Chapter 4

Aristide

Waiting for Friday had been torture. I was practically packed before I even hung up the phone with Izzy. Within an hour, I was at the jewelry store placing a rush order for a custom engagement ring and our wedding bands.

Sitting on the plane with Enzo across from me, I spun the ring box between my thumb and middle finger, my foot bouncing restlessly.

Enzo chuckled and leaned forward. “What’s going on with you? You can’t possibly be nervous. This is Izzy.”

My eyes snapped to look at him with a glare.

Enzo sat back, hands in the air. “You really gotta get over me calling her that.”

“I was the first one to call her that,” I said, shaking my head.

“I know,” he smiled at me, “and she liked it.”

I stood up and walked over to the couch on the other side of the plane, turning back to face him. “You’re going to have to show her some respect. She’s going to be my wife.” I let that last word land, savoring it.

Enzo laughed again. “I know that, Brother. You’re the luckiest S.O.B.”

“Don’t I know it,” I said, smiling.

Five hours later, we were descending the steps of the plane and practically sprinting to the car waiting to take us to the Romano estate.

“You ready for this?” Enzo asked as the door shut behind us.

“You have no idea,” I muttered, watching the scenery blur past the window.

As we approached the house, it loomed ahead—white stone and black accents, the sun glowing behind it. I held my breath as we drove agonizingly slowly over the cobblestones. It was supposed to be regal, breathtaking. But all I can think about is who is inside.

I didn’t register the palm trees swaying in the breeze, didn’t feel the wind brushing through the hilltop. I was too distracted as I stepped out of the car, buttoning my jacket.

Then I looked up. Really looked. Balconies jutted out with promise. Any one of them could’ve been where she stood, watching. My heart raced. This was it. I was finally here. I couldn’t wait to see her. To touch her. To take her home. Forever began here.

As I took the first step toward the stairs leading to the front door, I swear I could feel her presence. She had to be nearby. I’d know that feeling anywhere.

“You’re not married yet,” Enzo’s voice cut into my thoughts. I glanced at him, brow raised.

“Everyone’s going to be able to read the thoughts flying around in that head of yours,” he added, pointing at me. “Keep it together.”

I nodded and kept walking. “I remember.”

The door opens as I make it to the third step, and I look up, hoping. Hope is bullshit because when I see it is her mother and sister, my stomach feels like it drops to hell. These women are the worst.

“Aristide,” Sofia holds her arms out wide as we reach the top of the staircase. I assume for a hug. I chance a glance at Enzo, who is obviously holding back a smirk.

I glanced at Enzo, who looked like he was barely holding back a smirk.

“Sofia,” I said tightly, extending a hand instead of returning the hug. I’d heard rumors about her grabbing men’s asses. No thanks. She looked surprised but recovered quickly, shaking my hand.

“I’m really sorry,” Gianna said, biting her lip and casting her eyes downward. I knew the act. I’d seen it too many times. Some guys probably fell for that faux innocence, but I wasn’t one of them.

“I think that one day you will be able to see that we just weren’t meant to be,” she added, only looking up at me after her last words.

Behind me, Enzo snorted. I wanted to laugh, too. No shit we weren’t meant to be. I simply nodded. Gianna responded with lip-biting and eyelash fluttering. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

Izzy had told me all about her sister. Gianna—the pretty one, the perfect one, the desirable one. That’s what Izzy had said early on, before we were even engaged, back when I asked her about the people she cared about. Later, I learned the truth—that her family didn’t care for her at all. I wouldn’t put it past either of these women to sleep with me just to spite her. That wouldn’t happen, though. I wouldn’t allow it.

Sofia looped her arm through mine and led me into a sitting room. “You know, Aristide, Izzy is a good cook…”

“Obviously, you will be able to see that when you look at her,” Gianna muttered. I heard her, though, and balled my fists.

 “And she knows how to run a house,” Sofia continued.

“But she doesn’t actually run,” Gianna laughs. I try to think back on why we can’t hit women, as I see red. I would never, but this girl was vile.

Sofia sent a sharp look at her daughter, then gestured for me to sit on the couch while she took the chair beside me. “She’ll offer you something at least. She should be great at childbearing.”

Enzo snorted louder than before. I glanced at him. He looked away, clearly fighting back laughter. Hell, I would’ve laughed too if she wasn’t insulting the woman who I cannot wait to see with my ring on her finger and my child growing in her belly.

A voice cut through the tension. “So sorry to keep you waiting.”

Antonio Romano entered the room, smiling broadly. I stood as he approached. His son, Marco, came in behind him. Antonio pulled me into a firm handshake followed by a hug. “We’re about to be family.”

I nodded, but I missed Izzy’s softness already. Her family was so loud. So… performative.

Marco shook my hand, then Enzo’s, and joined his sister on the opposite couch. Enzo stood behind me, obviously expecting Izzy to walk in next. She didn’t.

“Where is Izz… Isabella?” I corrected myself just in time. I’d never share her nickname without her consent. Snakes. All of them. “I was hoping I could speak with her.

“She’s probably trying to squeeze into the dress I brought her,” Gianna said with a smirk. I shot her a glare. There went the lip-biting again. “I might’ve accidentally gotten the wrong size in my excitement.”

I clenched my fists, gritted my teeth. Enzo placed a hand on my shoulder, silently warning me to keep calm. He probably felt the same way I did.

I had the best sister in the world. She would never think to be that cruel to anyone, let alone a family member. I was so glad that I could take Izzy out of this and give her a better sister.

Just as I was about to speak—about to blow up the whole damn deal—I heard it. The clicking of heels.

My breath caught.

But it wasn’t her.

Instead, some stylish, confident woman rounded the corner. Gianna squealed and ran toward her, hugging and jumping like we were in some chick flick Elena forced me to watch.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Gianna gushed, then turned toward the room, smiling widely. “Everyone, this is Rosa! She and I do EVERYTHING together,” she sent me a wink when she said the words. Elena’s voice echoed in my head: I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Rosa grinned. “Life’s just more fun when you share everything.”

“Interesting,” Enzo muttered. I looked at him and shook my head. He held up his hands, lip twitching.

I sighed. I needed to get my eyes on Izzy, then get him out of here before he burst out laughing at all the craziness that apparently comes with this family. Everyone but Izzy.

Turning back around and ignoring the girls still giggling together in the corner, I asked, “Should someone check on Isabella?”

Antonio nodded, “I will ask the maid.” He turned toward the opening to the room, “Mabel…”

“I’m here,” came a soft voice—almost like she felt the need to apologize.

Every eye turned toward her. At least, mine did.

Izzy stepped into the room, eyes on the floor, fingers twisted together. She started to speak, but faltered when she looked up and our eyes met. Her lips curled into that shy smile I adored.

“Ari,” she whispered, just for me.

Her mother shot her a sharp glance. She straightened and cleared her throat. “Aristide. It’s nice to see you again.” Her gaze flitted away. “Enzo, you as well.”

I wanted her eyes back on me. Only me. I cleared my throat.

Her gaze returned. “Sorry I wasn’t there to greet you. I can be a bit…” She glanced toward her sister and Rosa. “Flighty sometimes.” A small, fake laugh followed. “Lost track of time.”

She was lying. I knew it. She was never late.

She was protecting her sister. Again.

I didn’t call her out. I just stood and walked toward her.

“You were worth the wait. You look beautiful,” I smiled at her.

Her cheeks flushed, and I felt the action tighten my chest with something achingly tender. This was new.

“I’d like to speak with her alone,” I said.

 I’d need to talk to the real her. I knew, though it was a long shot.

Sure enough, Antonio shook his head. “I understand, but we have a rule. Until the wedding, the couple isn’t to be alone.”

My jaw clenched. Enzo gave me a subtle “keep it cool” signal.

Gianna and her friend giggled loudly in the corner. The smile on her face didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, come on, you can make an exception for Isabella. It’s not like Aristide would want anything like that from her.” She gestured to herself with a smirk. “She’s not me.”

My head whipped toward her, fury in my eyes—but Izzy moved first. She reached for my hand and held it gently.

“It’s okay,” she said quietly. “Whatever you have to say... you can say it here.”

Her eyes found mine, silently pleading, ‘Please. Just go along with it. Don’t tell them anything I’ve told you.’

I gave a slight nod. “Okay.”

Then I turned to Enzo, who returned a subtle nod.

And with that, I slowly dropped to one knee.