Chapter-6.1 Past (Part 2)

Gianna

“What are you so scared of?” I inquired. “I saw the fear in your eyes, Nico. If you don’t talk to me, how am I supposed to understand?”

“Gianna…please…”

“I want to know, Nico…” I pressed. “I want to know more. Why are you so afraid of opening up? Why do you loathe yourself so much? What is it? Who was she…who is the woman you love? Do you still see her?”

Nico’s eyes darkened dangerously and I could visibly see all his muscles, heck his entire body coiling up with tension. I could feel the tension rippling through those beautifully sculpted muscles like a damn snake.

“She is in the past…there is no reason to bring her up,” he hissed.

“Is she?” I demanded. “Tell me you don’t see her face when you try to get close to me then? Tell me that a part of you doesn't wish that it was her who took the vows with you and not me…”

“Gianna stop!” Nico growled, looking pissed. “Enough of this. You knew what you signed up for, didn’t you?”

“Right,” I whispered, biting my lips to stop the tears that threatened me. “I am sorry I keep forgetting like an idiot. But it won’t happen again. Now, if you will move, I would like to show myself out before I tread anymore on your boundaries.”

“Gianna…” he sighed, sounding frustrated.

“Please…” There was enough strength in my voice and I guess enough fire in my eyes to finally make him move away.

“Goodnight, Nico,” I murmured and without waiting for his response, I walked out.

Thankfully, I managed to find a bedroom in this maze of a place and as I shut the door closed, a little part of me hoped he would come looking for me. But of course, he didn’t. He couldn’t care any less. I climbed straight under the duvet, deciding to just go to sleep and save the pity party for tomorrow. Because like it or not, this was my life now.

Nico had already left by the time I woke up and dragged my ass back to our bedroom. But there was a text on my phone saying that he would be back before we had to leave for the party my brothers were throwing tonight. It was in celebration of Nico and my wedding but also the second anniversary of the peace treaty signed between the Baldocchi and Ammassari.

No apologies, no explanation. Just a plain, bland text. I clenched my jaw and decided not to respond back.

He can go to hell.

When I headed downstairs after taking a long, warm bath, my stomach rumbling with hunger. And I was surprised to be greeted with the delicious smell of espresso. I was even more surprised to find a middle-aged woman humming in the kitchen, looking more at home here than I did.

“Uh…hi…”I mumbled. The woman turned around and greeted me with a warm smile, as if she had known me for years. She was plump and sort of cute with gray-black hair tied in a bun and dancing hazel eyes.

“Oh, che bellezza!” she exclaimed. “Good morning, signora. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, thank you,” I nodded, still not sure who she was. “I don’t think we have been introduced.” She stirred something quickly and then turned to me again with an even brighter smile.

“Yes, we haven’t,” she said. “Sorry if I startled you. I am Mirella. I am your housekeeper. It’s my job to look after this place, clean, cook…whatever you need, just tell me. I went away to see my daughter and her husband for a few days, hence why you didn’t see me yesterday. I came back last night.”

“Ah, I see,” I smiled, already liking her and glad for some company. “I am Gianna…” I held out my hand for her and she shook it with both of hers.

“Of course, signora. I hope to serve you well,” she said. “Come, sit down. Let me serve you breakfast and then if you have the time we can discuss the rest.”

“The rest?” I raised a brow at her, perching onto one of the barstools.

“Yes,” she nodded, placing a cup of steaming espresso, and a spread consisting of a cornetto filled with jam, yogurt and fresh fruits. It was absolutely what I usually preferred for breakfast.

“The dinner plan…like what would you prefer? If you’re allergic to anything, the weekly menu, and things like that. The flower arrangements…basically how you would like to run this household.” I blinked, taking a moment to respond as I chewed down all that I had stuffed into my mouth.

“Run the household?” I gulped. “Me?”

“Of course,” she smiled. “With signore, everything was just kind of haywire. He barely was ever home and he really couldn’t bother with food. I think he would go hungry or live on protein bars if I didn’t make sure to store food in the refrigerator with proper instructions.” she made a face, shaking her head in response.

“Really?” I frowned.

“Oh yes. I was so glad to hear that he was getting married. Someone finally there to really take care of him and this place. Signore is just floating through life, always busy, always on the phone or in the gym. But I hope now things will change,” she smiled with relief.

I wasn’t so sure about that but I kept that to myself. But I was glad for another perspective on Nicholas Baldocchi and his life. Nico was a husk of a man who was lost in his own skin. I saw so much self-loathing in him, so much fear. He hated himself, that was clear. And maybe that was one of the reasons why he wanted to keep himself at a distance from me.

But why? Why did he hate himself? Was it something to do with his upbringing, with the woman he loved, or something else? I wanted to figure it out and help him because he too deserved to be happy. But if he wasn’t willing to talk to me, how was I supposed to even begin?

After breakfast, I did sit down with Mirella to figure out the menu and all that household stuff. And I was so glad for assistance because what the fuck do I know? I barely knew how to make tea. But I was determined to learn.

Once done, I spent some time arranging my closet and my outfit for the party tonight and then realizing I was too unmotivated to do anything else, I decided to explore this place again. It was pretty expansive. I tired out pretty quickly, though, and decided to head back when something caught my attention. At the far end of the corridor on the second level, there was another set of double doors. How did I miss it last night? Did Nico tell me what was on the other side?

Curiosity at its peak, I tried the knob and realized it was locked. But this wasn't a password-protected door. This one needed a key. Why was it locked though? And why was this door almost hidden here? Frowning, I tried the knob again, gathering all the strength that I could muster to force it open.

“Doors like that usually require a key,” I blinked, the deep masculine voice seeming somewhat familiar and turned around to find Caelian standing behind me. When did he even come? What was with these men never making a sound?

“Thanks for the heads up,” I grimaced, not liking the expression on his face. He was trying hard not to laugh at my tomfoolery. “Caelian is it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded, finally letting out that smile. And I had to admit, it was cute. He was quite an attractive guy with kind caramel eyes, a strong, chiseled jawline and thick dark eyebrows. His skin had a sun-kissed glow, emphasizing his well-defined facial features. He had a strong, athletic overall build with broad shoulders.

“Just Gianna, please,” I muttered.

“Gianna, it is then,” he said, giving me a dramatic bow.

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with Nico at all times?” I asked. Caelian chuckled and shook his head.

“Not really. I am not his babysitter,” he grinned. “And he is picking Domani’s brain at the moment so I am free. In fact, I was sent to help you out.”

“Me out?”

“Yeah. There are some people Nico would like you to meet. He sent me to make the introductions. They are waiting downstairs. Mirella told me you were up here so I came looking for you.”

“And what people are they?” I inquired.

“You will see once you come downstairs,” He turned on his heels and motioned for me to follow. I sighed and nodded and was about to trail behind him when I realized the mystery to that door was still unsolved.

“Wait…” I said. Caelian halted and gave me a questioning look.

“Since you know doors like that need a key to be opened, do you happen to have the key to it?” I asked. “I would like to see what’s inside.” All the playfulness just disappeared from Caelian’s face in the blink, his eyes darkening as he averted his gaze.

“No, I don’t have the key,” he muttered.

“Well, then do you know where I can find it?”

“No. I don’t,” Caelian said. “And if you listen to me…just let it be. Some doors are better left unopened…Gianna.” I blinked as he turned around and then trotted downstairs.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?