Chapter- 4 Home

Gianna

“Yes, Daria…yes, I will be there. No, no change in schedule…yes, that will be all,” I watched Nico from beneath my lashes as he cut the call, his jaw tensed.

He seemed agitated and restless for some reason. I have been watching him shuffle between a million calls all through the way. Something was wrong. Earlier this morning, I heard his conversation with Caelian—“This is the third shipment that was destroyed. And your excuse is that you are looking into this?” I couldn’t understand any of it, but whatever it was, it didn’t sound good.

“Is everything okay?” I asked once he cut the call. We landed a few moments ago, Nico barely saying a word to me throughout the flight, other than asking me to eat something.

“Yes, just work,” he muttered, fidgeting with his cell phone. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

I pursed my lips, wanting to argue that whatever concerned him concerned me too. I was his wife now. But I didn’t want to enforce that part constantly just so he could open up to me. I had some self-respect still left.

"Mom wants us to have dinner together tonight. Would that be okay?" Nico asked after a pause.

"Of course," I replied, offering a small smile. "Why wouldn’t it be? We’re going to be living in the same house, after all. I’d love to."

"There have been times when Mom hasn’t seen me for months—even though we live under the same roof," he said flatly. "We don’t exactly do family dinners or have deep, heartfelt conversations every night." His tone was so indifferent and dismissive that I had to fight the urge to frown.

"That must get lonely for her," I pointed out, keeping my voice even. "Especially since you don’t have any siblings. She doesn’t have anyone to talk to."

Nico stiffened at that, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.

"She’s adjusted to it," he said curtly. "I have far too many responsibilities to sit around chatting over dinner, Gianna."

"My brothers have their own share of responsibilities too," I countered calmly. "But we made it a rule to gather for dinner every night. It’s something we all looked forward to—fun, fulfilling, and a way to stay connected. It’s about priorities, Nico." His eyes darkened as he fixed me with a sharp look. I probably crossed the imaginary line.

"Your life and mine are nothing alike, Gianna," he said, his voice dropping to an icy calm. "I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to shape me or my world into yours. Things are different now. You’re no longer an Ammassari—you’re a Baldocchi. And that’s an entirely different world."

What?

“I will always be an Ammassari…” I wanted to say, but his voice was so cold and devoid of emotions, making me instinctively shrink away.

What was his deal? Why was he always like this? Realizing it was pointless to argue—especially when Nico barely spoke to me unless he had to—I said nothing, just turned away and stared out the car window. I kept my eyes ahead until the massive iron gates of the Baldocchi mansion appeared. Sprawling across acres of land, it was one of the most expensive properties in Italy. I honestly loved its old-world Mediterranean charm.

The gates opened, and our car drove through the never-ending driveaway lined by palm trees. Guards were posted at almost every possible nook I could spot. We halted at the driveway in front of the grand entrance with steps that led to the ornate double doors.

Right beneath the charming arched porch, stood a small army of people led by Nico’s mom, Vittoria Baldocchi. Nico climbed out first and then opened the door for me. And I was almost tempted not to take his outstretched hand when he offered.

“Gianna! Nico,” Vittoria exclaimed, rushing over to hug both Nico and me.

“Mom,” Nico muttered, cold as ever as he gave her a peck on the cheek.

"That's the best you can do?" Vittoria teased, rolling her eyes playfully before turning to me, her face lighting up with joy. Vittoria Baldocchi was the epitome of elegance and beauty, a woman who radiated charm and warmth. She was very sweet, and we have gotten along pretty well so far.

“Mrs. Baldocchi,” I smiled when she wrapped me in a tight hug. “So happy to see you again.”

“Oh, darling girl, so am I,” she grinned widely. “Welcome home.”

Welcome home…this was my home now. 

“Thank you,” I said, relieved that at least Vittoria didn’t resent me and I had someone here to talk to. Something told me Nico was going to be barely present.

“Introductions are in order for the lady of the house,” Vittoria smiled. “And please call me Vittoria. Mrs. Baldocchi is too formal. Come, let’s meet our staff. They will be at your beck and call from now on. Whatever you say goes.”

I glanced at Nico briefly as his mother dragged me over to meet the staff. He was watching us in silence, his face blank. But there was something about the way he looked at me. Like he was trying to figure something out. It was a bit unnerving.

“This is your and Nico’s wing,” Vittoria said, opening the ornate black double door once I was done greeting the small army of staff. 

“I had it renovated recently. I hope you like it. That side is the West Wing, that’s where I stay. The staff quarters are behind that. Armory beside the East Wing, and there’s the pool and the pool house over there.”

“Mama, Gianna is going to stay here a long time. You can show her around later,” Nico said. “She should rest, and I am leaving for work. We will see you this evening for dinner.” Vittoria made a face and then gave me a remorseful look.

“I will be waiting for you two tonight,” she smiled, nevertheless, and giving me a peck on the cheek, she left. I felt bad for her as I watched her walk away towards the main building.

“I will show you around and then you can rest until dinner,” Nico said.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said. “Her only son just got married. She has every right to be excited.”

"Do you really want to tour the entire mansion right now?" he asked, his tone edged with impatience. "If you leave it to my mom, it'll take at least half an hour. Aren’t you tired?"

"I am," I admitted, "But I could spare half an hour if it makes her happy."

"Well, I can’t," he shot back, glancing at his watch disapprovingly. "I have a meeting in twenty minutes. So, let’s skip the debate, and I’ll give you a quick tour of our wing. After that, you can settle in."

It really took a lot of patience not to snap at him for this selfish, arrogant behavior. But the first day after my wedding, I didn’t want to spend it fighting with him. Last night was plenty. So I just gave him a glum nod.

Nico led me through the grand entrance of the private wing. The space was stunning: an open foyer with polished marble floors gleaming under the chandeliers' warm glow. Archways framed the area, and lush greenery was strategically placed, giving the space a welcoming elegance.

“This is our private wing,” Nico muttered. “It has everything you’ll need. There’s a gym, a sauna with a Jacuzzi, three guest bedrooms, a home theater, and a library.” He listed the features like he was reciting facts at a board meeting.

I nodded, though it meant nothing to me. I could’ve been just as content in a small apartment—if our life together had any real meaning. All the luxury in the world couldn’t replace the one thing I truly wanted: him. And that was the one thing I didn’t have. We weren’t building a life together—we were just existing under the same roof.

I inwardly sighed as he led me through the sweeping staircase to the upper level and down a long corridor, its walls adorned by beautiful nature-inspired paintings. Nico paused before a set of double doors, and I could feel his hesitation as he punched in the passcodes.

“This is my bedroom,” he murmured, but then his brows furrowed, and his jaw tightened as he corrected “…our bedroom.” I blinked, stepping inside.

“I had this renovated,” Nico said, breaking the silence. “I hope it fits your taste. All your belongings have been arranged in the walk-in already.”

“It’s more than perfect. Thank you,” I said, turning to him.

Something flickered in his eyes but it disappeared too quickly for me to be sure. Nico inclined his head slightly before stepping aside to let me have a better look. I was now bound to share his bed, his bathroom, and his closet, yet not his heart. The thought clenched around my chest, and I forced myself to breathe, to stay calm. 

How was this marriage going to work out?

“I think I can settle in now. You can leave,” I said when Nico was finally done showing me around. “You are probably getting late.” He looked at me for a moment, his gaze holding mine a bit longer than I expected.

“There’s something else I want to show you,” he finally said.

“What is it?” I frowned; my curiosity piqued.

He didn’t respond right away. Instead, he extended his hand towards me. I hesitantly placed my hand in his. His grip was warm and steady, and I let him guide me down another hallway to a set of closed double doors. Nico halted in front of them, his hand still holding mine.

“What is it?” I asked.

“It’s a surprise,” Nico murmured. For the first time, he seemed to be a bit flustered for some reason. “A wedding gift. From me.” My eyes widened at that. Wedding gift? For me? Nico thought of that?

Before I could respond, he pushed the doors open and gestured for me to step inside first. I bit my lip and walked through the double doors, and the moment I did…I halted, my eyes widening.

It was a study. A beautiful study done in white and gold with ornate French windows that looked out at the estate. It looked so cozy. If I had to design a study for myself, it would look exactly like this.

“This is for me?” I asked, turning to face him. Nico slowly nodded.

“You have more than enough expensive dresses and jewelry at your disposal. I wanted to gift you something that would actually be useful to you, something more tangible. A space that's really yours. I know you are thinking of starting your own thing. Great ideas need the right environment to flourish. I wanted to give you that, so this is it. If you don’t like anything, I—”

“It’s perfect,” I said, cutting him off, and before I could stop myself or comprehend what I was doing, I wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you. This is so thoughtful of you…”

“I am glad you liked it. I am not good with gifts…I don’t know much,” he murmured. I gently moved away from him and smiled. And I had no idea where the fuck I was getting this courage from, but slowly, I closed the distance between us and raised my hand to cradle his handsome face.

“I don’t know what happened with the woman you love, but…” I took another step closer, our bodies almost pressed together. “If she let you go, then she was stupid. Because I do believe she lost something really precious…” Nico blinked at me, all sorts of emotions flitting through his dark orbs. I could feel my breath accelerating as he held my gaze, the intensity of it sending tingles down my skin.

“I don’t understand what you see in me,” he said, voice husky but thick with unnamed emotions. “I am not what you think of me, Gianna. I am a—” His voice faltered, as though the word was caught in his throat. His jaw clenched, and something unreadable flickered in his dark eyes—pain, resistance, something deeper than self-loathing.

“If only you could see yourself through my eyes, you wouldn’t say that,” I coerced, and I noticed how his eyes darkened, uncertainty brimming in them. He didn't believe me. Why did he perceive himself in such a negative light? Because I truly believed in my heart that he was a good man.

“I will destroy you if you allow me to get closer, Gianna,” warning rang loud and clear in his words. His breath fanned against my lips, and for a second, he looked as if he might step back. His fingers twitched at his sides like he was fighting himself, hesitating.

And maybe it was that desperation or just my feelings getting the better of me, but slowly, I stood on my tippy toes and pressed my lips to his. I kissed him softly once and then met his surprised gaze, which brimmed with desire. And I knew I was making a bloody big mistake when I added...

“Destroy me then…”