Chapter Three

ISABELLA POV

 

I quickly leave the penthouse and head back home, my mind racing with the thoughts of the proposal. The entire road home is a blur as I think through every detail of the deal.

 

His money, his rules, the consequences of marrying a man I barely know especially with such a fear-induced reputation.

 

What would our marriage be like? I shake my head, “At least he doesn’t plan to be a serial cheater” I mumble

 

“Goodnight, ma’am,” the driver says as I exit the car.

 

“Goodnight Rupert” I reply to him, my eyes coloring with my brother who is pacing the foyer.

 

“Where is everyone?” He asks frowning, “Nobody was home when I got back, it’s been hours” he sighs coming to my side immediately.

 

I sigh, not wanting to divulge the full details of what is happening as he is too young to get involved.

 

“Dad is in the hospital. He had a small accident, he is fine, though, he will be discharged in a few days” I sum up my day, my face filled with tiredness.

 

Matteo's expression changes from worried to relieved, but a look of concern crosses his face, “Will you take me to see him tomorrow?” He raises a brow at me.

 

I nod, trying to reassure him, “I will take you to see him tomorrow” I look around the house, and then I remember I haven’t eaten since brunch, “And dinner?” I turn to him

 

“The cooks are already in their quarters for the night but I can call one of them if you like?” He turns to me worried.

 

I wave him off, “No, Dear, I will figure something out for myself.”

 

I quickly head to my room, having a quick shower and changing into my nightgown I head down to the kitchen determined to come up with a plan to save the company.

 

I pull out my laptop, arranging a mini dinner, as I work on a plan.

 

As the night settles I can’t help but think about Dominic DeLuca’s proposal, why did he decide he would marry me? Would I be just some trophy wife? Someone to show to the public? Or someone he could easily control due to the fact that my family owed him and I was a debt repaid?

 

A few more hours into the night my phone dings on the table.

 

I yawn turning my eyes to the screen with a frow; 2 am. Who would be texting me at this time?

 

My eyes reads over the message, and they widen in surprise.

 

“Diamonds? Emeralds? Or maybe Rubies?”

The message reads, followed by three photos on my screen with the most gorgeous set of engagement rings situated in their navy blue ring boxes, long neat fingers wrapped around each individual box, and just above, a leather watch wrapped around a wrist.

 

I felt a shiver down my spine, “Dominic DeLuca” I mumble into the silence.

 

“Do you go around sending messages to women at 2 am in the morning?” I send the message

 

“I haven’t even agreed to your proposal yet” I shake my head with a sigh sending the next one

 

As soon as I send my responses, I immediately regret it, it would have been better to ignore him.

 

“I guess you will have all three then.” He sends back

 

“Goodnight, Mrs DeLuca.” He replies sending a final text

 

I sigh heavily, thinking about his proposal again, my eyes move to the Ruby ring, the intricate rose design with a gold band and floral designs around it.

 

I feel a pant in my chest, I can’t help but feel sad. I always imagined I would marry a man I love, someone who genuinely cared for me.

 

But looking at our debts all night, reinforced my thoughts, I had to marry this stranger, just to save my company and family.

 

 

I look up at the time Lahaina, realizing it’s late, “Time to go to bed then” I mumble with a sigh, picking up my things and settling in for the night.

 

The next morning I get dressed quickly, anxiety running through my veins, I know I have to succumb to his request and marry him.

 

Even though he was such an egoistic, prideful, and annoying piece of work. I have to do it.

 

I slipped into the car when my phone rings, Bianca, my best friend calling.

 

“Hey hey hey.. how is our CFO doing this fresh morning?” She says into the phone, her voice cheerful.

 

“Good morning Bianca” I reply trying to sound normal.

 

We have a back-and-forth conversation and we make plans to meet up later tonight at our favorite restaurant. La Rouge, I try and sound enthusiastic but on the inside, I feel horrible, I am actually going to marry Dominic, how do I explain this situation to her?

 

“Are you okay?” Matteo turns to me slightly in the car.

 

I nod, “Dad will be happy to see you today” I mumble turning back to the car window view.

 

We head to the hospital and we spend a few minutes with Dad, Matteo leaving the room when he realizes he will be late for his classes.

 

“Dominic told me you would be accepting his proposal?” He turns to me slightly as I help him with his water.

 

I hesitate, my heart roaring in my chest, but I nod as confirmation drawing a sad smile on his face.

 

“I will”

 

He nods, “Thank you my Bella, you need to also train Matteo, I am not getting any younger and I think it’s time to introduce him to the company,” he says with a thoughtful look on his face.

 

I nod listening to his plans, I can’t afford to fail my family, with fresh determination in my heart, I head to work, my assistant Dana crowding me with information immediately.

 

“Well let’s get to work then” I bend over my desk. is company”