chapter 3

ACROSS THE RED ROSE GARDEN

:THE RECKONING

I scoffed, as my eyes remained fixed on the blood. "And you couldn’t even have the decency to respect it. I mean what’s were you thinking killing on your wedding day?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Alessandro didn't answer. He simply unbuttoned the buttons of his collar, threw his jacket onto a nearby chair before turning his blue, unreadable gaze back to me.

“Let's get one thing straight, Arabella,” he said, closing the space between us, as his voice dropping into a cold, lethal baritone that left no argument. “You wear my name now, but do not mistake a ring for an invitation. You will stay in your lane. You will play the part of the doting, submissive bride when the family is watching. Other than that, you will stay out of my business, out of my way, and out of my sight. Do you understand me?”

His words were calm. Too calm. But the raw arrogance radiating off him made the panic in my chest instantly morph into a blinding, electric rage. Refusing to intimidated, I took a deliberate step forward, my chest nearly colliding with his broad torso.

“Stay in my lane?” My voice was sharp as I glared at his beautiful face. “Let me make it clear to you, Mr. Hawthorne. I never asked for this cage, and I certainly never asked for you. You can threaten me all you want, but do not ever expect me to bow my head and play the weak, submissive little housewife for your little entertainment.”

This time, I could feel my heartbeat pounding against my ribs, but I refused to let him see how much his presence unsettled me. “I am here because I had no choice, but you do not own me. So keep your rules, keep your cold warnings, and stay the hell away from me. Are we clear?”

A dangerous, predatory glint flared deep in his eyes, while his jaw clenched so hard, as he stared down at me in absolute, suffocating silence. For a long, agonizing moment, neither of us moved. Neither of us was willing to back down.

Finally, Alessandro let out a low, mocking scoff, turned on his heel and walked over to the bed. “Fine,” he rumbled coldly, pulling back the sheets. “Have it your way, wifey.”

Within minutes, he was dead to the world. For the first time, I actually looked at him without the blinding fear that usually consumed me. Upclose, he was beautiful. Truly, shockingly beautiful. Such a beautiful, but utterly heartless monster. And without the terrifying scowl he usually wore, right now he almost looked peaceful.

The more I stared at him, the more reality slowly sinked in. That this oversized, unpredictable man was occupying the exact center of the bed. And there was no way I was going to crawl in next to him, even if he was dead to the world. And the thought of waking up in his arms made my stomach twist with anxiety. I sighed and walked over to the wardrobe, pulled down a spare, plush velvet blanket, and dragged it over to the couch. It was far from comfortable, but it was safe.

I woke up the next morning to find the bed empty. I let out a long sigh of relief that he was gone, and I didn't have to deal with him. Although my lower back ached from the uncomfortable night I'd spent curled up on the couch, but I pushed the discomfort aside and decided to freshen up. When I was done, I opted out for the simplest light-pink maxi dress I could find, ignoring every other flashy ones.

Once I had slipped it on, I smoothed the fabric down and studied myself briefly in the mirror. Then a knock echoed through the room. “Come in,”

The maid from last night entered and bowed slightly. “Mrs. Hawthorne, breakfast is ready.”

“I will be there soon,” I replied. She nodded and walked out. I took a deep, steadying breath. It was time to meet the Hawthorne family. I stepped out of the room and followed the maid through the winding corridors, my heart hammered violently against my ribs with every step.

What would they think of me? Would they be anything like Alessandro? Cold? Judgmental? Cruel?

When we finally entered the grand dining room, we stopped before a massive, lavishly set table. I could feel every eye in the room immediately snapping toward me.

Nerves rushed through me but I kept my gaze glued to the floor.

“Good morning,” I whispered, anxiously then forced myself to look up. Alessandro's father sat at the head of the table. Sitting next to him was Mrs. Hawthorne who looked absolutely stunning.

Just then Alessandro stood up from his chair, walked toward me, leaned down to plant a brief kiss on both of my cheeks, before slipping his hand around my waist. His grip was firm and possessive.

I scoffed under my breath. A few hours ago he clearly told me to stay out of his way, now he’s playing the attentive husband in front of his family.

Mrs. Hawthorne rose from her seat next, gliding over to wrap me in a warm hug. “Good morning, cariño. I hope you slept well,” she said, pulling back with a gentle smile.

I smiled and nodded. Even though it was a lie, and my back was still aching from spending the night on that cramped couch, while my so-called husband took up all the space on the bed.

“Welcome to the family,” she said, Alessandro guided me to the empty seat right next to his, pulling the chair out for me.

I mumbled a quiet thank you and sat down. As the maids immediately began dishing food onto my plate, Alessandro and his father plunged straight into a serious business discussion. Their voices remained low, occasionally dropping into words I couldn't quite make out. I kept my attention on my plate, I had no desire to become involved in whatever business they were discussing.

Mrs. Hawthorne, however, turned all her attention toward me. Her eyes shimmered with genuine curiosity. “So, cariño, how do you like our home?”

I offered her a soft smile.Her warm demeanor instantly reminded me of my own mother. “It’s very beautiful, Mrs. Hawthorne.”

Although the mansion was undeniably magnificent, It desperately still needed a touch of life to make it feel homely

She waved her hand dismissively, letting out a soft laugh.

“Nonsense. Call me Valentina, or better yet... mamá.”