Intertwined

Chapter Seven

Voilette

"Wow!" I exclaim as I step into the luxurious cabin of Aria's family's private jet.

The interior is sleek and sophisticated, with rich leather seats in a creamy ivory color, accented by polished chrome fixtures that gleam in the soft light. Plush cream-colored carpets line the floor, and the walls are adorned with tasteful artwork that adds a touch of elegance to the space.

As I look around, I notice the spacious cabin is divided into different sections. There's a comfortable seating area with reclining chairs that can convert into beds for long flights, a large wooden conference table for meetings, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system with a large screen TV.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the scent of fine leather. I feel like I'm stepping into a luxury hotel, not a plane. The private jet exudes refinement and style.

"Yes, dirty money always pays off," Aria says, stepping in from behind me with a sly smile, her voice dripping with a mix of sarcasm and resignation.

I glance at her, and for a moment, I sense the weight of her family's legacy bearing down on her. I've seen the way she talks about her family's business, the way she sometimes seems trapped by the expectations and the darkness that comes with it.

I wonder if she'll ever be able to break free from the mafia ties that seem to suffocate her.

There's a hint of sadness in her eyes, a flicker of rebellion that suggests she's not entirely comfortable with the world she's been born into.

Alessia steps into the cabin, her dark hair styled in loose waves. She takes a seat next to Aria, and I take my seat across from them.

As we settle in, the flight attendant, a poised and professional woman, emerges from the galley.

"Good morning, ladies. My name is Rachel, and I'll be taking care of you during your flight. Before we take off, I'd like to remind you to please fasten your seatbelts, turn off any electronic devices, and return your seats to their upright position."

The pilot's voice comes over the intercom, calm and authoritative. "Ladies, this is your captain speaking. We're cleared for takeoff. Please ensure your seatbelts are securely fastened, and all electronic devices are in airplane mode. We'll be departing momentarily. This is Captain Theodore”

With the final preparations complete, the engines roar to life, and the jet taxis down the runway.

I feel a thrill of excitement as the plane gains speed, lifting off the ground and soaring into the sky.

After the plane takes off and reaches cruising altitude, the seatbelt sign is turned off. Rachel, the flight attendant, emerges from the galley with a warm smile. "Now that we're cruising, can I get you ladies something to drink? We have a selection of juices, sodas, and specialty teas."

Aria looks up from her phone. "I'll have a glass of champagne, please." Alexis nods in agreement. "Same here."

I hesitate for a moment before ordering a sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Rachel nods and heads back to the galley to prepare our drinks.

As we sit comfortably in the luxurious cabin, Alessia sets her glass of champagne on the cup holder beside her before pulling out her tablet and starts tapping on it.

“Hey guys, have you seen the design for the bridesmaids' dresses? I want to get your opinion."

She hands the tablet to Aria, who looks at the screen.

"Simple and elegant," Aria says, smiling. "I love it."

Aria then hands the tablet to me, sitting across from her. I gaze at the design. The emerald green dress is stunning, with a flowing silk fabric that drapes elegantly on the body. The back of the dress features a crisscross design with intricate beading that adds a touch of elegance.

"Wow, this looks stunning," I say, handing the tablet back to Alessia.

Alessia nods, smiling. "I'm glad you like it. I was thinking of adding some subtle touches to match the wedding theme." She pauses, looking thoughtful. "I still can't believe my wedding is in two weeks. It feels like just yesterday we were planning the engagement party."

Aria rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "That's because you and Christian pushed the wedding forward by two months," she teases. "And didn't you say, and I quote," she makes air quotes with her fingers, "'I can't wait three whole months to marry him'?"

Alessia blushes, laughing. "Maybe I did," she admits, "but I'm just excited to start this new chapter with Christian." She smiles slyly at Aria. "You'll get it until you fall in love."

Aria's smile falters for a moment, and she looks away, a hint of vulnerability flashing across her face.

Then, she forces a smile and says, "Love isn't for everyone, Sis. Some of us are better off without it."

The comment hangs in the air, and I sense a deeper meaning behind Aria's words. Alessia looks at her with a mix of concern and understanding, but doesn't push the issue.

*************************

As I wake up from my slumber, feeling a bit disoriented. I recall watching a movie for about an hour before dozing off, but I do not know how long I've been asleep.

I stretch my arms and yawn, feeling the fatigue of the long flight start to wear off.

“Hey, you're finally awake!" Aria says when she sees me sit up.

Alessia adds, "Yeah, you actually gave us a scare. You've been sleeping for six whole hours."

I'm still trying to shake off the sleep, and I ask, "What time is it? Are we landing soon?"

Aria replies, "Yeah, I thought you'd sleep the whole flight.”

The pilot's voice comes over the intercom. "We are making our descent into Milan, Italy. It is 1:30 AM local time.”

The flight attendant comes out of the galley and chimes in, "Please fasten your seatbelts, return your seats to their upright position, and make sure all electronic devices are in airplane mode. We're about to land."

The private jet touches down smoothly on the runway, and the engines die down.

The stairs are extended, and we climb down into the crisp Milan night air.

As I step out of the airport, I'm struck by the breathtaking view of Milan's Malpensa Airport at night.

The sleek, modern terminals gleam in the night lights, and the sound of distant planes and bustling activity fills the air.

I take it all in silently, my eyes drinking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

We're led to a waiting Range Rover, its engine purring softly. The driver, dressed in a smart uniform, greets us with a nod and opens the door.

I slide into the spacious Range Rover, feeling grateful for the comfort and luxury that surrounds me. Aria and Alessia follow suit, settling into the plush seats beside me.

The driver closes the door, and we wait for a moment as the crew loads our luggage into the vehicle. I glance over at Aria and Alessia, noticing that their faces look dull.

"Probably jet-lagged," I think to myself, recalling how they only snoozed for a couple of hours during the flight. I remember Aria occasionally stirring and Alessia adjusting her blanket, but other than that, they got little rest.

Despite the long flight, I don't feel as tired as I expected. Maybe my body is finally recovering from the stress I've been going through at the hospital. The long hours, the emotional toll of dealing with patients and families—it's all taking a toll on me, and maybe this flight is just what I needed to recharge.

The driver gets back into the vehicle, and we move, gliding smoothly out of the airport and into the Milan night.

I lean back in my seat, feeling the soft leather envelop me, and gaze out the window as the city lights blur by.