y's

s of the party replayed in my mind, the shocked gasps, the pointing fingers, Sofia's triumphant smirk. My mascara streaked down my cheeks as I cri

t does it matter if I'm a Fontana or not?" I tried to stop the tears from flowing but I couldn't. "I've been s

sound of my father's voice reached my ears. They were home. Panic set in a

stepmother's annoying voice cut thr

treat upstairs, but my father's

was low. "What the hell was tha

g into my arm. "Ouch, dad

wn, and with a sudden shove

oldly at me. "Haven't I told you not to call me that in this house? You're lucky I'm in a

fear rising in my che

ike your mother, useless and pathetic. But

y lip to stop myself from crying out. He straightened and strode up

didn't return with them. My stepmothe

hy Sofia isn't home," she said, her tone icy

my throat burning

My voice

ent as his fiancée?" She said, her lips curling into a sinister smile. "Did you really thin

Sofia planned this, didn't you?" My voi

bout to let you walk out of here and live the life your mother ne

to my feet. "What did my mother ever

reminder of her. Every time I look at you, I see her smug face. But do

an? Before I could question her further, she sauntered

-

j's when Carlotta came into my room. She's the el

id, her voice s

to me than anyone since I was a little girl, sneaking me cookies when I was sad and

aking in hushed tones. "You must leave tonight, child. I over

old. "What? Sell

re to protect you, so you must go. "I'll pack a small bag for you, I've prepared the ba

he gua

pered. "They've been... distrac

If they find out

irmly. "Just promise me you'll sta

my eyes. "Thank you, Carlotta.

l the thanks I need. Yo

bag and ushered me

-

s I approached the desk, I nearly collided

sped, my eyes wid

was something dangerous about Mr Marino's refined features; his gaze reminded me of the lions I'd seen at the zoo, beautiful but let

said, his

d shiver down my spine. He had never addressed

d. "I didn't mean to bump in

d. "What are you doin

"I... I was looking for a place to stay for

ed. "Complica

s hoping to talk to you about som

y, his tone leaving no

me a job as your assistant. I was wond

g, his eyes locked on mine.

," I added quickly. "I... I need thi

face. Amusement. Perhaps but it

ow," he said finally.

y chest. "Does that

at clear?"

shing over me. "Thank you so m

ee about

see him smile? I t

walked out of the lobby,

s. "Just wait, Antonio," I muttered under

ne. In her place stood someone else, someone who understood

k of hope igniting in my chest. I finally go

-

t photo of Antonio and me at a restaurant last month. We

oicemail again. Where was he? My brother had never been unreachable when I needed him before. I'm sure this was all

s falling apart. I need you. Pleas