Chapter 3

Dinner was awkward with this family. John and Sarah sat next to each other and I sat next to David and Nicklaus, with John at the head of the table. I'd come to the conclusion that David was an angry uomo. We ate mostly in silence with soft classical music playing in the background.

"How is your father, Amelia?" The signore tried to make small talk. I lifted my eyes to meet his briefly.

"Stressed, signore. The man is too proud to show any emotion," I answered.

"There is a ball to celebrate your arrival and marriage to our eldest son, princessa. To be held in two days time. Sarah will fetch a dress for you. Do you have a color preference?" Signore asked. I shook my head politely.

"I thank you, Signore, but that will not be necessary. I will fare well with the dresses I already own. No need to waste money on me," I declined.

"The princess thinks she's too good for our money aye?" David sneered. I glared at him.

"No, Giovane, I just think the money could go to better use other than fabric when I have more than enough," I explained.

"Not according to your family's bankruptcy," he retorted. I stood abruptly and leaned on the table closer to him as I glared.

"My father worked hard to create his empire. We started from nothing to be the company we are today. It was not something that was already established and passed down like it's going to be for you. You insult my family and my father, do not expect me to roll over and take it. I do not fare well with spoiled children. When you're ready to apologize for being such an arrogant ass, I'll be in my room," I seethed before I walked away.

I walked quick and graceful to my room and sighed. I was so angry that I was shaking. I grunted and stomped my foot before collapsing on my bed. After a moment, there was a knock on my door. I got to my feet and pulled my hair out of its respective bun. My light brown hair fell in thick waves around my face and down my shoulders. I opened the door to see a steaming David. His face was so red that it probably could boil water. I kept my face void of any emotion and crossed my arms. I did not even bother to hide my dislike for David, and this looked like the beginnings of a tantrum from him. It was easy to tell that he was normally spoiled and used to getting his way. I was the one who threw a wrench in his plans. I was to blame for his tantrum this time in his eyes. I questioned his authority.

"Are you here to apologize?" I asked. He pushed me inside and closed the door behind him. I stumbled back a step before looking at him in shock. He would dare to push me? What else would he dare to do? I was beginning to think that I miscalculated. David may not have been a spoiled brat; he may have been abusive instead. If that were the case, I was in danger.

"I am not a patient man, Princess. And I didn't appreciate the way you embarrassed me in front of my family like that," he seethed. I backed up slowly but raised an eyebrow at him.

"Like your attempt to embarrass me?" I said back on impulse. I wanted to take it back immediately. I was egging him on and he was already on the edge. Something in him snapped. I was suddenly pressed up against the wall with his hand around my throat. Fear was evident on my face as I clawed at his hand, trying to take my breath back. I could no longer breath and black dots started swimming in my vision.

"I am an easily angered man, princess. It would be wise not to disrespect me. And I do expect you to roll over and take it," he said lowly in my ear before letting go all together. I collapsed to the floor, coughing as tears ran down my face. I took a few deep breaths to fill calm my panicked lungs as I stared at the carpet. He turned and walked out without a backward glance, leaving my door wide open. My lip trembled as I finally broke. I sobbed and curled up in a ball. This was not how I pictured my first day here. I couldn’t see why my father picked an absolute monster to be my husband. Were we really that desperate?