"I still can't believe the crap my parents pulled. Okay, I know our vineyard business was going bankrupt, and that the deal with Damian's family was the only way out… They offered money, and my parents accepted without thinking twice.But what about me? Where do I fit into this story?It feels like I was sold like an object, and honestly, that's exactly what happened.What a freaking mess."
I spent an entire hour lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about the conversation I had with my parents.
Today was the big day. After years, I would finally have to face Damian and talk to him about our "future marriage."
Never in my life did I think I'd be marrying someone like him — especially someone who doesn't even have a good reputation here in Florence.
— Get out of bed, Eloísa! — my mother knocked on the door. — Get dressed, we're leaving in 30 minutes.
I can't believe this.
I threw on the first thing I saw in my closet — which, of course, said more than words ever could. A black leather jacket. Underneath, a plain white crop top and a light cropped cardigan.
I finished the look with a black pleated skirt — short enough to make my mom roll her eyes, but long enough to let me feel like I was still in control. White knee-high socks, heavy black boots that echoed with every step — loud, unapologetic, exactly how I wanted my entrance to be.
I clipped my hair to one side with a simple barrette, let my piercings show, and pushed my sunglasses to the top of my head. A crossbody bag thrown casually over one shoulder.
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On the way to the restaurant where we had arranged the meeting, all I could think about was how my life had completely fallen apart.
The journalism degree I wanted so badly? Pretty much gone. I'd have to give it all up to become a "housewife."
When we got there, I saw Damian's family. They were all dressed to perfection — of course, they were Florence's elite.But he wasn't there.
Thank God.
— So glad you could make it, we've been waiting for you,— said the blonde woman with light eyes, standing to greet us with a polite smile.
—Thank you so much for accepting this meeting, Alessandra, — my mother replied in a neutral, friendly tone.
Damian's father also stood and greeted everyone.
—Damian's on his way, he just went to the restroom,— Alessandra said. — If you want, you can go wait for him or take a walk outside. That way, I can chat a bit with your parents.
I shot my mother a look full of silent rage, and she kicked my foot under the table in return, giving me a look that said everything.I sighed and got up, heading toward the restroom, clenching my fists so tightly that my nails left marks on my palms.
I waited nearly twenty minutes outside the men's restroom, enduring the looks — some judgmental, some flirtatious — from every guy who walked by.
—What the hell is this guy doing in there for so long?— I muttered under my breath.
Then, suddenly, the overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke hit me so hard I thought the restaurant was on fire.Before I could even process what was happening, the door to the restroom creaked open slowly…
And someone stepped out.
Tall. Way taller than me.
The smell of nicotine clung to his clothes, his skin, the air around him. His steps were slow, almost lazy. And when he finally looked up, everything inside me just… stopped.
It was Damian.