It was late in the evening and the Garcia mansion was aglow with vibrant lights. The beautiful scenery that complimented the orange evening sky of the sunset.
“Lia, I want you ready… it's been a while… I want you to look good tonight,” Antonia said, tossing a few shopping bags on the couch next to Lia. Her daughter was sitting with both legs on the couch, busy on her phone.
“Mom, I don't think I want to attend this,” Lia said, shoving her phone aside. She was never a fan of wild Garcia parties. Looking at her mom, she didn't think going was best for her.
“This is important… after everything that has been happening in our family… we need to get together and show how strong we are,” Antonia lectured, hating the fact that her family name was being tarnished. So much had been happening to her family and people were beginning to talk.
“Mom is right Lia… go on and get ready… soon the guests will start arriving,” said Bianca who walked in fixing her dress. She wasn't ready yet, but everyone knew she never disappointed.
“Great, and where are Lu and Alfredo… I asked those two to come early,” Antonia was agitated as she took out her phone. Her sons knew how significant the night was for the family.
“Lu is somewhere talking to the security men and Alfredo is still at the office,” Bianca informed and sat down. Antonia was irritated.
“I thought I clarified it… What's wrong with Alfredo… at least he needs to show commitment,” she wasn't happy with Alfredo. Despite everything, Alfredo neglected the welfare of the family.
“Mom… what do you expect when he's busy running after that stupid girl… I'm sure that slut has brainwashed him, and soon he'll be against us,” Bianca retorted sarcastically, her brother was beginning to lose it. Alfredo never accepted his family and went against them all because of a cheap slut.
“Don't tell me it's that girl, for goodness's sake she's a cheap prostitute,” Antonia said angrily, only for the man being talked about to walk in, and he wasn't pleased.
“At least show some respect… I won't tolerate you calling her names,” Alfredo said bitterly, glaring at his mom and sister. It was enough that they ruined Sydney's life. She was made to do bad things, all because Antonia Garcia ruined her future.
“That girl is a cheap slut… a good for nothing, and won't let my son bring such a woman into my family!” Antonia yelled, slamming her phone on the table. Her expression darkened, knowing full well Alfredo was beginning to be a pain in the neck.
“Then you better get used to it because, soon, I'm going to marry her,” Alfredo remarked mockingly. The entire time, Lia and Bianca had kept quiet. It was dramatic again. Alfredo didn't even want to show up to the party.
“You better stop this madness… I will never allow that girl here,”
“I don't care because she's my woman and I invited her tonight… if anything happens to her… you'll all pay, “Alfredo gave a warning glare to his mother and sister and stormed out of the living room. Antonia was speechless as she stood there in disbelief. Not just Luciano, but even Alfredo was against her, all because of women.
“Luciano extended his invitation to Livia Gonzalez… this will be epic… My makeup artist is here… I better get beautiful,” Bianca said in between chuckles and rose to her feet. She was just looking forward to seeing Pedro. The man was like a ghost. The last time he came she didn't get a chance to see him one on one all because of her brother. But now, she had the entire night with him.
“Mom just chills, you can't control everyone… I mean, Alfredo is like that,” Lia said, getting up too and leaving the living room. Antonia shook her head in denial.
“Of course not, I have a better girl from a prestigious family for my son… he can't be with that cheap slut,” Antonia muttered through gritted teeth, clenching her hand angrily. She didn't want a simple girl for her son. One of the many reasons she got rid of Olivia Altamirano, her foolish son, was sent to do a clean job of deceiving her.
“Madam, you called for me,” one of her trusted men walked in after some time. Antonia was already sitting with crossed legs as she played with a champagne flute elegantly.
“Tonight is special… I want you and your men to be alert… watch everyone, especially the special guests my son invited… I want you to do a thorough job,” Antonia said, handing the man a few photos. She was already working up about dealing with ghost Olivia.
“I want all the CCTV cameras working… let's see how that ghost moves and causes a scene,” she already searched the cliffside. Olivia Altamirano is dead. Her bones had turned to dust. Someone was playing a prank on her, and she suspected Olivia's dear friend Sydney.
“Rest assured madam,”, with that, the man left the living room and Antonia got to work. It was time to party the Garcia way.
***
Meanwhile, Gabby and Ira had gotten ready for the party too. Like Pedro instructed. He had to be there and play his role.
“Don't tell me you slept with her again” Ira remarked sarcastically as she slammed the car door shut, startling Gabby. The two had parked by the road. The night was dark, and the place was isolated.
“It's part of the act… don't tell me you are jealous,” Gabby chuckled and adjusted his tuxedo. He hated being confined in suits. He liked being naked more. It was refreshing, however now he was subjected to wearing a tux.
“Aren't you ashamed or something… to you is a woman only for fucking and being tossed away like a fuck doll?” Ira was irritated as she gawked at him, due to the darkness their faces were invisible. Ira could only see a shadow. Hence Gabby slowly advanced toward her.
“Ira, is this about what happened in the past?” Gabby asked, lowering his voice. Ira took a step back when he came close to her. Her back connected with the car causing her to shiver, the coldness from the car rushed through her making her feel uncomfortable.
“I don't care about anything…” Ira muttered, averting her eyes from Gabby, he was standing so close to her that she could smell his sweet, intoxicating cologne. Gabby slowly reached for her face and cupped her gently. Out of fear, Ira tried to push him away, unfortunately, he was already holding her in place.
“Did our one-time fuck mean all that to you…” he murmured huskily while nuzzling his nose against her cheek, a warm sizzling shiver ran down Ira's spine when he slipped his free hand around her waist and held her in place. Since the dress she was wearing exposed her back completely. The man was practically touching her flesh.
“That's… that's not the issue,” Ira stuttered, realizing what was happening. Gabby parted her lips and kissed her cheek, “Stop it now” she fought to get away and managed to push him away. Gabby let out curses as he ran his hands in his hair. Just as, a car out of nowhere whooshed past there.
“The boss… let's move,” saying that, Ira walked around the car and settled in. Gabby was still trying to keep calm, but hell no.
On the other hand, Ira was cursing herself. Gabby was a useless man, a man whore for that matter. She only slept with him because getting into the mafia required one to surrender and having a one-night stand with Gabby was more dangerous to her feelings.
“Chill,” Gabby muttered and drove away from there, following Pedro and Olivia's car.
“Are you nervous… I thought you wanted to attend this party,” it was Zane who asked with a chuckle, since he was sitting with Olivia in the back seat. Olivia shook her head.
“No, I'm worried… your boss is missing again,” after that night. The man never came back. She got a call earlier with an order issued for her to stop the fight. Even Jordan was surprised.
“He'll be there… the boss has been busy lately, "Zane said, shifting his gaze away. It seemed things were getting complicated. Pedro was beginning to act up, only the heavens knew what he was planning.