Shadow

How it would have hurt her to meet them like this a few days earlier,  but certain circumstances in life, which were probably beyond her control, anyone's, changed everything.

That was the way it was. 

- Ariadne, did...

But Astieme did not have time to ask his question, the voice that Ariadne dreaded and hoped so much to hear, rose behind her.

- Darling, will you introduce me?

Her eyes shone and her heart capsized as Ariadne watched him stand behind her, with an unbounded arrogance that immediately made Astieme shudder. Astieme cried out without delay.

- Ariadne, do you know him?

- I know...

- Of course she knows me. Venezio declared nonchalantly with sardonic smugness, a tender but possessive arm around the young woman's waist. In the same way that you know very well the woman who hangs vulgarly on your arm. If not more so.