5. Mask

Matteo's Pov

The ride back to my newly bought mansion was swift and quiet. She sat at one end deep in thoughts staring at the people out on the streets of Venice going about their business. She didn’t turn towards me even once, and I didn’t look in her direction either. We both didn’t want this. Reaching into my pocket, my fingers grazed the pack of protection my friend, Carter, dropped into my pocket, saying, "Make it her best night."

He patted my back and went straight to her. I hated him. I made a mental note to get him fired immediately. I got back to work. During our vows taking, I noticed how her hands trembled and how she looked anywhere but at me, but I didn’t spare her a glance. I couldn’t. The first time our eyes met, I felt a pang on my chest. I remembered Daya, my wife. My love. In her dress, walking towards me, in all her glory and beauty. That day, I was the happiest man alive. I kissed her as many times as I wanted when the preacher said those words; kiss your bride, Matteo, but today was different. I didn’t want everyone’s attention on us and infuriating headlines in tabloids and magazines. I wanted it to look genuine, and from the look of things, everyone bought it.

Mrs. Fletcher was moved to my new mansion in the woods to handle the activities taking place in my new home. Our new home. Aria and I.

On getting there, I abandoned her by the car and went straight for my room, not without telling Mrs. Fletcher to take Aria to her room. Mrs. Fletcher was confounded.

“Her room?”. She asked, looking up at the man beast, which was me.

“Yes, Alonzo will show it to you”. I straightened my suit jacket and was ready to leave, but the old woman grabbed me by my arm.

“It is your wedding night, matteo. Don’t do this”. She said, still holding unto my arm. I moved away from her hold and forced a small smile. I was just trying to be polite

“Do as I say, Elizabeth”. Then, I was gone. I wasn’t well-versed in English names, and I was certain the name Elizabeth didn’t sound the way it should have, but I didn’t care.

Stepping into my room. I eased myself of my clothes, taking the protection Carter slipped into my pocket earlier that day and tossing it in the bin. That son of a bitch!. I was sure to teach him a lesson some day. I showered and cleaned myself, then went straight to bed. As I lay there, my thoughts trailing back to Aria, and how she looked walking down the isle. She was undoubtedly beautiful, with large eyes and flowing brown hair. But in spite of her beauty, I knew that I could never love her. Love is a crutch and a weakness.

*

Sitting down for breakfast the next morning, sipping my coffee and nibbling on my toast. Aria entered the room, taking a seat at the far end of the table. The silence between us was palpable, neither of us willing to break it. The tension was thick, and I could feel her eyes on me, waiting for me to say something.

I pretended to be so intrigued by whatever I read on my phone. I caught her stealing glances here and there but before she could continue her klutzy act, Mrs Fletcher walked in.

“Why are you sitting over here, girl. Go sit close to your husband”. I heard the old lady say.

“No, I’m fine over here”. She said

“Would you like cofee then?” Mrs Fletcher asked.

“I don’t take coffee”. She replied.

“Why dear?” Sipping my coffee, my ears invested in their conversation.

“Makes me nauseous. I’d like a cup of tea please”. She said and I didn’t miss the excitement in her last statement. Cup of tea. It almost made me chuckle. Who starts their day with a cup of tea.

“Go sit next to Matteo my dear. I’ll have that cup ready for you”.

It sounded like a bargain to me and I wasn’t comfortable with that. With my eyes still perched on my phone.

“She can sit wherever she deems fit, Elizabeth”. My voice loud and firm. “ Pour me my coffee”. I demanded. Mrs. Fletcher filled my cup again with coffee and left for the kitchen after telling Aria her tea would be ready soon.

Taking the call, I jumped out of my seat and left for Carter and Alonzo. Another man had been caught. He was in kahoots with Daya all along. And men like that don’t live long with me around.

Leaving my cozy mansion, I strode to the shed hidden behind the woods. Hidden away from Aria, she mustn’t know who I am. It would be the end of Matteo Marino. My reputation. My power. Pulling up my sleeves, I yelled at Carter who said I should keep the man alive cause maybe he could be a lead to the person we actually want.

“I will fucking kill him!!”. I said rushing like an animal ready to hunt.

I entered the shed, and six of my men were positioned inside, heavily armed and prepared to lay down their lives for me. They didn't dare look me in the eye, knowing the dire consequences of doing so. I had made it clear to them that I would not tolerate any disobedience, and they understood the risks they were taking by following me. The atmosphere was tense, and I could feel the fear in the air. They were all frightened by my presence. This gave me so much pride.

A man was seated, bound to a chair by ropes, a cloth tucked into his mouth to muffle his screams. Walking straight to the traitor and punching him hard on his face. He screamed against his gag and I punched again, tipping his chair over. I slammed my fist into his face again and again and again till he was battered and bloodied. One of my men rushed to check his pulse, turned to me with his head casted down

“He’s dead, boss”. He said.