Chapter Nine

Isabella.

Go with me?

What the hell is Luca talking about, Matteo doesn't look so pleased with this news.

"What did you just say?"

Matteo asked Luca with an obvious edge to his voice, his grey eyes piercing into Luca's soul.

Sheesh, this guy doesn't know how to have a simple conversation now does he?

Surprisingly Luca stood his ground even though he was trembling a little.

"I've been asked by Valentino to accompany Isabella as her personal guard."

Matteo stares down at Luca, he's so terrifyingly intimidating.

"Your master's mocking me or what?" Isabella doesn't need any damn personal guard when she has me."

Red coated my cheeks, get yourself together Isabella, he doesn't give a fuck about you.

"Erm.. Luca is my friend, it would be good if he comes with me."

I tried to reason with him, but he gave me a sharp look that suggested I stayed out of it.

The last thing I want is some brooding hulk over me, I'll just stand here and let them work their stuff, even though I am the reason why they're getting at it.

Luca shaved a sigh.

"Valentino asked someone to go with you guys as a spy on you and Isabella, but I volunteered because it's easier, since I am Isabella's friend."

Matteo narrowed his eyes.

"Why the fuck does Valentino want to spy on me, and how am I sure you're not lying."

Thats it i need to step in.

"Matt, Luca has been with me since I was a child, I trust him. Just let him come please."

I was too tired to argue with anyone, if he still refuses then so be it. It wouldn't change anything anyway.

Matteo ran his hands though his hair before turning his towards his right hand man.

"Fine."

My eyes widened, woah I didn't think he would agree just like that.

It seems I am not the only one who's surprised, because Rocco's jaw was on the floor.

"Take her bags from her, let the guard ride with you guys, You're coming with me tesero."

Damn that stupid name again, my heart seems to be having a mind if his own whenever I am around this man.

I smiled at Luca before following Matteo into the car.

The drive was a long one, Matteo didn't so much as glance at me, he was busy with his phone or whatever.

I am grateful that he didn't try to talk to me, I like the comfortable silence.

We got to Matteo's house, and I didn't know how to feel about what I saw.

It wasn't what I expected, I mean he's so freaking rich and all, I thought he would be living in a mansion or something, but this is simple and beautiful.

We got down from the car, his guards helped me with my bags.

"Rocco will take care of registering our marriage, let's head inside."

He said before walking inside.

Matteo strides in ahead, his presence as commanding as ever. He doesn’t look back to check if I’m following—he simply assumes I will.

Bastard.

“This is where we live now,” he says flatly, stopping in the middle of the foyer. “Let’s get some things straight.”

I brace myself. The weight of the day already sits heavily on my shoulders, but I refuse to let him see my exhaustion.

Matteo turns to face me, his expression unreadable, though there’s something sharp in his gaze. “I don’t expect you to act like a doting wife,” he states.

“In fact, I don’t want you to. Don’t try to play house, don’t float around here thinking you can change anything, and don’t think for a second this marriage is anything more than what it is.”

I swallow hard. “And what is it?”

“A contract.” His voice is as cold as the house itself. “Nothing more.”

A strange pressure builds in my chest, but I refuse to acknowledge it.

I knew this going in. I knew this wasn’t about love or intimacy, but hearing it so plainly still stings.

I some what felt we could a least make things workout, even though we aren't inlove we could try to make things work.

I guess that was wishful thinking.

“Fine,” I reply, keeping my voice steady. “You won’t have to worry about me playing the perfect wife.”

His eyes narrow slightly, as if he expected more resistance, but he merely nods. “Good.”

Silence stretches between us, heavy and suffocating.

“You can have the guest room,” he finally says, turning away. “It’s at the end of the hall. My room is off-limits.”

"Rocco will bring your things to you later."

“Understood.”

Without another word, he strides up the stairs and disappears behind a door, leaving me alone in the cavernous space.

I release a slow breath, my hands tightening around the handle of my suitcase. The air in here is thick with unspoken rules, expectations, and a distance that feels impossible to bridge.

I tell myself it doesn’t matter. That this arrangement is temporary, that I don’t need his affection, his approval. And yet, something about his words lingers, sinking into my skin like an ache I can’t quite shake.

I turn on my heel, determined to find my room.

If he wants to be a cold bastard, then that's fine, I'll just get in with my plan.

As I walk down the hallway, I hear faint sounds of footsteps, and I freeze.

What the hell is that?

I turn slightly, clutching my bag so tight I could feel the fabric cracking.

"Isabella what are you doing there?"

Phew it's just Rocco.

"Ermm hi Rocco I am looking for the guest room."

He narrows his eyes slightly like he doesn't understand why I would be using the guest room.

"The guest room huh?"

"Here let me take you there, I prepared a room for you."

I just smiled at him, too tired to say anything else.

We got to a very pretty door, didn't know doors could be pretty.

"This is your room, I'll leave you to it."

I took in a deep breath.

"Thanks Rocco, could you please bring in my luggage for me."

"Yeah sure the guards are on it."

I smiled at home before opening the door.

"Erm... Rocco, is Luca okay?"

He smirks at me, although I can't seem to understand why.

" oh, he's more than okay."

I smile at him, before going inside my room and Locking the door behind me.

I am so tired I don't have time to admire the room, I just slump on my bed and stare at the ceiling.

It's funny how my life has turned upside down, not like it was ever better, but I'll endure all the pain in this world if it means I get to have my revenge.

This is were my revenge starts.

Vicenzo De Luca, you won't know what hit you I promise.

I'll pay you back tenfold for everything you put me and my mother through.