Chapter Three

"What!" Emma exclaimed, making the others who were sitting beside us to focus on us. Even Aldo who was attending to the customers turned to look at us Luckily she hadn't started drinking the juice i offered to her. If not she would have splashed it on me or worse choked on it.

Yesterday I had to lie to my mom that it was one of Emma's friends who gave me a ride. Though she was pleased, she still told me to be cautious about strangers .

We were sitting inside the bakery and i had to open up to Emma about what happened yesterday.

"I do not understand a thing. Yesterday you wanted to get into a relationship and then a few hours later you're already married!. Is there something I've been missing? Why have you been making hasty decisions lately?"

"Emma, someone might hear you" I cautioned."

Is that even important right now?" she asked a little calm this time..

" What made you do such a thing? How can you get married overnight?". she suspiciously asked and I bent my head while playing with my fingers neath the table.

"I didn't know what got into me but all I knew was I had to save that person's life. They were about to kill her without leaving any trace as if she didn't exist " I tried convincing her.

"And you decided to be the "wonder woman"?" she scoffed with an eye roll.

"Wait, did you just say kill?" I nodded and she looked like she would pass out. She must have realized I didn't get married to an ordinary person.She slowly rose up to her feet while wiggling her head as if to deny the fact.

"What did you do?." she calmly asked. "Who are you married to?" I stayed silent for a minute.

"It's Cesare, Cesare Ferrari"

Emma paused like a statue, her eyes were the only thing moving with the constant blinks. Then she suddenly grabbed the bottle of juice. Quickly uncocking it, she tanked half of it's content into her mouth.

I knew at this point she was really going to led everyone know so i quickly ceased the bottle from her and pulled her outside towards her parked car.The whole time she didn't even resist as if she didn't know I was pulling her.

"I'm- i'm really going to pass out now" she said in between breaths while holding her chest.

"Please calm down Emma" I held her other hand, she looked at me as if I was insane.

"You are joking right, it must be a different Cesare Ferrari not the one we all know right?" . I stayed silent.

Any one in Emma's shoes who knew the Ferrari's would react the same way or even worse. The Ferraris are one of the biggest crime families in Florence if not Italy. Over years they were involved in most illegal activities; drugs, prostitution, gun trafficking and more. I didn't know about them until I heard about it in school and Emma helped me to elaborate more. She even told me that their name was often whispered as if it was an abomination and even the cops couldn't do anything about them.

"Were you blinded by his charming looks? For goodness sake Cesare Ferrari is reputed to be even more ruthless than his father! What were you thinking?"

I know, and I've seen how cruel he can be. I replied inwardly.

"It's just for three days and after that it would seem like it never happened. I just need your help to make sure my mom doesn't find out." I gave her a pleading eye while holding her hands.

Just when she was about to say something, her phone pinged and she reached for it from her pant pocket before looking at the screen. Her brows twisted for a moment then she stared back at me.

"Someone delivered a package for you in my parents house"

"Ooops!, i forgot to mention that i will have dinner with his family tonight so i asked for him to pick me up in your house". I chuckled nervously and she heaved.

Glancing at her phone she asked" At what time cause it's already 5:00pm?"

"It's at 6:00pm, I have barely an hour" I began panicking.

"Go inform Aldo that you would be leaving with me. We'll think about what to tell your mom later"

" she said and I gave her a quick hug of gratitude. I rushed inside and informed Aldo then took my bag and we drove towards Emma's home. It didn't take long before we got to Emma's parents mansion.

A maid approached us with two shopping bags immediately we stepped in ."Here is the package mam"

"Thank you" Emma replied after taking it from her and we rushed upstairs towards Emma's room.She glanced inside the bag and smiled.

"You already have an outfit. I'll just style your hair and do a little makeup" she said and i nodded then went to seat in front of makeup table facing the big mirror.Few minutes later, She was already done and she helped me get into the blue spaghetti sweetheart maxi sequin gown which ended just above my knee.

"Wow!, . I don't know if the gown was already this beautiful or you made it look this good." She complimented me.

"Are you sure it's alright?" I asked nervously. Though it was a fake thing, I still wanted it to be perfect.

"Are you really asking me that girl? It's damn gorgeous. There's no doubt this gown cost a lot of money, not to mention the matching Silver heels and Purse. Take a look at yourself in the mirror."

I did as she said and I must admit I indeed looked beautiful. My reddish brown hair was styled in a pony with few strands left to fall on each side. I turned around and my eyes almost popped out at how deep the back was. I was used to wearing my top and jeans but once in a while I also rocked skirts and gowns but this, iitexposed half my back.

"It's only for a few hours. Besides, we can't look for another outfit right now," she said, seeing my reaction.

I heard my phone ring, then took it from the table to see my mom calling. I looked at Emma and she urged me to pick it up

."Hello mom, I'm sorry for not telling you after i left the bakery i went to see Emma as she isn't feeling too good"

"Is it alright if i spent sometime with her till she gets better? Her parents are on a trip"."

Alright, thanks alot mom, Ilove you have a good night". She ended the call and I huffed in relief.

"She sends her get well soon" i said to Emma.

"I'll take it in advance" she said and we chuckled. I feel terrible lying to my mom like this.

We heard a knock on the door informing us that a car was waiting for me outside.We went outside and hugged each other .

"Make sure to keep me updated" she instructed and I nodded.The door was already open for me so I stepped in only to meet with the Greek god from yesterday. Didn't he say someone else would pick me up? anyways, he looked dashing in that black suit.

"You're late" He snapped, not even passing me a glance as he concentrated on his phone.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize I was running out of time" . He finally moved his eyes towards me. Staring at me for some minutes he went back to his phone.

"We are to act like real couples in front of my father. If he asks where we meet tell him at your mom's bakery"

I was completely stunned. "How did you know my mom owns a bakery?"

"Do not do anything that will make him suspicious" . He warned and I rolled my eyes. There he is ignoring me again

"The contract expires tomorrow evening. By then you're free to go. Check your purse and put on what you see inside" I furrowed my brows but still obeyed him and opened the purse. I took the gold ring and wore it on my ring finger. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and it almost made me tear up.

Can't believe I'll be wearing it only for hours.An idea struck in, then I picked my phone and took some shots.I noticed Cesare was now looking at me like a mad woman but I didn't care. If i wouldn't be wearing it forever then i better make sure to see it anytime i want.

The car came to a stop and a guy in black suite opened the door for me. I stepped down and muttered a thank you.

My jaws were right now touching the floor at the view in front of me.

The mansion- no castel stood tall and proud. There was a fountain at the left with water coming out of a two fishes at each side . On the other side was the parking lot with fleet of expensive cars.

My body tensed suddenly feeling a hand around my waist then I looked to see it was Cesare. He held me so close that I couldn't help but blush. We looked like real couples.

Walking inside, the interior itself was something else. He led me to the dining area and I was shocked at the various types of both Italian and foreign food and wine in front of me. Is there going to be a feast or what?

"Cesare you're here '' I looked in front to see a man in late forties approaching us. He got really close to us but suddenly paused when his eyes landed on me. My heart skipped.

He hates me at first sight.

"I'll like for you to meet Leniela Moretti, my wife" Cesare said. I waited to hear the man yelled at me but I was surprised when he took my hand for a handshake with a soft smile.

"I'm Alfredo, You're welcome Leniela, please come take your seat" he gestured to the chairs and Cesare pulled a chair for me. I thanked him with the cutest smile before sitting down. He settled down beside me and told me to eat what I wanted.

I unfolded the napkin and placed it on my thights then then began dishing out the food inside my plate

"How old are you Leniela?" I heard my name and turned towards the source of the voice.

"I'm 18 sir," I replied with a polite smile. Cesare was the exact replica of this man. He had his hair, eyes and height. He was good looking too, just like his son.

"You are so young, why marry this early, especially to my son?" I tensed at his question, what do  say now..

"But then again" he continued " you're legally of age so i don't see why I should stop the two love birds" he smiled .

"Thank you sir" I returned the smile with a slight bow.We continued eating while he continued inquiring about me and later on about I and Cesare.

Cesare sat quite the whole time and would only speak if he noticed I was finding it difficult to answer some certain questions. We had finished eating and I asked to use the restroom. One of the maids helped me there and after doing my business, I was on my way back when I heard Cesare's voice.

He sounded angry like really angry.

I stopped on my tracks to listen but what I heard made me pannick.

"It can't be!, what will I tell mom?".

Quickly taking my phone from my purse, I called Emma and she picked on first ring.

"There's a problem Emma, the contract isn't going to last for three days".

"What!"