CHAPTER TEN- WHISPERS AND WARNIGS
758 Words
After that incident, Elena had not seen Leonardo that much, maybe just a glimpse of him here and there but that was all. He had not yelled at her again, but the memory of his anger at her was fresh in her brain. Every Time she heard someone walking in the hall, it made her conscious, unsure if it was him or another person in the house. She still couldn’t understand what she had done wrong—but she knew better than to ask.
She kept mostly to herself, speaking only when spoken to. She couldn't deny, this house was really beautiful but she was yet to feel at home in it.
That morning, she had found a spot alone and was in the library when Sofia entered, a soft knock announcing her presence.
“Leonardo has asked for you to join him in the dining room,” she said, her voice neutral but eyes kind. “Now.”
Elena nodded, she was scared but couldn't ask questions. “Thank you.”
She moved slowly to the dining, her heart banging in her chest. When she entered, there he was already seated at the head of the long table. Beside him were Marco, Enzo, Paolo, and Luca. And then… there was someone else.
A man she hadn’t seen before, but who somehow looked familiar. He had the same strong jawline, the same piercing gaze as Leonardo, but his smile held something… calculating.
Leonardo's eyes lifted to her. “Elena, sit,” he said simply.
She did as she was told, she didn't want to look anyone in the face so she lowered her head slightly as she took a seat beside him. She felt the stranger’s eyes lingered on her a moment too long as if he was judging her.
“This is Gianluca,” Leonardo said flatly. “My cousin.”
Gianluca extended a hand toward her, and she hesitated before shaking it lightly. “It’s a pleasure,” he said, voice smooth like wine, but with something cold beneath it. “My apologies, I wasn’t able to attend the wedding, but I heard the bride was… stunning.”
Leonardo’s jaw ticked.
Elena wasn't sure how she should respond, so she just smiled instead even though it didn't reach her eyes.
There was a loud tension in the room, very loud—like a storm waiting to hit. The other men were quiet, watching. Waiting.
Leonardo leaned back in his seat, fingers interlaced in front of him. “ I got your letter, you said you missed the family. That you wanted to talk,” he said, eyes locked on Gianluca.
“Yes,” Gianluca said smoothly. “And I’ve heard whispers. The underground is buzzing. People are saying the Golds are weaker now that you’re married. That you’ve gone soft.”
Leonardo’s expression didn’t change, but something in the air tightened. Elena felt it, like the walls were closing in.
“And you believed it?” Leonardo asked.
Gianluca smiled. “Not me. But others might.”
Leonardo stood, the motion so sudden that Elena flinched, he was angry. His voice was too calm, but his eyes were blazing. “You come to my home, stare at my wife, and throw around rumors like you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to.”
The room remained silent.
Gianluca raised both hands. “I’m just delivering the message. I want what’s best for the family.”
“Funny,” Leonardo said coldly, “because you’ve always wanted what was mine.”
The words hung heavy in the air.
“I should go,” Gianluca said, rising. “But I hope we can talk again, cousin. Properly.” His eyes flicked toward Elena one last time. “It was lovely meeting you.”
When he left, Leonardo didn’t sit back down. He stayed standing, hands on the back of his chair, lost in thought.
Elena opened her mouth, then closed it again. She knew better than to say anything, but she also wanted to ask if he was alright. The fear still clung to her. So she said nothing.
After a moment, he spoke—his voice quieter now. “Stay close to the house. Don’t go out without telling someone. The underground is loud right now.”
She nodded.
“Do you understand, Elena?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
He turned toward her finally, eyes softer than before. “Good.”
But as he left the room, Elena couldn’t help but feel the cold trail his absence left behind.
- Writer
