Chapter 4
I watched shock flicker across Fabiano’s face as he whipped around to stare at Valentina. They exchanged some kind of loaded look before he finally helped her to her feet without a word, gently stroking her hair with that sickening tenderness.]
Just then, the butler knocked again.[]
“Miss Moretti, Mr. Sorento, Miss Coma. Don Filippo requests your presence in the main hall.“]
I nodded curtly and delivered my verdict with ice–cold precision:[]
“Uncle Tomasso, whoever was supposed to be guarding my wing today–eliminate them.“]]
“The Moretti family doesn’t keep worthless dogs who can’t even watch a door. Every piece of trash wanders in here, polluting my sight.”
Valentina knew exactly who I meant. Her face went ashen.]
The butler bowed immediately
“Roger that, Miss.“]
Rain had started falling while we were inside. My private wing was a good distance from the main hall, so a servant trailed behind me with an umbrella ready.
We’d barely taken two steps when Fabiano snatched the umbrella away.
- o. Your wife is watching you fawn over me.“[]
“Don’t, Fabiano.
“I can handle it myself.”
He angled the umbrella to shield me completely, soaking his expensive suit in the process. When I reached for it, he jerked it away, his knuckles white around the handle.
“I’ve been taking care of you for twenty years, Arianna. It’s muscle memory at this point. Even if we can’t… even if things different now, we grew up together. I’m still your brother. Stop fighting me on this.”
I let out a harsh laugh, my voice dripping with contempt:]
“How touching. But here’s the thing, Fabiano–I don’t need you anymore.
The covered walkway was only about twenty feet, but I deliberately quickened my pace to escape his pathetic attempts at chivalry, practically jogging into the corridor.
Behind me, Fabiano’s composure finally cracked:
“Arianna, your stubborn pride is going to destroy you in marriage.”
“Do you have any idea what Papa’s planning for your future?”
1 ignored his fake concern completely and kept moving. I
Suddenly the corridor was packed with people–dozens of men in razor–sharp black suits with crimson ties, each holding ornate silver trays loaded with jewelry that could fund a small country, vintage watches, museum–quality paintings, even priceless antiques. They formed perfect lines along both walls, bowing in unison as I approached.
I heard Valentina’s strangled gasp of awe behind me.]]
She actually stopped walking to gawk at the display, her voice breathless with greed:]
“Jesus Christ… look at that diamond necklace.“]
“Fabiano, is all this… is this for our wedding?“]
Fabiano’s face went pale, finally catching on that something was very wrong
Yesterday he’d specifically begged the Don to keep their little ceremony low–key–just a quiet family dinner to avoid setting me off. A simple introduction, maybe a toast, and done.[]
But he didn’t recognize a single face in this crowd. These weren’t Moretti family retainers, and the treasures on those trays were worth more than most people’s houses.
Papa was obsessed with Picasso originals, and I could see at least three on display–rare pieces even Papa had never managed to acquire]
This wasn’t our family preparing for a wedding. This was someone else bringing a dowry.]
Someone else’s dowry.
The realization hit him like a sledgehammer to the chest. He didn’t want to think about what that meant.
When Valentina kept babbling questions at him, he could only stare at my retreating figure in horror:
“L.. I didn’t arrange any of this.“]
Valentina nodded, visibly deflated:
“Oh, right. You just got back from Moscow. These pieces are so rare and expensive–whoever put this together obviously spent months planning it.”
“Must be some VIP visiting.”
“I wonder what kind of event needs this level of extravagance.“]
Fabiano couldn’t speak. Pure panic was clawing its way up his throat.]
Past the walkway and around the decorative screen lay the main hall, where Andrea had been pacing like a caged animal. The second he spotted me, he practically lunged forward with a thick leather portfolio.]
“Don Filippo already gave everything the green light.“[]
“But you should double–check, Miss Moretti. If anything’s missing or not good enough, just say the word. Boss Rossi told me to let you add whatever the hell you want to this list.”
couldn’t care less about the money–the Moretti family owned half of Milan
“He got here fast. Where is he now?”
Andrea grinned like a maniac:[]
“Boss ran into some trouble with the Russians, caught a bullet in the shoulder.
“Just got out of surgery, but he’s already on his way. Nothing’s gonna stop him from marrying you today.“]
Right as he finished talking, Fabiano and Valentina stumbled into the main hall, both bowing stiffly to Papa. At that exact moment, the massive front doors burst open and a sleek black Maserati roared up to the entrance.]
Bodyguards jumped out to open the passenger door, and I caught a glimpse of blood red Italian leather shoes hitting the marble steps.
Then I saw that face–those sharp, predatory features twisted in a smile that promised chaos and violence in equal measure.
Arianna, be my wife, NOW!“[]
