Free Web NovelChapter 155: My sister to get hurt
Luca lowered the key cover with a soft click as the final note faded into the silence of the room. Sara immediately broke the quiet with enthusiastic applause, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.
"You really should have been a musician," she said. "You would have looked so incredible on a stage, garnering love from all over the world."
Luca let out a small, thoughtful hum. "I never really considered that path," he admitted, slowly rising to his feet. Sara stood as well, drifting away from the piano bench to explore the other treasures in the room.
Her eyes landed on an acoustic guitar resting on a stand. "When did you buy this? It looks like it has a story," she muttered, reaching out as if to touch the wood.
"That’s from my college days," Luca answered, watching her. "Don’t tell me you missed the winter fest where I performed with the guys?"
"No!" Sara spun around so quickly her hair whipped across her shoulders. "When did that happen? I wasn’t aware of that at all!" she exclaimed, looking genuinely upset that she had missed such a moment.
Luca’s lips quirked into a teasing smile at her reaction. "Well, it’s all in the past now. But... I could perform for you, if you’d like? I haven’t picked up a guitar in years, so I can’t promise it’ll be perfect," he murmured, his hand already reaching for the instrument.
Just as his fingers were about to brush the strings, a knock echoed from the half-opened door, pulling them both back to the present.
"Sir, Madam, dinner is ready," Jonathan informed them, his presence a polite reminder of the schedule.
Luca shared a quick, knowing look with Sara before carefully setting the guitar back onto its stand. As they stepped out of the music room, Sara slipped her hand into his, her fingers lacing naturally through his own.
"That really was fun," she murmured, leaning her head toward him as they walked. "You’re so talented, Luca. I’m starting to wonder how one person can be good at so many different things."
"Maybe I’m just a gifted child," Luca remarked with a playful smirk, though there was a hint of truth in his dry humor.
"Yeah, I’m starting to believe that," Sara agreed with a laugh.
They reached the dining hall and enjoyed a peaceful, hearty meal, the conversation flowing easily between them. It felt like a rare, perfect evening, until they returned to the bedroom. Luca’s phone vibrated on the nightstand. He picked it up, his expression hardening instantly as he read the glowing screen.
"I have to go out," Luca said.
"Eh? Where?" Sara arched her eyebrows in surprise with a bit of anxiety. "It’s late, Luca. Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong. Remember, I’ve to catch Martin. Remo wants to see me and we are setting the bait. So, I’ve to go out," Luca stated.
"Can I come with you?" Sara knew he would refuse yet she asked.
"Aren’t you tired?" Luca inquired. "Tomorrow is going to be another tiring day for you. It’s better for you to rest here." He didn’t directly refuse her to not accompany him, but it was a ’no’ in the end.
"Hmm." Sara didn’t press him. She knew that in Luca’s world, some things were better left unasked until he was ready to speak.
"Sleep tight," Luca said softly. He cupped the side of her neck, his thumb grazing her jawline before he leaned in to press a firm kiss on her lips. He pulled away, the warmth of his touch lingering for only a second before he turned and disappeared into the hallway.
Sara closed the door. She climbed back into the large, empty bed, but sleep was the last thing on her mind. A heavy knot of unease tightened in her chest. It wasn’t just the late-night departure that bothered her; it was the constant, invisible target on his back.
Ever since she had learned the truth that his grandfather hadn’t succumbed to illness but had been systematically poisoned, her perspective had shifted. Luca was walking a tightrope, risking his life and his empire to hunt a culprit who remained frustratingly out of reach.
Seeking a distraction, she reached for her phone on the nightstand. A notification glowed on the screen, a message from Joseph. She remembered giving him her professional number back when she still viewed him through a simpler lens, before the tangled web of their family history had unraveled.
"Can you come over to see me?" Sara typed, her thumbs hovering over the screen before she hit send.
An instant response popped up. "Sure. Just drop the address."
Sara sent the location of the villa to her half-brother. She knew it was a risk, bringing him here while Luca was away, but her conscience wouldn’t let it rest. Sending Joseph away without giving him the closure and the answers he deserved felt like a betrayal of the blood they shared.
Half an hour later, a polite but firm knock echoed through the bedroom door.
"Madam?" Jonathan’s voice sounded slightly guarded from the other side. "There is a man at the gate. Joseph Montes. He claims you invited him?"
Sara opened the door and offered a small, reassuring nod. "Yes, Jonathan. I called him. Please let him in."
"As you wish, Madam," Jonathan replied, though his expression remained neutral, likely wondering what a Montes was doing at the house while the boss was away.
Sara took a deep breath to steady her nerves and smoothed out her clothes before heading down the grand staircase. When she entered the living room, she found Joseph on the couch. He was finishing a glass of water. Seeing her, he immediately set the glass down and stood up.
"Where’s Luca?" Joseph asked.
"He’s gone out for some work," Sara replied calmly. She gestured toward the seating area. "Sit down, Joseph."
She took her seat on the larger side of the couch.
"I didn’t want us to leave things the way they were," she began, looking him directly in the eye. "And you sent another message saying you wouldn’t come ever again. You just want to know if I’m doing okay. First, I want to ask you why are you concerned for me? We never even met or lived together? We share the same mother but... But she never bothered keeping me with her family."
"Sara, mom is selfish. She might have lived with me but it was all for wealth. And when I found out I’ve a half-sister, I felt I should see you. I don’t have anyone on whom I can trust. And I wanted to know why Mom wanted to see you and what’s she said to you; if she demanded money from you. I felt you suffered because of her. Even I did because she never showed her love. Or maybe she’s just like that."
Sara was able to relate with him. "Mom... She didn’t like Dad and left him. That’s what I know. And I was just a burden to him. That’s why she didn’t take me with her."
"Hmm. I realized," Joseph said. "And you’re nothing like Mom. You’ve a strong resemblance with her, but you’re really considerate. It’s good to see your kindness." He gave a small smile to her.
"I learned that from my grandmother," Sara stated.
"That’s good. And are you happy marrying Luca?" Joseph finally asked. "I read you married him to save your company. I can help you if you want. But don’t stay with a mafia since it can put your life in danger. And I don’t want my sister to get hurt."
Sara smiled and felt quite happy to hear the word ’sister’.
"Joseph, you’re mistaking Luca. I know him since my childhood days. His methods are harsh but he’s not like that. I mean, he’s good to innocent. Also, he doesn’t do anything illegal. I love him. You need not to worry for him."
Joseph nodded his head. "Now, you’ve said it, then I am assured that you’re doing well with him."
"Umm... Tomorrow my in-laws have thrown a party for Luca and my marriage. I’ll be happy if you be a part of this celebration. I would like to introduce you as my brother," Sara stated.
"Are you sure?" Joseph asked. "Because I would love to."
"Of course! I don’t have a formal invitation with me, but I’ll send someone to fetch you from the hotel. What about that?" Sara suggested.
"Sure. I’ll send you the hotel address," Joseph answered. "But it won’t be awkward, right? Like for your family." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"I don’t think so," Sara stated.
"Very well. Then, I’ll be a part of this celebration. And Sara, if you ever need my help, I’ll always be there for you. You just have to give me one call and I’ll come running to you. You’re my only sister and I want to do everything for you," Joseph said. freewёbnoνel.com
Sara smiled and nodded at him. "Sure."
