Page 8 of Innocent Union
I take a sip of my wine. “I am nice. But I’m not liar.”
She shoots me another look before turning her head. Mia is a mystery to me; one I want to understand better. I glance at Lucia, who looks mad that I didn’t agree with what she said.
“Enough,” Giulia says. “No more talking to daughter. You’re Antonio’s friend, and I will respect that. But I don’t want to hearyou talking about whether you think my daughter is pretty or not.”
“I do,” I say simply.
“Be careful,” Antonio says. “My mom might slap you.”
“She’s slapped me before,” Gemma comments. “So, Antonio isn’t lying.”
Giulia coughs on her drink as the rest of Gemma’s siblings look at her in a mix of confusion and horror.
“When did Mom slap you?” Cecilia asks.
Gemma shrugs. “Years ago. The night Viktor and I met.”
“Kidnapped, you mean,” Giulia points out. “I’m still a little salty about that.”
“Mom, that was years ago.”
“I would be happier if you provided me with grandchildren.”
Gemma scoffs. “We’re not having kids. You can just dote on Essie and Matteo.” Essie is Emilia’s daughter, and Matteo is Francesca’s son. I know a lot more about the Moretti family than I ever thought I would, but working with Antonio means he vents to me a lot about his family.
“Mia will never give you grandchildren,” Lucia mocks. “Because she’ll never get married.”
Mia slams her fork down. “Stop it, Lucia. Just stop.” Mia’s breath hitches, and she quickly leaves the room.
Cecilia watches her go with a worried expression.
“Why is she upset?” Luca asks.
“Because I ruined her chances of finding love,” Cecilia says.
“And Lucia is being a bitch,” Gemma adds.
“Gemma,” Giulia scolds.
Gemma raises her hands. “And there it is. I’m back home for only an hour, and Mom is already scolding me.”
“I think we’ve had enough for dinner tonight,” Antonio says, standing up. “We should get going.” Nina stands up with him, and they head for the door. “Killian? Come on.”
“See you later, Mama Moretti.” I throw a wink at Giulia, who huffs.
As I follow Antonio and Nina to the door, I spot Mia sitting on the stairs, looking utterly dejected. “Hold on one moment,” I tell Antonio.
He looks like he wants to object but nods. “Nina and I will wait outside for you.”
I walk over to Mia. “How are you really holding up?”
“Why do you care?” She wipes at her eyes.
“Because I’m not heartless. Antonio has been telling me how he’s struggled to find you a good man to marry. How not a lot of men want you after what Cecilia did.”
“She got her happy ending. I should be happy for her, but …”
“But it’s hurting your chances. Well, just know I really wasn’t lying back in there.”
