Chapter 3

j e a n

Matteo's driver dropped me off in front of my home. My well-being still baffled at everything that just unfolded around me. I feel so confused as to what is happening that I almost thought that this was simply just a dream. I don't even know what is real right now. Each step I take comes with a new question on my head and now I am just at a point wherein I am desperate for answers. I rushed home hoping to find my Mom there and there she was doing the same thing as she was doing yesterday, sitting on the couch watching TV.

"Mom," my voice choked out. As I called her, she turned to me with a worried look on her face.

"Yes, dear? What's wrong?" She asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

"Why am I arranged to Matteo?" I asked. Her eyes widened and her face was confused.

"What do you mean? Your father and I have already told you that it's to strengthen our business." She said,

"Stop lying to me, Mom. I know you sold me to the Morettis so that you'll have all the luxury you have right now!" I exclaimed, my hands are shaking. I have never raised my voice at my parents before. As I speak, I feel my chest breaking apart. It hurts me that I am speaking to them this way but they have lied to me, sold me as if I am some object to them. Tears are dripping down my cheeks, my throat is burning.

"How did you know? You weren't supposed to know." She muttered under her breath,

"So you plan to lie to me all along?!"

"No, dear, no. You and Matteo have been going so well that we thought it wouldn't be an issue for you to marry him someday. Your Dad and I just let things unfold between you two." She explained,

"Well good news for you, Mom. Matt is not Matt anymore. I don't know who he is anymore. He looks at me as if I am some rag doll." I said, my voice about to crack. My mother walked towards me and gave me a tight hug. My breath slowly calms down, finding comfort at her touch. All my life all I wanted is to make them happy. Maybe this is the cost of making them happy. It is the fate that was bestowed upon me. I was lucky enough to have parents who are able to raise me in a comfortable situation, the only difference is, I am the price itself. There is no turning back to this because I know I have to protect them. I know what the Morettis are capable of. No matter who you are as long as you failed to meet their demands, you are dead. I was only happy that Matteo was different but now, he is just the same as they are. He fell into the trap of the mold of the Morettis. I almost thought I could change him as long as I was there for him but his father took him away from me.

I know Matt is still in there. I just have to be patient with him. I will turn him back to the way he was just as I was able to turn him into who he was back then.

"We're sorry dear. We really are. Did it not go well with him?" My mother asked,

"He became like his Dad, Mom. It hurts so much." I sobbed, resting my head on her chest. "He just threw the engagement ring right on my face. That's not like him."

My mom caressed my back calming my down as I cried my heart out on her chest. "He demanded me to drop out of med school and I have to move to Italy with him this week."

"What? He can't do that. You worked for years for your dream. He can't just take your life away," my mom said,

"I know, but I have no choice but to do so. He threatened me," I muttered under my breath.

After a while, my mom helped me up going to my room, and gently laid me on the bed. I feel tired. She left the room for me to rest. I cannot sleep. Whenever I try to close my eyes, another thought pops out of my head. My eyes are just staring blankly at the ceiling.

Suddenly, my phone beeped. My hand roamed all over my bed, searching for my phone until I finally found it. It's a message from Matt.

We'll be leaving tomorrow immediately by morning.

I looked at my phone confused and replied, 
Why so soon?

I have an emergency not that it's any of your business. Learn to obey my demands without any question.

I sighed and stood up from my bed. At least I get to do something instead of staring at the ceiling. I pulled out my suitcase and packed any clothes that I could possibly need for a lifetime. I sighed, suddenly finding myself staring into nothing, tears escaping my eyes. I feel lost and trapped in a place wherein there is no going back. I should have left and been where I want to be back then but then, his family will eliminate mine in a snap. I can't do that to my parents. I love them too much even though it hurts that they exchanged me for riches. I sighed and wiped my tears away and continued packing my necessary clothes.

The next morning came. I informed my mom last night that I am supposed to leave tomorrow. She called my father to whether he could plead the Morettis to give me more time but their minds could not be changed. All the stuff I need is already in my suitcase. Mom said she'll be the one to handle me dropping out of med school which still pains me. Everything about this pains me. Who knew that the person whom I spent 7 years waiting for is the one who will take away everything I dream of in a snap?

I was just in the living room, waiting for hell to call. My mom holding my hand, my anxiety is taking over me wondering what is about to happen to me after the next few hours.

Maybe it's just a facade of his because we're outside? That's not really him. It really can't be him. He's just pretending. Yes, that must explain it. Matt is kind, loving, and respects me. He can't just lose that in a snap, right?

The maid approached me and informed me that Matteo's men are already in the car waiting for me outside. I felt my heart sank to the floor. The anxiety I was feeling earlier got even much worse than I am at a point where I find it hard to breathe. I looked at my mom and gave her one last hug, muttering "I love you" to her ear. I am quite disappointed that my dad didn't even bother me to see me off when this might be the last time he might be seeing his daughter. I sighed and take my steps away from my home, my haven, and take the bridge on the way to hell.