Page 18 of The Billionaire's Pact

I stared at the ceiling and took a deep breath. “Mama, can I ask you something personal?”

“Of course you can, but I can’t promise you I’ll answer.” She laughed nervously.

“Does Glenn love you?”

My stepfather was always kind, but there was a hesitation when they touched.

“No, he doesn’t,” she said flatly. “We don’t love each other. He has his life, and I have mine. I keep him on schedule, attend his events, and work on the charities. But it’s better this way. Love only leads to suffering. When you love, you lose your head, and take risks that can only lead to your ruin.”

That was her experience. Though it hurt to see how alone her life must be with Glenn and constantly being under my grandparents’ supervision. “You can divorce him, you know. Marry someone you love.”

Yes, divorcing was rare, but not impossible. She could if she was so unhappy.

“Love’s a childish dream, Adelina. You’re beautiful, kind, and hardworking. I admire you so much, but I want you to remove those romantic thoughts from your mind. You give Rocco friendship and support, but you must never love him. Promise me.” Her voice was strong with conviction and pain. I’d seen her at her lowest; I understood where love without reason could lead. Not only had I learned that love was conditional—especially with my grandparents—but I was now to enter into a marriage, knowing I’d never be loved. Knowing my husband could seek his pleasure elsewhere, outside of marriage. That I’d always be alone. Love wouldn’t ever be a possibility.

“I won’t love him, Mama. I promise.” I wasn’t sure I was even capable of love, if I was being honest.

“Good, now goodnight.”

We ended the call, and I returned to the room for bed.

Rocco bought me for my name; he didn’t want or need me. But ultimately, he would be my new husband. I needed to become his wife and share his bed.

I’ll give him my body, but never my heart.

I couldn’t sleep, and at eight in the morning, I finally texted Mr. Marini. He was always up early at his bird sanctuary.

Adelina: What are you up to, old man?

He texted back almost instantly.

M: Mia dolce, Adelina. You have a way with words. What happened to the niceties of our greetings? Are you enjoying your time off? Or are you disappointed you’re not kissing Mrs. Ashford’s feet?

I laughed. He knew all about Ashford’s marriage proposal and apparently, his mother.

Adelina: I could have handled her.

M: Isn’t it better that you don’t have to? My grandson isn’t a bad alternative. He said your second meeting went well.

I touched my warm cheek. Rocco would say that after I leered at him. But why did Mr. Marini choose me?

Sure, we had a good friendship, one that had become important in my life. Because of Mr. Marini and Cassidy, I’d survived the lonely years at school. At times, thrived. Sometimes I pretended that he was my true family. He never judged me. Never patronized me. Never told me I was worth nothing, only there to serve a financial purpose. He made me feel wanted. In all honesty, I wasn’t sure I would have survived without him throughout the years.

Before I could write back, he sent a new message.

M: Why not read the book I sent if you can’t sleep? I bet you haven’t started it yet.

I glanced at the book on my side table.

Adelina: Not yet.

M: Read and forget about the rest. The path has already been made.

I grinned. He was always right about that.

Adelina: Thanks.

Rocco seemed nice, and he wasn’t a complete stranger like Mr. Ashford. I thought about my past conversations with Mr. Marini over the years. He shared the reason Rocco traveled a lot was because he hated the press hounding him. All the searching online showed the man flying all over the world for his documentaries and films. It was exciting, but what would that mean for me? Would he leave me in a house and travel alone? Hmm, that doesn’t sound so bad. But what if he’s out there and falls in love and divorces me? Too much could go wrong.

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