Daniel noticed how worried I was and came up to me the moment I went back into the crowded room.
“You look tensed bro. What’s wrong?” He asked.
“I can’t seem to get a hold of Livy or Judy. Both of them aren’t answering their calls and I have a feeling something is wrong” I explained disturbed.
I was about to tell him that I’m leaving early to go find out what’s happening, when Heather interrupted us.
“Markian, Daniel, there’s someone I really want you both to meet.” She said hastily and dragged me along almost immediately.
I didn’t get a chance to refuse her as she brought me in front of a man who looked quite dandy and exquisite. He had green eyes and could pass for a model sculpture in an art museum.
He seems just a couple of years older than me and speaks fluent Italian with Jeffery, so I suspected he must have lived there a while.
“Andre, this is my cousin Markian. He is the President of Castlehill and handled the Fregnos project a year ago…” she introduced as the man stretched out his hand for a handshake and I obliged.
Daniel joined us immediately as Heather continued the introduction. “… Andre here save my ass some time ago in Bosa. They call him the Prince of Sardinia and I didn’t understand why until I saw things for myself. But he truly is an amazing and trustworthy friend and ally to have. I really can’t believe he made it here today.” She added sincerely excited.
Prince of Sardinia, she said. Then it must be him, the fearsome Andre Alfredo.
“C’mon now. I was in the country so why wouldn’t I honor your invitation?…” he asked Heather rhetorically with a smiling, before facing me. “… she really makes it sound as though I alone helped her. Your cousin sure knows how to repay a debt and I like people like her. It’s truly a pleasure meeting her family. I feel like I know you all since I’ve heard a lot about both of you. So, please forgive my informalities.” he added addressing Daniel and I.
“It’s equally a pleasure to meet you, Andre. We heard of her little adventure in Bosa 2yrs ago. But I hope you’re enjoying the party?” I asked impatiently.
I don’t want to be here any longer than I should be. Something is wrong, I can feel it.
“Oh, the party is lovely. I’m glad I came.” He replied with a nod.
“This is my brother, Daniel. He’s now in charge of S. Group.” Heather introduced Daniel with a smile.
“It’s really a pleasure meeting you Daniel. You have an amazing sister I must say.” Andre addressed Daniel as they shook hands.
I need to get out of here and go look for Livy. I have a very unsettling feeling and it’s getting more intense.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m expecting someone who should’ve been here a while ago. If you don’t mind, I’d like to make a call. Please excuse me.” I said as politely and collected as I could before excusing myself.
I went up the stairs to call Livy one last time. If she doesn’t pick the call, I’ll have to go in search of her.
Her phone rang the first time but no answer. I called a second time and that’s when she finally answered the phone.
“Livy what the hell? Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Where the fu’k have you been? I was worried sick” I ranted on both upset and relieved.
“Sorry Marky, but Livy can’t make it to the phone now. We’re having a kinda family reunion you see?” a voice I’ve grown to hate and despise for the past 3months spoke through the phone.
I felt my senses slowly disappearing as the anger I’ve unknowingly nurtured for the past few months took over my body.
“Sophia, where’s my wife?… goddamnit, where the hell is Olivia?!” I yelled carelessly.
“You were right to be worried about her Marky. because tonight I’ll finally win.” She replied with that cursed playful voice she’s using to toy with me.
“Is she with you? Sophia, where are you?” I asked impatiently.
“If you couldn’t find me the past 2months while I was still very close to you, I doubt you’ll be able to find us now. Give it up Markian, you’ll never get here in time.” She stated before she ended the call.
“Sophia?! Sophia?!” I yelled in frustration.
I quickly dialed the number again but it was unreachable.
“Fuck!… Fuck, fuck, fuck!” I cussed furiously.
She will not cause me my family again, I refuse to accept that. I’ll scour this world upside down until I fish her out and make her pay incredibly.
I ran down the stairs angrily. I think I saw Daniel on my way down but I didn’t stop to hear him out as I dashed into the crowd to look for… I found her.
I went straight to were she was standing with a group of older women. And without any regard whatsoever, I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled at her.
“Markian, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Barbra asked surprised by my action.
I looked her dead in the face and told her exactly what I was doing.
“If you don’t come with me this instant, I’ll make sure tonight is the very last night you see.” I whispered in her ear before I dragged her away from her group of friends.
I must have caused a scene back there, but I didn’t mind at all as I dragged her up the stairs to a quiet and dim-lighted room and shut the door.
“Markian… what is the meaning of these?” She asked with shaky voice.
I held her by the throat and pushed her to the wall with a growl.
“You’ll tell me where Sophia has my wife and mother-in-law, otherwise a funeral would be performed on your behalf.” I threatened furiously and she dread in her eyes told me she knew I was dead serious.