Chapter 5

I had to sign it, it's not like my life was going in a useful direction. I work my ass off, get beat up and then go to the strip club to dance for creepy guys that don't have anything better to do with their time and money.

I always prayed for a day that I could break free from that cycle and leave that life behind and maybe just maybe that's the blessing in disguise… and I would be stupid to push it away.

I signed it barely reading the terms…I couldn't even understand most of them even if I tried. I was now Mrs Castelli…apparently.

My first day as Leo's wife began with me back in my room, the guest suite. I took a calming shower, the water stinging most of the wounds on my back that were still open and sore. 

Looking at the lines of expensive shampoos and conditioners, I didn't think twice before using them to wash my hair as gentle as possible. I could tell why they were expensive by just using them.

I quickly brushed my teeth and went out of the bathroom. I was adjusting my robe, thinking of what to wear when I heard a knock on the door.

I bit my lips while praying it wasn't Leo that was at the door while I was just in a robe.

“Mrs Castelli, it's Mrs Thornton, the housekeeper”, I let out a huff in relief before going to open the door.

She entered and bowed slightly which made me look around if there was someone other than me in the room. Why is she acting so differently from this morning?

“Mr. Castelli requested I show you around”. 

“I don't have a change of clothes to wear”, I said firmly gripping onto my robe.

She let out a small laugh, “Your wardrobe was filled with clothings, this morning”, she said walking towards a door and opened it to reveal another room, twice the size of my old room.

It was filled with clothing, shoes and accessories of all types, so I walked in dumbfounded. “Wow!” I said as I felt the material of the clothes, they were soft.

“I'm glad you like it.”

“Wait, all of these are mine?”

“Yes. All in your size. I'll be waiting for you in your room”. With that she left me in utter amazement.

Maybe, I did make the right choice…right?

I opened a drawer and saw different types of bras and undies.

I wore them before looking for what to wear. I decided to wear a long sleeved knee length sundress before coming out.

“You look lovely, Mrs. Castelli.” Her smile made me blush.

“Thank you.”

“Are you ready?” She must have seen my instant hesitation because she then added. “I know this is a lot to take in, but with time everything will fall into place”. I nodded not knowing what else to do.

As we got into the gardens, I couldn't help but feel like I was in another world. Here, everything was so perfect and under control.

“Mr. Castelli's world,” Mrs Thornton said in a low murmur, “is not one for the faint of heart”

“Who is he?”

She turned to look at me with sympathy in her eyes then she shook her head. She pointed at a black limo pulling up to the driveway. Two men, all dressed in suits came out of the car, they looked so alert and their hands were subtly positioned near their waistbands.

“They're his personal security” she explained, answering my unasked question, her voice still very low. “He takes no chances”.

If he needed ‘security’ that means he's also open to threats. My heart skipped a beat at the realization.

Did I marry a wealthy business tycoon?

“Come” Mrs Thornton said, as she guided me through a maze of towering trees and a bubbling fountain to a hidden courtyard. It was in complete isolation from everything.

“This can be your sanctuary. A place where you can be yourself”.

It was beautiful, I couldn't help myself as I looked around, my emotions clearly on my face. It was a perfect escape from all the tension I felt.

“No one knows of this place, except from Mr. Castelli. It was specially made for the lady of the house and that's you”

Specially made

He had someone in mind…I couldn't help but wonder what happened with her.

“You'll have everything you need, you'll have your own staff, your own schedule. You will be free to do whatever you want”.

“Free?” I repeated, “I find that hard to believe, don't you?”

She gave me a pity smile. “Mr. Castelli likes to make things appear simple, even if they're not. But you will be well cared for. That I can assure you.”

We continued the tour, I watched in amazement the number of security guards he had around the grounds. I ended up in the garden as Mrs. Thornton went to get lunch ready even though I wanted to do so with her but she refused.

I was keeping myself occupied with a book I got from the library. I wasn't really understanding what I was reading but it was whiling away time for me.

That was until I heard a loud bang right above my head. I looked up and saw Leo, giving me a smirk before leaving a balcony I can only assume is connected to his office.

How long has he been there?

I went inside to grab a bottle of water and heard multiple steps descending from the stairs.

Something must have gone wrong. I tried to remain calm and tell myself that it was nothing unusual. But as I stood there, the hushed whispers of the servants were getting to me.

“Lena” the deep voice broke me out of my troubled mind. I turned around to see Marcello standing there scrutinizing me with his eyes.

“Yeah?”

“You seem troubled. Is something wrong?”

“Just… adjusting,” I said, my voice tight. “It's a lot to process, you know?”

“Of course it is,” he continued after I gave him a small nod. “Leo wanted you to have it,” he said, giving me a small box.

“What is it?” I asked, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach.

“He said it's a gift,” Marcello said. “For your protection.”

For my protection?

I opened the box, my mouth slightly ajar in disbelief. Inside was a black handgun.

“A gun?” I whispered, horrified.

“It's not a toy, Lena. Use it wisely and don't think of using it on any of us because we'll always be steps ahead of you”

His words and threats made it hard to decide if he was friend or foe.

“You will not fail him,” Marcello said, his gaze unwavering. “The consequences will be severe.” 

I looked down at the gun, “I don't think I can do this.”

“You'll learn to” with that he turned and left.