Chapter three

Ava's POV

We were getting ready to head to the Grande Casa. My father was able to set up a meeting with the Moretti’s. They had chosen today for the introductory dinner. I had never met Damien before but I was ready. Well, I think I am.

I thought about my parents’ constant reminders that I’d be getting married soon sounded like a broken record. “Ava, be more organized. Ava, don’t forget the dinner. Ava, you’re representing our family.”

I was sneaking some fun-sized gummy bears into my pocket when my mum’s voice rang out.

“Ava! No candy!”

I rolled my eyes. “But mom…”

She gave me a stern look “You are about to be married. Stop being childish.”

I turned toward her, pouting, eyes shimmering. Her stern expression softened.

“Okay, just one,” she sighed.

I smiled. “Thank you, mummy. You’re the best.” I kissed her cheek as I passed her and headed to the car.

The drive to Grande Casa was quiet, until we got to the estate gate.

We got our clearance from the guards at the main gate before we proceeded.

There was vast land as we drove through, and I wondered how rich the Moretti's really are.

When we finally arrived at the house, we marvel.

Calling it a house felt like an insult. It was a castle.

My mother then help close the mouth I wasn't even aware was open.

“Ava, Remember to behave yourself.” My father said to me softly.

“What? I'm always well behaved.” I countered.

As we were about to step in, my mother blocked me. Telling me father we needed to have a mother-daughter talk.

She then turned towards me. “Ava, are you really going through with this? What happened to Luca. If you had a fight you can both resolve it. Are you sure this is what you want?” My heart soften at the look of concern on my mother's face.

“Mom, this is what I want. Luca is…..he is history. We didn't work out and that's ok.”

She let out a breath. “Okay, darling. But if you ever want to stop this, just let me know, okay?”

I nodded and gave her a hug. “Thank you mom.”

She smiled and we headed inside. I thought outside the castle was beautiful. Boy, was I wrong. Inside is a work of art. With gold trimmings and art works, marble floors that glimmer in the light. I was stunned.

Then, a housekeeper walked up to us.

“Let me lead you to the dining.” She said politely and we followed.

The dining room smelled of food.

Greyson Moretti, the patriarch of the family was already sitted at the end of the table. He was laughing at something my father said, when we walked in.

“Ava.” She called out to me. “You are even more beautiful than the photos.” I smiled. “Good evening, Mr Moretti.”

“Oh, come on. We are about to be family. Call me Grandpa.” He said softly.

I was surprised. He was rumored to be ruthless but he is really sweet.

As I took the sit beside my mum, Catherine Moretti walked in. Damien's mother, she was an A-lister actress before she retired.

“Ava, good evening.” She said with a smile while walking towards me. She gave me a hug and said, “it's lovely to finally meet you. We've heard a lot about you and I can tell, they don't do you justice. You are beautiful.”

Thank you ma'am, I cracked out nervously. They were all really nice. Compared to what I've heard. They had mafia origins. So, I didn't expect them to be this friendly.

We were all seated now. Except, Damien is nowhere to be found.

Grandpa Greyson then decided to make small talk.

“Since, we are still waiting for the brat, let's talk about you Ava. It's a shame Aurora, Damien's sister is not here. She is abroad. She'd have loved to meet you.”

“So, Ava tell us about yourself.” I swallowed nervously and cleared my throat.

“Well, I run a hospital for children. It's mainly for kids who can't afford proper healthcare.” Grandpa Raphael nodded approvingly.

I continued.”I also run an online perfume store. It's more of a hobby but I earm from it.”

“Well, I'd check it out.” Catherine said.

As I was about to tell her I'd give her for free, I heard a deep voice.

“Apologies. I was stuck in traffic.” I turned towards that voice and there he was.

Damien.

He looked breathtaking. Slightly tousled hair, sharp jawline. I watched as he took his seat.

“Apologies again.” He said.

He sat beside his grandfather and greeted my parents politely. He greeted his mother too and then his eyes finally landed on me.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Sinclair.”

I nodded and replied. “Same here.”

Dinner passed smoothly. The parents talked about business and family. I laughed when expected, nodded when I should, but my mind kept drifting to him. He was effortlessly composed.

The date for the wedding was proposed, one month from now. Damien and I agreed.

Then the his grandfather asked us to take a walk and get to know each other.

We stepped outside into the garden. The evening air was cool.

Damien walked beside me, silent, hands in his pockets.

He didn't look like he was ready to say anything, so I decided to take the lead.

“So,” I said softly, “what do you think about all this? The marriage, I mean.”

He glanced at me briefly, then shrugged.

I frowned. “Aren’t you happy to be getting married?”

He looked at me properly for the first time tonight. “Happy is a big word. It’s more of an obligation. I hope it’s the same with you.”

I shook my head. “No. I am getting married, and we will fall in love in the process. That is not an obligation.”

He frowned slightly. “Miss Sinclair, I—”

“Ava,” I interrupted. “Call me Ava.”

He cleared his throat. “Ava. I understand that you are excited about this marriage, but it will not all be rainbows and sunshine. I am a busy man. I wor—”

“We will make it work,” I said, cutting him off. “Don’t worry, Damien. We will fall in love. I will make sure of it.”

He blinked, clearly caught off guard.

“I never back down from a challenge,” I added, smiling, then started walking back toward the villa, leaving him standing there, confused and dumbfounded.

As I stepped inside, I smirked slightly. I know I was a bit forward. But I'm not taking any chances in this life.

I'd find my own happiness