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"Things have been... difficult," I admit reluctantly. But I'm doing my best to stay strong, especially for Father. He worries because I’m not married, and there’s no one to share the responsibility of the shop. You know, the usual? But I tell him life is different these days—women have choices. I will forge my own path."
Serafina nods, her fingers gently squeezing my hand in understanding. "You are wise beyond your years, my dear. Your strength and resilience remind me so much of your mother."
"Thank you, Serafina," I whisper, touched by her words.
“So,” I ask, relaxing in the chair, my arms crossed above my head, waiting for Father to finish up. “What is your latest attraction?”
“Tea leaves,” Serafina laughs. "The amount of tea people drink in my tent, I'll tell you...”
“Tea leaves?” I laugh.
"Romola," Serafina says suddenly, her voice taking on a more conspiring tone. "Have you ever had your tea leaves read?" Her eyes hold a glimmer. "With your permission, I'd be honored to do a reading for you."
"Of course," I agree, eager for a distraction. "Do you think there is something in my karma worth discovering?"
"Perhaps," she muses, her gaze never leaving mine.
Serafina gives me an excited look and walks over to her mini kitchenette. Soon, I smell chamomile and spices. She returns with a clear teapot and a cream ceramic mug with a large base.
“Drink,” she instructs, pouring me a cup and passing it forward.
“Umm,” I look down at it and begin to sip. I’m a little disappointed that I don’t feel lightheaded or affected by the brew in any other way. Once I've finished, Serafina takes the cup from me. She takes her time to study the patterns of the leaves, her brow furrowing in concentration as she interprets their message.
"Ah," she breathes, finally looking up at me, pale. I see her hands quiver as she mutters, almost breathless, “This can’t be right. There must be a mistake…”
She carefully places the cup down, her eyes still wide with disbelief. Serafina's usual composed demeanor is shaken, and a hint of fear flickers across her features.
I can feel a knot form in the pit of my stomach, a sense of foreboding creeping over me like a spider.
"What is it, Serafina?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.
A heavy drape ruffles. Serafina looks behind me and jumps to her feet.
"Look who we have here," a deep voice announces.
Startled, I turn to see the tent entrance flutter close, revealing a tall man with jet-black hair and piercing dark blue eyes set straight on me. He is accompanied by a group of armed guards, their formidable presence demanding attention. His gaze moves from mine to sweep the room, over to the corner where my father is standing upright, holding a top hat, and then finally settles on Serafina.
"Rafaele Bressan," Serafina breathes, her usually steady voice trembling. She jumps to her feet, her hands clenched at her sides, a rare display of vulnerability that puzzles me. What about this man, who could possibly unnerve the ever-fearless Serafina?
"Ah, Serafina," he drawls, his tone smooth like velvet yet laced with an underlying menace. "We meet again."
"Are you here to cause trouble?" Serafina demands, narrowing her eyes at him. "Because you won't find any here."
"Trouble?" Rafaele feigns innocence, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "I'm simply here to discuss some... business matters."
My stomach churns with unease. What does he want with Serafina? My mind races through all the possible reasons for his unexpected visit. At the same time, Serafina's earlier tea leaf reading, still unfinished, also claws for my attention.
"Romola, Agostino," Serafina says, her voice strained. "I think it would be best if you wait outside while I speak with Rafaele."
"Stay," Rafaele counters, his eyes never leaving mine. "I think our conversation might be of interest to the young lady and her father."
"Leave them out of this, whatever this is," Serafina snaps, her fear momentarily replaced by anger.
"Relax, my dear," he says with a smirk. "I don't intend to harm anyone…"
My heart hammers in my chest as Serafina's worried gaze flickers between Rafaele and us. I can tell she wants to protect us, but from what? Rafaele stands tall, the mood in his dark blue eyes restless, like the depths of a stormy sea.
"You have no business with them, Rafaele," Serafina says, her voice shaking slightly. "I think it's best if they both leave now, and we can speak in private regarding whatever it is you seek. What is it this time? Are we going into the pas–"
