CHAPTER 1 - UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL

BIANCA'S POV

 

The sound of the plane engines quieted down as we landed in Rome. Luca, my son who is five years old, hardly glanced away from his dinosaur toy, unaware of the storm of feelings stirring within me.

It had been five years since I last set foot in Italy, five years since I left behind a failing marriage and a lifestyle that suppressed my inner self. I had returned, no longer the timid Bianca Matteo of the past, but as Bianca Rossi, the successful CEO of a growing global fashion business.

I had a smug expression on my face while I looked through the most recent Italian tabloid on my phone. On the front page, I saw the main reason why I came back - Matteo's wedding announcement. He was getting married to Toria, whom I was certain was a trophy wife.

"Mom, will we be visiting Dad?" Luca's question, innocent though it was, cut through my amusement.

I hesitated briefly, my smile fading momentarily. "Not quite right, dear. This event is specifically for adults.

Luca was happy to not ask more questions, choosing instead to immerse himself in his make-believe Jurassic Park with his toy T-Rex.

The journey from the airport was a whirlwind of familiar, yet unfamiliar, streets.

Despite everything appearing familiar, I still felt like an outsider in my territory.

 The urban area that once housed numerous aspirations now seemed like a section of a novel that I had already finished.

The location of the wedding was an opulent villa, situated among undulating hills with views of the Tuscan landscape.

Receiving invitations was unexpected, a unique specialty of Matteo.

Perhaps he desired to display his flawless life, to demonstrate to me the benefits he had obtained by releasing me.

Unbeknownst to him, all he had acquired was a younger wife and a superficial lifestyle.

I entered the grand hall with my head held high, disregarding the whispers and curious stares around me.

The shy, insecure woman Matteo once knew had disappeared. Years of establishing my business in Italy had changed me.

 I dressed in a bold red dress that exuded self-assurance and demanded to be noticed.

My hair, previously a dull brown color, was now flowing with flawlessly styled black curls. In my opinion, a determined glint of steeliness replaced the previous vulnerability.

Out of nowhere, a voice disrupted my confident stroll.

“Hello, hello, Bianca Rossi. You definitely know how to make a grand entrance,”

I faced Alessandro Moretti, known for being a brutal businessman and well-known playboy. He possessed all the qualities Matteo lacked - height, darkness, and a powerful presence that electrified the atmosphere. His eyes, dark and filled with amusement, scanned me, hinting at something more.

I greeted Alessandro with a cool tone, putting on a practiced expression of indifference.

"Are you shocked to see me here? After all, today is your ex-spouse's big day." A sly smirk formed on his face as he arched his brows.

"I'll just say my curiosity got the best of me," I responded, unwilling to reveal any further information.

Alessandro moved nearer, speaking in a hushed tone. Curiosity, or a hint of...envy?

I laughed scornfully, looking directly into his eyes. “Not either. I'm here to rejoice in Matteo's... joy," I said. The irony in the word weighed heavily in the atmosphere.

Alessandro's grin grew broader, showing a glimmer of his pearly white teeth. Fascinating. Maybe celebrating could incorporate something a bit more...intriguing."

A wave of gasps and murmurs spread through the room before I could even reply. The bride, a stunning sight in white lace and filled with anxiety, walked down the aisle with her father.

Matteo, dressed flawlessly and slightly more mature, walked closely behind. His gaze locked onto me from across the room, briefly widening before returning to his typical indifferent expression.

The event was a whirlwind of fake grins and hushed talks. During everything, Alessandro stayed with me, providing consistent witty comments and insightful observations. Being Matteo's ex, his presence acted as a protective barrier, warding off the prying looks and inquisitive inquiries.

At the start of the reception, Alessandro guided me to a private balcony with a stunning view. He gave me a glass of champagne, touching my fingers as he passed it to me.

Alessandro started by swirling the champagne in his glass, noting that I was too fascinating to waste my time on a man who was not worthy of me.

I tightened my lips.

"The past belongs in the past," I murmured.

"Is that truly the case?" He moved nearer, speaking in a hoarse whisper... "If so, I might have a proposition that can persuade you." He stated.

I opened my mouth to speak but then, noticed a sudden movement in the room out of the corner of my eye.

 “Matteo.”

He was facing away from me as he delivered a toast, but his posture and the position of his shoulders made it clear.

I suddenly held my breath, feeling a sudden unexpected surge of something passing through me. Anger? Remorse? Perhaps a mixture of both.

Next, he rotated. Meeting gazes in the busy room, time momentarily froze as our eyes connected. He briefly showed recognition before frowning deeply. He shifted his eyes downward and saw Luca standing next to me, deeply focused on demonstrating the mighty roar of his T-Rex toy.

Matteo's scowl intensified. His features were obscured by confusion. The aloof arrogance I recalled had disappeared, and in its place was a sincere bewilderment. He attempted to speak, but no sound emerged from his mouth.

A cruel sense of satisfaction twisted on my lips. The man who used to ignore me and see me as simply something nice to look at was now completely confused. Five years prior, I left that oppressive marriage feeling like a nobody. At that moment, I faced him as a new person, a woman with a thriving company and a son by my side - a son he was unaware of.

The silence lingered, filled with unanswered queries. I wasn't going to damage it. Allow him to wallow in his state of bewilderment. Allow him to ponder about my whereabouts, my actions, and the identity of the young boy next to me.

Alessandro, who had a slight sense of amusement in his eyes, moved nearer as he observed the conversation. "You mentioned that your ex-husband appears to have a mystery to figure out," he whispered, his voice a deep rumble.

I took a sip of champagne, the coolness a welcome relief against the sudden heat that had flared up on my skin.  "Let's just say," I replied, my voice deliberately cool, "that the past has a way of coming back to bite you."