Marie POV
The awkward silence around the table was very evident but deep down I was beyond happy.
I could burst from the joy I had right now, see my brother and father sitting across from me in the big dining room.
After weeks of Mancini and I's wedding, Mancini finally allowed me to see my father.
Although we aren't totally alone, five bodyguards surround the room like we were criminals who could escape at any time. Well he isn't far off because if given the opportunity, I wouldn't want to stay here any longer and return to my family but I know that'll only cause more troubles for my poor father.
After my mother's death, he hasn't been the same ever since, trying his best to be both a father and mother and I won't lie he probably hadn't done it the best way but he did the best he could do.
He could have remarried or completely ignored our existence, used us as puns in his business like other family heads do but he didn't.
He is scared of showing emotions and frankly, I'm not sure he knows how to properly express himself in that area. Once I can finally leave this estate I will make sure to show him how.
The day before this meeting, Mancini had already warned me not to speak of our affairs with them saying something along the lines of, 'don't air your family dirty laundry outside.' In other words, he doesn't want me to tell my father of the way he's mistreating me. Well that just proves he knows what he's doing is wrong and wants to continue.
I wonder what exactly goes on in his head, what compels someone to hurt another this much? I don't think I'll ever understand.
While I'm under his roof, I can't help but to comply with his wishes.
When my father asked me how I was doing, I lied, I told him I was doing great, eating good foods, how the maids treated me like royalty and how surprisingly loving Mancini is.
I told him not to worry about me, he's grown very old now and health complications could arise at any time if he continues to think too much. I can't have his health deteriorating.
"I'm so ashamed, as your father, I.. I .. because of me… you…" he struggled with the right words to say to me but it seemed to stuck in his throat.
I took his hands and he looked at me, finally meeting my eyes and holding my glaze for the first time he came here.
"Father…" I called out to him softly, he finally stopped fidgeting and calmed down. I don't know if all my feelings and good wishes from my eyes reached him but I'm sure he now understands I want nothing but the best for him and so he doesn't worry.
"Marie..." a tear ran down his cheek and I wanted to reach out to wipe it away when one of the bodyguards stopped me.
"Ma'am, please retract your hands and refrain from touching anyone again. These are the boss's orders." He said and before I could even process it, he pulled my hand away and without a choice, I had to watch my dad wipe his tears on his own, console himself and stop crying.
Dante on the other hand just kept looking at me, he didn't spare a single glance at father, it was as if he was taking in his full.
His hazel eyes were full of regret and sadness.
Besides him is my childhood friend, Patricia. She had tagged along so she could see me. We hadn't met ever since I returned and it's unfortunate we had to meet again in these circumstances when I can't freely express myself.
"Thank you all for coming to visit me here, It must have been a long ride." I addressed everyone at the table with a smile but the atmosphere was somber at best, nobody smiling and my dad was still holding back his tears. This was the most expressive I've ever seen him be and it's a shock he still hasn't composed himself.
"Marie, my poor friend. What are we going to do?" Patricia asked worriedly, I could see the tears welling up in her tears, ready to drop. "I really wish I could help you get out of the marriage, Mancini is the absolute worst, a total scumbag!" She cursed.
"That's enough, Patricia. Do you forget whose house you're currently in? He's showing you hospitality, don't insult him in his own home." I cautioned her, when Mancini hears about this later, I don't know what action he will take. Will he take his anger out on her or me? Probably me and it's best that way because she's only saying this to sympathize with me.
"I don't care! And which side are you on anyway! Don't even think of lying that you're okay, it's evident that you aren't!" She argued back.
"Oh really? How so? How bad do I look?" she couldn't say anything to refute that and but her lip.
"Well now that you aren't with your family anymore, what will happen to the business, Marie? Your father isn't in the right state of mind and your brother isn't old enough to make proper decisions. He needs guidance from an adult who…." Patricia was suddenly cut short by Dante who hadn't spoken once since he arrived.
"That's enough. Stop butting into our family business, we'll figure this out on our own." He shut her down.
"But I'm only trying to help and think about the future," Patricia then turned to me, "Marie, tell him. I'm trying to advise him here."
"And I said I don't need it. You came to say hello to your friend, why are you talking about money instead?"
"I'm not talking about money, are you listening to this kid Marie?" Patricia complained.
"He's right Patricia," I responded, "This isn't the time or the place for that kind of conversation nor are you the right person to bring it up."
"I understand your good will." I smiled, "So thank you."
"I wish I could continue talking with you all like this but I'm afraid we can't as I have duties in the household." I lied.
"Dante, we haven't spoken a word to each other since you got here, are you mad at me?" I pouted.
"Of course not." He simply replied.
This must be hard on Dante more than anyone but I can't continue to let him be this way.
"Hmm. Remember the book we used to read together at night. The commoner's secret dish? Read chapter 5 again anytime you miss me."
That book was used to secretly send messages between ourselves without anyone understanding, Dante is smart, I'm sure he remembers what code each chapter stands for.
The glint in his eyes tells me he understood my code.