4. Home

Aria’s pov

He sat comfortably in his black suit, looking anywhere but at me. I could see him through my side vision. I looked out the window, taking in the scene outside. The people on the street were going about their lives, happy and carefree.

In that moment, I felt a sense of longing and yearning, wishing I could be like them, but that wasn’t possible anymore. We got to his mansion far in the woods. It looked like a little hideout in my head. He jumped out of the car and headed straight for the house, but an old woman who I didn’t notice at first grabbed his arm. I was expecting something agonizing happening to that poor old lady. She wanted him to stay over with me tonight, but he blatantly refused. I couldn’t thank him enough for that.

A tall shabby man came to take in my bags. He looked frightening but not as frightening as Matteo. He had a scar running from the bridge of his nose to underneath his right eye. As the man left with my bags, the lady whose name happens to be Elizabeth took my hands in hers and gave me a reassuring smile. Her expression was filled with warmth and understanding, and I felt a sense of comfort in her presence. She looked like a woman in her late 60s. She had beautiful blonde hair and a heartwarming smile.

“You look absolutely amazing and beautiful”. She said, still holding unto that smile of hers.

“Thank you. You look amazing as well, ma’am” replying to her comment courteously.

“Oh, I’ve lost it all, dear. My body has stood the test of time”. She laughed, and I joined in.

“Matteo is very lucky, I see”. She said, gave my hands a light squeeze. “ He can be a little sour sometimes”. She said, wearing a sad smile. “Come with me, you must be farmished. What would you like?”

“Anything would be nice, ma’am”.

“Oh drop it dear, call me Elizabeth or Mrs. Fletcher”. She said, taking me towards the kitchen.

I stopped dead in my tracks at the door leading to the kitchen, gulped, and turned to the old woman.

“My feet hurts ma’am, I’d love to sit out here for a bit”.

She remained silent watching how I shook and quivered, and then, she smiled

“Of course, make yourself at home. It is your home”. As if sensing my distress, she just had to remind me.

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. I had just married one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Italy, and it felt like my whole world had changed in an instant. I tried to compose myself, but it was hard to keep my emotions in check.

I broke into a sob when Mrs. Fletcher was out of the room. I stifled the sob, pressing my hand to my mouth to muffle the sound. Keeping my emotions in check was a losing battle. I could feel my composure slipping away, and I knew that soon they’ll all know how weak I was.

The man who helped bring my things inside walked into the room as I quickly wiped my tears away. The man's features were harsh and intimidating, and his expression was cold and unreadable. He exuded a sense of danger and unpredictability, and I found myself afraid to even look at him. He moved surprisingly close, and I was certain he was staring at me.

“You cry”. He said, as It took me a minute to understand what he meant.

“No, something went in my eye”. I lied

“You come to distract, boss. You come with hidden intentions”. He said, already fuming, stalking me

“Who do you work for?”. He asked, hands by his side in a fist.

“Alonzo?”. The old woman’s voice resonated from behind me.

He growled lowly like an animal. I was scared out of my mind.

“You’re scaring the poor girl. Leave her alone”. She said

“Cagna”. He snarled, and soon, he left with his head cast down like a dog that had just been reprimanded.

“One of Matteo’s most trusted men. Alonzo”. Mrs. Fletcher explained. “Terrible at English but serves as a good bodyguard to your husband”. She added

My husband. That was right. I was now married. Married to not just anyone but Matteo Marino. I stared down at the ring on my finger. It had diamonds crested on it. I loved how simple and thoughtful it was. I wondered if Matteo picked it out himself. Is he capable of it all?

“Let’s get you out of that dress, dear”. She said with a graceful smile to her face.