A buzzing sound woke me up from my restless sleep.
Who could be at this time? Rubbing my eyes, I slowly opened them and turned my head to the nightstand. There was a small round clock and it showed that it was 7 am.
7 am?!
What is wrong with people? Why would someone bother me at this time of the day?
I extended my hand and grabbed the phone. I placed it in front of me but it wouldn't open. It doesn't recognize my face? Am I that ugly in the morning?
Groaning, I quickly typed the password which I had to change because Sara always uses my phone when she's bored.
The password of four sevens was typed on the keyboard and the phone finally opened.
The message popped up on my notifications center and I opened it. It was an unknown number. What the heck?
Pressing on it, I carefully read it.
Unknown: Be really at 8 pm sharp. -Aurelio
How did he get my number? That piece of shit.
Well, sir, you'd be disappointed but I'm always late so you'll have to wait for me a little. And also you'll pay for disturbing me this early in the morning.
Who does he think he is?
Sighing deeply, I rolled to my side and continued with my sleep. I woke up a few times but thankfully continued sleeping.
When I woke up again the clock was 11 am. Okay not that bad.
I usually wake up at 1 pm so today I did good. Maybe I couldn't sleep properly because certain someone had to message me that early.
What is he even doing at that time of the day?
He works Amelia unlike you.
Today was Wednesday but it felt like any other day to me because all of my time was spent the same. At home or shopping with Mom and Sara. And painting of course.
What a boring life, I know.
Rubbing my temples, I pushed myself off the bed and the cold floor underneath my feet made me wince.
I quickly ran to the bathroom and took my time to shower, brush my teeth, and do my skincare routine.
Wrapping a soft towel around me, I opened the door of the bathroom and exited.
I walked towards the closet and threw on the simplest pajamas I had. After that, I went to dry my hair and I clasped it half back.
Then I walked downstairs and went to the kitchen where I spotted Giussepe. "Good morning Pepe," I exclaimed and went to hug him. He was like a second father to me and Sara.
"Morning Lia." He chuckled and placed his hands around me before placing a kiss on my forehead.
Giussepe was in his late sixties and he and his wife Julia worked here for our family. She was the head maid and he was the head chef.
"What are you making?" I asked and looked over his shoulder.
"Your favorite." The delicious aroma of the Crêpe's hit my nose.
"How did you know that I craved something with chocolate?" I grinned at him.
"Of course, I know. You doubt me, Lia?" I quickly shook my head.
"Never." He nodded while smiling and ushered me to sit by the wooden table next to the windows.
I did as I was told and waited for him to finish with the food. He never liked me helping him because he always says that he works best when he's alone. And I understand it.
I also can never work if someone is constantly twirling around me.
When he finished with the breakfast, he placed the plate in front of me and I wanted to cry because of how good it smelled and how hungry I was.
My stomach got filled with the most delicious Crêpe and I leaned back on the chair rubbing my full belly.
"Thank you, Pepe," I said before exiting the kitchen.
I still haven't seen anyone, Mom, Dad, or Sarafina.
It didn't really matter because I planned on spending my day in my painting room. Well till I have to go on that date from hell.
Who even goes on a date on a Wednesday night?
You wouldn't know Lia because you've never been on a date before.
My subconsciousness always slammed me on the ground with the reality of my life.
With hurried steps, I went to the painting room and my nerves immediately calmed down. I had started doing a piece on a canvas but I still didn't have the motivation to finish it.
Looking around, my eyes wandered over my supplies and then I sat in front of the canvas.
I sat there probably for an hour but I still couldn't figure out what to do with it.
My mind would constantly wander to a set of hazel sparkling eyes. Why did I have to marry? It was not fair.
I should have been preparing for college and not plotting a plan on how to ruin this engagement.
Hours went by and when I heard a knock on the door, my whole body jerked and a small scream escaped my lips.
"Amelia, are you here?" Mom's voice echoed through the room. I turned around and she was peeking her head from behind the door.
"Yes, Mom," I said and stood up from the wooden chair.
"I've been looking for you. It's almost 8 pm. We're having dinner."
8 pm? What?
Oh, shit.
I looked over to the window and indeed it was getting dark. I didn't even eat lunch. At that moment I felt my stomach growling of hunger.
"Umm, I'm going out for dinner." I quickly blurbed out and basically ran out of the room.
With long strides, I went to my bedroom and looked for an outfit like a headless chicken.
I chewed on my bottom lip and went through every dress I had.
Wait a minute!
Why am I stressing so much? Didn't I say that I want to ruin this engagement and make him unlike me?
Yes, I did.
That's why I grabbed a big dark blue T-shirt and baggy grey sweatpants. They were worn out but I liked how the outfit looked. Well for a stay-at-home day but it will do.
I didn't put any makeup on and I tied my hair in a messy high ponytail.
I smiled at myself in the mirror and grabbed my phone. It was 7:57 pm. Because of that, I took my time walking down the stairs. He can wait.
"Lia!" I head Satafina. "There's someone waiting for you!"
So he's here.
I went to take my shoes from the cabinet and I heard Mom's heels click on the floor.
"Who's waiting for you?" She asked and arched her eyebrow upwards.
Satafina stood next to her, patiently waiting for my answer.
I stilled in my place and after taking a deep breath I said. " Aurelio."
Their eyes widened. My Mom's gaze ranked over my body and she shook her head.
"No, you're not going like that. Amelia, are you crazy?" She whisper yelled.
Sarafina fought an urge to laugh and placed her hand over her mouth.
"Mom I don't have time, I have to go." I turned around grabbed the knob, and opened the door.
The light wind blew through my hair and I caught sight of Aurelio.
He was outside, leaning against his slick black car. He was dressed in navy blue slacks and a light blue shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and the few top buttons were undone. His arm tattoos were visible today and it weirdly made him more... attractive.
His hair was lazily tossed back and his hands were folded in front of him.
I noticed his eyes ranking over my body and I just waited for him to tell me to go inside and change.
He didn't.
He pushed himself off the car, turned around, and opened the door for me.
"Aurelio, welcome son. Amelia will go and quickly change." Mom grabbed my hand from behind and pulled me back. Her voice sweet and mellow just in front of him.
"It's fine. She doesn't have to." He said with a low voice and waited for me.
"You'll see when you get back home," Mom whispered in my ear before letting go of my hand.
Well, I don't care Mom.
I walked down the stairs that were in front of the entrance doors and my eyes lifted to Aurelio.
His intense gaze was still on me and it made me feel slivers down my arms. His eyes never left mine till I was a few apart from him.
He lifted his hand and checked his wristwatch.
"What? Am I late?" I asked with a hint of annoyance in my voice.
The side of his lips lifted upwards, giving me a crooked smile.
"No, you're just in time." He said.
I rolled my eyes and stepped closer to the opened door. Not glancing his way, I lowered myself on the leather seat.
His strong perfume was everywhere in the car. I can't lie, it smelled divine. Why couldn't he smell like trash?
He closed the door after me and rounded the car, sitting on his side. He looked dumb good with one of his hands on the wheel and the other one resting on the door by the window.
I unnoticeably observed his looks when he started the car.
Okay, he looked good so what? Looks were not everything. I bet his personality is shit and all the stuff he told me yesterday was just to play with my mind.
But I'll see you Aurelio when I really test your limits. We'll see if you'll act all gentlemanly.
I turned my head to the window and let out a sigh of boredom.
I played with the strand of my hair when we stopped at a red light. Suddenly I felt eyes boring into the side of my face. What did he want now?
Closing my eyes for a second, I faced him.
His eyes indeed were on me. They traveled over my face and stayed on my lips.
"What?" I asked. My heartbeat increased but I didn't show it.
When I said the words his gaze shifted to my eyes. I've never had anyone look at me like this.
"Nothing." He whispered but he didn't look away. Would it be okay if I opened the door and walked out?
He was really good at annoying me. I'll give him that.
I wasn't used to... people. Just people in general. I didn't like hanging out with them or being around them. My only friend I had was in high school but when we finished, we stopped talking.
I didn't really regret it though. Like I said it didn't bother me to be alone. And now this.
I have to be around him. The person that could potentially ruin my life if I get married to him. I knew what happens with girls once they get married in our world. They have to stay at home locked up all the time and do whatever their husbands say.
Well, I couldn't live like that.
What I hated the most, is someone telling me what to do.
Most women lose their will to live. Some of them might have enough luck for their husbands to give them some attention but that's rare. When it comes to Made men, their priority is money and power.
The light turned green and he started the car again.
We drove for about fifteen more minutes before he stopped the car in front of a restaurant. And not just any restaurant but Red Rose.
Shit!
When I realized that we were going there, I felt very underdressed. I've only been here once and that was with my parents, Sara, and my dad's friend's family.
And let me tell you this is one of the most luxurious, if not the most luxurious restaurant in the country.
He parked the car in front and opened his door and stepped out.
I didn't move a muscle and I felt nervousness pick up in my throat. I didn't even think that we could go to a such place. But what was I expecting from the next Don of Lorenzo's?
Of course, he would bring me here.
I quietly watched him round the car and come to my side. He opened the door and extended his hand for me to take.
I chewed on my bottom lip and looked at him hesitantly.
"Let's go."
When I finally took his hand, I realized how small I am compared to him. I was not short but he must be tall, tall.
His warm palm folded over mine and it weirdly felt nice to be held like that.
He closed the door behind me and threw the keys to some guy that was standing next to the car.
I guess one of his people.
He placed his hand on my back and we walked towards the entrance. I felt everyone's stare on me and it made me shrink in embarrassment.
I really was stupid for dressing up like this.
Aurelio like noticing that I felt uncomfortable, sneaked his hand around my waist and brought me closer to him as if protecting me from people's curious looks.
I didn't protest.
I lowered my head and the waitress welcomed us and showed us to our table. It was centered next to the massive windows and the night view of the city was spectacular.
I sat on the chair and placed my hands on my lap. And now what?
Few of his men stood far but not too far from us. They were dressed in all-black suits and had some devices attached to their ears. I knew that they had to take their job very seriously or else they won't see the sun rise tomorrow morning.
My dad was never too strict with his men but when it came to our protection, he did everything he had to do.
People who were seated in their seats occasionally glanced our way and it make me feel really awkward.
"Something wrong?" Aurelio asked when he noticed me playing with the few strands of my hair.
"They make me uncomfortable. I don't like people staring at me." I confessed.
He nodded and waved his hand for one of his men.
The one with a bald head walked towards him and leaned his head. Aurelio said something to him in Italian and he answered with a quiet okay.
I always cursed myself for not learning Italian. Mom spoke it, and dad spoke it as well but they never bothered to teach me and Sara.
When I tried to learn on my own, I gave up after the first online class.
After a minute every single person in the restaurant started standing up and leaving.
What the heck was going on? The space got filled with silence, only a few sounds of chairs being pushed back to their places.
I quickly turned my head to Aurelio. "What is going on?" I asked with curiosity.
"You said that they make you uncomfortable, so I made them leave." My mouth slightly opened but no sound came out. He really did that just for me?
A warm feeling settled in my stomach at the thought of it. No one has ever made such a gesture for me. For my comfort.
I nodded and I felt my cheeks get hot.
The waitress came to our table and handed us the menus. I opened it and my eyes wandered over the luxurious names.
I debated what to order for a few minutes and I felt Aurelio's eyes on me.
"You need help with anything? You want me to suggest a meal?" I shook my head. I didn't need his help.
He nodded with a smirk on his face and averted his eyes to his own menu.
The waitress came back holding an Ipad in her hands. She had beautiful creamy blonde hair that was tied up in a high ponytail and piercing blue eyes.
She threw a smile in my way and I smiled back.
I pointed to the few names that sounded the most interesting to me and she typed everything on the device in her hands.
I don't even know what I ate the last time I was here so I ordered some random food. I hope they taste delicious.
Aurelio ordered something else, by the name of it, something with meat.
The waitress nodded and then turned around, walking away.
I cleared my throat and shifted my gaze to the beautiful view that was like painted on the big window.
I felt him reach in the pocket of his slack. He pulled out a small velvety square box. It was in a beautiful dark red color.
"I bought you the ring." He slid the miniature box onto the table and placed it in front of me.
I eyed it and debated if I should open it or not. I was against the engagement, right? But my curiosity wouldn't let me ignore it. So I extended my arm and took it in my shaky hands.
I slowly opened it and my jaw almost dropped.
A glistening small diamond blinded my vision. It was a beautiful ring with a diamond in the center and a few on the sides. It had gold patents that looked like leaves. It reminded me of those fairy rings I used to see on Pinterest.
It was truly breathtaking.
He did a good job choosing this one but I couldn't show how impressed I was.
I wasn't going to give him any satisfaction or any hint that I might actually like what he was doing for me.
"So?" He lifted his eyebrow which had a scar running through it.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"It's okay, I guess."
"You don't like it? We can change it if you want..."
"No," I said maybe a little too fast. I liked the ring. It was beautiful. But didn't I say that this engagement will be over if everything goes according to my plan?
He nodded with a smirk on his face. He adjusted his shirt sleeves, pushed the chair back, he stood up. He rounded the table with slow steps and not breaking eye contact with me, he crouched down next to my seat.
I watched every one of his moves and my eyes went to his hand. He reached for the box and took out the ring.
Slowly he took hold of my hand and slid the ring on my ring finger. Bringing my hand to his mouth, he placed a small delicate kiss on the back of my palm.
There was a weird feeling in my stomach but there is no way it's those butterflies everyone is describing. There was no way, right?
Standing up to his full high he turned around and walked to his seat. I couldn't contain but throw a look his way. The way his back muscles moved with each step and...
Oh no. I was in deep shit.
Why was I checking him out? What is wrong with me?
"So tell me something about you Amelia." He said and leaned back on his chair.
I snorted. "What do you wanna know? My favorite color?" I asked sarcastically.
"Whatever you want to tell me."
"Well first thing about me is that I don't want to get married to you," I said and folded my hands in front of me.
I watched him for a second and expected him to throw me out of the restaurant, but to my surprise, he tilted his head back and a low laugh escape his plump lips.
He showed me the row of white teeth and the dimples on each cheek. He bit his lip and looked at me. "I really like your honesty. Well the first thing about me is that I want to marry you. So what do we do now?"
"I don't even know how old you are." I leaned back on my chair as well. His men's ears were all pointed at us. Those noisy rats.
I would have done the same thing.
"I'm twenty-seven."
Hmm. "You're old. I mean older than me."
"You don't like older men?" He smirked, lifting his eyebrow in amusement.
"No." That was a big fat lie.
"Do I look old?" He said and took a sip of the water that the waitress brought together with the menus.
I ranked my eyes over him. His muscles were bulging through his shirt and the six-pack was again imprinted under the thin layer of clothing.
I can't lie and say that he didn't look like the man I was attacked to.
He was everything that I find beautiful in a man. He shouldn't though, because he was making my mission harder.
"So? Now that you checked me out, what is your answer?" He knew exactly how much effect he had on me and he enjoyed that.
I dismissed his question. "Well second thing. I don't plan on just staying at home and playing your perfect wife. I also have dreams of my own that I want to achieve."
"What are they?"
I sighed. "I want to go to college for arts. I love painting." A smile formed on my lips when I got lost in my own thoughts. "I've always loved it. Since I was a kid. It brings me joy and I can't imagine not doing it in the future."
When I looked at him I saw how carefully he was listening to me and it made me feel good. For someone to listen to you talking about stuff that you love was priceless.
"Look, Amelia. When you get married to me, you'll have all the freedom you want. I won't restrict you to anything. Of course, you'll have people guarding you all the time because I would never let anything happen to you, but that does not mean you won't do the stuff you love. Like I said before you'll be my wife, not my prisoner."
Maybe it was me who didn't know what the definition of a wife truly is. I was always thought by Mom that the wife should serve her husband and do whatever he says. That's how girls in our world were taught.
Maybe because of that what Aurelio was saying was foreign to me.
Was every woman promised all of this stuff before they got married?
A lump formed in my throat. "What if you're lying to me? What if you're just playing tricks with my mind for your own gain?" The words were quiet.
His eyes softened for a second and he leaned forward. Bracing his elbows on the table.
"Amelia what I hate the most is breaking my promises. I won't ever do that. I don't break my promises. Especially to my wife." I carefully listened to his words but didn't lift my eyes. They stayed on his wristwatch.
"Yeah?"
"Okay," I whispered again.
Just as I calmed down, I noticed the waitress walking towards us with two dishes in her hands.
Smiling, she placed them in front of us and I sighed in relief when I saw my food. It had meat. Thankfully. I was starving.
I took hold of the knife and the fork and dig into the food. The delicious taste absorbed in my mouth and I closed my eyes for a second.
I sighed while chewing the food and I knew this restaurant would never fail with their cuisines. When I tasted the salad that the waitress brought after our dishes, I couldn't contain but hum in satisfaction.
"This is just... so good," I mumbled with my mouth full of food. If Mom saw me speaking like this she would probably shoot me with my Dad's gun.
"You want to try mine?" He asked cutting a slice of the beef. I looked at him and slowly nodded. His food also looked ravishing.
He placed the piece on my plate and I quickly grabbed it with my fork and brought it to my mouth. It truly was as I expected. "This is even better," I said.
He smiled and cut another slice. Placing it on my plate I wanted to protest. He should eat as well. "It's enough. Thank you, you don't really have to." I started saying but he didn't listen.
"Here." He cut the meat into more tiny pieces and placed a few more on my plate.
I grinned. "Thank you."
I couldn't wait and I continued eating. We shared our food and I pushed some of mine on his plate. He didn't protest and I was happy. He was probably hungry as well and I didn't want to eat all of his dinner.
We talked. Yes, we actually talked for a while. He asked me about what I wanted to do after college, and what kind of work I wanted to do and it made me smile so hard because he didn't say if I finish college but when I finish college.
I asked him if he has any other hobbies other than killing and torturing people. I didn't say it exactly like that though.
He surprised me when he said that he wanted to study as a vet. He apparently has three dogs and a cat.
I wish I could see them.
He said that they are Dobermann's and the cat is Bengal. I always wanted to have pets but my parents won't let me.
"You can come and see them if you want." He said while wiping his mouth with the napkin.
My eyes winded. "Really?"
"Of course." He gave me his tender smile.
What was I even doing, I don't know anymore. Everything he told me didn't seem like the person I imagined him to be.
He seemed more relaxed and more at ease than my Dad ever was.
The future Don of Lorenzo's was quite an interesting person.
When we finished with our dinner he waved for the waitress and ordered us tiramisu. He said that they make the best one here and I trusted him so that's why patiently waited for it.
The tiramisu arrived and I basically cleaned the plate. I always loved sweets but this one takes the first place among the best ones I've ever tried.
Aurelio stood up and I followed after him. When he paid, he again placed his hand on my back and we walked outside. I've never been to a restaurant that was all empty so it felt quite weird.
We exited the place and the wind was colder at this time. I placed my hands around me and we started making our way to the car that was waiting for us at the front.
When Aurelio noticed me, he circled his hands around me and rubbed my arms up and down to warm me up. "Thank you," I whispered.
He opened the door for me and I stepped inside. When he got into his seat he started the car and drove off.
We traveled in a peaceful silence and a small smile lifted on my face.
I leaned my head on the window and watched the cars pass by and the lights illuminated the streets.
It truly was peaceful. And I felt safe with him. I felt safe with one of the most dangerous men I knew.
After about ten more minutes we were in front of my house gates. The guards opened it and Aurelio drove to the entrance.
He parked the car and turned to me.
"I hope you had a great time, Amelia." He said while looking at my eyes.
My cheeks got colored red and I felt my face get hot with blush.
"I did." I couldn't lie because I really did have a great time.
"Amelia, I know that you don't want this marriage and I understand. But in these twenty-one days, we have, I'll try my best to prove to you that I'll treat you right and that you won't be making a mistake with this. If you still don't want it after that, then I won't force you to marry me. We'll end this."
"What will my Dad say?" The question that always played in my mind.
"Don't worry about that. I'll deal with your Dad." He assured me.
I slowly nodded.
My Dad will probably find a new husband for me in the following years and Aurelio... will marry another girl. At that thought, a tight foreign feeling formed in my chest and it was not a pleasant one.
We stayed in silence, his eyes were still on me and mine were on him as well.
I played with the hem of my big T-shirt and bit my lip.
A dim light lit from my right and I turned my head to it. My Mom probably heard the car so she got downstairs.
I faced Aurelio again. "I should go." I undid my seat belt.
"Yeah." He said softly and leaned towards me. He lightly pressed his lips on my cheek. So close to my mouth. If I turned my head he would have easily captured my lips.
The kiss lingered on my skin and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Good night," I whispered in embarrassment.
He smirked and nodded.
With shaky hands, I opened the door and stepped out. Before I could close it, he said, "Good night, vita mia."
I quickly waved and closed the door. I basically ran to the door and just as I was about to open it, Mom pulled the door.
"Finally you're back. I hope you didn't embarrass our family." She said while placing her hands on her hips.
"Bye Mom," I said and made my way upstairs to my bedroom.
When I got inside I closed the door behind me and jumped on the bed. A giggle left my lips.
I lifted my hand and looked at the ring.
What am I going to do now?
And here is the second part. It's not exactly how I planed it to be, but I hope you like it.ð¥¹
Vote, comment and let me know what you think of it.
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