Chapter 2
1677 Words
As the shocked murmurs continued among the guests, Beatrice was suddenly pulled aside by a firm hand. Ma'am Smith, Riccardo's imposing aunt, led her to a secluded corner of the venue, away from prying eyes. Her expression was a mixture of disdain and fury.
What nonsense is this? Ma'am Smith hissed, her voice low but sharp. Was it not enough that my nephew had to stoop so low to marry someone beneath our status? And now, this public humiliation?
I am so sorry, Ma'am Smith, Beatrice stammered, her voice trembling.
Sorry won’t solve this. Do you have any idea what will happen if this gets out to the media? The Alessandro family’s reputation is at stake.
I don’t know what came over Maya, Beatrice replied, her voice barely above a whisper. I swear, I didn’t expect this. Please, believe me.
Ma'am Smith glared, her eyes cold. Whatever is wrong with her, you better fix it, and fast.
Yes, ma’am, Beatrice said, her hands shaking.
Without another word, Ma'am. Smith turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply on the pavement. Beatrice stood frozen, her heart racing.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the venue, Riccardo was pacing furiously, his mother, Laura, trying in vain to calm him.
The nerve of her, Riccardo growled. The effrontery of that Maya! How could she do this to me? To us? Embarrassing me in front of everyone, my friends, my family.
Calm down, Riccardo, his mother said. She knows her place. Her family knows they can never match Alessandro's name. Let it go.
“Let it go?” Riccardo snapped, his fists clenching. Do you know how many people witnessed this? I should’ve known better.
“Enough,” his mother interrupted, placing a hand on his chest. You're Alessandro. Don’t lower yourself further by losing your composure.
Riccardo stopped pacing, but his body trembled with rage. I wish I could strangle her, he muttered. She had no right to disgrace me like that.
Just then, Beatrice entered the scene, accompanied by Sophia and their uncle, Thomas. Beatrice looked pale, her hands wringing nervously as she approached Riccardo.
Riccardo, she began, her voice shaking. Please, forgive my daughter for what she did. We are so, so sorry. I swear, we didn’t mean for this to happen.
Sophia chimed in, her voice soft and pleading. Please, sir. Maya didn’t mean to hurt anyone.
Thomas, the most composed of the group, stepped forward and nodded respectfully. Riccardo, we understand the gravity of the situation, and we’re deeply apologetic. Please allow us the chance to make amends.
Riccardo’s sharp gaze darted between them, his anger unyielding. His mother spoke before he could reply.
“Beatrice,” she said, her tone icy, your family’s apology is nothing. This is an insult that will not be easily forgotten.
Riccardo crossed his arms, his jaw tight. Fix this, Beatrice. Or your family will regret ever crossing mine.
Beatrice nodded quickly, her eyes welling up. We will. I promise.
With that Riccardo and his mother turned away.
Maya sat in the quiet of her family’s modest home, her mind racing with the events that had just unfolded. She had changed into a simple blouse and jeans,but no matter how much she tried to ground herself, the weight of what she had done was unbearable.
Her mother’s sharp voice broke through the stillness as Beatrice stormed into the house.
“You stupid girl!” Beatrice yelled, slamming the door behind her. “How could you? What came over you?”
Maya stood up quickly, startled by her mother’s fury. “Mom, I couldn’t do it,” she said, her voice trembling. I can’t marry someone I don’t love.
Before she could say more, Beatrice’s hand came down hard across her cheek. Maya gasped, holding her face as tears welled up in her eyes.
“Love?” Beatrice spat. What do you know about love? Huh, do you think love puts food on the table? Do you think love can get us out of this wretched place? She gestured angrily around the room.
Mom, please, Maya begged, her voice breaking. I didn’t mean to.
You didn’t mean to? Beatrice interrupted, her voice rising. You just dragged our family’s name through the mud! The Alessandro family is powerful, Maya. Do you have any idea what they could do to us?
Beatrice stepped closer, her anger boiling over. I will teach you a lesson you will never forget.
Before Maya could react, Beatrice lunged at her, grabbing her arm and shaking her.
“Mom, stop!” Maya cried, trying to pull away, but Beatrice’s grip was firm.
When I am through with you, you will leave this house and never return. I am tired of seeing your face, Maya, she screamed.
At that moment, the door flew open, and Sophia and Uncle Thomas rushed in.
“Mom, stop it!” Sophia shouted, running to Maya’s side.
“Beatrice, that’s enough!” Thomas said firmly, stepping between Maya and her mother. He grabbed Beatrice’s arms, holding her back.
Beatrice struggled against him, her face red with rage. Let me go, Thomas. She needs to learn her place.
“No, Beatrice,” Thomas said. You’re not helping. This is not the way to handle this.
Maya, still crying, managed to slip behind her uncle, using him as a shield. Her body trembled, and her cheek stung from her mother’s slap.
“Mom, please,” Sophia pleaded, tears in her own eyes. Maya didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Please stop.
Beatrice’s breathing was heavy as she finally stopped struggling, her anger slowly giving way to exhaustion. She slumped into a chair, burying her face in her hands.
“What are we going to do now?” Beatrice muttered, her voice breaking.
Thomas placed a hand on her shoulder. We will figure it out. But hurting your daughter is not the answer.
Maya stood close to her uncle, her tears still falling. She didn’t dare speak, afraid that her mother’s anger would reignite. Sophia wrapped an arm around her, trying to comfort her sister.
The room was heavy with tension, the weight of their reality pressing down on them all.
At the Alessandro mansion, Riccardo’s anger has not subsided. He paced back and forth in the grand living room, his jaw tight and his mind racing. His father, sitting nearby in a wheelchair, watched him with a furrowed brow.
“Riccardo,” his father said calmly, what could have made Maya act this way?
Riccardo stopped pacing and exhaled sharply. Dad, I don’t know, he said, his voice heavy with frustration. And even if she didn’t want to go through with the wedding, she could have said it earlier.
His father nodded solemnly. You’re right, son. It is humiliating for our family, especially considering the lengths we went to for this union.
“I need answers,” Riccardo said, grabbing his car keys from the table. I am going to their house.
There’s no need for that, Mateo, Riccardo's brother said, leaning casually against the wall.
“Stay out of this!” Riccardo thundered, his voice echoing in the vast room.
Mateo shrugged, smirking slightly. Suit yourself, brother.
Ignoring him, Riccardo stormed out of the house, his keys clutched tightly in his hand. As he reached the driveway, a familiar voice called out to him.
Riccardo, dear.
He turned to see Ma'am Smith, his aunt, walking toward him. She still looked as poised as ever, despite the chaos of the day.
Aunt, you’re still here? Riccardo asked, his tone softening slightly. I thought you had gone home.
How could I, with everything that’s happened? She replied, giving him a pointed look. I heard you telling your father you were going to Antonio's house.
Yes, Aunt, that's correct, Riccardo said firmly.
Ma'am Smith shook her head. There’s no need for that, Riccardo. They should be the ones coming here to apologize.
Riccardo sighed, his anger still simmering. Aunt, I just need to know why she did it.
Ma'am Smith stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his face. Riccardo, you’re my nephew, and you know I only want the best for you.
I know, Aunt, but still, there has to be an explanation for this.
I don’t even understand what you see in that girl, Maya. But whatever it is, you need to let it go. It’s late, and you’ve done enough for today. Let’s go inside.
Reluctantly, Riccardo allowed his aunt to guide him back toward the house, her arm looped through his.
Back at the Antonio house, the night was quiet, with only the chirping of crickets breaking the stillness. Maya sat outside, her arms wrapped around her knees as the cool night breeze brushed against her skin. Her mind was heavy with thoughts, her heart aching with a mix of regret, fear, and determination.
The door creaked open, and her younger sister, Sophia, stepped out. She hesitated for a moment, watching her sister’s slumped figure before walking over to sit beside her.
“Maya, dinner is ready,” Sophia said softly. “Please come inside.
“Go ahead, Sophia. I am not hungry.
Maya replied without looking up.
Sophia sighed, concern etched on her face. You haven’t eaten anything all day. Do you want to fall sick?
“I am fine,” Maya said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“No, you are not,” Sophia countered, studying her sister closely. “Please, Maya, tell me what’s wrong. Is it about what happened today?”
Maya hesitated, biting her lip. Yes, I mean, no, she said, her voice wavering. You won’t understand, Sophia.
Sophia turned to her. I am only three years younger than you, Maya. I will understand. We have known each other our whole lives, and I’m not just your sister, i am your closest friend. Please talk to me.
Maya took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sophia, I want to leave. I want to go far away from this place.
Sophia’s eyes widened. But why, Maya? What’s wrong?
- Writer
