Chapter 3 I Need a Drink

It was not a dream, as they both gasped and turned to her. The rich aroma of grilled chicken, seasoned with herbs, mingled with the sweet, floral scent of vanilla candles filled the room in an enticing way, creating an intoxicating blend, a contrast to the storm that was brewing inside Isabella.

She gulped "Lulu"? She winced as if she was in pain and her face turned pale.

Lucia rolled her eyes and folded her arms around her chest, defiance showing in her features.

"I called you several times" Isabella croaked out, but Lucia only shrugged and adjusted her position.

Isabella then walked up to Lucia and smelt her. She smelt like fruit and alcohol. They both turned to her, too stunned for words.

Then she fixed Lucia with a piercing gaze "It was you". She heard herself whispering.

Lucia frowned and turned to Nico, who was staring at Isabella as if she had somehow lost her mind.

"Me"? Lucia squeaked, furrowing her brows.

"Yes, my favorite polo, you wore it" she said, pain lacing her voice. Then she turned to Nico. "I made dinner," she said, pointing to the dining table, the candles flickering.

Nico took a hesitant step forward, his hand reaching out tentatively. Isabella saw the gesture and recoiled, a wave of pain washing over her.

"I called and texted too," she repeated, her voice trembling.

"Baby..." Nico's voice cracked, his eyes filled with regret. Isabella flinched as though he had physically struck her. She turned sharply, intending to flee to the sanctuary of the bedroom. But Nico's voice, laden with desperation, halted her in her tracks.

"I didn't want to be alone tonight. You told me you were not coming home. I didn't want to feel like a pathetic fool like I felt on my birthday", he rambled on.

" But I called," she replied, fighting back tears.

Nico balled his hands into a fist and gritted his teeth, "I am tired, Isa, I am tired of always trying to get your attention. You're either incommunicado or neck deep in your fashion thing. You've never wanted me. Your job always comes first in our relationship. You neglect me, my needs, my wants...I don't think it matters to you...I am tired." Nico blurted.

Isabella turned around "You want out" ? She asked.

Nico gulped and clenched his fist. It's too much work loving you... Your job will always come first. You might as well stay married to it. This isn't working for me...I need some time to myself... I need a break."

Isabella winced "Okay, I'll just get my things". She replied, then she turned around and walked into the bedroom.

Nico slumped onto the sofa and buried his face in his hands. Lucia sat close to him and rubbed his back soothingly, but he stopped her by taking off her hands.

"Trust me, she will come around". Lucia tried to soothe Nico.

"She just said okay...does that sound right to you"? Nico asked, a bit annoyed.

"Maybe she is just in shock. Besides, why are you interested in what she thinks? I thought you said you were over her", Lucia asked.

Nico turned to her, his eyes blazing with anger.

"I think you should go."

Lucia furrowed her brows "You don't mean that" she said, her voice breaking.

" I'll call you."

Lucia stared at him and gritted her teeth.

As soon as she stood up, Isabella emerged from the bedroom with a large handbag, making Lucia stop in her tracks.

"I'll be back to pick up my things" she announced.

Nico stood from his sitting position and walked up to her.

"Can we please talk about this" ? He asked, reaching for her hand, but she flinched.

"My sister is waiting outside" she announced, and made a move to leave, but Nico blocked her way.

"Move" she screamed, her voice breaking.

"Let her go, Nicky" Lucia said.

"Nicky?" Isabella's voice broke as she gulped, her eyes shifting between Lucia and Nico. She took a step towards the door, and this time, Nico stepped aside, his face a mask of conflicting emotions.

"This isn't over, Isa," he called over her shoulder.

"You bet!" Lucia muttered under her breath.

Nico combed back his hair with his fingers in frustration and turned to Lucia.

"Can you please leave"?

" Nico" she spat and bolted out the door.

***

Tears streamed down Isabella's face as she closed the front door of Nico's apartment. She could see the headlights of her sister, Camilla's car blinking. As Camilla saw her approaching, she got out of the car, and walked towards her. Isabella wiped her tears with the back of her hand immediately and plastered a smile on her face. Camilla studied her carefully as she got close. Without a word, she enveloped her in a hug. Isabella melted into her, holding her close while the sobs wracked her body. They held onto each other until they saw a car approaching and Lucia walking towards it. Camilla furrowed her brows.

"Lucia!" Camilla's voice rang out. Lucia glanced back, their eyes locking for a fleeting moment before she quickly looked away and continued towards her ride. Camilla turned to Isabella, her face etched with confusion.

"What happened between you two?" Camilla demanded, turning to Isabella.

"Can we please just go?" Isabella's voice was barely above a whisper.

"You have a lot of explaining to do," Camilla muttered, heading towards the car.

As they drove, Camilla stole glances at Isabella, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. "Okay, enough of this suspense. Spit it out," she urged gently.

"Nico broke up with me," Isabella confessed, her voice breaking.

"Oh my God '' Camilla reached out and took Isabella's hand in hers and looked at Isabella who had tears in her eyes, her heart aching for her sister. "I'm so sorry Bella," she muttered, squeezing her hand. The car jerked and they both gasped.

"Eyes on the road, Cami, unless you want to get us killed too."

"You got jokes, huh?" Camilla tried to lighten the mood, focusing back on the road.

"Don't make jokes, Cami," Isabella warned softly.

"Did he break up with you while you were in Paris?" Camilla asked, then gasped, her eyes widening. "Is that why you came back?"

"No, I came back to surprise him for our anniversary."

"Oh my God, Bella."

"I cooked, cleaned, did everything... I just wanted today to be special. I know I've been busy, but I try," Isabella sobbed, breaking down again.

Camilla gritted her teeth, tears stinging her eyes. She reached out, clutching Isabella's hand tighter. Her heart broke for her sister, knowing how long it took for her to open up again after her first heartbreak.

"Everything will be fine, sis," she cooed, trying to comfort her. Just as Isabella's sobbing began to subside, a call from Lucia flashed on her phone. She picked it up, stared at it, then pressed the red button.

"That was Lucia," Camilla observed, and Isabella nodded.

"Why aren't you picking up"? She asked.

"Nico is cheating on me with her," she replied. Immediately, Camilla screeched to a halt.

"What?!" Camilla's voice was a blend of shock and fury. "That... that bastard! And Lucia? I can't believe this."

Isabella nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I found out tonight. They didn't even try to hide it."

Camilla's grip on the steering wheel tightened, her knuckles turning white. "I'm going to kill him. And her."

"No, Cami, please," Isabella pleaded. "I just want to go home."

Camilla took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She turned the car back onto the road. "Alright, we'll go home. But this isn't over. Not by a long shot."

Isabella leaned back in her seat, exhausted from the emotional roller coaster. "Thank you, Cami."

"Anytime, Bella. You're my sister. We'll get through this together." Camilla said as they approached the gate.

Camilla drove in and parked in the driveway.

"I need a drink," Isabella said out of nowhere.