New Love

seven

Elena's Point Of View

As soon as I saw my father, my grandparents and even my mother on the foyer, my mother was the first one who ran to me and hugged me tightly, I didn't hug her back

"Oh my sweet girl!" she cries, caressing my cheek as she pulls away "I was so worried about you" she sniffled

I mentally scoffed and rolled my eyes "I'm alright mother. You shouldn't worry about me " I try to fake a smile as I got out of the hug, earning a disappointed look from my father

"We were all so worried, when Ben called us. Robert and I rushed back here as quickly as we could." my grandmother, says as she pulled me in for a hug, I instantly hugged her back "I told you those Scots are up to something!" she added with a huff

"I'm still alive nana!" I smiled genuinely as we both pulled away "And from what I told you earlier, I'm a Kingsley, remember? They'll have to do more than that to k-ll a Kingsley." I winked, it was my grandfather's turn to hug me.

"That you are my darling, but you know your Nana and your mother worry too much. I know you have a Kingsley's stubborn nature." he says in a teasing manner, making me giggle again and earning a slap in the arm from his wife of 56 years and a chuckle from my father, my mother glared at him, making him go silent again

As usual, my father is still in love with that woman.

They were high school sweethearts, but once my father stepped in to become involved with the family business it was the beginning of the end of their marriage. Jack's de-th and my mother's affair with another man only added up to that

"I actually had help." I say as I pulled away from them and as if on cue Mateo arrived with his third in command, I turned around to introduce him properly "Everyone, meet Don Mateo Vitale, Don of the Sicilian Ma-ia." I said as the two men stood on my left and right.

"It is nice to finally meet you Don Mateo." my father spoke up, offering his hand for a handshake to Mateo

"Likewise Mr. Kingsley, I prefer doing business in person." he answered as my grandparents introduced themselves

"I'd like to thank you for helping my granddaughter evade the attack by the Scottish chapter" my grandfather said

"Oh don't worry Mr. Kingsley, Don Mateo and I were just there to support her, she handled them all on her own " his right hand man says cheekily, earning a look from Mateo "Severino Marchesa, third in command to Don Mateo Vitale." he introduced himself and shook my grandfather's hand.

My father cleared his throat "Now that everyone's acquainted, shall we go to the gazebo and discuss the proposal?" He asked

Before I could say anything, Mateo spoke up "No need, I already accepted Ms. Kingsley's proposal. She had told me the benefits and everything made sense. She needs allies to help her keep the Scottish Chapter in line and I need a wife to help me produce heirs." I look at him, trying to hide my shock that he decided so quickly "Our businesses goes hand in hand as well, I have bars and pubs in London and she has a popular Italian restaurant that needs to be expanded, given the amazing reviews it has been getting." he added as he looks at me impressively

"Excellent!" My grandmother says excitedly "Can I talk to you in private Don Mateo?" She asked, earning a look of curiosity from us

"Of course Mrs. Kingsley." he smiled politely as the two of them went to the gardens, arm in arm with each other

"What do you think will they talk about pops?" I asked my grandfather

"For once, I don't know either sweet pea." he chuckles

"I was so worried about you Elena." my mother changed the subject "I thought I'm going to lose you too" she tried to come close to me but I scoffed

"Save your pretenses Elaine, I'm not easily fooled unlike my father who is clearly still in love with you despite the fact that you married someone else even before your divorce got finalised!" I spat, my mother turned a shade of red and my father was furious at my words

"Elena Jane Kingsley! Don't you f*****g dare talk to your mother that way!" My father spat back

"Oh now you defend this bi-ch when she wasn't the one who took care of you when you were diagnosed with leukemia! I did!" I spat angrily "When she was with the love of her life, I was with you on every chemo, treatment and therapy until you were in remission!" tears were threatening to escape and fall down my eyes but I refused to cry in front of her and Mateo's third in command.

"Elena, I know you're angry with your mother but without her you wouldn't be here sweetheart." My grandfather smiled softly as he tried to calm me down

I shook my head as I glare at her "She's not my mother anymore... She may be the one who gave birth to me but she lost the title of my mother a long time ago. Nana Agatha had become a mother to me more than you did in 27 years." I scoffed before turning my attention to Severino "Come, I'll show you to the room you'll be staying" I grabbed his wrist and went upstairs, avoiding the cold look that my father is giving me.

"Your family is complicated princess." he joked as I let go of his arm once we reached one of the guest rooms

"Tell me something that I don't know." I said sarcastically with a chuckle "I apologize for that, I lose control of my emotions whenever she shows around." I sighed

He shook his head with a friendly smile "You don't have to apologize, I've seen way worse familial drama than that." he laughed

"I'm glad I didn't make the cut then." I giggled

"If you have, one of your family members would've been de-d." He chuckled "Why did your grandmother pull Mateo aside somewhere?" he wonders

"Like what my grandfather said, I have no idea." I sighed before smiling "I hope you like your room, my servants will have your things brought up here. And Mateo's room is across from yours, I hope you like it." I say with a genuine smile

"Grazie mille for your hospitality Elena, I can tell you and Mateo will get along just fine."  he smiled

I hope so too...