15
Days passed, and the villa in Sicily wasn’t exactly the cozy refuge i had envisioned. It was enormous, echoey, and, let’s face it, ridiculously over–the–top for just me and Mama. The gilded mirrors, the marble floors, and the sprawling gardens might have screamed wealth and power, but to me, they just whispered one thing: loneliness.
Mama was often away, consumed with managing her businesses, leaving me with plenty of time to wander around and think about the mess I’d left behind in Milan. Don’t get me wrong–escaping Lorenzo and Stefania was the best decision I’d ever made. Watching their world implode from afar was… therapeutic. But I’d be lying if I said the silence didn’t get to me sometimes
One afternoon, I found myself drawn to the garden. It was untamed, with roses, ivy, and wisteria competing for space like unruly houseguests. It reminded me of myself–a survivor, thriving in chaos
I sat on a weathered stone bench, staring at the horizon when my phone buzzed, the sharp sound slicing through the stillness. Matteo’s name lit up the screen.
I smirked as I answered. “Well, well, Matteo Santoro. To what do I owe the pleasure this time?”
His voice, smooth and rich like fine whiskey, poured through the line. “Ah, Damsel. Still sharp as ever, I see. Tell me, how’s the Queen of Sicily faring these days?”
“Queen of a gilded cage, you mean,” I retorted, shaking my head. “What’s up, Matteo? Miss me already?”
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He chuckled softly. “You missed me more, but I won’t hold it against you. I called to share some news. Lorenzo’s unraveling faster than I expected.”
Hearing Lorenzo’s name sent a flicker of satisfaction through me. I leaned back, letting the sun kiss my skin. “Oh? Do tell. What’s my dear ex–fiancé up to these days? Besides starring in Milan’s most talked–about scandal, of
course.”
“He’s flailing,” Matteo said with a chuckle. “The footage you gifted the world? It’s become a viral sensation. The Corvinos are livid, and Stefania’s crocodile tears aren’t doing her any favors. Even Lorenzo’s most loyal allies are starting to abandon ship.”
“Good.” I smiled. “He deserves every ounce of humiliation coming his way. And Stefania? Let her wallow in the mess she helped create.”
“She’s trying to spin the story, of course,” Matteo added. “Claiming she was manipulated, that she never meant to hurt you
I snorted. “Classic Stefania. Always the victim. Let me guess–Lorenzo’s eating it up?”
“For now,” Matteo replied, his voice dipping to a more serious tone. “But the cracks are showing. His rivals are circling like vultures, ready to take advantage. As for you, Damsel, don’t worry. I’ve made it clear to everyone that
you’re under Emperio’s protection.
His words made my chest tighten in a way I didn’t fully understand. “Appreciate the gesture, Matteo, but I can handle myself. Besides, I doubt anyone’s foolish enough to come all the way to Sicily to bother me. Or to challenge the mighty Emperio. Actually, I’m dying to meet this man called Emperor of Emperio… Have you met him before?” I was just fishing. Hoping that Matteo will tell me his secrets. “Is he handsome? Will he fancy me?”
“Why?” Matteo’s voice sounded jealous of the emperor I was asking about. I smiled. He is really good at hiding
behind a mask.
“I’m just curious about him. You know, if someone like him truly protects me then it will be a dead end for Lorenzo and Stefania Admit it or not, Emperio always gives us a name impact. Even Lorenzo doesn’t want to cross
with them.”
“So you admire the emperor very much. What if I say I already met him?”
“Then I will ask what he looks like? What does he like?”
“I’m more breathtaking than him, I’m sure of that.” Matteo’s laugh was low and confident. “Stop thinking of the emperor, think of me and miss me more. And I promise you… emperor or not, no one will dare touch you, Aletta Not
while I’m alive.”
“Oh, so you’re my
personal bodyguard now?” I teased. I know I’m blushing and thanks he can’t see me.
“I could be your lifetime personal bodyguard ”
“I can’t afford paying you, Matteo”
“You can, just pay me with another night like the last one,” he quipped, his voice dropping into a teasing, flirtatious lilt. “Pay me every night and every day you will have me as your bodyguard.”
My y cheeks burned despite myself. “You’re impossible.
“Admit it, Damsel,” he said softly. “You miss me more than you want to say.”
I didn’t answer right away, my silence saying more than words could.
Matteo continued, his tone softening. “Anyway, how are you holding up, Damsel? Really.”
Thesitated, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice and by his instant way of changing the topic. “I’m…. figuring it out,” I admitted. “It’s strange, you know? For the first time in years, I’m not someone’s fiancée or someone’s trophy. I’m just me. And I’m not sure what to do with that y yet”
Matteo was quiet for a moment before he spoke. “Take your time, Aletta. You’ve been through hell, and you deserve to find yourself again. But when you’re ready. His voice grew low. “When you’re ready to step back into the
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deserve to find yourself again. But when you’re ready…” His voice grew low. “When you’re ready to step back into the game, remember you won’t have to do it alone.”
His words lingered long after the call ended. “I won’t be alone,” I murmured, letting the thought settle. Could Matteo really mean it? Was this more than a game to him?
My musings were interrupted by the sharp click of heels against the marble pathway. I looked up to see Mama approaching, her silhouette framed by the fading afternoon light. She was every inch the queen she claimed to be. her presence commanding even in the quiet of the garden.
“Mama,” I greeted, standing as she reached me.
She gave me a small smile, her sharp eyes scanning my face. “Aletta. You’re glowing,” she observed. “Has Matteo called again?”
Thetaniow the sun?
I rolled my eyes. “Why do you think Matteo is the reason for my mood? Can’t it be because Mama arched a perfectly sculpted brow “Because you never glowed like this before. Not even with Lorenzo.”
I opened my mouth to protest but stopped. She wasn’t wrong. Matteo had a way of getting under my skin in a way Lorenzo never could
“Matteo’s… different,” I said finally, my voice soft
Mama’s expression shifted, her gaze softening. “Again, be careful with him, Aletta. I already told you that men like him are dangerous, right? And not because they’ll break your heart, but because they’ll make you forget you ever had
one to protect”
I laughed, though her words struck a chord. “Don’t worry, Mama. I can handle Matteo.”
She gave me a knowing smile. “I hope so, my dear. But remember–handling a man like him often means letting
him think he’s the one holding the reins.”
“I won’t forget that.” I bubbly said and wrinkled my nose
But Mama’s right….
Matteo’s charm was undeniable, his power intoxicating. But was he a partner in my fight–or just another man
trying to control the game?
