Page 16 of The Billionaire's Pact

Mr. Belfiore reached for her hand and clasped it. “Percy is an option, but you’ll marry Rocco. Your success in this marriage doesn’t only depend on you.”

“It’s for Lorelei,” Mrs. Belfiore added.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

She sighed heavily. “It’s time you knew the truth…Lorelei was committed into a mental health hospital after the abuse your father caused broke her, physically and mentally. We were granted a conservatorship. Her past neglect and child protection orders are sealed, but no one will allow Lorelei to take Jacob. She’s been deemed unfit.”

My heart constricted. Mama was institutionalized? I was told she had gone to Italy to rest at my great grandmother’s place that first year we hadn’t been able to talk. That Glenn was preventing her from having Jacob live with her. “Why…why didn’t you tell me?”

“What could you have done?” Mr. Belfiore asked “You were fourteen and could have gone to juvenile detention for attacking your father. Because even if he’d stepped down as a judge, he’d still have some pull. But we stepped in and saved you.”

I lifted my chin. “You don’t have to threaten me to get my help. We’re family.” My voice cracked, and I turned my head because I couldn’t bear to see them say I wasn’t. I wanted them to be proud of me; I wanted their love and acceptance.

“Yes…we are,” Mr. Belfiore said. “But as I said before, this isn’t the first time I’ve sat here. We are at an age where we can’t start over. We invested in you to help all of us.” He paused. “Rocco…isn’t getting much out of the deal, so it’s very important for you to make sure he’s happy to marry you.”

My face warmed and nerves danced in my stomach. What could I possibly offer a man that has everything?

Still, I waited as Mr. Belfiore opened the leather folder and placed a stack of papers on the table for me to sign.

I immediately noticed the contract was different. Willy’s had included money from my family trust. But this one offered five million dollars to my family on signing the marriage license, and another five million after the wedding ceremony, along with a list of properties that had a particular one underlined with a pen. Longfellow. Constance Longfellow was my grandmother, Mrs. Belfiore’s, maiden name. While I didn’t know how she’d lost her family property, it was significant to her, and I wanted her to have it back. There was also a short list of properties, private sectors, contacts, and other exclusive benefits my grandparents agreed to provide in return, though most I didn’t understand. Only I would have a chance to payback my grandparents for saving us and restoring our family’s societal position and fortune. I was just as committed to making things right.

I signed the papers.

Mr. Belfiore checked over the papers and placed them back inside the leather book. “Good. Mr. Marini will be here tomorrow morning at ten. We’re going over final contracts and his schedule with the lawyers. It’s imperative for you to be on time, respectful, and obedient.”

“Yes, Mr. Belfiore,” I said and he smiled.

“You should go rest. You have a busy day ahead.”

The warmth of his words and his acknowledgement soothed a cut inside my heart. But there are always more conditions. I secretly hated that I was locked into a life to win their love. But what was love, anyway? Something that always had conditions.

My father had said it often enough to Mama that it had lost meaning. Still, I longed for it. If I did it all, married and had children, would that be enough? Will they love me? Will they ever tell me they do?

“Goodnight.” I left the room and went straight up the stairs. At the top, I drew a shaky breath, pressing my hand to my chest. Rocco Marini’s marrying me? Mr. Belfiore’s words were still ringing in my ears. “Rocco…isn’t getting much out of the deal, so it’s very important for you to make sure he’s happy to marry you.”

Even though I’d done everything they’d asked of me, worn every article of clothing expected, kept myself out of trouble with excellent marks in college, I still wasn’t enough. I was a transaction. Something to maintain their status and wealth.

Rocco Marini didn’t need me.

So, why the heck had he agreed to marry me? And what if he changes his mind?

No one promised me a rose garden, hearts, and happiness. I’d known from the start that my arranged marriage was to restore our wealth and lineage. The only thing I wanted to do was check in on Mama. She never, not even for a moment over the years, gave me any indication that she was in a conservatorship. All this time I’d thought my grandparents keeping me from her was cruel, but I hadn’t even considered my mother had a mental breakdown. She had been distraught all those years ago, but she seemed to be fine living with Glenn. I never saw him angry with her, though he seemed indifferent to everything. Their mansion in Connecticut was beautiful, and Mama never spent her time trapped inside. Instead she did a lot of charities and events in her community. Maybe I’m overthinking it. She’s safe from Judge Colby, and that’s more important. So why would she still need it?

I sat down on the bed with my phone and called her. She answered on the first ring.

“Adelina, hello? Are you all right? Did something happen?”

“Hi Mama. No, nothing happened. Everything’s fine. I…I called to talk to you.” I added a cheery lift to my tone and winced. But that was how it had been for a while. We didn’t do casual calls. It was always about something I had to do.

“Okay.” She let out a nervous laugh.

“So. Uhm, how was Glenn’s tournament?” I moved the pillows and sat up.

“He came in third. You’d think he’d came in first the way he’s carrying on.” She chuckled and I joined in.

“I should’ve called you. I’m sorry. I’ve been busy—”

“It’s fine, Mama. I understand.”

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