Episode 5

As Igor pondered on the difference between his dream and the reality in relation to his stepbrother's personality, the new employee who had spoken to him the day before approached him again.

"Sir, would you like me to go to the kitchen and ask someone to prepare a hot breakfast for you?"

It was around nine in the morning, and even though he hadn't gotten up yet, his stepmother had already instructed the table to be cleared, leaving only a few slices of bread and a jar of jam.

"No need, I'll just eat this," he replied in a friendly manner to the employee.

Igor didn't mind having just that since the content of the upcoming conversation would not allow him to eat in peace. Unexpectedly, the old man asked for warm milk, but before that small gesture could warm Igor's heart, Francesco brought up the topic again.

"Igor, have you thought about what we discussed yesterday? If you've given it some thought, we will have a dinner tonight with the Moretti family so both families can discuss the engagement."

Igor's mood instantly changed. His grandfather couldn't even wait for him to have a slice of bread before starting with those questions, but he wasn't willing to stay silent.

"And what if I say I don't want to?," he said with a mocking smile.

Francesco saw that his grandson still had the same attitude as the previous day and responded with a look of disapproval and a deep voice.

"You don't have a choice. You must listen to me on this matter. You are a descendant of the Rossi family, you have our blood running through your veins. We have raised you for so many years, you must take responsibility in these times of crisis."

The old man was imposing and unyielding as always. His tone of voice revealed his irritation, and everyone remained silent except Jone, who stood by Francesco, stroking his back, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"Grandfather, this matter cannot be rushed. We should give Igor a chance to get along with the young member of the Rossi family. As you yourself said, he has the family's blood. He will help us in this difficult situation."

At first, that sweet speech was meant to appease his grandfather's anger and give him some time, but as Igor reflected on the second part of that sentence, he realized there was a certain judgment and accusation. If he, as a family member, did not get married and his grandfather lost everything, wouldn't it be his fault? That was the point of that sentence, and Igor realized the bitterness behind the sweetness.

Igor gave a slight smile and played with his cutlery, wondering if his dream was perhaps a premonition. He could see that Jone had the sweetness, but behind every action, he wanted to have people in his hands.

Andrea arrived and overheard part of the conversation, helping to persuade Igor.

"Igor, that young man is only a year older than you. Isn't it natural for young people to get married and then love comes? It's okay if you don't like each other yet, but once you get to know each other, feelings can arise. The Moretti family is considered one of the richest in the country. Wouldn't it be a good thing for you to marry into that family? And if in the future you find out that you really don't get along, just negotiate a friendly divorce agreement."

After speaking, Andrea nudged her husband who was beside her. He swallowed hard and spoke in a patient manner.

"Well, normally parents have a say in the decision of a marriage, so let's resolve this."

"Are you finished talking now? It's my turn."

Igor captured everyone's attention, observing the expression of each person there. One was stern and angry, another pretended to be kind, another stirred the flames, while his father was monotone and compassionate. Analyzing the situation, he couldn't help but smile. This wasn't a family; it was a nest of snakes where he couldn't stay.

"What are you laughing at?" she asked, becoming bothered by her stepson.

"Aunt Andrea, you said it would be very lucky for me to join the Moretti family. Why don't I pass on that luck and blessing to your son? Do you want that?"

Igor had a beautiful pair of brown eyes that, at first glance, might seem innocent to anyone who looked at them, but they concealed an inexplicable trace of wildness in his eyes. He only pretended to be obedient, but he could show that he was not as tame as they thought, and Andrea could perceive that.

"What does this have to do with my son?" she asked.

"How does it not?" curved the corner of her lips, looking at Jone. "Although he doesn't have the blood of this family, he was still raised as one of its children, since we were talking about marriage first and love second, it doesn't matter who gets married, right? Anyway, if it's about trading the happiness of a child for money, of course he can contribute."

If his dream was indeed a premonition, Jone and the young man from the other family would end up meeting, but he needed to retaliate, and each word felt like a thorn piercing everyone. The old man furrowed his brow, responding angrily.

"Are you done causing problems?"

"Problems?" he picked up the cutlery, tapping the glass, his smile becoming even more mocking. "Not yet," he leaned back in his chair, continuing the conversation. "Grandpa, Dad, even though I was thrown out of the country by you, you are right about one thing, I am blood of this family and the second son," he disliked that title, but he continued to expose his thoughts.

"While I am the second son, Jone is just the son of Aunt Andrea with another family..."

"Shut your mouth, don't cross the line," the two reprimanded him simultaneously.

The grandfather and father of Igor reprimanded him together, but he was rebellious by nature and was determined to continue with his reasoning. He tightened the fork in his hand and smiled scornfully before he left the room to relieve himself of the doubt that was eating away at him, and it would be that morning.