Chapter 8

Adeline's POV

I found my way back to the dining area with the sole intention of telling my father exactly what Alejandro did and calling off this sham of a marriage.

I got there just in time to hear Alejandro telling them how he took me around and how I insisted I wanted to see the pool. He was creating the impression that I slipped "accidentally" and that he saved me.

I looked to my father's face and hope he wasn't believing this nonsense, but my father had a look of awe on his face.

I cleared my throat and tried to speak and then Alejandro turned to face me suddenly and searched my face with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

" I see you've been getting along well with your fiance" my father said.

Getting along my foot, this dimwit pushed me into the damn pool.

I opened my mouth to tell them what their perfect Alejandro did, but he took two long strides towards me pulled me closer to him.

" Yes, we got to know each other very well" he said with a smirk.

I flinched and tried to get out of his grip but he gripped my waist firmly.

"Don't you dare move" he said in a soft whisper in my ears.

His voice shouldn't have this effect on me, but it does and I'm pissed about it.

" Awwwn look at you lovebirds flirting right before us" , my stepmother said.

I rolled my eyes internally and prayed for this night to be over already.

"Now to the matter at hand" Mr Russo, Alejandro's father said.

"We have decided that your engagement party will be held at the pearl manor, a week from now.

There's no time to waste, due to the errm nature of the situation. Alejandro will also have to propose properly, in front of everyone, for media coverage of course."

I struggled to process what he just said, how did I go from trying to be rebellious to getting engaged to the very person I was rebelling against?

And in less than a week?

I suddenly felt very dizzy.

"Lest I forget, there's also something else. " my father said.

Something else ???? what could possibly be worse than a rushed engagement.

" Since you two decided to break the rules, we'll have to have a proper apology visit to the families of the two girls that were affected by your errm youthful exorberence.

The visit has to be within this week, before your engagement party, to show that we're truly sorry about how things turned out and to avoid any wars within the Cosa Nostra."

Just great, so not only do I have to get married to this idiot, I also have to parade myself before two powerful families in Shame.

I quickly glanced at Alejandro but he just had an expressionless face.

"Is that understood ?" Alejandro's father asked glaring at him.

"Yes" he responded.

"Well if that's all, I guess we may take our leave now, thank you for hosting us."

My father and Alejandro's father proceed to shake hands and pat each other.

I rolled my eyes as I watch my stepmother try to air kiss Alejandro's mom.

I stifled my laughter as I saw the uncomfortable expression she was trying to hide, yeah my stepmom had that off vibe to her.

Everyone exchanged hugs and handshakes and I just stood against the wall awkwardly.

Then they paused , staring at me like they were expecting something. I saw Alejandro walking towards me, then I realized they expected us to show some form of affection.

I gagged internally as he approached me, he stopped shortly before me, held my hands and then pulled me in for a hug.

He wrapped his hands around me and I inhaled sharply as his scent enveloped me. He smelled like citrus, wet wood and a bit of mint. His scent was so good, I had this urge to lay in his arms and not move.

It felts like we stood there for hours, however the sound of someone clearing their throat brought me back to reality.

He untangled his hands and then walked off like nothing happened. I was flustered, but this was just a hug, a really nice hug though.

It's not my fault though, you can't blame me , he's just so attractive and oh God-snap out of it Adeline.

I followed my father out of their home, while hoping that nobody will notice how red I am.

I was lost in my thoughts all through the ride back home and I couldn't for the life of me pinpoint what this fluttery feeling in my stomach was.

I sighed, as we got back home.

This is going to be a long ass week.