Chapter 10: Lovers' Meeting

Martina, Gianluca, and Evelina look at me with evident scorn. As much as I try to ignore their stares, it’s impossible for me to eat properly; I feel as though the steak is laced with glass.

“I saw the press conference this afternoon,” Martina comments from her spot, flashing a mocking smile at me before shifting it to Salvatore; it dies when her brother’s eyes land on her. “I mean, it was… interesting.”

“Please, Martina,” her mother intervenes, “that was a joke, utterly classless and completely beneath our family.”

“What could you expect from Mauricio,” it is Gianluca’s turn to spit venom, “he’s always had grotesque taste.”

“I didn’t know my family was so important to the Di Santes, important enough to be the topic of conversation for an entire evening,” I interject when I’ve had enough of their nonsense.

“It’s free entertainment,” Renzo replies.

“I can say the same about this family.”

“That’s enough of that. I want to dine in peace, is that too much to ask?”

“Of course it is, my husband,” I give him a toothy grin; his response is a nasty glare.

Does it surprise me? Not at all.

“Let’s talk about something different, shall we? For example, Martina,” I look at her, “you haven’t told me what you do, because you don’t work in the hotels, do you?”

She gives me a hypocritical smile.

“No, I work at the chocolate factory, in the marketing department.”

“How interesting.” She straightens up and smiles. “Actually, I work with Paulette.”

“Of course! Your friend Paulette. What a coincidence that both friends work for this family,” I comment, looking back at Salvatore.

“Paulette is a darling girl, educated, beautiful, from a good family—she’s perfect,” Evelina gushes with compliments while fixing her eyes on Renzo, who chooses to ignore her and sips from his glass.

You don't have to be a genius to know who’s been chosen for the man. Although he's an idiot, I pity him. Evelina has a clear goal, and from what little I've seen, she’s the type who doesn't give up. It’s ironic because I always pictured Gianluca as the one who wore the pants in their relationship, but it’s clear who is in charge in the marriage. I take a sip of my wine before looking at Salvatore and stating: “I suppose you run that business too. You know, the one the Di Santes stole from my family.”

“How dare you?” Evelina hisses, turning almost purple with rage.

“By daring, madam. It’s not an offense to state the truth.”

“The truth of your family, you mean,” Gianluca attacks. “I think touching on those subjects is inappropriate. We’re supposed to have a truce. We have opened the doors of this house to you; you are Salvatore’s wife, and we are going to work together.”

“It all sounds so pretty when you say it, but it’s so full of shit.”

The slam on the table makes me flinch. I look over and find Salvatore glaring at everyone.

“It is not a topic for discussion,” he gives me a sidelong glance, “as those issues were settled long ago.”

“Seriously? How convenient.”

“Stop it, Helena. Is that what you enjoy doing? Is irritating everyone your hobby?”

This has to be a joke.

“Are you really asking me that? Since I arrived, you have treated me badly, and what about the rest of your family? They look at me like a damned leper.”

Martina grimaces in disgust and puts her cutlery aside.

“I think the reference is unnecessary,” Gianluca snaps in a serene tone, though his eyes tell me he disapproves of my words.

“Just like me at this table,” I say, my voice tired as I stand up. “Excuse me.”

Without waiting for anything else, I leave the dining room, walking past Aldo, who is standing at the entrance with a stoic expression. They should pull that stick out of his ass. I go up to my room and slam the door shut. What unpleasant people. I sit in front of a small table I use as a desk and try to get some work done. I need a distraction from all this, but looking at the numbers only makes me feel worse. I thought everything was in order, but it’s not. What was Dad thinking when he agreed to a merger with the Di Santes? It’s clear that we can’t afford it, not unless we take an extremely high risk. But my hands are tied because he’s the one who makes the decisions. I rub my face in exasperation and decide to go for a walk around the grounds.

So, I head downstairs and am grateful not to encounter anyone. I enter the kitchen and find Molly, the family cook, eating dinner, and next to her, Aldo is also enjoying his meal. Aldo stands up when he sees me, but I wave him down.

“Can I get you anything?”

“No, please sit down, continue your dinner,” I say, looking around. “Is it a problem if I go for a walk outside?”

He looks at me, confused.

“Are the beasts locked up?”

“Perseo and Hades have an outdoor space. I secured the gate after giving them dinner.”

“Perfect, I’ll go for a walk.”

Without waiting any longer, I exit through the kitchen door. The night breeze envelops me as I circle the property. The villa has a maze, and I decide to enter it. It has signage, so I assume it will be easy to navigate. The mansion lights provide some illumination, although the LED path lights are currently off. I don't know how long I’ve been walking until a whisper of voices catches my attention, and I follow the sound.

“We have a lovers’ meeting,” I whisper to myself, curious, and move closer. Since they are on the other side, I walk slowly, trying to recognize the voices, but I can't. I intend to peer through the foliage when a large hand covers my mouth from behind, and the other wraps around my waist.

I splutter against the hand before feeling a warm breath in my ear.

“Quiet, I’m not going to hurt you… For now.”

Salvatore. He lifts me up and carries me away from the couple. I hit his arm across my waist, but he doesn't loosen his grip. He only lets me go when we are far enough away from the unknown couple.

“What’s wrong with you?” I hiss as I pull away from him, my eyes wide.

In the middle of the darkness, I glimpse his sarcastic smile.

“Don’t tell me you’re a curious girl.”

“What does it matter to you?” How idiotic! I lean in a little. “Do you know who they are?”

He shrugs.

“It’s not something I care about, nor should it matter to you.”

I grimace, brushing my hair back.

“I just wanted to see if I could help, maybe they are thieves.”

He raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms.

“The property has an optimal security system, so don’t worry about security.”

“You don’t know how much relief your words give me,” I whisper sarcastically. “By all means, what are you doing following me?”

“Do you really think I’m following you?” he scoffs. “I came for a walk and you crossed my path. I think that’s a trait of yours.”

“Ha, ha. How funny,” I reply with a pout. “I’m going to sleep, that’s better than wasting time with you.”

“Come on, don’t you want to get to know your husband?”

I can barely see his face, but I can hear the amusement in his words.

“My husband is a damn bastard who screws anything that walks, but he’s already been warned.”

He takes a step forward, and instinctively I step back, hitting the boxwood hedge.

“Do you really think I’m afraid of you?”

“Well, I don't know if you are, but I’m not some damned damsel in distress.”

“How strange, because your fear is palpable,” he releases with arrogance before laughing.

“Go to hell,” I try to pass him, but he blocks my way. “Salvatore,” I hiss through clenched teeth.

“Tell me, ragazza?” His now-silky voice doesn’t fool me; I know he’s playing with me. It’s obvious he’s having a blast doing this.

He drops his hands and takes another step forward, closing the distance, leaving me trapped between the bushes and his body.

“What are you trying to do? Take advantage of me in this situation?” I gesture with my hand, pointing around.

He doesn’t answer. He leans in, his breath brushing against me. I’ve discovered that Salvatore likes to play with me, so it takes everything in me not to squeal and push him away. I want to stand my ground. When I think he is going to kiss me, he pulls back and laughs.

“You’re not in luck tonight, short-stuff,” he announces sarcastically before turning and walking away.

I look at him with narrowed eyes and my hands clenched into fists. Son of a bitch! I look around before sighing. “The idiot made fun of me,” I hiss to no one. The worst part is I didn't find out who the couple was. “Damn Salvatore!” But I’ll show him that I can play games too.

The next day I’m still thinking about who the couple in the maze is—that, and my encounter with Salvatore. Asshole. I’m lost in thought when my cell phone rings.

“Lunch at the golf club.”

“Lunch at the club,” I mimic in a childish tone as I put my phone aside. “As if I were one of his damned dogs he orders around.” I look at the screen and decide to focus on work. There is still a lot I don’t understand, so I forget the imbecile Salvatore, grab my computer, leave my office, and stop at Antonio’s open door.

“Can I?”

He looks up from his documents and gives me a smile.

“You know you don’t need to ask permission to come see me. I always have time for you.”

“You’re a ray of sunshine,” I scoff, making him laugh. “I need you to help me with something.”

He stands up and points to the table in the back. I approach the table and sit down. Antonio grabs his laptop before sitting next to me.

“I don’t understand the handling of this system much. I must admit it overwhelms me,” I confess, and he laughs.

“It’s normal, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.”

Patiently, Antonio helps me find the information I need; in fact, he does it easily.

“I’m sorry to be taking up your time.”

He looks at me with warm eyes and gives me a smile before shaking his head.

“I’m here to help you. Believe it or not, you are adapting very well to everything. It took me a while to understand the system. You are almost on the other side of the bridge.”

“That bridge was shaking a few seconds ago,” I whisper, and we both laugh.

“Well, this is interesting.” We both turn at the voice and I frown to find Eva standing at the door, observing us with a mocking smile.

“What are you doing here?” the question leaves my lips before I realize it.

“I have a meeting with Antonio,” she looks at him as she enters, leaving her briefcase on the desk. “Do you remember? If you’re too busy, I can come back later.” Her eyes dart from him to Antonio, who moves slightly away from me. “Does Salvatore know how close you are to Antonio, Helena?”

That’s all I needed.

With all the patience I don’t have, I stand up, take my laptop, and nod toward Antonio before articulating a “thank you.” With firm steps, I stop in front of Eva and give her a fake smile.

“I appreciate your concern, but Salvatore has nothing to fear,” I let out haughtily. Well, it’s not like he cares, but that’s another issue. “By the way, to you, I am Mrs. Di Sante, even if it takes you a little longer.”

Her eyes spark, and I think she’s going to say something, but I watch her take a deep breath and nod.

“Of course, Madam,” she says disdainfully.

Without a second glance, I leave Antonio’s office. I enter mine and allow myself to let loose a string of profanities against that bitch.