Chapter Ten

Gabriella

“Oh my….” I gasped when I realized I’d missed, he dodged so the knife hit the wall falling to the marble

Fall.

I tried to kill my father’s murderer yet I failed once again.

I’d expected him to flare up or even slap me hard across the face but instead, I got no reaction, he kept his facial expression straight and emotionless as if he was considering killing me on the spot or starving me for the next five days like he always did.

“I’d have skinned you alive but I’m in quite a good mood because we have a date to attend, wife,” he said taking a step forward, we were now standing face to face.

He lifted my chin so I could look into his big black eyes that had no soul in them and then a small smile played at the side of his lips, “ Get ready wife, but don’t waste my time.”

He motioned to Luca to carry me back to my room, which he did. I was so shocked that I had no words. I thought I would be punished, but instead, here I was in my room, preparing for a stupid date I didn’t want to attend. Before Luca exited the room he turned to face me.

“You need to be calm to stay out of trouble.”

“I don’t care!” I scowled, “How can I be nice to a man who killed my father?”

“I know it’s hard but you need to pretend like all is well or you might just lose your head, “ his gaze lingered before he stormed out of my room leaving me alone once again in my prison-like room.

Damn! I slammed my fist against the door, tears blurring my vision. I hated this place so much, sometimes I wished this was all a dream and I would just wake up someday.

A few minutes later Andrianna slipped in without a knock, I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, I wouldn’t let her see my pain.

Her face beamed with smiles as she stared at me, her pink chiffon dress hugged her curves so tight and she exuded something I never expected to find in this place… peace, it was as if she was a prisoner like me too. She ran towards me and hugged me in a tight embrace, I was stunned, it had been a long time since I received a hug, a genuine one.

“Hi, Gabriella, I missed you so much, I feel like we are going to get along,” she gushed in excitement. “My brother asked me to give you this, “ she held up a dress to me then with a smile she tossed it onto the bed. “Get dressed, he is waiting.”

For a few seconds, I stared at the dress, black, silky, and expensive, and a lump formed in my throat. It felt like I was going to attend a funeral, one for my dad.

She studied my face then placed a hand on my shoulders, “You don’t look too excited do you?”

“What does it matter!” I said turning to face the mirror holding the dress cloth to myself, already imagining how gloomy I’d look in it.

She let out a light chuckle, “Don’t worry, if you can’t make it, I can speak to my brother, I’m sure you’ve got reasons, everyone does.”

“No, you don’t have to do that!” I retorted barely meeting her gaze.

“Okay, mission accomplished, I should be on my way out, sister in law.”

Sister in law? That word made my blood simmer with fury.

She has done me no wrong but Marcello? He was a monster; he didn't deserve the title of being called my Husband and she was nothing but a stranger to me but I kept mute, I didn’t want to land in another trouble, I only wanted to get out of this hellhole.

She stopped mid-step, looking over her shoulder then turning slowly, “You still haven’t told me how you met my brother? I know he isn’t the romantic type, in fact he is always feared, so how did it happen?”

I swallowed hard, trying to contain my anger. I know she wanted to bond with me but I was the wrong person for that. I didn't want to make friends here!

“I’m curious,” she chipped in and I smiled.

Since she badly wanted to know I'd fill her in on the details

I turned to face her, a fake smile spreading across my face.

“Your brother put a bullet in my father’s head then he dragged me here and took over my properties and land like the usurper that he is!” I snarled, unable to contain the rage.

“That’s how we met!” I said softly.

The smile on her face faded away and her eyes widened in surprise, obviously, she didn’t know about her brother’s evil doings.

“I’m sorry,” that was so she could say before scurrying out of the room with her hand over her mouth.

She didn’t bother to close the door, and I stared at it for a long time, I wasn’t chained, there was no guard at the door, this could be my escape route.

I hurriedly slipped into the silky black dress, I didn’t even zip it up properly I just lunged into the dimly lit hallway, all I had in mind was to escape. Be free from Marcello then plan his demise.

Surprisingly for me, the house was unusually quiet, until I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“You look ravishing.”

I turned to see Marcello standing right behind me, watching me like a hawk would watch its prey, he had changed into a black slim shirt, his chest opened, tattoos exposed, and even his hair was neatly permed as if he was prepared for a special occasion.

I bit down on my lower lip, wishing this nightmare would end.

He kept coming close and I kept moving back until my wall was kissing the cold walls, my breath hitched and unsteady, my plan had failed once again.

“I see that you are fully dressed and ready to go,” he said.

No idiot, I was about to leave this place but then you had to show up like an asshole.

My lips parted slowly but I couldn't utter any word, before I knew it he had lifted me into his arms as if I weighed nothing.

I could feel my heart racing this time, and then he leaned close, his lips almost meeting my earlobes.

“Don’t try to escape, capisce, “ he mumbled, “You’re safer in my hell than in anyone's paradise.”