"I appreciate you telling me," you replied, your voice measured. "But I've moved on, Vic. I'm focused on my own path now."
As the conversation shifted to more neutral topics, Vic shared updates about the band's progress on the new album. Despite the challenges they faced during Damiano's struggles, the collective determination to move forward reflected in Vic's eyes. The resilience of Måneskin, even in the face of personal hurdles, was a testament to the enduring bond that held them together.
As the coffee shop encounter came to an end, you exchanged a hug with Vic, silently acknowledging the shared history and unspoken pains. The news of Damiano's rehab lingered in your thoughts, prompting reflections on closure and the unpredictable nature of healing.
In the weeks that followed, you adeptly navigated the delicate dance of interactions with the Måneskin members. While the pain of the breakup lingered, you had learned to sidestep its sharp edges, choosing instead to focus on shared interests, common goals, and the genuine friendships that had solidified over the years.
Your business continued to flourish, becoming a beacon of positive change in people's lives. The necklace, designed as a smoking cessation aid, gained popularity, and the influx of heartfelt thank-you letters became a poignant reminder of the transformative impact innovation could have.
One day, amidst the vibrant streets of Rome, a text from Vic interrupted your thoughts. "Hey, we're having a small get-together at Leo's place. Would love for you to join us if you're free." The invitation hung in the air, evoking a mix of hesitation and curiosity. After a moment of contemplation, you decided to seize the opportunity to reconnect with the people who had once been an integral part of your life.
As you prepared to attend the gathering, the prospect of facing Damiano loomed on the horizon. He had been your best friend before becoming your boyfriend, and avoiding him indefinitely seemed like an unsustainable strategy. The realization settled in - it was time to confront the inevitable, to face the person who had once held such a significant place in your heart.
Dressed casually, you hopped into your car and navigated the familiar route to Leo's apartment. The buzz of laughter and chatter greeted you upon arrival, creating an atmosphere that felt strangely familiar yet tinged with the awareness of unspoken tensions. As you mingled with Leo and the rest of the group, the absence of Damiano in your immediate surroundings was a temporary relief. You relished the opportunity to catch up with old friends, sharing stories and laughter as if time had stood still.
As you engaged in conversations and laughter, you couldn't help but notice Damiano's absence. It was a relief, a temporary respite from facing the complexities of emotions that still lingered between you. He used to be your best friend before becoming your boyfriend, and acknowledging that facing him was inevitable became a small but significant step toward closure.
For the time being, you allowed yourself to immerse in the warmth of the camaraderie, appreciating the shared history and the bonds that had weathered storms.
The sudden ring of the doorbell echoed through the apartment, stirring a sense of anticipation in the room. Leo, ever the gracious host, went to open the door, ushering in a wave of greetings and familiar voices. Then, a voice pierced through the air, a voice that made your heart skip a few beats. That you thought you had forgot the sound of but still could recognize it through thousands.
Your eyes instinctively lifted from your seat on the couch to see someone entering the room. Time seemed to freeze as you locked eyes with him, and you felt the weight of the past crash into the present. He was different, markedly so, from the last time you had seen him. His once-flowing hair was gone, replaced by a clean shave that marked the end of his long hair era. The addition of glasses framed his eyes, revealing a clarity that contrasted with the dilated pupils and red eyes you had grown accustomed to.
As your breath caught in your throat, you noticed his frozen reaction, his complexion draining of color as if he had seen a ghost. The realization hit you - he was unaware of your presence tonight. The mystery deepened when a girl appeared from behind his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. It couldn't be. It couldn't possibly be her - your ex-best friend from high school, the one who had always harbored a certain jealousy towards you, especially in connection with Damiano.
Her voice broke the silence, "Amore, what's wrong?" Panic flashed across Damiano's face, and the rest of the group seemed to sense the tension as their smiles tightened. Your heart sank as you recognized the girl, a history of envy and resentment bubbling beneath the surface.
"Y/n!" she exclaimed, breaking the awkward silence, and before you could react, she enveloped you in a hug. The unexpected gesture caught you off guard, and you exchanged a brief, forced smile with Vic, who seemed oblivious to the underlying tension. Damiano's gaze remained fixated on the ground, a mixture of guilt and discomfort etched on his features.
You forced yourself to reciprocate the hug, all the while grappling with the flood of emotions surging within you. The intrusion of the past, wrapped in a veneer of friendliness, felt like a cruel twist of fate. As you pulled away from the embrace, you couldn't escape Damiano's gaze, the unspoken words hanging in the air like a heavy fog. You exchanged a glance with Vic, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken complexities of the moment, as the group attempted to navigate the unexpected reunion.
The atmosphere in the room settled as you all found your places on the couch, attempting to navigate the conversation amidst the undercurrent of tension. The wounds of betrayal still festered beneath the surface, and curiosity masked in rage guided your questions.
"So, tell me how you two met again? After all, Rome is a big city," you inquired, attempting to mask the bitterness in your tone with a forced smile. She clung to Damiano's arm, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Well, we met while he was in rehab. I help people with addiction, and I got in charge of him. And then started a great love story," she responded with a saccharine sweetness, casting loving eyes at Damiano while he avoided your gaze.
You managed to smile, though the bitterness lingered. "It's so sad that nobody tried to make you quit before, as if your previous partner didn't care enough." The room fell silent at her words, and you turned back to her, a frown furrowing your brow. "Excuse me?"
Before Damiano could intervene, she continued, her tone turning sinister. "But you know, your invention is great. Though it absolutely did not work on my patients, some even said it was... useless." Her eyes held a malevolence reminiscent of high school, and in that moment, you felt like you were back to your 16-year-old self, except Damiano wasn't on your side anymore. Your fists clenched instinctively.
"I'm sorry, but I won't allow you to say that. My invention saved hundreds of people. I received tons of letters thanking me that proved it," you retorted, your voice steady but edged with defiance. "Yes, people with small addiction. A string of metal can't compare to real professionals," she shot back, her words a venomous attack.
The room hung in an uncomfortable silence, the exchange revealing the cracks in the facade of camaraderie. Damiano's gaze remained fixed on the ground, an acknowledgment of the web of complexities that had woven itself into the night. You took a deep breath, steadying yourself as you confronted not only the past but the distorted version of it unfolding before you.
You couldn't hold back a scoff as Damiano remained passive, unable to find the courage to intervene. The venomous words continued, each sentence cutting deeper. "And after all, we all know you were powerless to save the ones you love from addictions, not even your poor mother," she sneered. That was the breaking point. Rage surged through you, and you were about to launch at her when Ethan and Thomas swiftly held you back. They struggled to lift you off the ground as you squirmed, yelling profanities in Italian. Eventually, Ethan managed to steady you by the shoulders, and you took a moment to regain some composure.
As you turned your head toward the scene, your heart shattered at the sight of Damiano holding her while she 'cried' in his embrace. The impact of the realization hit you like a freight train. "How dare you?" you whispered, the betrayal echoing in your voice. Damiano looked up, attempting to approach you, but you slapped his hand away. "No! How can you even dare!" you screamed, your eyes filled with a mixture of rage and hurt. He wore a pleading expression, but it fell on deaf ears.
"You knew my mother. She was there for you. Hell, you even came to her funeral! And now, you support that person who insults her memory!" Tears of rage prickled in your eyes, and you shook your head in disbelief as Damiano averted his gaze. "I've had enough... I don't know why I came... Maybe because I hoped to find my best friend back. Now I only find a scumbag and the trash that goes with him," you spat, your words cutting through the air like a knife.
Without another word, you grabbed your coat and excused yourself, storming towards Leo and slamming the door behind you. Leo followed you out, concern etched on his face. "Y/n! You're too angry to drive. Let me drive you home," he offered, a supportive presence in the midst of the emotional storm.
Leo brought you to your apartment, and as you thanked him and apologized for the tumultuous evening, he brushed off your gratitude. As you prepared to leave the car, he unexpectedly grabbed your shoulder, his words carrying a genuine concern. "Y/n, don't think too much about it. I know you; it'll destroy you more. I'm always here if you need to talk."
Your response was a silent nod before you exited the car. Once you closed the door of your apartment, the emotional dam you had been holding back finally broke. Collapsing in tears, the weight of Damiano's double betrayal weighed heavily on your shoulders. A gaping hole seemed to form in your chest, and the loneliness that washed over you was unlike anything you had experienced before.
In times past, you would have reached out to Damiano, seeking solace and understanding. But now, that avenue was closed, and the realization hit you with a profound sense of loss. The connection you had once cherished was irreparably broken, and there seemed to be no way to bring it back. As you navigated the fragments of your emotions, you knew that healing would take time, and the path ahead felt uncertain.
A month later, Leo called with excitement, announcing that the group was launching their new album, "Rush!" To celebrate, Spotify had organized a symbolic 'wedding' among the band members. "Leo, no," you hesitated. "Y/n, pleeeeaaasssseee. I know it's not a real wedding, but I would look silly if I don't come with a date," he pleaded.
"Leo, I'm not sure if I can face him again, especially in an event where he's constantly in the spotlight," you confessed, your uncertainty evident. There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone. "I understand. But it'll be a way to move on, y/n, and with the journalists, Vic said it would be great publicity for you."
The reminder of the paparazzi and potential rumors made you shudder. "About that, there would be new rumors. If I come back after months of absence, next to the best friend of my ex... Imagine the hell that will come down on me..."
"Then they'll go to hell; paparazzi are paparazzi. Please, y/n, I'm begging you," Leo pleaded. After a moment of internal debate, you sighed and reluctantly complied. "Fine."
"Great! I'll pick you up on the 19th at 7. I'll send you the theme of the wedding," Leo said, his excitement contagious even through the phone. As you hung up, you couldn't shake the feeling that attending this event might be a step towards closure or a plunge into a new kind of chaos.
"What the hell am I doing?" you whispered to yourself as Leo hung up, and you found yourself repeating the same question a week later when you were in a car with Leo, being driven to the event. Dressed in a pale pink dress that seemed to blend bohemian and rock styles, your thoughts wandered to him and how he might be dressed. A year ago, you had dreamt of marrying him, but now those dreams felt like distant echoes.
As the car came to a stop, Leo squeezed your hand, offering a supportive gesture. Stepping out into the chaos of flashing cameras and screaming fans, you plastered a smile on your face as Leo guided you through the crowd and into the building. The interior was beautifully decorated, and you spotted Laura, deciding to join her.
"It's great seeing you after such a long time. You're here to watch your boyfriend get married," you joked, playfully nudging her. She laughed. "Aren't you here for Damiano?" Your smile faltered. "Um, we broke up over half a year ago." She frowned in surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. Well, it's great that you're here and that you stayed friends."
The announcement of the group's arrival interrupted your conversation. "Yeah... friends," you echoed, the word carrying a weight you couldn't shake off. Not even a few seconds later, they entered proudly, dressed in white. Your breath caught as you laid eyes on him, absolutely mind-blowing in his appearance.
He held a bouquet of red roses in his hands, dressed in a classic all-white tuxedo. The sight of him, happy and in his element, stirred emotions within you. It felt like witnessing a teenage dream come to life, reminiscent of the day he had accompanied you to your cousin's wedding, marking the beginning of your relationship. The evening had gone perfectly, and now, seeing him in this moment, you couldn't help but be captivated.
As the group settled to receive the benediction, you took your seat and listened, only half-aware of the words being spoken. Your gaze remained fixed on Damiano, the memories flooding back. Notably, his supposed 'girlfriend' was conspicuously absent from the event. The absence added another layer of complexity to the already emotionally charged atmosphere.
The ceremony concluded, marked by kisses exchanged between the group members. A small reception followed, and you stayed close to Leo's side as photos were taken. His arm rested around your waist in a brotherly manner, but the seemingly innocent gesture didn't escape the attention of some, who inquired about your relationship. With a laugh, you clarified that you weren't a couple.
Having successfully avoided direct interaction with Damiano for most of the evening, you found yourself following Leo as he approached the group. The congratulations flowed, and you hugged Thomas, Ethan, and Vic. "Congratulations, you four. I can't wait to see the clips during the after party," you remarked, keeping a polite distance from Damiano. As he moved in for an embrace, you instinctively took a step back, holding onto Leo's arm instead. The exchange felt like a silent declaration, and you noticed the dejection on Damiano's face. Despite that, he regained composure, offering a nod in acknowledgment.
Engaging in conversation about the event's preparations, you observed Damiano's occasional glances and even glaring looks at your and Leo's interlocked arms. Dismissing it, you carried on with the conversation. After a while, your attention shifted to the dancefloor, and a subtle tension filled the air when your and Damiano's song started playing. Everyone seemed suddenly fascinated by their feet, avoiding eye contact.
"Leo, why don't you come and dance with me? I've been longing to move," you suggested, grabbing his hand. Leo willingly followed as you led him onto the dancefloor, leaving Damiano behind with a mix of emotions playing on his face.
As you and Leo began to sway on the dancefloor, a hesitancy lingered in his gaze. He voiced his reservations, expressing concern about dancing to the song that held significance between you and Damiano. "Y/n, we shouldn't do this," he urged, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Innocently, you questioned, "Why not? It's just a song, Leo. You told me to move on, and that's what I'm doing." His response carried a sense of melancholy. "But is it truly the right way?"
His words struck a chord, and you bit the inside of your cheek, feeling the prickle of tears in your eyes. "Dam's gonna kill me," he groaned, his tone revealing a mixture of frustration and understanding. In an attempt to shield you from the intensity of the moment, he brought your head to his chest, continuing to sway in a way that felt closer, though far from the familiar embrace you had once known with Damiano. Leo's hug was warm and protective, yet it lacked the unique comfort of Damiano's arms.
Time seemed to stretch as you remained locked in that embrace. Leo broke the silence, whispering, "You should see the way he's glaring at us right now." A pang of defiance surged within you as you responded, "I don't care about him anymore." Leo, however, saw through the facade. "And we both know it's a lie, y/n."
Leo's words settled in the air, carrying a weight of truth and insight. You frowned, looking up at his face. "What do you mean?"
He sighed, glancing away. "You know, y/n, I don't think you and Dam will ever hate each other. He's your first love, the only person that can make you doubt on your wedding day..." His words struck a chord within you. It was a painful reminder of the lingering emotions tied to Damiano.
"Yes, but he didn't love me enough to quit... or to defend me to this bit-" you started, expressing your frustration.
"Okay, I understand. But his addiction isn't about love. He fell down that path because he thought he wasn't enough... He wanted to be enough for you. You know it took me three months to convince him to ask you out in the first place?" Leo revealed, surprising you with this newfound perspective.
"Still... I don't know if I can forgive him," you admitted, wrestling with the complexity of emotions.
"Of course, it doesn't happen in a night. It might take months, maybe years before you heal. And the scar will remain. But it's up to you to start the process..." Leo's words carried a gentle encouragement, nudging you to consider the possibility of healing and forgiveness. The dance continued, but now it felt like a dance between past wounds and the potential for renewal.
As you were about to respond to Leo, a familiar deep voice interrupted. "Mi scusi, signore." The enchanting tone drew your attention, and when you turned around, you were met with the most beautiful set of eyes. Damiano's face betrayed no emotions as he stared at you two. "Can I borrow your dance partner?" Though the question was directed at Leo, Damiano's eyes remained fixated on you, creating an almost hypnotic connection.
You couldn't detach your gaze from his, feeling like you were meeting him for the first time, struck by an unexpected lightning. Unbeknownst to you, Leo left you two alone, and Damiano extended a hand for you to take. Your body moved almost instinctively, accepting his hand as he pulled you close, securing you in his arms.
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