Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Annalisa

Cristiano must have prepared for this moment as he handed me a pen without hesitation. My fingers trembled slightly as his cold gray eyes on me made me feel uncomfortable. I was scared, I admit. Once I sign on the space meant for me on the document, my mind, body and soul would be his. Did I really want that?

I guessed Cristiano must have sensed my doubt because he leaned back in his seat, although his eyes never left mine, they only softened a little. “You’re about to make a big decision, Lisa. It’s alright to think it over. But know that, if you reject my offer, I’m never coming back for you.”

His voice was so calm, almost too calm that it scared me. I didn’t even know this man I was about to give my life control to. Yes, I knew he was feared by many and respected by all, but was this really worth it? What was the worst that could happen if I said no? I still had little money in my account that could get me an apartment, and keep me up for at least a month until I could find a proper job. Wasn't that better than giving my life to a dangerous man just for the luxury he could afford? Was it really worth it at all? His offer sounded like the only way out of the mess my life had become, but would I be able to forgive myself if I was making a wrong decision? 

My mind raced with a lot of questions, each one I wanted answers to. Cristiano didn't break our eye contact at all. He waited patiently yet commanding, until he finally raised his wrist and glanced at his watch.

“You have five minutes to decide,” he said as if the decision I was about to make was as simple as choosing between tea or coffee.

“Five minutes?” I repeated, my voice coming out shaky.

“I’m a busy person,” he said, shrugging slightly. “I don’t have all day.”

My heart thudded in my chest as he met my eyes again. A part of me wanted to get out and walk away from the car, to leave this cold man behind and never look back. But another part of me—the part that was desperate, broken, and betrayed by everyone I once trusted—told me to stay. It'll be worth it, My mind whispered. My father had turned his back on me, my so-called sister had ruined me and Giovanni… I couldn't even think about him without feeling sick. Cristiano was the only one that cared, he was the only one willing to fight for me, even if it was in his own twisted way. Hell yes, it would be worth it. 

“It’s Anna,” I finally whispered as I scribbled my signature at the bottom of the contract.

Cristiano raised an eyebrow at my statement. “I beg your pardon?”

I cleared my throat, feeling a strange need to explain myself. “Anna, for short. That’s what everyone calls me.”

Cristiano's lips curled up into a smirk as he took the papers from me and scanned it quickly before setting it aside. “I’m not everyone, babygirl.” 

My breath hitched in my throat at his sudden use of endearment. Babygirl? That was not what I expected. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling my cheeks heat up as I scrambled within myself for something to say, something that would make this moment feel less… intimate.

“Lisa is fine, then.” I muttered, trying to brush off the moment.

Cristiano’s eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned forward. “Very well,” It felt like his gaze was boring holes into me. “Anna makes you sound weak. And I don’t want a weak woman by my side.”

His words hit me like a slap. Weak? Is that how he saw me? After everything I had been through, was I really that fragile? I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Instead, I just nodded, avoiding his gaze.

“Y-you can call me Lisa then,” I stammered, lowering my gaze to avoid his intense stare.

Cristiano didn't say anything more, he simply pursed his lips before turning his attention to the window. “You can move now,” he said, and it was that moment I realized that we weren’t alone in the car. A driver had been behind the wheel the entire time. Goodness, I barely heard him breathe. The engine was started to life, and the car slowly pulled away from the dark parking lot.

The silence between us during the drive was so suffocating that I felt so uneasy. My body was tense, and I felt very uncomfortable beside him. I wasn't even sure if I was breathing properly anymore. Everything just felt so overwhelming, especially the fact that I was now Mrs. Morano. Wait! I was really Mrs. Morano! Why was it so surprising as though I never saw it coming? Maybe because I actually didn't see it coming. I was now the partner of the famous Mafia lord and I had this dark feeling that he would ask a huge thing in return one day.

“So—” I wanted to initiate a conversation, but Cristiano cut me off before I could say anything more.

“We don’t have to chat.”

I bit my lip, feeling frustrated at his coldness. “But I need to know where we’re going.”

“To make our marriage legal,” he replied bluntly without even glancing at me.

“I don’t have the necessary papers we need for the ceremony—”

“They’ve been prepared for you,” he interrupted, glancing at his watch as if this entire situation was just another business deal for him.

“How?” I asked, unable to flow with the speed at which everything was happening.

His lips curled into a cold smile. “I’m Cristiano Morano.” he said simply, as if that explained everything.

I found it hard to swallow as I gathered my thoughts. This man… this man should be feared. Cristiano was dangerous, more dangerous than I had realized. The contract marriage was mostly for my benefit. Having a powerful man like Cristiano backing her would give her security, protection. But him… Why would he settle for someone like me? What was his gain from this? Was it because I used to be Giovanni’s fiancée? Had this been part of his plan from the beginning? Had he worked with my sister to ruin my life?

I had to know the truth, even if it shattered whatever hope I had left. Before I could stop myself, the question slipped out. “Did you… Did you connive with my sister to rape me?”