Chapter 2

Author’s Pov

” What am I hearing? “ Emma Rodriguez, also her mother, snapped at Aurelia. Her loud high pitched voice sliced the silence. She stepped forward and her rough hands grabbed Aurelia’s frail arm and dug her nails in her skin making her wince in pain. 

“ you fucking asked for divorce? Are you in your fucking senses? “ she jerked Aurelia’s body and she stumbled back a bit. Her mother scoffed and Aurelia’s eyes met her fathers who sat on the couch of their living room watching with an intense look. 

“ He doesn't love me. He’s getting married again. What am I supposed to do? “ Aurelia fired back. Her fists clenched on her soft sundress as she tried to remain calm. “ How could you be so shameless to ask for a divorce yourself? “ that mocking voice belonged to none other than her sister. 

Her older sister, Eva Rodriguez. 

“ I am not ashamed to cling onto the man who loves another woman. “ I glared back at her and she scoffed, rolling her eyes before focusing on her new nails she just got done. 

“ How am I going to face the Salvatores? “ Dad sighed and rubbed his face in frustration. “ Do you even know what’s going to happen if you and Dante divorce? Vincent Salvatore is going to ruin both families. He’s going to step back from supporting our company and we will go bankrupt- “ 

Aurelia scoffed a smile and said. “ Then you’d have to get Eva married into a wealthy family soon. “ 

“ Don’t bring me into your matter bitch. “ I scoffed at the choice of her words. Still an arrogant witch she was. “ Can’t you fucking understand!? We will be doomed Aurelia! “ My mother shouted at me. Her voice was harsh, tearing my heart. My family’s behavior was enough to make me doubt if I was their real blood or not. 

“ Aurelia. We do not support your decision. So what if Dante wants to marry someone else. Just be with him. Don’t forget the reason for your marriage into the Salvatores. It was always about the business. “ 

Aurelia closed her eyes for a second and exhaled deeply. Of course her marriage was not based on love but she could not accept such a thing at any cost. No. “ I have said enough. I have told you about my decision and I would appreciate it if you support your daughter. “ I said and looked over to my father who had, not even a slightest hint of love for me. 

“ Drop this nonsense and go back to your house and fucking play the role of a good wife that you always did. “ Eva hissed and Aurelia’s fists clenched hard. She just wanted to smack her so hard that she’d drop all that shitty attitude of hers but she had something planned better. 

Without saying anything further, Aurelia grabbed her purse and walked out. Her heels clicked against the marble floor and her heart ached with pain she did not dare to share because she knew no one was going to fucking hold her. 

As soon as she stepped out, she watched as a white SUV waited for her. A frown appeared on her lips as she recognized the person who had stepped out of the car. It was Vincent Salvatore’s driver, Jacob. 

“ Mrs. Salvatore. Sir Vincent Salvatore wants to see you. “ Aurelia gulped the lump already stuck in her throat. She knew the news had reached him. She was not ready to face him but she also wasn’t going to back down from her decision. 

****

Aurelia stepped inside of the Salvatore empire. The office that Vincent had built with his blood, sweat and tears and now was ruled by Dante yet Vincent was given the respect and dignity as the owner. 

As soon as Aurelia had entered, the staff had stood up from their seats in respect. Of course, she was the daughter in law of “ The Salvatores" and “ wife of The Dante Salvatore. “ 

Suddenly, Dante’s second secretary, Dani, rushed over to Aurelia. Dani was a young guy and someone with femininity. His slightly bob cut curls said it all. “ Good afternoon, Mrs. Salvatore. How are you? You’re actually glowing today. “

Dani was gay and someone who knew how to sugarcoat things and handle stuff in his own way but Aurelia wasn’t here for his compliments. “ I am sorry to inform but Mr. Dante is in meeting and won’t be able to see you- “ 

“ I am here to meet Grandpa. “ Aurelia cut his words and walked off, leaving Dani utterly shocked because Aurelia had always been polite and calm, with a gentle smile on her lips but today, she looked different. 

Aurelia made her way towards the elevator. She made her way towards Vincent’s office that was on the other wing of the building. The elevator opened with a ‘ Ting ‘ sound and she stepped out. 

The men dressed in black suits guarded the hallway, while Aurelia made her way towards the office. The doors opened for her and she entered and there he was. Vincent Salvatore seated on his leather couch, waited for her. 

“ Afternoon grandpa. “ she smiled and walked closer before taking a seat next to him.  “ How are you, dear? “ he asked to which she smiled and held his hand and squeezed in assurance. “ I am fine. “ Aurelia said but it was clearly evident she was not fine. 

“ I heard the decision Dante has taken. “ Aurelia’s breath hitched. She avoided his gaze. She knew he would ask her to not take the decision that she already had taken. “ I am sorry grandpa but I- “ she said. 

“ Leave him. “ The moment he spoke, my heart sank. My eyes widened as I slowly processed what he’d just said. “ What? “ she looked at him and he exhaled deeply and Aurelia watched a firm, calm expression on his face. “ I don’t want you to stay with him if he can’t make you happy. “

Aurelia scrunched her eyebrows, her heart pounding in her chest. “ You already did so much in those 2 years and I am very grateful for that but you also know, you’re more important to me than my own family. “

Aurelia bit her lower lip as tears started to gather in her eyes. Her vision blurred as she blinked to clear them. “ You have done more for me than anybody could ever. I know you did everything you could and now I don't want you to waste your life on people who don’t acknowledge the things you did for them. “ 

All of a sudden someone walked in, Aurelia looked and saw ….. Michele. Vincent’s manager and the most trusted man. He walked in and greeted us. “ afternoon boss, afternoon Mrs. Salvatore “ 

Aurelia smiled politely and she saw a file in his hand as he placed it down on the coffee table in front of us. “ Aurelia, look at it. Aurelia's eyebrows scrunched in confusion and she said “ what’s this grandpa? “ 

She leaned forward and grabbed the file. She flipped it open and her heart sank as she read what those papers were truly. 

“ Divorce papers. “