I love you

The next morning, I woke up to chaos.

The penthouse was buzzing with activity. Staff members rushing around. Phones ringing. Voices raised.

I sat up, disoriented. "What's happening?"

Diego was standing by the window, his phone pressed to his ear. His expression was dark. Cold.

"We have a problem," he said, hanging up.

"What kind of problem?"

He turned to me. His eyes were hard. "Your family is here. All of them. Demanding to see you."

My blood ran cold. "Beatrice too?"

"Especially Beatrice." He walked toward me. "They're not happy. They're saying the marriage was forced. They want to take you home."

I shook my head. "I'm not going anywhere."

"I know." He took my hand. "But they're not going to give up easily. Beatrice has been spreading lies. Telling people I forced you to marry me. That I kidnapped you after you ran."

"That's ridiculous. They were at the wedding. They saw me walk down the aisle."

"She doesn't care about the truth. She just wants to destroy our marriage."

I stood up. "Let her try. I'm not afraid of her anymore."

Diego smiled. "That's my gattina."

He leaned in and kissed me.

"Let's go face them," he said. "Together."

I nodded.

And for the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid to face my family.

Because I wasn't alone anymore.

I had Diego.

We walked into the living room together.

My father was pacing by the window. My mother sat stiffly on the couch. And Beatrice—perfect, smug Beatrice was standing in the center of the room like she owned the place.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw me.

"Olivia," she said, her voice dripping with false concern. "There you are. We were so worried about you."

"Worried," I repeated flatly. "You were at my wedding yesterday. You saw me get married. What exactly are you worried about?"

Beatrice's smile faltered. "That was a farce. You were forced into it. Everyone knows you ran away. Everyone knows you didn't want to marry him."

"I ran away from you," I corrected. "Not from him. I chose to marry Diego. I chose to stay."

"You're lying." Her voice was sharp. "You're only saying that because he's threatening you."

Diego stepped forward. "I'm not threatening her. I'm protecting her. Something you've never done."

My father stopped pacing. "Olivia, this is enough. You're coming home with us."

"No." I stood my ground. "I'm not going anywhere."

"You are," my mother said, her voice cold. "This marriage is a joke. You were forced into it. We're getting it annulled."

I laughed bitterly. "You wanted me to marry him. You were the ones who arranged it. You told me I was saving this family. And now you want to annul it?"

"Things have changed," my father said.

"Nothing has changed." I met his eyes. "You just don't like that I'm happy. You don't like that I chose him. You don't like that I'm not your sacrifice anymore."

Beatrice stepped closer. "You think he loves you? You think he actually wants you? He's using you, Olivia. Just like everyone else."

I shook my head. "No. He's not. He's the only person who's ever seen me. The real me."

"He's a monster—"

"He's my husband." My voice was firm. "And I love him."

The room went silent.

Even Beatrice looked stunned.

"You... you love him?" she finally managed.

"Yes." I turned to Diego. His eyes were wet. "I love him. And I'm not leaving him. Not for you. Not for anyone."

Diego stepped beside me. His hand found mine. His fingers intertwined with mine like they belonged there.

"You heard my wife," he said. "She's staying. If you try to take her away, I'll destroy everything you have. Your money. Your reputation. Your precious social standing. Every last thing you care about will be gone."

My father's face went white. "You wouldn't—"

"Try me."

The room was thick with tension.

Beatrice's eyes were filled with hate. "You'll regret this, Olivia. You'll regret choosing him over your family."

"No." I shook my head. "I'll regret staying with you. I'll regret letting you control my life for so long. But I'll never regret choosing him."

After they left, the door slammed behind them.

I collapsed onto the couch. My hands were shaking. My heart was pounding.

Diego sat beside me, pulling me into his arms.

"You were magnificent," he murmured. "Absolutely magnificent."

I laughed weakly. "I was terrified."

"You didn't look terrified." He kissed my forehead. "You looked fierce. Powerful. Like a warrior."

I looked up at him. "Did you mean what you said? That you'll destroy them if they try to take me away?"

"Yes." His voice was firm. "I meant every word. You're mine, Olivia. And I protect what's mine."

I leaned into him. "I'm glad you're on my side."

"Always, gattina." He pulled me closer. "Always."

***

I was getting ready for bed when I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

Diego stepped inside. He was holding a small box.

"What's that?" I asked.

He smiled. "A gift."

"You've already given me so much."

"It's not much." He walked toward me. "But I wanted you to have it."

He handed me the box. I opened it carefully.

Inside was a necklace. A small pendant. A cat. A tiny, delicate cat with emerald eyes.

"Gattina," I said, smiling.

He laughed. "I thought it was appropriate."

"It's beautiful." I looked up at him. "Thank you."

I unclasped the necklace and put it on. It rested against my collarbone, perfect and light.

"It suits you," Diego said softly. "Because you're a survivor. Like a cat. You always land on your feet."

I smiled. "I'm learning how."

He kissed me.

Slow. Gentle. Full of promise.

"I love you, Olivia," he murmured.

"I love you too, Diego."

And for the first time, I knew it was true.