Page 312 of The Devil's Fire

“How come you didn’t show me this one, Corinna?” She asked.

“Because it was not for you, Miss Miciela.” Corinna gave a tight smile, and the woman returned a much more obvious fake smile.

“Buona sera, Signora!” Miciela greeted Eleonora with kisses. “It’s so nice to see you again! How’s the family? Damiano?”

My brow went up the minute she mentioned his name.

“My fiancé is doing great. Thank you for asking.” I replied with a sweet smile. It took everything in me to not say husband, but I held my tongue.

“Miciela, this is Althaia, Damiano’s soon-to-be wife. And this is Miciela. Her family is in business with ours.” Eleonora explained. In other words, an ally to the family.

“Nice to meet you, Miciela.” I deliberately offered her my hand with the engagement ring for a handshake. Her gaze lingered on the ring before she shook my hand.

“Likewise, Althaia.” She said my name as if she recognized it, having me slightly tilt my head to the side.

“Honey, get changed, and let’s head to the jewelry store to find you something beautiful.” Eleonora smiled at me, and I gave a small nod and made my way to the dressing room. But not before I shot Miciela one last look, finding her eyes tracing me from head to toe.

Fuck, I really hope she isn’t one of Damiano’s past lovers.

I immediately pushed those thoughts out of my head. I had to remind myself that it was all in the past and didn’t matter anymore. I was his wife now.

“You can go right ahead while I sort this out.” Eleonora told me when I was near.

“You don’t have to. I can take care of it.” I tried to protest, but she ushered me out of the boutique and towards Giovanni and Luca, who had been waiting with Eleonora’s bodyguards outside.

“This was one exhausting round.” I sighed to them.

“We thought it would be. Here.” Giovanni handed me my favorite iced coffee and a sugar-glazed Taralli.

“You’re the best. Thank you so much!” I took the iced coffee gratefully and gave them both one big hug. I almost wanted to cry in happiness when I took the first sip.

“There you go, getting recharged.” Luca chuckled as he watched me happily eat my Taralli. “Done shopping?”

“Not yet. We’re heading to the jewelry store now, and then I think we’re done.” At least, that was what I was hoping for. It wasn’t that I wasn’t enjoying my time with Eleonora, but if we had to continue like this with every shop, we would never get out of here.

Once I finished my iced coffee and snack, I went inside the jewelry store while Luca and Giovanni waited outside again.

The jeweler, a kindly older gentleman named Mr. Felini, welcomed me as I browsed. While looking around, my gaze fixed on a particular ring that immediately caught my attention.

“Can I please have a look at this one?” I asked Mr. Felini.

“Of course!” He unlocked the display and carefully presented the ring.

It was a wide, rectangular gold ring with a captivating large green emerald. I listened as Mr. Felini talked to me about the ring. It made me smile and felt even more unique.

“I would like this one, please. Can it be wrapped as a gift?” I asked.

“Absolutely! It’s no problem.” He smiled, and I handed him back the ring. I handed him my card just in case Eleonora showed up and tried to pay for it.

I signed the invoice and went back in search to find something for the wedding. I didn’t want to buy anything until Eleonora was here, in case she didn’t approve.

The door to the store opened. I took a quick glance, seeing it was Miciela. I mentally rolled my eyes when she gave me her fake smile.

“So, Althaia.” She said as she stepped closer to me while looking at the displayed jewelry. “Are you also attending the ball tomorrow?”

“I am.” I gave her one curt answer, not hiding that I didn’t want to chit-chat with her.

“I’ve heard of you.” She stopped in front of me. I let out a sigh to show her I wasn’t interested in whatever she had to say. “Sofia is a great friend of mine.” Miciela smirked.

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