on my makeup; just give me a little more time, and I'll join you downstairs." What the hell was I doing? I hadn't even taken my bath, and I was already assuring my father that I was almost ready. Well, I had to. Father, or should I say - Mr. Giovanni, was a man who didn't like to be disappointed. He always wanted things to go his way, so I couldn't disappoint him now. Not when I was trying to secure his approval, his respect.
"Five minutes, Aria, you have minutes to meet me downstairs." Before I could say a word, he had already left. Mary was still standing by the door and gave me a worrisome glance. "Aria, is everything okay?" "Yes," I replied immediately, what made you think there's a problem? Before I knew what I was doing, I began spouting random words that made Mary more suspicious and threw me off. Mary took a step closer to me, took out her hand, and placed it on my shoulder. "You forgot, didn't you?" She asked, though she was already sure. "Yes... yes, I did, but I didn't want to disappoint father, so I just had to lie. What do I do, Mary?"
Mary's expression softened as she looked at me with a mix of concern and understanding. "Aria, you can't keep doing this," she said gently. "You need to talk to your father, tell him how you feel." I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I can't, Mary. He'll be so disappointed in me. I have to do what's best for the family." Mary sighed, her hand still on my shoulder. "What's best for the family isn't always what's best for you, Aria. You have your own life to live, your own choices to make." I felt a surge of frustration. "You don't understand, Mary. My father is a powerful man, he-" "I understand more than you think, Aria," Mary said quietly. "I've been working for your family for years, I know how things work. But I also know that you have a heart, and you deserve to be happy." I looked at her, feeling a glint of hope. "Do you really think so, Mary?" Mary smiled, a warm smile. "I know so, Aria. Now, let's get you ready, you don't have much time. But we'll figure this out, okay?" I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I wasn't going to let my father dictate my life anymore. It was time to take control.
With newfound resolve, I quickly got dressed and ready, Mary helping me with my makeup and hair. As I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. She looked... determined. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "I'm ready, Mary," I said, my voice firm. Mary smiled, a nod of approval. "Let's go, Aria."
As I walked downstairs, my father was already waiting by the door, his expression stern. "Let's go, Aria," he said curtly, not even looking at me. I nodded, following him out to the car. Edwin, the driver, held the door open for us, and we slid in. As the car pulled away from the house, my mind began to wander.
Luke. I'd been trying to push thoughts of him out of my mind for the past two weeks, but it was no use. That night I'd met him at the club, our eyes had locked as I walked in, and I'd felt a spark. He had piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through me.
As the city streets blurred past outside the window, I couldn't help but wonder why my heart had fluttered for someone like him. We hadn't spoken, hadn't exchanged words – just that one intense gaze.
My father's voice cut through my thoughts, "Aria, are you listening?" I snapped back to reality, realizing we'd arrived at our destination. "Y-yes, father," I stammered, trying to shake off the memories.
The car door opened, and my father stepped out, expecting me to follow. I took a deep breath, pushing thoughts of Luke aside. I had more pressing concerns – like the arranged marriage my father had planned for me.
As I stepped out of the car, I caught a glimpse of a figure standing across the street. My heart skipped a beat, but it wasn't Luke. Just my imagination, I thought. Would I ever see him again? Only time would tell.