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I turn to her. “You’re only saying that because Antonio was and has always been your favorite. He can do no wrong in your eyes.” I storm out of the room before anyone can stop me.
I only make it halfway up the stairs before I’m crying.
Antonio has just ruined my entire life, and I’m powerless to stop it.
Solid footsteps approach. I’d know those footsteps anywhere.
When I look up, Theo is standing at the foot of the stairs, looking up at me with concern. “I thought you might need this.” He hands me a tissue.
I wipe my eyes quickly, not wanting him to see me like this. “Thanks.”
He nods once and turns to leave, but I say his name, stopping him. “Theo?” He glances at me over his shoulder.
I have to ask before I lose my nerve. “Why did you stop Salvatore? From touching me?”
His eyes darken as he looks away. “I’m your bodyguard. That’s my job.”
“Is … is that all?”
He sucks in a quick breath, his eyes meeting mine for a moment. At that moment, it’s like an eternity passes by. “Yes.” His answer quickly dashes my heart into pieces. “That’s all.”
I sit on the stairs, feeling utterly dejected, watching the love of my life walk away from me.
CHAPTER 4
Cecilia
The florist’s shop is an attack on my senses. Filled with hundreds of flowers, it’s a disastrous mix of floral scents. I can barely breathe when I walk inside. Though I’m not sure if it’s the flowers or my impending anxiety over my marriage to Salvatore.
Mom is at my side as I take a seat. Behind us is Theo, keeping a watchful eye as always. I wish he’d do more than just keep an eye on me, but I know that’s an impossible ask.
The floral designer brings out a bouquet of flowers. Roses and tulips. She sets it down before me. “What do you think?”
What do I think? I think I hate having to go through this. I hate having to marry an old man and not be with Theo. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad if Salvatore were younger and handsome and kind, but I guess Antonio doesn’t care about that with me. He’s only focused on his own problems. Everyone else be damned.
“Cecilia,” Mom says, nudging me. “What do you think?”
All I can do is glare at the bouquet.
Mom shifts awkwardly in her seat. “We’d like to see another one.”
The florist smiles and walks away, promising to be right back with another bouquet. Mom turns to me. “Cecilia, are you all right?”
“No, I’m not.”
She waits for me to say more, and when I don’t, she asks, “Tell me what’s wrong.”
I shoot her an incredulous look. “What’s wrong? Did you see the man I have to marry?” Theo makes a sound behind me, and I glance over to catch him smiling slightly. But when he sees me looking at him, his normal stoic expression takes over. Did Theo find what I said funny? If so, the thought makes my heart feel warmer.
Mom sighs, giving me an understanding look. “I know it’s not ideal. But Antonio is in charge now, and we have to do what he tells us.”
“Did you always listen to Dad?”
“Of course, I did. I was a good wife.”
I pause. “And Franco?”
She looks away from me, but I notice the flash of hurt in her eyes before she can fully turn away. “I had to do what Franco wanted from me. It wasn’t ideal, but I had to. It was my duty.”
