Eleonor gives a forced smile, which brings discomfort to Giovanni's chest. This isn't what he was expecting. Not this defiance, this boldness. He wanted to watch her despair. He wanted to watch her cry, to sniff out her fear. Yet, this courage made his cock twitch. What the hell is wrong with him?“If that's so, then you broke the clause too.” Eleonor snorts.“No. I didn't break it.”“Yes, you did. You slept with the girl at the bar, not your wife...”“You're wrong, darling. I didn't sleep with just a girl I met at the bar. Do you think I wouldn't recognize my wife? I always knew it was you.”Those words cause a painful mix of uncertainty. It's as if they're shallow and too deep at the same time... like a sweet trap made to catch those who do not look carefully. Or don't listen attentively. Eleonor felt the ambiguity but was blind to understand it. Of course, her survival instinct would speak louder t
Eleonor was locked in her room for the rest of the day. She eventually heard her butler call her for lunch and afternoon tea. She was unable to answer him. Fortunately, the servants were respectful of her silence. She didn't know what they did with Reviello's sick gift, and she couldn't care less about it. It didn't take her long to realize that the hand inside the box was from the man who touched her last night at the bar. Despite her dislike for him and wish that he was gone, she did not wish him harm. She didn’t want to lose his hand either. Reviello's so sick, and she's known it now. She felt guilty in a way. A man's life would never be the same because of her. Even if he had assaulted her, she felt faulted of the bloodbath. What if Reviello killed him? Or is simply a warning that it could be her hand at the box? Looking at the small snowflakes falling outside, she felt a chill in her chest that was not caused by the end of winter. It's still a month before the end of the season,
Eleonor arrives at the main dining room, where a table for twenty people is in the center. The lighting is warm, which makes the atmosphere even more seductive. There is a candlestick that burns slowly in the middle of the table. This adds romanticism to the man who sits at the head of the table. Giovanni is wearing a tight black shirt on his arms, his hair is straightened back, and there is no hair out of place. His face is serious as ever, but a smile breaks his solemn posture when he sees her. Eleanor isn't shy about showing her displeasure. Despite her friend's protests, Eleonor did exactly the opposite of what she was supposed to do: she decided not to follow Reviello's orders. According to what reason and common sense dictated, she should be scared of him, but she isn't. She wasn't going to submit to that man's whims and give herself up, especially since that's what he wanted so badly. If he wishes to play, Eleonor is willing to do so. Domenico has pulled out a chair to Giova
Eleonor wakes up with a knock at the door. She didn't want to get out of the covers that wrapped her body carefully. Another knock, followed by Domenico's muffled voice, sounds from the other side of the door, “Donna, your presence is requested by Mr. Reviello at breakfast.” She tucks her head under the blanket as she grumbles and closes her eyes tightly. The last thing she wants to see in the morning is Giovanni's face. In complete silence, she thought for a few moments. She even thought that Domenico had already left, but she knows that he's still waiting for a confirmation. “Domenico?” Her voice comes out sleepy and despondent. “Yes, Donna?” “I'm feeling unwell. Tell Reviello that I'm so sad that won't be able to keep him company, but…” She pretends to be coughing loud, twice. “I think I've caught a cold…” “Okay, Donna. I'll let the Don know. I am going to bring some hot soup to you.” “No need, I have no appetite.” A moment of silence. “As you wish. Please call me immediately
After visiting the shops in Florence — and even buying Emily's gifts — Eleonor felt a little better. Even if the cold winter wind chills her skin, breathing the fresh air away from Reviews influence is invigorating. When she returned to the mansion, the brief hours of freedom were shattered, and she was summoned to Giovanni's office. Domenico announces her arrival, and after hearing his boss permission, he opens the door for Eleonor to enter the room. She looks around the room and sees Asher sitting on the leather sofa in a dark black shirt and tie. Then she sees Giovanni standing beside the huge window and watching the snowflakes fall outside. The atmosphere in the room is pleasant thanks to the flames rising in the elegant fireplace. When Giovanni's eyes land on her, Eleonor feels a warmth take hold of her chest. Although his white shirt with a few open buttons gives him a casual look, his appearance is impeccable. Giovanni noticed his wife's immediate reaction. He gave a mischievo
The day has dawned gray. Eleonor feels her mood as dense as the cloudy sky. Her bags are already in the trunk of the car, and she's waiting for Reviello to arrive in the hall of the mansion. Lisette is impatient and looks up the stairs with an angry expression. She says in a harsh tone, “Why was he rushing us so much, if he's the one holding us up?” Eleonor gives a low chuckle. “I don't even know why we're making this trip in the first place…” “We're making this trip, love…” Giovanni says, appearing at the top of the stairs, drawing a relieved sigh from Lisette. “Because I have business to attend to in Mexico.” “Exactly, YOU do! I don't know when 'you' became 'we'. When YOUR commitments became OUR commitments?” Eleonor snorts. “We became us when you walked up the aisle, my dear wife.” He moves closer and gives a kiss on the top of her head, making Eleonor to turn away in displeasure and finally leave the hall. “Marriage quarrels, huh?” Lisette gives a wry laugh. “Moron.” Then she
Lisette was sitting in the back of the private plane, with the headphones on her head and an evident don't-bother-me expression, ordering sometimes a sparkling drink and snacks to keep her stomach satiated. Eleonor tried to sit next to her, but Giovanni made clear his intention to torment her, and forced her to stay next to him, by the window, where she would have nowhere to run. The plane took off quickly because the pilot was so impatient that he literally shouted the commands and told everyone to sit down right away. Eleonor keeps her eyes on the small window and watches the clouds go by like cotton candy. She tries to focus on the scenery, but it's hard because Giovanni's eyes are pinching her skin and making it feel warm when he looks at her. Even though she tries to look like she doesn't care, their eyes meet at the window's reflect and Giovanni smiles smugly. She closes her eyes tightly and sighs. She finally faces him, but she regrets it right away. They're very close. She
The car was waiting for them when they arrived at the airport. Eleonor takes off her heavy coat to enjoy the cold air in the car. It's very hot outside. Lisette seems to melt into her seat, trying to shake herself with her own hand. Italy's winter is much colder than Mexico's, which was 80ºF right now in Cancun. Through the dark glass, Eleonor observes her husband talking on the phone. She wonders how he can stand the heat in the dark suit he’s wearing. Lisette's voice brings her back to reality, and she gives a jolt as if caught in the act. “How was the trip?” “Hellish.” Eleonor shrugs, trying to sound bored. The truth is, after almost giving in to temptation again, she struggled to ignore him for the next six hours. Eventually, she fell asleep, and woke up with her head resting on his shoulder, and he was also asleep. She didn't want to admit to herself that she was slowly getting used to the idea of Reviello, who didn't seem so bad. The image of the cruel and indifferent man she h