3. Twenty - five

--Cassie--

"His wife-to-be is so lucky," Hailey exclaimed, holding up her phone with a picture of Alessandro Leonardo De Luca. Her excitement was palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder who this fortunate woman was. And then it struck me—I was about to be tied to Alessandro Leonardo De Luca for life.

I studied the picture intently. Alessandro had striking features—sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and a confident smile that could melt hearts. It was easy to see why he was considered a heartthrob. But despite his looks, I wasn't interested in him romantically. My decision to marry him was solely to help my dad out of his financial troubles.

"How old is he?" I asked Michelle, trying to gather more information about the man who would soon be my husband.

"Twenty-five," she replied enthusiastically.

"Thank God he's not much older," I muttered under my breath, relieved that we weren't too far apart in age.

"What did you say?" Michelle asked, leaning closer to hear me better.

"Nothing," I replied quickly, hoping to avoid further questions about my thoughts on Alessandro.

I glanced over and noticed Gracia still in the room, her expression unreadable. She seemed to be observing me with an odd intensity, and I couldn't discern what was going through her mind.

"You can call me anytime you need me," Gracia suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence and my train of thought. With that, she quietly left the room, leaving me with a sense of unease.

"He's having a press conference to confirm everything," Michelle informed me, drawing my attention back to the present situation.

"Why are you both so obsessed with him?" I asked, genuinely curious about their fascination with Alessandro.

"Are you kidding? He's literally the most handsome man alive and incredibly wealthy," Michelle said with a hint of awe in her voice.

"And he's always in the news for one reason or another," Hailey added excitedly. "How could you not know about him?"

"I have something important to tell you both," I interjected, deciding it was time to share my impending marriage with them.

"Go on, don't tell us you're getting married like him too," Hailey teased, attempting to lighten the serious mood.

I nodded solemnly, and their expressions turned from playful curiosity to stunned disbelief.

"Are you serious, Cassie?" they asked simultaneously.

"Yes, I am," I confirmed, preparing myself for their inevitable barrage of questions.

"Who exactly are you marrying?" Michelle asked eagerly, clearly unable to contain her curiosity.

"Alessandro Leonardo De Luca," I finally revealed, steeling myself for their reactions.

"Holy sh*t!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices carrying loud enough for the gardeners working outside to hear.

"Are you serious?" they asked again, their disbelief palpable, and their expressions clearly devoid of joy.

"Yes, I am," I replied, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my stomach at their reactions.

"Why so many surprises in one day?" Michelle muttered, trying to process the sudden revelation.

"And you never told us you were the lucky one," she added, her eyes holding a mix of pity and concern.

"I only found out yesterday," I explained, hoping to dispel some of their confusion.

"Do you know him?" Hailey asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"No, I don't," I replied honestly, feeling a pang of apprehension at the prospect of marrying a complete stranger.

"Then how did this happen?" Hailey pressed further, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"I promise I'll explain later," I deflected, not ready to divulge the complicated circumstances just yet.

"What happened to finishing your education first?" they asked, their concern for my future evident in their voices.

"I'm still planning to continue my education. Getting married doesn't change that," I reassured them, though I knew the challenges ahead would be immense.

"I'm happy for you, Cassie," they both said, but their eyes betrayed a different sentiment.

"Deon asked for your number, and I gave it to him. I didn't know you were getting married," Michelle confessed, looking slightly embarrassed.

"It's okay," I said, trying to brush off the unintended complication.

"Are you happy?" they asked, their gazes fixed on me expectantly.

"Yes, I am," I replied with a forced smile, though deep down, I wrestled with uncertainty and fear about the future.

Their faces lit up with forced enthusiasm. "Congratulations then! And just so you know, we'll be your bridesmaids," they declared, their voices rising in excitement.

Despite their efforts to cheer me on, I couldn't shake the weight of the situation. I needed a moment alone to collect my thoughts, so I excused myself and retreated to the balcony. The view of Manhattan sprawled out before me, a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

Alessandro Leonardo De Luca. The name echoed in my mind, accompanied by the image from Michelle's phone. He looked every bit the charming and powerful man the world saw him as—a man who could have anyone he wanted. But I wasn't just anyone; I was about to become his wife.

Returning to the room, I found Hailey and Michelle scrolling through more pictures of Alessandro, discussing his public appearances and the allure that surrounded him. They chattered excitedly, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

"Have you thought about the wedding?" Hailey asked eagerly, breaking through their conversation about his charitable endeavors.

I nodded, though in truth, the idea of planning a wedding with a man I barely knew was overwhelming. "I haven't thought much about it yet," I admitted.

"You'll be fine, Cassie," Michelle reassured me, sensing my apprehension. "It's going to be an adventure."

An adventure. That's one way to describe it, I thought wryly. Little did they know, this adventure wasn't one I had ever imagined or wanted. But for now, I smiled and nodded, grateful for their support amidst the whirlwind that had become my life.

"Please keep it a secret until my identity is officially announced," I muttered to Hailey and Michelle as they nodded in understanding. The weight of my impending marriage to Alessandro Leonardo De Luca felt like a heavy burden on my shoulders, and I wasn't sure how to navigate the days ahead.

As time passed, the afternoon sun began its descent, casting long shadows through the estate grounds. Michelle and Hailey had to return home, leaving me to face the reality of my new life alone.

"Get in touch with us if anything comes up," Hailey said, her concern evident in her voice as she referred to the upcoming wedding plans.

"You shouldn't worry," I assured her, though I wasn't sure if my reassurance was more for them or for myself.

"It's time to have lunch, Miss Cassie," Gracia's voice broke through my thoughts as she appeared at the entrance of the room.

"Be safe!" I called out after my friends as they walked away, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

"I'd like to eat in my room," I told Gracia as she approached.

"Sure, I will bring it up soon," she replied in her thick Italian accent, a slight furrow of concern evident on her brow.

"Thank you," I said softly, my voice feeling hollow in the vast emptiness that now seemed to surround me.

With heavy steps, I ascended the stairs to my room, the weight of the day settling upon me like a leaden cloak. Alone in my sanctuary, I sank onto the bed, pulling the duvet up to my chin as if seeking solace in its warmth.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted the quiet solitude, and I knew it was Gracia with my lunch.

"Come in," I called out, my voice muffled by the covers that shielded me from the outside world.

"I brought your food, Lu-Cassie," Gracia said softly, her concern palpable in her tone, though I couldn't quite discern its source.

"Keep it on the table in the corner of the room," I replied from beneath the duvet, my words muffled but resolute.

"Okay, but be sure to eat it before it gets cold," she urged gently, her footsteps soft as she moved to comply with my request.

As Gracia set the tray down, I caught a glimpse of her troubled expression. It seemed she wanted to say more, to offer comfort or advice, but hesitated, unsure of how to breach the walls of formality that surrounded us.

"Thank you," I murmured again, this time more sincerely, as I heard her footsteps retreat from the room.

I heard the door softly click shut behind Gracia, signaling her departure. The tray of food sat untouched on the corner table, its aroma wafting through the room without stirring my appetite. The weight of my impending marriage to Alessandro Leonardo De Luca bore down on me, filling me with a sense of dread and resignation. This wasn't how I had envisioned my life unfolding—not so abruptly, not with someone I barely knew.

I longed for time, desperately hoping the wedding wouldn't be rushed. A month or two, I thought, would give me a chance to come to terms with my new reality, to adjust, and to accept what seemed inevitable. Yet, even as I entertained thoughts of escape, I knew the repercussions would be devastating. My father, already burdened with the weight of financial ruin, would suffer the most. And those I cared about, Ms. Sofia, Mr Patterson and Mr Kelly would face uncertain futures if I abandoned my duty.

Tears welled up in my eyes, betraying the turmoil within me. If only the company hadn't faced bankruptcy, none of this would have happened. The pressure to save it had led us down this path, a path I wasn't sure I could navigate with any semblance of happiness or fulfillment.

A knock on the door startled me out of my reverie. Hastily, I wiped away the tear stains on my cheeks, trying to compose myself before responding.

"Cassie, are you there?" Ms. Sofia's voice, warm and comforting, called through the door.

"Yes," I muttered, my voice cracking slightly with emotion.

She entered the room quietly and enveloped me in a reassuring hug. Her presence alone was a balm to my frayed nerves, and I found solace in the embrace of someone who cared deeply for me.

"Everything is going to be alright. Do not cry," she whispered softly, her words a gentle reassurance that brought forth more tears I couldn't contain.

I sobbed quietly against her shoulder, the weight of my uncertainty pouring out with each tear. Ms. Sofia held me close, murmuring words of comfort and understanding. Her touch grounded me, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this turmoil.

"It's okay to cry it all out," she murmured soothingly, her hand rubbing circles on my back in a comforting rhythm. "I know it's hard to take it all in, and I am so proud of you for agreeing to the marriage."

I nodded silently, unable to find words amidst the storm of emotions raging inside me.

"I think you should get a little bit of sleep," Ms. Sofia suggested gently, pulling back slightly to look into my tear-streaked face. "I'll take the food away. When you're ready, you can call me on the phone by your nightstand."

I managed a faint smile of gratitude, touched by her thoughtfulness and care.

"How did you know that I wasn't okay?" I asked finally, my voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Ms. Sofia smiled gently, brushing a stray hair from my face. "Mothers have a way of sensing these things," she replied softly. "And I'm here for you, Cassie, every step of the way."

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty. As she left the room, I lay back on the bed, feeling emotionally drained yet strangely comforted. Sleep beckoned, a temporary respite from the tumultuous reality awaiting me beyond the confines of my room.

I woke to the soft melody of birdsong filtering through the dimly lit room. For a moment, the gentle chirping brought a sense of calm amidst the storm swirling inside me. The heaviness of the previous day settled upon me anew as I blinked away the remnants of sleep.

The room felt unusually quiet and somber, the day slipping into evening without my notice. My stomach growled insistently, reminding me of its emptiness. Hunger gnawed at me, a physical reminder of my need to attend to basic needs despite the emotional turmoil.

Cautiously, I left the bed and crossed to the bathroom. The mirror reflected back a tired face with swollen eyes, evidence of the tears shed in the solitude of the night. I hesitated, hoping the puffiness would dissipate before I faced anyone downstairs. The last thing I wanted was for my father to see the toll his decisions had taken on me.

Gathering my resolve, I splashed cold water on my face, the shock of it helping to clear my thoughts. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever the day would bring. Composure was my shield now, a facade to protect those around me from the uncertainty within.

Descending the stairs outside my room, I found Mrs. Sofia waiting in the kitchen, her presence a comforting sight amidst the unfamiliar quiet of the house.

"Finally, you're awake," she greeted me warmly, concern etched into the lines of her face as she peered at me over the rims of her glasses.

"I'm fine," I replied, managing a faint smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Just hungry."

"Alright, sit down and let me serve you," she instructed gently, her motherly instincts guiding her actions. She moved to the microwave, retrieving the plate of food she had prepared for me.

"I came to check up on you earlier, but you were still asleep," she remarked softly as she placed the plate in front of me, the aroma of warm food momentarily distracting me from my worries.

"Is Dad back?" I asked, my concern for him a constant undercurrent in my thoughts.

"No," she murmured, her gaze drifting momentarily as if contemplating whether to say more.

"Okay. Please don't tell Dad I was crying," I pleaded quietly, my eyes locking with hers.

"I won't, dear," she assured me, her hand coming to rest gently on my back in a reassuring gesture.

"Where is everyone?" I inquired, noticing the absence of the usual household staff and the eerie silence that enveloped the usually bustling kitchen.

"I gave them the rest of the day off," Mrs. Sofia explained, her voice softening the stark reality of my isolated surroundings.

"You can go to bed too if you want," I suggested, concern for her well-being mingling with my own sense of solitude.

"I'll wait for you," she replied with a warm smile, her dedication unwavering.

The quietude of the moment prompted a question that had lingered in the back of my mind since the arrival of the increased security.

"Why are there so many guards in the house, Mrs. Sofia?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension. I sensed her slight hesitation, a subtle shift that didn't escape my notice.

"You know your dad is a billionaire, and with that comes certain precautions, especially given recent events," she replied carefully, her gaze avoiding mine.

"Okay," I murmured, though her answer didn't entirely assuage the unease stirring within me. My father had always been wealthy, but the sudden need for heightened security felt excessive, even ominous. Yet, I pushed aside my doubts, choosing to accept her explanation rather than delve deeper into uncertainties I wasn't prepared to confront.

As I ate, the food warmed me both physically and emotionally, providing a fleeting comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Mrs. Sofia remained nearby, a silent presence that offered solace in her unwavering support.

I hesitated for a moment before answering Hailey's call. It was late, and I wasn't sure what she could possibly want at this hour, especially after an emotionally exhausting day. With a deep breath, I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear.

"Hey, Hailey," I greeted her, trying to sound composed despite the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind.

"Cassie! Oh my gosh, I've been trying to reach you! Are you okay?" Hailey's voice sounded urgent, laced with concern.

"I'm sorry if I worried you," I apologized softly, feeling guilty for causing my friends distress.

"No, no, it's not that," Hailey reassured me quickly. "We just wanted to check on you after everything that happened today. Are you sure you're okay with all of this?"

I paused, unsure of how to respond. "I... I don't know," I admitted finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"We're here for you, Cassie. Whatever you need, we're just a call away," Hailey assured me sincerely, her words a lifeline in the uncertainty that surrounded me.

"Thank you, Hailey," I said, genuinely touched by her support.

"Of course! And listen, we're serious about being your bridesmaids. Michelle and I talked about it, and we want to help you through this," Hailey added, her voice warming with determination.

A lump formed in my throat at their unwavering loyalty. "Thank you," I repeated, my voice catching slightly with emotion.

"Alright, get some rest. We'll talk more soon," Hailey said, her tone softening with concern.

"Yeah, I will," I agreed, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over me.

"Goodnight, Cassie," Hailey said warmly.

"Goodnight, Hailey," I replied, ending the call and setting my phone aside. The room felt quiet again, the weight of the day settling upon me once more.

I changed into comfortable pajamas and crawled under the covers, the softness of the sheets offering a small comfort amidst the turmoil in my mind. Thoughts of Alessandro Leonardo De Luca lingered in the background, his presence looming large over my uncertain future.

Closing my eyes, I tried to find solace in the darkness of sleep, hoping that tomorrow would bring clarity and perhaps even a semblance of peace amidst the storm. The events of the day replayed in my mind like scenes from a movie, each moment etched with emotion and uncertainty.