Warning: Many new hot characters will be introduced. And I apologize for the amount of pictures used here.

The song is Back To Black by Amy Winehouse and I adore it. It puts you in that James Bondish vibes.

Point out my errors and enjoy!

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I excused myself from the couple and rushed away without uttering a word. My heart was running for the hills, but my feet couldn't quite catch up as much as I wanted them to. So, the bar was where I went to ease my jittery nerves that were ready to implode within me.

"Arie, you okay?" Ashton came up next to me before I ordered a glass of whisky. "Cancel that. She won't be drinking." I cocked my brow at him in annoyance. "You never drink," he frowned, stepping between me and the bar. "What's going on?"

"Could I steal your sister for a minute?" He walked up to us, forcing my heart to tremble once again.

Reluctantly, Ashton looked to me in confusion and with a slight nod in return, he left me alone with the man that I never intended to encounter tonight, or ever for that matter.

"How've you been?" He asked softly, his eyes drowned in an unknown guilt.

"I've been doing amazing," I replied with a smile, no intention of showing him how frightened I really was or how desperately I wanted to get out of here, away from these people. "And you?"

He nodded to my question with a meek smile before clearing his throat. "I never really apologized."

"For?"

"For how I forced myself on you all those years ago."

I scoffed, chuckling. "Wren, that was more than four years ago. Let it go. It doesn't matter anymore."

(Sexy Wren!)

"It does matter," he halted my steps with his firm tone, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Look, I'm really sorry. I'm guilty of how I behaved with you and it taunts me every time I look at Sophie."

"You're scared that I'd tell her?"

"No," he shook his head slightly, his eyes bowing in shame. "I was mad that my brother wanted me to apologize to a girl who meant nothing to any of us and then he raised his hand on me for the first time because of what I did to you. I was a brat, immature, and didn't know better."

"You didn't apologize when it mattered, Wren. Why bother now?"

"Because I owe you one," he stepped forward, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I'm not a good communicator. Every time I tried to apologize, I'd chicken out. After what happened with Lina, I was beyond furious, but then I realized that I was going to do the same to you and that kills me everyday."

"Well, you grew up from your childish ways for sure," I laughed, awkwardly. "You realized your mistake and that's what matters most. I forgive you."

"Thank you," he flashed a little smile before letting out a heavy sigh. "I love Sophie." His voice was laced with sincerity, so calm over the soft jazz music as he slowly turned his gaze from me to Soph who was chatting with her parents. "She doesn't know anything about this."

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "I won't tell her."

"No," he retorted. "I want you to tell her because I don't have the balls to do it myself." I'd be lying if I said I wasn't taken aback by his words. "After the shit she's been through, she deserves to know what kind of a man I was and how I misbehaved with her long lost best friend."

"I'm not here to ruin your relationship with her. If she told me that she was getting married into your family, I would have never come here and you won't see me after tonight."

"She has really missed you over the years, Arie," a pleading sound surfaced in his voice. "I remember her telling me about the shit she went through after her first marriage and how much she wished you were there with her, but you disappeared and Leo asked everyone to not look for you, keep tabs on you, or even think of you, so I sat ducks while she talked about her best friend that we all pretended not to know."

Guilt crawled up into my chest, striking a tinge of pain that drowned my heart in distress. I was thinking about myself and my family back then that I pushed everyone else out without realizing how much it would impact them.

"Arie," Soph chirped up as she tapped on my shoulder. "I hope you remember my parents, Zachariah and Nora."

(Eric Rutherford as Zachariah D'Angelo and Sanaa Lathan as Nora D'Angelo. Now let's take a moment to appreciate how hot Eric Rutherford is real quick.😍😍😍)

"Of course!" I smiled, shaking Zachariah's hand. "It's good to see you again."

Like a mother, Nora opened her arms wide, urging me to embrace the beautiful and kind woman. "I'm so glad you could join us. Sophie has been so happy after she reconnected with you yesterday," she pulled away and flashed her perfect teeth, glancing between Soph and I.

"She couldn't contain her excitement," Zachariah chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Just like Leo's father, he was a handsome man for his age. "I hope you come to Italy with us. You won't need any tickets. We are taking a private plane."

"She's coming," Sophie smiled and snaked her arm around mine, grinning like a child. "Ashton told me that you guys are coming and it's final. You can't back out now."

But I couldn't go. I couldn't bear to even stay here right now. It was Wren's pre-wedding party. I bet the entire family was here, including Leo. I knew I wanted to see him and apologize, but now that the opportunity was in front of me, I couldn't help but turn my back like a coward and run. Run far away with my family and hide from his world.

"Ashton is quite a charmer," Nora giggled. "And an excellent player as well. He has done brilliant on the field and took his team to victory every time."

"I taught him how to play," Soph snorted followed by a laugh. "He just doesn't give me credit."

***

At the open bar, I sipped on my drink slowly, sitting by myself to avoid any contact with a Bonferroni member, and surprisingly I hadn't seen any other than Wren of course. Perhaps they all decided to skip on this party and I wished they did.

"Why is a pretty girl like you drinking wine all by herself?" A strong Spanish accent disrupted my binge drinking, forcing me to look at the rather dashing man. A five o'clock shadow feathered his sharp jawline as a smirk danced on his pinkish lips. His green eyes studied me while he raked a hand through his dense hair.

"It's sangria," I rolled my eyes, uninterested in the man's talk. "I'm drunk on non-alcoholic sangria."

"Beyoncé should write a song titled 'Drunk On Sangria' just for you then," he snickered at his own pathetic joke.

"You're not funny," I shook my head in exasperation.

"Hermosa (Beautiful), I'm very funny," he shrugged. "You just don't know me yet." The fixed smirk on his face broadened as he put his hand forth. "I'm Draco."

"Okay, Malfoy," I waved his hand off. "Call me Hermione."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Surprisingly no one has ever said that before."

"Must be idiots," I mumbled under my breath, taking another sip of my stinking ass drink, but I still ordered the same one again. "Can I have another one?"

"Where are you from?" He asked with no intention of giving up.

"Hell."

"People call me Dracula. I take frequent trips down there. How come I never saw you?"

          "Because you're always busy sucking blood like you're sucking the fun out of my life right now," I quipped, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Hermione," he gasped, his humor laced tone not faltering one bit. "I'm Draco Avelino."

"And I'm the lotion Aveeno."

"Do you know who I am?" He arched his brow in sheer amusement at me while I restrained myself from throwing my drink in his face.

"A business tycoon, billionaire, playboy, part-time model, and a dick who isn't leaving me alone right now," I listed off on my fingers and looked at his slightly appalled face that was trying hard not to smile. "Oh!" I gasped rather loudly. "I'm so sorry for showing you the truth. Don't bite me, Mr. Dracula."

"Leave her alone, Drac." A woman sauntered over to us, her British accent quite prominent. "She's not interested."

(Eiza gonzález as Allaire Caro 😍)

"I'd like to have a few minutes to myself," he rolled his eyes at her before delving into the pocket inside his suit jacket.

"It's my job," she snapped back at him, venom dripping from her voice. "Where's Camila anyways?"

"¿Celoso? (Jealous?)" He smirked, leaning towards her.

"Estoy casada (I'm married)," she slapped his hand away and turned to me. "I apologize on his behalf. You must be Arie, right?"

"How do you know my name?" I questioned, my fingers tightening around my glass.

"Ella es bonita. ¿Crees que ella vendrá conmigo? (She's pretty. Do you think she'll come with me?)"

"En tus sueños (In your dreams)," I snorted, taking a swig of my drink.

"You know Spanish?" He queried, amused more than ever, his hand tugging at something in his pocket.

"Yes," I quickly brushed him off and turned to the woman who somehow knew me. "You didn't answer my question."

"I'm Allaire Caro. I'm the wedding planner," she smiled, tipping her head to the side. "Sophie has described you well. I suppose you'll be taking over the role as her maid of honor."

"I don't think so," I sighed. "I don't think I'll be attending."

"Why not?" She asked, concerned. "It'll be fun, I can promise you that."

"I have work," I made up an excuse. "Taking a two week long break isn't good fo..."

A thick, cloudy smoke flew in my face from the side followed by the asshole's voice. "Why won't you come?"

          "Are you serious?" I glared at him, appalled at his disrespectful behavior before he drew the cigarette away from his lips and blew the puff of poisonous smoke in my face once again. My blood rattled at his audacity. Snatching the cigarette from his fingers, I dropped it to the floor and crushed it under my foot. Allaire inhaled sharply at my action while Mr. Shitbag watched me wide-eyed. "Next time it'll be my heel and your non-existent balls."

          Allaire stifled her laugh with a series of coughs while Malfoy's shitty green eyes narrowed at me in utter amusement. "You should be careful around here, hermosa. You might be saying something wrong to a very wrong man, and it may not end well."

          "Are you threatening me, Malfoy?" I laughed.

          "Not one bit, Hermione," he flashed his perfect tic-tac like teeth. "Just giving you a red flag. Others around here may not be as laid back as I am."

          "I've been waiting for you." The very familiar voice made my blood crawl in anger. Of course this bitch planned all this. I reluctantly turned to face her, a smirk planted on her lips. The memories of what happened because of her flashed back into my mind and all I wanted to do was rip her head off for it. "It's good to see you, Arie."

          "I wish I could say the same," I snapped back, my nose flaring as I slammed my glass down onto the counter.

"Could you two excuse us?" She looked to Malfoy and Allaire, motioning them to leave.

(The one and only Athena.)

          "Athena, your friend here is a little tigresa," he shot me a wink before embracing the woman.

          "And she's off limits," she patted his back, urging him to leave with Allaire who gave Athena a knowing nod.

"I'll see you later, Hermione," he moistened his lips, smirking before sauntering away with Allaire into the ever growing crowd of people.

"You planned this?" I spat venom immediately, squaring up to her.

          "I just gave Sophie a little push to go visit you in Queens, that's all," she shrugged off innocently.

          "I'm pretty sure you knew I wasn't there."

          "You see," she cleared her throat, stepping forward. "Leo ordered everyone to not keep tabs on you and everyone listened like good soldiers, so did I, but I'm a little rebel at times. I thought you'd want to attend your best friend's wedding, so I recently went against him and looked up your brother's location which was easy considering he doesn't fail to make the headlines every month with his ridiculous victory dance on the field and other shenanigans." She sighed, walking past me to the bar and ordering herself a glass of rosé. "So technically, I tracked your brother which was also forbidden, however, it worked out perfectly since you guys live in California. You ramming your car into hers was all you."

          "Remember what I told you four years back?" My jaw twitched in rage. "I'd kill you if you ever came near me or Ashton."

          "You're the one who came here though," she smirked after taking a swig of her rosé. "I didn't force you nor did I barge into your home wherever that may be. I haven't tracked it yet. If I did, I'd have the location within a minute and every person you associate with."

"Ashton almost died because of you," I clenched my fists tightly, restraining myself from putting my hands on her.

"He didn't and I apologized for it," she gritted her teeth before setting her glass down. "Quit being a stuck up bitch and get over it."

"Get over it?" I snorted angrily, crossing my arms below my breasts. "You have no idea what I lost that day."

"Is that so?" She cocked a brow. "What did you lose? You and Ashton are both alive. He survived it."

I laughed frustratedly, my chest tightening at the sickening thought of what I really lost, the thing that broke me inside and shattered my world. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"You didn't lose anything, Arie. You and Ashton both left that place in one piece other than the profuse blood on you," she spat, fuming. "Be grateful."

          "Just stay the fuck away from me and him," I warned her with a stern look.

"I don't think that's possible since you're coming to Italy with us."

"Who said I was?"

          "Here's a piece of advise, Arie," she picked up her flute of wine and swirled the pinkish liquid. "Quit being selfish and think about others."

          "Selfish?" I scoffed in bafflement. "If I was selfish, I wouldn't be thinking about my family."

          "What about Leo?" She sneered at me. "Was he not your family? Did he mean nothing to you?"

          "He became my life," I choked out, fighting back the raging tears that wanted to break through the thin cracks of my poorly patched heart. "He shouldn't have, but he did. If pushing my life away is selfish to you, then yes, I'm selfish."

          "You crushed his heart," she frowned and I couldn't decipher whether it was from sadness or rage, perhaps both. "You broke him and don't for a second think that I won't break you for hurting him."

"You don't think it broke me?" I hissed through my teeth, my fists trembling. "Pushing the love of my life away was the hardest decision I've ever made, but I made it and it can't be reversed. Yes, I regret it. I regret my decision every fucking day, but I also like where I am in my life right now surrounded by safe people rather than toxic ones like you."

"I almost forgot you had a sense of humor," a bark of laughter left her mouth. "It's been years."

          "Exactly! It's been years. Why now, Athena?"

          "Because someone needs to play the devil's advocate and show you the big picture," she shrugged, chugging down the last of her drink. "By not going to Italy with us, you're being selfish again. Your best friend needs you."

          "We have been apart for years. I think she can survive her own wedding."

          "Take a look behind you," she encouraged with the tip of her head. My entire body refused to move even an inch. If it was who I thought it was, I couldn't dare look him in the eyes without falling apart. Whether it be Leo or Mike, my heart couldn't confront either of them after what I did. "Don't get your panties in a bunch. It's not Leo."

          Her hands grabbed my shoulders and violently jerked me around to look at Sophie who was laughing and having a great time with Wren. "Do you see that massive smile on her face?" Athena pointed out, letting go of my shoulders and releasing a calm breath. "I've never seen that smile on her face before and I've seen her a lot over the years. Not even Wren could ever bring that bright smile, but your arrival has done that."

          I could feel her lingering presence fade away a bit, but not completely. "Lina, Belle, and I have been bitches to her at times, but we have also tried to cheer her up when she felt low because she's one of us now. Yet we could never fill up the gap of her best friend. You still hold that spot. That smile will dampen if you decide to leave her hanging again." My guilty eyes turned in Athena's direction who was leaning against the counter with another flute of rosé in her hand. "She's been through some very rough patches. Don't be selfish and think about her too."

          Frowning deeply, I took a seat back on the stool with my head resting in my palms. I was thrown in a dilemma and I couldn't decide what to do. Whether I should be a best friend to the woman I hadn't seen in years, or to ignore her needs so that I could save myself from confronting the man I pushed away.

          "I know you're scared to face him. It's written all over your face," her voice grasped my attention with a strong hold. "Just to make it easier for you, if you come to Italy, you won't see him until the wedding day because he's a busy man. I believe you can handle a day."

          "You're saying that he won't be there for the two weeks I spend there?"

          She smiled with a soft nod. "That's exactly what I'm saying and I can promise you that." Her hazel eyes turned away from mine, focusing on something else as a wider smile creeped on her face. "Shouldn't you be at Montenegro for the photoshoot?" She pushed her body off the counter and leisurely stepped forward to meet the man halfway after setting her glass down.

(Slide in Mr. Azallion 😍😍😍)

"Alright," he sighed. "I'll just go back then."

"You're already here now," she grabbed his wrist, halting him from walking away. "Though you'll have to compensate for your absence there."

"Oh, shut up," he spoke breathlessly as his hand slipped around her waist and pulled her in for a tender kiss that she visibly melted into. I looked away, giving them a little privacy and clearing my throat.

          "I know how I can make up for my absence there." I glanced back at them and watched Eros slip down to her ear and whisper something I couldn't quite make out over the music that suddenly changed to something upbeat. He kissed her neck right before his eyes fell on me. "Arie?"

          A forced smile brushed my lips as I lifted myself from the stool. "You decided to join the gang, huh?"

          "Gangs aren't as big and intense as this," he snickered, stepping toward me. "I thought I'd never see you again." His hand confidently grabbed mine and placed a peck on the back of it. "You still look as beautiful as ever."

          Amusement washed over me at his gesture, my eyes traveling to Athena who was shaking her head with a tight lipped smile on her face. "Old habits die hard, don't they, Mr. Azallion?"

He pulled away from me with a laugh before jerking her into him by her waist again. "You know me too well, Ms. Estle." He pecked her lips and spoke against them, "But you're the only woman who has my heart, so pull at the strings however you like."

"Mr. Azallion," she said slowly as her hand reached back and removed his hold. "We're at a party. We'll talk when we get back to our room," she added with a wink.

"Oh, I can't wait," Eros grinned.

          A loud gasp gained our attention immediately, setting it on the man it came from. He walked over to me with his mouth agape and I was just waiting for him to say it. "Boss lady!"

(Lucien Laviscount as Vince. I had to put this hot gif of him. 😍😍😍)

          "Vince," I shook my head. "No."

          "I'm sorry," he apologized with a nod. "I never expected to see you here."

          "And I never expected to see any of you here either, but here you all are."

"Well, not everyone's here." He ripped his hands out of his pockets and began listing off the names. "Boss, Mike, Augustus, and Federigo aren't here. All the ladies of the family are prancing around though." A distressed sigh left his lips, his eyes lowering in shame. "It's a shame that boss and Mike won't be with us until the wedding day. Work has been draining them both."

          His eyes flickered to Athena while mine closed momentarily in relief. Maybe if I went, I wouldn't have to face either one of them until the wedding day. One day couldn't kill. Could it?

"Hey, Athena." I heard Ashton's voice chirp up which jerked my eyes open instantly. "It's been a while."

"Ashton," she nodded in acknowledgement before they exchanged a hug. "How are you?"

"Alive," he laughed and turned to Eros. "What's up man?" They shared one of those boyish handshakes as if they were really good friends.

          Clearing my throat and crossing my arms, I drew Ashton's attention to me. "What?" He shook his head. "I've met them plenty of times over the years." Athena smiled smugly like the bitch she was while I couldn't be more appalled. This lying bitch!

          "And you didn't tell me?"

          "Because I know you'd freak out," he shrugged, nonchalantly. "Whatever happened back then wasn't Athena's fault."

          "I'd like you to meet someone," Athena interrupted and walked over to the other side of Eros, her eyes watching Vince as he escorted two beautiful ladies in our direction

          The first one was a renowned model if I recalled correctly. Her brown strands were gathered into a bunch, resting over her left shoulder that was taut in a confident posture which could almost intimidate you, but wasn't as strong as Athena's. Her black dress barely covered her breasts as a slit cut up her right leg. However, the other woman seemed to carry herself with poise and not smugness like the first woman. Her black hair played with her shoulders in soft curls. Her striking blue eyes raked over me tentatively as if studying me and softly glancing over the locket I wore. The red dress she wore matched her plump lips and her long claws that could definitely do some damage.

          "This is Valentina Abrantes," Vince introduced the first woman who smiled at me sweetly. "Mike's wife."

My heart dropped, my face growing pale as my nails dug into Ashton's arm who was standing next to me. And not sensing his immediate reaction to my penetrating claws, I knew he was just as astounded as me. What have I done?

"Valentina Arellano," she corrected Vince and laid her hand forth that I slowly and reluctantly shook, masking my shocked face with a smile. "It's good to meet you."

My lips refused to part, but I knew I had to say something before Ashton's warm hand squeezed my forearm reassuringly. "Likewise," I smiled wider.

"And this is Ms. B." Vince introduced the other woman who smiled meekly.

She stepped forward and put her hand forth. "I'm Verona," she spoke, her thick Italian accent not failing to make itself known while I could feel my heart drop at the bottom of my stomach and shatter completely. "Verona Bonferroni."

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There it is! Yay or nay?

How do you guys think Arie will react to Verona?

What do you guys think about Wren and Sophie? Was Wren's apology sincere? Does he really love Sophie or is it all lies?

What do you guys think happened four years ago to the twins that Arie blames and hates Athena for?

MOST IMPORTANTLY, what do you guys think of Valentina and Verona? Do you guys approve of Valentina?

Should Arie go to Italy? Do you guys think Athena is right about Arie being selfish? Do you agree or disagree?

More of the old characters will make an appearance in the next chapter if it goes as planned. And the most awaited man will hopefully come back. ❤️

Much love ❤️
~Reet