Crave For You

Sofia

The party below is a nightmare for me. It's a figment of my imagination—or so I believe it to be. A few months ago, I was the center of attraction for these guests. Now, I'm the pariah hiding in the shadows, in plain sight but still hidden from view. A peek downstairs is all I have the courage for.

People swirl around, chatting like it's any other night that a mafia Don changes his bride, like it is a normal thing to attend the same event twice within months at the same location. The men are drowning themselves in glasses of wine, hands around their women's waists, guffawing over jokes their fellows share. The women in their lavish gowns, shimmering, sparkling, giggling.

It hurts. Every scene hurts me.

I have thought of blending in with the crowd, thought it would be a good idea to have at least my makeup on and a party wear molding me into shape. But I couldn't do it. How does one attend a party of a man who was supposed to be hers? Instead, in my white crop top and short skirt, I hide from view behind a pillar of the top floor, staring down at the party.

The chatter falls quiet, the silence settling in waves. I drag my gaze to where the guests are looking and my heart takes a dip.

Gabriel is walking hand-in-hand with Bianca, his perfect form made impeccable in the sharp suit of burgundy. Bianca looks no less than a princess in her burgundy gown with a pointed tail that sweeps the floor. Her smile is a million dollar, attracting the attention of everyone. It is a genuine smile. I don't think I had that when I was the one in her place. She radiates confidence, taking her place beside Gabriel with the magnificence of a woman who knows the people she walks among, someone who can differentiate between a friend and a foe.

"Perfection, aren't they?"

I turn to come face-to-face with an entity I didn't think I would have the misfortune to greet again, without anyone else here to rectify the situation.

Vera Valentino, Gabriel's mother, is very much back from her comatose sleep. She is in a gorgeous gown of shining green material matching the classy theme of the party and although she carries a crutch under her arm, she walks like she doesn't need it. Her eyes are grey and deckled with little sparks of green. They give me a shadowed look like they are judging me.

If I could melt into a puddle, I would but I instead press my back to the pillar behind me, my skin crawling at the sight of the woman.

"Ciao," she says, the corners of her eyes crinkling as a smile spreads her lips. To me, she might as well look like Pennywise because I have an inkling of her intentions. "I was waiting to have a proper talk with you, Sofia Bianchi. The last time we were in the same room was when you abused my unconsciousness, of course."

The taunt doesn't taste any less saltier than I thought it would. Its impact is harsher. I bite my tongue before a haughty remark can escape. I already have enough enemies, instigating Vera wouldn't be a smart move.

Vera glances down at the scene below, her smile widening. "Burns, doesn't it? Seeing him with another?" She looks back at me, fluttering her lashes. "Does it make you feel guilty for your crimes, Sofia?"

A slight tightening of her jaw is enough response to my silence. I keep my eyes off her, pretending to be fascinated by a carving on the balustrade. I flinch when her long fingers land on my chin, tilting my face to hers. Her height matches mine so she has me meeting her burning glare.

"You won't talk to me or have you lost your tongue. No, that can't be." She harshly drops her hand from my face, her lips twitching. "I heard you screaming my son's name the other day. We all did."