Chapter 2 Erika

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

And just like that, the evening was disrupted. Everyone fell silent.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I enunciated slowly and quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear me as my gaze fell on each and every one.

"Look, honey," My mum began with that tone, a tone that implied that she wanted to manipulate me into doing her bidding. "We're in a tight spot. Our house...our life is on the line. Do you really want us to become homeless?" Her voice cracked, signifying that she was about to cry. Knowing my mother, she wouldn't stand for such embarrassment, which meant I had no choice but to oblige her request. But...

"What about Avery? Why isn't she here for this discussion? Perhaps she'd want to get married instead." I didn't want to seem selfish or shift the obligation to my sister, but I couldn't get married. I wasn't sure I even wanted to...yet, at least.

The tension became extremely palpable as my Nana grumbled incoherent words, my father's fists tightened on the table, and my mother clenched her jaw in anger as she hissed through her teeth.

"If you must know, darling, this is all because of your sister and her reckless behaviour. Her incessant need to put this family to shame as she continues to soil our name through the mud." I recoiled at the sheer venom in her voice; my mother had always been strict with us, but she had never spoken with such distaste. I knew whatever Avery had done must have been severe to warrant her anger.

"If I may ask, who do you have in mind for me to get married to, Mother? I suppose you have someone?" I raised an inquisitive brow at her; her mood flipped within an instant as a smile stretched across her lips, her fingers interlacing as she sat up.

"Nipotina, you don't have to. We'll find another way." Nana spoke up softly, casting me a worrisome look, to which I just sent her a tight-lipped smile.

"It's fine, Nana."

"Erika, darling, I knew I-we could depend on you, darling. My precious baby girl." In the background, my father let out an annoyed grunt paired with an eye-roll, which earned him a scowl from Mother. "And yes, as a matter of fact, I do have someone in mind for you to marry. You remember my friend Miranda? Miranda Chapwood, her son Liam is searching for a bride, and I know you'll make the perfect fit." She rambled excitedly.

Nana gasped, "Adele? For Christ's sake, that boy is a known gambler and man-child. He's certainly not fit to be her husband." I couldn't agree more with Nana; I had known Liam when I was much younger. He was a fine-looking man, but he was the last person I'd ever consider as a husband. He had tried to hit on me a few times; luckily for me, Avery had always come to my aid and warned him to back off. Sandy ginger hair and a freckled face-there was no way I'd ever accept marrying him.

Mother scoffed, "Please, Mother, you know nothing about him. His family is rich enough to settle our debts and cater to us-for Erika, I mean. It's a perfect match." I nearly snickered under my breath, perfect match indeed.

"Adele, Mother's right. We can't allow our daughter to marry Liam. I'm sure there's another way out." Father pitched unsurely.

"Oh yeah? And in what way would that be? What way haven't we tried, Peter? You know there's no other way, so please, let me handle this." Mother snapped at him, instantly shutting him up. I watched the scenario unfold with conflicted thoughts. I was torn on what to do. On one hand, I absolutely detested having to marry for money, but on the other hand, my family had a lot to lose. They depended on me.

"Excuse me, I need a moment to myself." Politely excusing myself, I navigated my way back to my room, sitting on the bed as I simply looked out the window. I didn't know for how long I had been seated there as thoughts continued to fill my head until I heard the sound of my door opening and closing. I perceived her scent before I even saw her as I felt the bed dip next to me.

"Want to talk, Nipotina?" Nana asked softly as she took my hand in hers, rubbing circles on my skin.

Taking in a sharp inhale while I shook my head, I spoke, "I don't know what to do, Nana. What should I do?"

I heard her sigh next to me: "Your mother and I barely ever see eye to eye; we barely agree on anything. But I see her, underneath all that faux prepped and polished woman. I know she's scared. Scared to lose everything. But I do not agree on what she requests of you. Which is why I must allow you to decide." My gaze fell on her, the forlorn look on her face breaking me. "What do you want to do?"

*****

Much later at night, my family and I were gathered at the dining table as we discussed.

"What's the amount owed?" I asked, and my parents glanced at each other before my father spoke up.

"$500,000." He muttered lowly, his hands clasped forward while his head hung low. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at his response. Five freaking hundred thousand? What the heck did they buy? Or use the money for? I believed if it wasn't for my Nana's treatment, we would have always found a way to manage ourselves and also cater to her treatment simultaneously.

"F-f-f-i-ve h-hundred thousand? What? How?" I blurted out, flabbergasted.

"Sweetie, Your sister messed with some really dangerous people, got into a shitload of people, and somehow disappeared. We've been trying to pay back, but it's been hard." Father explained.

"Who?"

"The Vitales." Mother spoke up; I gaped at her response. Avery was either stupid, Lord forgive my words, or she had a death wish. The Vitale's were the royalty of the city, the owners. They owned Rome, Sicily, Venice...hell, they owned the whole of Italy. Lord, have mercy on me.