Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Annalisa 

I arrived home after the audition, feeling like the weight of the whole world was on my shoulders. As I stepped inside, I expected to find the house as empty as I felt. But to my surprise, when I entered the living room, Cristiano was there. I froze in surprise, taken aback by how he was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed and eyes closed, looking as if he were meditating or as if he were in another world entirely. His sudden presence caught me off guard; I knew it was his house, but I had assumed he would be out clubbing again. That’s where he spent most of his nights lately, wasn’t it?

I stood at the entrance for a moment, debating whether to say something, or not. I chose not to, eventually. Our relationship had been so awkward these past few days, and I wouldn't want the words that come out from me as a result of my anger to ruin it further. Without acknowledging him, I turned and walked toward the stairs, hoping to have a good night's rest in my bedroom. But then his deep voice filled the room, stopping me in my tracks before I could step on the first flight of stairs.

“Are we not on talking terms?” He said in a cool voice that sent shivers down my spine.

I sighed, turning slightly to glance back at him. His eyes were still closed, as if this conversation was not really his concern. Typical Cristiano.

“I didn’t notice you,” I lied smoothly. “Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten used to not seeing you at home. I thought you would be out...again.”

His eyes opened then, those sharp, icy gray eyes locking with mine, making me instantly regret my choice of words. There was an intensity in his gaze that always made me feel small, like I was being judged, and my verdict would be the end of me. Cristiano stood up, moving toward me in slow, deliberate steps.

“You knew I was in a club last night?” His voice was soft but commanding.

I looked anywhere in the room but his eyes. “It’s no secret, everyone knows you were there.” I mumbled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, feeling very uncomfortable under his stare.

Cristiano let out a quiet sigh before responding. “Babygirl, I was there for business. My work requires meetings in places like that sometimes. It’s unavoidable, but I promise I won’t go back again unless it’s necessary. Hm?”

His large hand reached out, gently lifting my chin, so I had no choice but to look up at him. The height difference between us was always so much that looking up almost felt like a chore. And now, with him so close to me, it felt almost suffocating. His voice softened. “Look at me,” he demanded, and our eyes met.

“You don’t have to explain yourself,” I muttered, trying to push his hand away. He always had a way of making me feel like I was being unreasonable, even when I knew I had every right to be upset.

“Alright, fine,” he said, clearly deciding not to push the issue further. “How did your audition go?”

My heart skipped a beat at his question. How did he know about the audition? I never mentioned it to him, and we hadn’t spoken in days. My eyes shot up to meet his eyes again.

“The driver works for me, remember?” he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Did you get the role?”

That question was the last straw I could take. I felt the tears I had been holding in since the rejection well up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. I tried to blink them away, but it was no use. I shook my head slowly, biting my lower lip to stop it from trembling.

Cristiano’s expression softened as he reached out to cup my face. “Shh, don’t you cry, baby girl. Rejections are part of the process. It’s not the end of the world.” He said in such a soft voice, but I knew that. I had been rejected plenty of times before. But this time was different. It wasn’t just about the role. I wasn’t just crying for the lost opportunity. I was crying because I couldn’t stand up for myself because when I needed Cristiano the most, he wasn’t there.

“I’m not crying because of the audition,” I choked out, unable to hold back the flood of emotions any longer.

His eyes darkened, the same energy with the way his jaw was tightening as he spoke softly, “Were you bullied, Lisa?”

The tears fell harder at his question, and I could only nod, unable to form any words. Before I knew it, Cristiano pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. His warmth enveloped me, and despite everything, I found comfort in his embrace. I cried into his chest, my tears soaking through his shirt, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“It’s okay, babygirl,” he whispered soothingly. “You’re going to be fine. Do you remember their faces?”

His tone had changed, from soft and comforting to something much colder, almost dangerous. I pulled back slightly, looking up at him in alarm. “No, Cristiano, please don’t get involved,” I pleaded, my voice muffled against his chest. “If you do anything, they’ll only hate me more.”

He hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I hear you,” he said, although it didn't seem like he had accepted. His hand gently rubbed my back as he added, “But I’m going to have bodyguards follow you from now on. Today was a mistake on my end.”

I shook my head, pulling away from his embrace. “That’s not necessary. I’m not a celebrity, Cristiano.”

His gray eyes locked onto mine as he replied, “But you’re my wife.”

Those words… there was something about them, I couldn't explain. Yes, I was his wife. Something the red haired bully didn't have at this moment. This was my biggest flex. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to smile, but it was short. His hands moved from my back to my cheeks, caressing them softly, and before I knew it, his thumb was tracing the curve of my lips.

I didn’t know why, but suddenly, the space between us felt heated, like something we both wanted was about to happen. Cristiano’s face lowered, inching closer to mine as his breath mingled with mine. The tension between us was heavy, and I found myself leaning in close cuz I actually wanted it.

But then, just as his lips were about to meet mine, I pulled away. I had no idea why, but my head turned, and his kiss landed on my cheek instead. Why the hell did I do that?!