Third Person's POV:
"So I think... that we should... carry forward what we said," Aurora said hesitantly.
"What do you mean, Aurora?" Leonard asked curiously.
"I mean... that, what if... they marry," Aurora said slowly.
All of the people present there were stunned. They didn't expect Aurora to say that. However Romano brothers had some inkling that she would say that and their expression wasn't good. They were mad thinking that their baby sister would get married to him. That she will leave them. They had just found her and didn't want her to leave them yet. They were so mad that the entire hall became so terrifyingly cold that everyone shivered.
They immediately looked at the brothers and were shocked to see their expression that was so frightening. Especially Aurora, she was terrified. Although she is the mafia queen herself, she was a kind hearted woman and this was the first time that she saw the Romano brothers behaving this way.
The brothers were glaring at Valente so hard that if eyes could kill he would have been dead a long time ago.
Valente had no expression on his face. He was looking like all of this had nothing to do with him. Despite that he was very nervous and a little bit excited inside. He looked at Ariana and saw that she was looking very calm, like she expected them to react like that. He was a little disappointed that she had no reaction but he also expected that after all they didn't know each other or had any interactions among them.
Of course she knew what their reaction would be already. She has no opinion on that because she knew that her family would not decide just like that and would give her freedom to decide for herself who she wants to marry. After all this was her life and the decision to marry or love someone was a lifetime decision. It cannot be affected by some joking around but she would listen to her family for their opinions.
"Don't look at me like that. I didn't say anything or did anything," Valente said.
"We won't give you any chance to do something to her in your dreams." Antonio said in a fierce tone.
"Guys I think you should all calm down. Don't you know me? Do you think that I will marry anyone without knowing them? You also know that I cherish relationships very much. I will only marry the one I love. So stop worrying." Ariana expressed herself.
The brothers were relieved after hearing her say that but at the same time they were also worried about the time when she will tell them that she already has someone she loves very much. They didn't think too much in this dangerous direction.
At the same time Valente was moved by her words because he also thinks the same thing. He also wanted to marry the one he loves. However what he didn't know was that he will face a very dangerous situation when he will be in a relationship with the person he loves and wants to marry.
"I think we should not interfere with our children's love life. I think our children are wise enough to choose for themselves. We will be here if they need our guidance," Isabella said, trying to soothe the situation.
"Yes I also agree with that but Valente, this brat, is so stubborn that we are running out of ideas on what to do. He won't marry anyone nor will date anyone then how will he take up my position?" Lorezo said, glaring at Valente.
"Dad, you can't force me to do what I don't want to. I will only marry the one who I love." Valente said nonchalantly, infuriating Lorenzo further. Lorenzo couldn't help but sigh. He knew his son very well and knew that he would do what he decided. He also couldn't forbid him from experiencing love. He shook his head and didn't say anything.
"Okay okay. Don't forget that we are here to have a pleasant meeting with our friends. Don't bring your bickering here." Riccardo chided them.
"Okay dad. Sorry, everyone." Lorenzo apologised.
"It's okay. We can understand but mom is right. We shouldn't interfere with our children's life too much." Gabriel said.
"You guys are right." Riccardo said.
While all of this was going on Matteo here was distracted and was not in the good mood. He was occasionally glancing at Silvio and there was some hatred along with some melancholy. No one knew what he was thinking. While Silvio was also paying him attention. He knew that he was staring at him from time to time.
Ariana was also looking at them and knew that it was something serious for him to act like this. She was paying them attention while talking to Ava. After talking with her for some time then she excused herself and went outside following Benjamin. She wanted to ask him something and saw that he was going outside so she followed him.
"Ben fratello."
"Huh? What's wrong Ana?"
"Actually I wanted to ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Umm... Is Ava... the girl whom Tony fratello has a crush on?"
"Why do you think that?"
"Well I have been observing him since she came here and saw that he was paying extra attention to her and was listening in on our conversation also. He has also told us that he likes someone whose name is Ava. So I think that she is that girl."
"Why do you want to know that?" He raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner.
"Well nothing special. I just wanted to know. Now will you tell me or not?" She asked, her patience thinning.
"Yes she is the one. But don't tell him that I told you." After telling her he went away. Ariana was speechless. He still hadn't changed much. She shook her head and went inside. She still hadn't asked him about Matteo but he went away.
Now that she knew that her brother loved her she changed her impression of her. She already liked her from the start but now that she knew that her brother liked her she liked Ava more now. She just didn't know why her brother wasn't expressing his feelings and making her her sister-in-law. She didn't expect her brother to be someone this cowardly in the matter of love.
She went inside and sat with her again and chatted with Ava. Silvio also talked with them from time to time. Matteo was left brooding silently.
"Let's go. Dinner is ready." Sophia said and all of them went to the dining room and everyone sat. Ariana went to the kitchen and helped the kitchen with some of the dishes. After she came out she saw that everyone sat at the table and only one seat was empty. It was beside Valente.
*****
Ariana's POV:
Today was surely surreal. I got to know the Vintelli family and also got to know that Ava was the girl that my brother has a crush on. I also learned some of the memories of my childhood and Valente's. It was shocking to say the least. I can't imagine him saying something so cheesy when he was little. Then came the surprise of what Aurra said.
I was still a little shocked. I mean I didn't ever expect to hear something like that. I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if I were to date him. I mean I accept I was attracted to him since the first time I saw him but to marry him was like a thunderbolt. I was just assured that my family wouldn't ever force me.
I was even more attracted to him now that I knew that he was not like the typical playboy and he cherished relationships just like I did. I mean for power he could marry anyone if he was like that but he chose to not. He chose to wait for the one who he likes and wants to spend the rest of his life with. I respect him for it.
I kept glancing at him from time to time and I have to say that God has taken his time when creating him. He was just too handsome that words can't do justice to him. It was not just his beauty but also the aura that he has. It feels like if you are with him nothing could ever go wrong and everything would be alright. It feels peaceful in his presence. He will be a very successful and revered leader.
But he was also cold, not just in appearance but also in nature. I guess he will be a tough nut to crack if I want to be with him. Hmm... It will be fun. *Smirk*
When I went outside and saw that only one seat was empty and it was also beside him, I was very excited. But I kept my expression neutral and went to sit beside him on the empty chair. I think even God is on my side. Just as I was about to sit down Ben fratello jumped up from his seat and sat on the chair that I was about to sit on. I was speechless.
"I want to sit here. The dishes will be close to me. You can sit on my chair, Ana," He said. I was speechless by his excuse but also couldn't refute him because he loved to eat. I shook my head and thought that it would not be that easy if I wanted to chase after him. Not only would I have to face the cold beauty but would also have to face my overprotective brothers. Sigh.
I turned to look at him and saw that he had no expression on his face as if nothing had happened. All of my brothers were very satisfied by Ben fratello's action.
Then Alf fratello told me to sit down beside him where Ben fratello was sitting previously. I saw that Nonna and Zia were very amused by all of this like they had expected this to happen. I am also not very surprised by all of this. After all, they are very overprotective of me. Still I couldn't love them any less.
I sat down on the chair and we started our dinner peacefully. Today's dinner was traditional Italian style. As both of our families are from Italy and love Italian food, all of us were very happy with the food.
After dinner we went outside to the garden. It was very beautifully designed. It was my favourite place to relax when I want to have some peace. We went around for a walk in the garden. As it was night time the lights were on and the garden looked majestic. I was walking with Ava and Silvio and our elders were in the front while my brothers and Valente were talking and strolling leisurely.
"Ariana, I had so much fun today talking with you. Why don't we plan something again and have a girls day out," Ava said.
I was really happy and replied, "Sure. I would love to. It gets sometimes boring just being with my brothers. I also need some time with the other girls or I would become just like them."
Just then came twinnie's voice, "What is wrong with being like us? Aren't we your cool brothers?"
"What did she say wrong? You guys don't have any girlfriends except my sweet boy Alfonso. Of course she would get bored with just you boys. I would also go mad. Ava it is good that you are thinking about spending some time with her. If possible, spend some more time with her." Nonna said.
My brothers were looking speechless and then glared at Alf fratello while he smirked at them. I just shook my head. They were so childish even at this age they can't help but compete among themselves for the attention.
"Of course grandma. I like Ariana very much." Ava said softly. She was a very sweet girl. I really was happy that my brother liked her but it would be even better if he could just confess already and make her our sister-in-law.
After spending some time with them they went to their home as it was getting late. So we bid them goodbye and went to sleep also. Tomorrow I have to go to school also.
****
Hello guys.
Here's another chapter. I hope you will like it.
Happy reading.
Love, Stella.♥️