Chapter 7

CELESTINA

Aunt Josephine looked incredibly pleased as she entered the library where I had been hiding all day from her and my uncle. “Phoenix had a meeting with Salvatore Greco today.”

I put down the book I was reading, trying to keep my face emotionless. “And?”

“Phoenix showed Salvatore a photo of you, and he agreed to marry you.”

She watched me expectantly as if she thought I’d do a happy dance because Salvatore had

approved of my looks. I swallowed hard. “That’s good news.” It was all I could manage, and it lacked enthusiasm.

My aunt pursed her lips. “Celestina, really, I don’t think you grasp what this means.”

Oh, I knew exactly what it meant, and that was the problem. “It takes some getting used to, the

idea of marrying him, Aunt Josephine. Don’t worry, by the time I’ll have to marry him, I’ll be able to convey my excitement properly.”

It was a blatant lie. If I managed not to flinch at every touch, that would be a huge success.

“Well, you don’t have much time. Cosimo Greco insis