Chapter 4

Aldo went deathly pale. "Celia, hear me out."

He immediately grabbed me by the wrist. "Our estate is way too far from the port. By the time I wrap up the deal, it's already late at night.

"That's why I'd stay here to go over the accounts and get some rest. Nothing's going on between Isabella and me. I'm serious.

"It was my second-in-command who bought all the household items. I didn't think he'd buy matching sets. I only found out when they were delivered."

Seeing that I remained completely unmoved, Aldo grew more frustrated. "The point is, you're way too clingy and sensitive about everything. Being around you is really exhausting.

"Isabella and I are just friends. It's up to you whether you believe me or not. Celia, we might be lovers, but we still need our personal space. You can't just blame everything on me.

"Tell you what. Let's compromise. I'll have someone come by tomorrow and pick up all my belongings, okay?"

The noise slowly faded into the background.

Aldo grew nervous under my stare. He gulped as he tentatively called my name.

A moment later, I pulled my wrist from his grip and calmly nodded, saying, "Do what you think is best."

Aldo never imagined that I would forgive him just like that. No tears or tantrums.

"What… What did you just say?"

I explained, "Isabella's your assistant. It makes sense that you two often work together. I'm sure there's nothing going on between you two."

Aldo was so stunned he couldn't even speak. For once, he came after me, saying, "You're really not upset that I was alone with another woman?"

"Haven't you always told me that you're doing all this for the family business?"

Aldo gaped. "But back then, you always…"

Irritated, I immediately said, "My cab has arrived." and then walked out of the house.

After all the times I had tried to make him happy and waited for him, I had almost forgotten that a relationship was supposed to be equal. Either of us could end things whenever he wanted.

There was no point clinging to each other. I had no intention of wasting another second on Aldo before leaving Lindaum.

In the days that followed, I did exactly what Aldo used to do. I spent most of my time away from home, and whenever I came back, I would sleep in the guest room.

"My parents are coming over to the estate tonight to discuss our wedding. Haven't you always wanted a grand wedding? I'll go pick you up now."

"How long are you going to keep punishing me by avoiding me? I knew your so-called forgiveness was just an act. You never believed me in the first place!"

"Celia, let me remind you. My father was the previous Don. He hates women who are weak and loves throwing tantrums over everything. If you don't change, I can't guarantee that he'll still accept you as my Donna."

I was at the airport, checking in for my flight, when I saw Aldo's messages, but I chose to ignore them.

Aldo smiled when he saw that I hadn't replied to his messages. The way I was ignoring him somehow put him at ease. To him, that only proved that I was still the same possessive Celia.

Aldo arrived at the studio and took out a diamond necklace he had just had custom-made. He could practically imagine how excited I would be when I opened the box.

In the past, after we argued, he didn't even have to do anything to win me back. I would eventually come around and apologize to him.

This time, he had gone out of his way to get me a present. He was even planning to tell me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

He knew I would definitely throw myself into his arms, sobbing as I forgave him.

Aldo entered the studio. "Hello. I'm here to see Celia."

The receptionist was slightly puzzled and asked again just to be sure she heard him right. "But Celia agreed to a transfer from headquarters a few days ago. Are you sure you're looking for the right person?"