Page 57 of Lost Prince
In the last few weeks, he’s seemed more at ease. He laughs more easily with Matteo, discusses business with Elio without getting frustrated, and even seems to be mending things with Lana. It warms my heart to see Lazaro eager to reconnect with them and take part in the family business. Though he still struggles with his memory loss, it's like he's found his place again. The loyalty and protectiveness he feels for his siblings isevident, even if he can't remember specific moments from their shared past.
I hope his feeling more involved and a part of his family means he’ll be able to cope if there’s conflict during the meal.
As the dinner is plated, I try to make myself scarce, hoping to avoid the task of serving. The idea of being in front of Lazaro while he's with his family and this important guest makes me uncomfortable. Not to mention Lana's intense presence. I know she wouldn’t want me distracting Lazaro.
"Diana, we need you to help serve tonight," Anna says, catching me as I attempt to slip into the pantry.
“Wouldn't it be better if?—"
"This is important.” She shoves two plates at me.
“Just serve and return to the kitchen.”
As I approach the door to the dining room, I hear conversation inside.
Lana's voice carries clearly through the partially open door. "Ava could make an excellent match for Lazaro, don't you think?"
My heart stops. Did I hear that right? I freeze, straining to hear more.
“That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it? For her to marry a D’Amato. Even better, Lazaro is closer to her age.”
The dishes in my hands suddenly feel like they weigh a ton. A painful knot forms in my chest as the implications of what I'm hearing sink in. Lazaro… married to someone else? To this Ava girl?
I know I shouldn't be surprised. After all, I'm just the help, a temporary fling at best. But the thought of Lazaro with another woman, of losing him, makes me feel physically ill.
"Diana! What are you doing?" Maria hisses from behind me. "Get moving, we need to serve!"
I take a deep breath and step into the dining room, my hands trembling slightly as I carry plates into the dining room. The moment I enter, Lazaro's eyes find mine. His eyes widen and the surprise is followed by a flicker of apology in his gaze. Is he sorry he missed our date or that he’s engaged to another woman?
“Lazaro may be a D’Amato, but I remember a wildly untamed young man. I’m not sure that’s good for Ava.”
Matteo scoffs. “Like you care who she marries. We all know that alliance is more important to you. And despite what you say, Caruso likes Elio more than you, so?—”
“Matteo,” Elio says in a warning tone.
I swallow as I set a plate in front of Piper.
“I won’t deny that a marriage between our families could solve a lot of problems,” Mr. Rinella says.
I risk a glance at Lazaro as I set a plate in front of Elysse. He looks uncomfortable. His jaw is tight, and there’s tension in his shoulders. But he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t tell them he’s with me.
I feel like I can't breathe, my chest constricting painfully. As I finish serving and prepare to leave the room, I catch Lazaro's eye once more. There's a storm of emotions in his gaze, confusion, frustration, and something else I can't quite place.
I hurry out of the dining room, my heart pounding and tears threatening to spill over. I'd known this moment would come eventually, but I wasn't prepared for how much it would hurt. The reality of my situation crashes down on me. I’m just the help. Even if Lazaro wanted me, his family wouldn’t allow it. Not when they need to form an alliance with Mr. Rinella.
As I push through the kitchen door, Anna immediately hands me more plates. "Here, take these out to the dining room.”
Maria sidles up next to me, her eyes sparkling. "Can you believe it? A marriage arrangement between Lazaro and AvaRinella! Is it weird that a few months ago, she was engaged to Elio?"
Her casual comment feels like a knife twisting in my chest. I struggle to keep my composure, my hands shaking as I try to balance the plates.
Anna glances over, finally noticing my state. She frowns and takes the plates from me. "On second thought, I’ll take these out. Diana, you stay here and help with dessert prep. We can't have you serving Lazaro's future father-in-law. You're just… well, you know."
The unspoken words hang in the air between us. I'm just the lover. The temporary distraction. Not someone who belongs at that table or in Lazaro's future.
I don’t argue because I don’t want to serve them. I don’t want to hear about Lazaro’s upcoming nuptials.
As Anna leaves with the plates, I turn away, desperately trying to hold back my tears as I finish the dessert and then move on to washing dishes. I slip out of the kitchen as soon as the last dish is dried and put away. My feet carry me swiftly through the halls, up the stairs, and to Lazaro's room. Once inside, I lean against the closed door, my breath coming in ragged gasps as the emotions I've been holding back all evening finally break free.