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“Does it? Because it has the opposite effect on me.” My future is uncertain. I have the jewels, yes, and I plan on finding a way to sell them. What if things don’t go my way? I wanted to find them to at least have a path to financial independence. But money alone doesn’t solve all my problems.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” I cock my head to the side in the direction of the foyer. “Now, let’s go. I can’t wait to meet my future in-laws. I’m sure they’re lovely people.”
We walk out of the guest house and across the pathway in silence.
Tension charges between us again, and I don’t think it’s the bad kind. It’s the sad kind, at least when it’s regarding our non-relationship. How long can I try to make him see we could date each other? We could be together if we both leave?
That’s what I want.
But that’s not what he deserves. He bided his time for a decade because he knew leaving wasn’t an option. Every time my thoughts veer to what-if land, I put him in danger. Why can’t I stop? Why can’t I understand that not being together is the only way we can both live?
I have to do better.
I have the jewels.
Now, all I need is to come up with a plan.
Maybe I’ll have to adjust my expectations and marry Francesco. That’s the only way Matteo will be okay. After he completes his mission, he’s off the hook. And I’ll marry Francesco, pretend to follow the rules, go along with them, and then escape.
Escape and never look back.
A hole burns in my stomach.
After Matteo takes me to the dinner party, he disappears.
The next hour is a blur. I’m surrounded by my dad, Francesco’s father, Tommaso, his wife, and his sister. Clara starts serving us, and I try to talk as little as possible, only when I’m spoken to. Instead, I pay attention.
I notice how Tommaso treats his wife, Michele. She’s a woman in her forties, about two decades younger than her husband. Second wife.
“How are the wedding plans going?” Giada, the sister, asks. She’s in her thirties, a clear sign she’s from marriage number one.
“Coming along. The wedding planner is talented, so she took a lot off my plate.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m glad she was able to pull it together so quickly.”
Aren’t we all?I nod and bite my tongue.
“Well, I’m glad your daughter has such a beautiful temperament,” Michele says. “She’ll be a good match for Francesco.”
Nausea floats up my throat, but I swallow it back. I sense a pang of tension charging the air, and her husband tosses her a look of disapproval. Did she say something she wasn’t supposed to? “Why do you say that?” I ask, leaning in.
A shade of red spreads across Michele’s high cheeks, and she reaches for the water. “Oh, you know, Francesco is a bit… hotheaded sometimes.”
Tommaso clears his throat. Loudly.
Giada scowls. “Yeah, you can say that again.” An eye roll.
My gut tightens. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing,” Tommaso intervenes, impatiently waving his head. “Some loose woman tried to blackmail us for money a long time ago… she made some stupid claims that are not true. But, don’t worry your pretty little head. We settled everything quietly.”
My shoulders stiffen, and I reach for my glass of wine to keep from speaking. My pulse buzzes in my ears so loud that it’s hard to comprehend what they’re saying. I glance around until my gaze lands on my father. We hold a stare for a moment before he looks away, and I get all the answers I need.
My future husband also has a history of hurting women? Oh, wonderful. And his family takes his side. My father already knew all this, and even that fact didn’t change his mind about my marriage.
Shit.
