0018|cracks in the foundation

ARABELLA ARMANI

i sat on her bed, scrolling through on my phone when a group chat notification popped up.

~imessage~

Umizoomi Teletubby🙇‍♀️😈💦

Sarah bby 😈

Hey guys! We haven't had a proper hangout in forever. Let's go out to eat tonight!

Carter the farter😍🤞🏽💕

Agreed. I'm starving, and we need to catch up!

Baby mommy arabella😩🥰

I'm in. Where should we go?

Sarah bby 😈

How about that new Italian place downtown? I've heard great things.

Carter the farter😍🤞🏽💕

Perfect Let's make it a dinner to remember!

Excited for a night out, i quickly got ready and headed to the mall with Sarah and Carter to do some shopping. we laughed and chatted as we tried on outfits, eventually settling on looks that made us all feel confident and excited for the evening ahead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made their way to the restaurant, with our spirits high.

This place was bustling, filled with the aroma of fresh pasta and the sound of clinking glasses. They were shown to a cozy booth near the window, and the conversation flowed easily as they ordered their meals.

Halfway through dinner, i needed to use the bathroom so i excused myself to use the restroom.

On my way back, something—or other someone—caught my eye. I froze, my heart dropping to my stomach as i spotted Alessio at a nearby table. He wasn't alone.

Sitting across from him was a woman I didn't recognize. They were laughing, leaning in close, their body language intimate. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what i was seeing. But before she could gather her thoughts, Alessio leaned over and kissed the woman softly on the lips.

Time seemed to slow down as i stood there, the scene playing out in front of me like a cruel twist of fate. my chest tightened, and she quickly turned on her heel, rushing back to the table where Sarah and Carter were waiting.

"Ara, are you okay?" Sarah asked, noticing the sudden change in her friend's demeanor.

"I—uh, I don't feel well," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "Can we leave?"

Concerned, Sarah and Carter didn't press her further. They quickly paid the bill and left the restaurant. As they walked out into the cool night air, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, hurt, betrayal.

Once they were outside, Carter put a hand on her shoulder. "bella, what happened in there?"

I took a shaky breath, her eyes welling with tears. "I saw Alessio... with another woman. He kissed her."

Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "Are you sure? Maybe it wasn't what it looked like?"

I shook her head, the image burned into her mind. "I'm sure. It wasn't just a friendly dinner. There was something more."

They spent the rest of the night comforting Arabella, trying to make sense of the situation. But no matter how much they talked, the pain in her chest didn't lessen. When she finally returned home, her heart felt heavy, and she struggled to hold back the tears.

The next morning, Alessio returned, his usual smile faltering when he saw the look on Arabella's face. "Baby, what's wrong?"

I crossed her arms, my voice trembling. "I saw you last night, Alessio. At the restaurant. With her."

Alessio's face fell, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Baby, it's not what you think—"

"Don't lie to me," I interrupted, my voice was cracking. "I saw you kiss her."

He stepped closer, trying to explain. "Baby, please. It was a mistake. She's someone I used to know, and it just... happened. But it didn't mean anything."

Tears streamed down my face as i shook my head. "How could you do this? After everything we've been through?"

Alessio reached for her hand, but she pulled away. "I never meant to hurt you, arabella. You have to believe me."

"I don't know what to believe anymore," she whispered, her heart breaking. "I trusted you, Alessio."

We stood in painful silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on both of us. Finally i turned away, my voice was barely audible. "I need time to think."

Alessio nodded, his own heart heavy with regret. "I understand. I'll give you space."

As he left, I sank onto the couch, the reality of the situation settling in. The trust they had built was shattered, and she was left wondering if it could ever be repaired.

I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the wall as tears continued to stream down my face.

The front door creaked open, and the familiar sound of my father's footsteps echoed through the hallway.

"Princess ?" my dads deep voice called out. "I'm home."

I quickly wiped her eyes, trying to compose myself , but it was too late.

my dad stepped into the living room, his eyes immediately narrowing with concern when he saw my tear-streaked face.

"Princess , what's wrong?" he asked, rushing over to sit beside her. "Why are you crying?"

i shook her head, unable to meet his eyes. "It's nothing, Dad. I just... I don't want to talk about it."

Emilio's brow furrowed, but he respected her wish for privacy. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle. "You don't have to tell me if you're not ready, but I'm here for you. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together."

I nodded, grateful for his presence even though she couldn't bring herself to explain the situation. The warmth of his hand on her shoulder brought a small measure of comfort, a reminder that she wasn't completely alone.

Emilio stood, glancing toward the kitchen. "Have you eaten? I can make us something."

She shook her head. "I'm not hungry."

"Well, how about some tea?" he suggested, already heading toward the stove. "It always helps me feel better."

I watched as my father moved around the kitchen, the familiar routine of making tea a small but comforting gesture. He brought the steaming mugs back to the living room and handed one to her before sitting down beside her again.

They sipped their tea in silence, the quiet presence of her father providing a sense of stability. After a while, Emilio spoke again, his voice soft and reassuring.

"Princess, whatever's bothering you, just know that it's okay to feel sad. You don't have to face it alone. I'm always here for you."

Her eyes welled up again, but this time it was from the overwhelming love and support she felt from him. She leaned her head against his shoulder, letting out a shaky breath.

"Thanks, Dad," she whispered. "I really needed this."

Emilio wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. "Anytime, sweetheart. You're stronger than you think, and whatever it is, we'll get through it together."

They sat like that for a long time, the quiet moments of comfort and love slowly mending the cracks in her heart. Though the pain from Alessio's betrayal still lingered, the presence of her father reminded her that she had a strong support system to lean on.

As the night wore on, Emilio stayed by her side, offering his silent support. It wasn't the solution to her problems, but it was a reminder that she wasn't alone. And in that moment, it was exactly what she needed.

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sorry not sorry guys things been tewww happy for tewww long had to shake things up a bit

and it's gonna be this way for a little while

hope yall like and remember if you have any ideas feel free to lmk!!