Bound by Blood and Vows

s and silver cutlery arranged to perfection. The aroma of roasted veal and garlic butter filled the room, but Aria barely

her manicured hands, her wine glass dangerous

ou're going to wear velvet loafers, at least make sure t

ped under her chin. "Oh, darling, you always say exactly what

curls over her shoulder. "You have to set

re a natural leader, Bella. Always have been

ling slightly. She had tried to talk about her internship at a local gallery earlier in the meal-just

s time. "The curator said th

hout even turning her head. "C

her didn't look her way.

oice soft. "But they're hosting a pri

dro Volpe's mother. She said he's back from Milan. You remember him,

her smiled wide. "Hand

slowly and st

parents were still lost in the world of their youngest daughter-their star. Aria excused herself qui

ight filtered through the sycamore trees lining the walkway, dappling her face in golden flecks. Bella, of course,

ad bought three dresses and two handbags wi

asked suddenly, pulling off her sunglasses as they neare

sed to perform," Aria repli

ike you're above it all. Like you're

that," Aria

ddle of the sidewalk. "You always make things about you, Aria. Always the victim. Always invisib

stiffened. "You

snapped. "Exa

ir dog slowed down, pretending not to listen but clearly intr

I feel like I have to apologize for your presence. You're not fun

alize it bel

God, Aria, if I have to spend one more day with you

p to the curb. Their mother stepped o

?" she asked, he

bearable again, Mama. I can't deal with it. She's sucking the

ot in concern. Not even in ang

ay positive," she said softly. "Yo

g," Aria said, her voic

ulled out a few folded bills. She stepped

couple nights. Just u

didn'

dded, as though this were completely

. She felt a strange sense of detachment, as though

stand,"

the city's noise swelling around her like a cur

s, but she didn't stop. Her steps were slow, not out of hesitation, but from a strange weight that settled in her chest. She'd always known her plac

hat stung. It was the gesture. Cold. Dismissive. As though she we

ed but happy. The sound should have been pleasant, but it only deepe

e behind her, Bella was probably already laughing again, untouched, unbothered. And Ar