Marie POV
"You've been ordered to get ready to attend a formal event with Mr. Mancini this evening." Eliza, holding a red evening dress announced, she placed the dress on the bed and left me to get dressed.
I sighed. Mancini hasn't talked or interacted with me much since the day of our wedding.
Our eyes occasionally meet each other whenever he comes to the estate but that's not often, he mostly leaves early in the morning and comes back late in the night.
Honestly, I don't mind this dynamic and I wished it continued and he didn't require me to leave the estate for these social events, but I don't have a choice in the matter.
I got dressed painstakingly taking my time but that was a bad idea because Mancini suddenly appeared behind me and zipped up the dress till the cut in the back.
I gasped in shock and quickly pulled away.
"This was taking up your time? Or did you want me to come look for you?" He smirked as his blue eyes roamed around my body, visually devouring me.
"No. I umm… I'm done." I responded.
"Tsk, it's a shame you've wasted our time precious time, otherwise I would have fucked you right now." He whispered in my ears, his breath leaving a tingling sensation behind.
"Who's there? Come do her makeup." A woman walked in after hearing Mancini's call.
"Make her look like a prize, something every man will envy."
"Of course, anything for you." The woman openly flirted with Mancini in front of me and he didn't stop or keep his distance but instead flirted back before leaving.
I guess all I am to him is a prize, a property. He doesn't even address or refer to me as a human being. What a cruel man, I need to find a way to leave this place quickly.
The make-up artist did her work and I have to admit, she's very good. I looked very stunning and when Mancini walked into the room, he stared at me blankly for a full minute before giving an approving nod.
The car ride to the hotel where the event is taking place was awkwardly silent and once we finally arrived at the place, I couldn't be more relieved.
The venue was in the biggest hall the hotel had and upon arriving, Mancini immediately began introducing me to everyone as his wife.
Everyone he introduced to me, I gave a small smile and a hand shake, I couldn't force myself to do more but I still listened in on their conversation. I need to know who's his ally, who's pretending and who he wishes to ally with, these informations are crucial and I could use it to my advantage later on.
It was clear with the way Mancini was talking about me, I was nothing but a prize he got. Everyone talked and laughed about how he was able to get me and I just had to listen. I refused to show any sign of weakness or discomfort, I'm sure that's what he wants. He wants to get a reason to yell at me or boost his ego in some sick way but I won't let him.
After a while, someone came to whisper to him and he excused himself from everyone, me included and I had to wait for him there, standing all alone with no one I know around.
I will admit, It's lonely. The room is filled with people but I can't talk freely with anyone.
"You're… Marie, right?" Some suddenly said from behind me.
I turned and saw Marcus standing behind me with two glasses of wine. He gave me a wide smile and handed one of the glasses to me, "What are you doing standing there like that?"
I took the wine out of politeness, I didn't really feel like drinking. He was from the main branch of our family and I needed to respect him.
"Want some advice? Try to get tipsy, you won't be able to go through this event without a little something in your system."
I sighed. I guess he was right.
I intended to take a sip but instead I just dumped down all the liquor all at once.
"Woah, take it easy." He chuckled. "Want another glass?" He asked and I nodded.
I've been frustrated with the way the maids treat me and how Mancini openly mocks me to everyone and I guess everything has been piling up.
Marcus and I had a light conversion while taking sips from our drinks before Mancini came back.
"Who is he and why did he leave when I came back?" Mancini asked, I could hear the condescending tone in his voice.
"He's from the main branch of my family." I answered, a bit dismissively. I was already tired and ready to retire for the day.
Mancini suddenly burst into a sinister laughter.
"Who gave you permission to have liquor?" He came closer and hugged me close before he growled in my ears. "Your family? You're no longer a Genovese! You're now mine!"
He pulled away then began informing everyone he was retiring for the night.
We walked back together to the car but after we were far from the hotel, Mancini suddenly ordered the car to stop.
"Get off now!" He yelled at me.
His eyes were bloodshot red, his hands clenched and his chest kept rising and falling.
The weather was cold at night and the material of my evening gown is light plus I have no jacket.
"Mancini, why…" I tried to reason with him but he suddenly came closer and opened the car door. He pushed me out, my sides hitting the hard highway road. He slammed the door before I could even stand up.
I quickly got up and tried to open the door, "Mancini, what are you doing? Why are you doing this?" I questioned.
"That's your punishment for trying to flirt, whore. You'll run back to the estate in front of the car and you better not think of running away otherwise, Lionel will run you over." He threatened but I'm not so sure if it's just a threat or a warning.
"Sir, don't you think this is too much? It's freezing outside plus Mr Marcus was the one who approached her." Lionel, surprisingly spoke up for me.
"Shut up, she's my wife and I know how to keep her in check." He responded, crushing all hopes I had.
Without a choice, I had to run back to the estate in front of the car while Mancini sat comfortably there. Sometimes the car will suddenly zoom closer and I'd have to run faster so I don't get hit till we reach the estate.
I rushed into my room and cried whilst shivering from the cold I caught.