CHAPTER 7

BELLA MARINO

I wasn't expecting to have my bedroom. I was afraid that Enzo would force me to consummate the marriage on the first night, but I was relieved and confused at the same time. Did he not find me attractive or worthy enough to be his wife, or did he have any other girlfriend or love in his life whom he wanted to marry, and I turned out to be a third-wheeler in their relationship?

Ahhh!! A cold sigh escaped from my mouth.

I'm thinking too much. Let's take it slow and steady. Mom and Dad never knew each other, but they turned out to be the hottest couple in town. And their love never died. 

Let's give this relationship your best try, Bella!!

I reassured myself. 

Do I want to fall in love with Enzo all over again?

Another question!?

His grey eyes made my heart skip a beat, and the way he towered over me, his strong scent went all the way to my brain. I guess if we get to know each other more we'll eventually fall in love.

Love??

Another question??

I should just unpack and settle my luggage. As I unpacked the suitcase, I glanced over my reflection in the mirror and was convinced by my statement that Enzo wasn't attracted to me. I wore the most casual clothes but I was too tired to wear something fancy. 

Funny!? Fancy!?

Do I have something fancy!?

I quickly rubbed off all the thoughts from my mind and settled a few clothes that I had in the walk-in closet.

My fingers ran over the last soft and ivory flower sundress that belonged to my mother. I swear I can still smell her through this dress. Her lily scent watered my eyes, and I sat down, holding the dress and wondering how my life would be if I had her in my life. 

It's my only favourite thing that I own. I could never imagine losing it.

Perhaps, I should ask Fabio to take me thrift shopping to look more worthy of being Mrs. Enzo. I do have some dollars saved up, but not a lot. 

Wait!?

Money!?

How does Enzo make his money?

Is he in arms dealing or human trafficking?!

The mere thought of this makes a shiver run down my spine. I pray and hope not the latter, but I have no idea.

I walked out of the closet and glanced through the window to take the whereabouts of the home.

Home!?

Will it ever feel like one!?

I should head out to catch some fresh air before this mind of mine makes it harder to focus on anything. 

Fabio joins me in the garden followed by Luca who offers us to take a tour of the mansion. We pass by several rooms and try to memorize all the rooms which include a gym, a library, an enormous dining hall, two formal living rooms, a huge kitchen and much more. Lastly, passing by Enzo's office, Luca passed ahead without informing us so definitely it's out of limits. 

Moving through the corridors we head to the backyard and then we stop at the….

The swimming pool.

My insides started to turn. Sweat beads started appearing on my face not due to the scorching heat but due to my fear of being near any water body.

Panic and anxiety start to settle in. I feel it is too heavy to breathe. All of a sudden the world is devoid of oxygen.

“ You're welcome to swim anytime,” Luca offers.

“No,” I shake my head vehemently.

I stepped back but landed on a firm hard chest.

“Why isn't the pool big enough for you, little princess?,” Enzo mocked.

A cold shiver runs down my spine as he starts to take his steps forward.

“ Can't swim, little princess?!, another question with a hidden hint of mock.

His footsteps were making me move backwards.

“ I can always throw you in and find out,” Enzo smirked.

We were at the edge of the pool. No one was speaking up for me. Fabio, save me, please. My voice was lost. My breaths became heavy and a little push made me lose my balance and this was it for me.

Everything was revolving around me. Why haven't I hit the water yet?

Am I dead?

Am I drowning?

Scenes start to replay on the screen. Mom is drowning and I'm trying to pull her out from the water and almost drowned in the process.

Mom!?

Mom, please save me!?

Mom!?

And everything went blank.

The sounds, the brain and the fear of water all disappeared.

My body went numb and I fell in the arms of someone who was announced to be my husband a few hours ago who swore to protect me and support me.

But the lesson is learnt.

We're like parallel lines that'll never meet.

I shouldn't expect anything from this marriage. Love or Hatred.

None.