31. Trapped In His Gaze

ARIA'S POV

I watched as the casket slowly lowered into the ground, my father sobbing quietly next to me. I felt a sense of anger and bitterness, and I knew he felt the same. Matteo stood before the grave, his hands in his pockets, his face hard and emotionless.

Just then, the clouds' dark clouds above us gave way for the rain to fall, soaking us all to the bone. It was as if the heavens were weeping along with us, mourning the loss of Marino. Matteo was escorted by Carter to take shelter under a canopy but he ignored Carter’s persistent request to stay under the canopy rather, Matteo stood in the rain while I lingered behind to eavesdrop on the gossipy men.