Page 17 of The Billionaire's Pact

“So, uhm. Did you speak with my parents tonight?”

“Yes, I did. That’s why I called. Uh they told me they found a new match?”

“Good.”

I stared at the ceiling. “So you knew?”

“I did, but my mother wanted to tell you and I had already messed up by telling you the news about Ashford at graduation when she wanted to tell you later—”

“Mama, you didn’t mess up. I’m your daughter. You can tell me stuff.”

“I know, I know,” she said and sighed down the line. “But yeah. They brokered an arranged marriage with Mr. Rocco Marini. The Marini’s are a famous family we’ve known forever. I went to school with a few Marini’s at one time.”

My mouth went dry. “Oh, I didn’t know. But well everyone has heard of Rocco. He’s been in commercials and documentaries.”

“Yeah. He’s a celebrity, and honestly, I didn’t believe it was serious until he called and told me he was sincere about marrying you.”

“Rocco called you?” My voice raised, and I fidgeted with the loose strings of fabric on my zip-up jacket.

“Yes, he did. He asked me for permission to marry you, which he didn’t have to since my parents were the negotiators of the arranged marriage.” Her voice was soft.

“Doesn’t matter if they are. You’re my mother. Of course he’d ask you, too.” I tried to assure her.

“Yes, well. Anyway, I told him yes.” Her tone wasn’t exactly happy about it.

“Okay. But…when you were talking to him did he tell you why he’s marrying me?” I asked and bit my bottom lip.

“Probably because two powerful, historical, wealthy families merging would have no limits. My father thinks Rocco could become the most influential man in politics, and we could have the wealth we used to have. You could raise a senator, supreme court judge, or even a president.”

I touched my churning stomach as excitement and dread battled inside me. It hurt that they hadn’t considered me having a career at all—I couldn’t be more than a wife or mother. The real plans were for my children, as that was what I agreed to do. I wanted the stability for my family. I’ll sacrifice my life for a better life for them. “Yeah, I hear you. It just seems like I’m an odd choice for him.”

“Yeah, I agree. I’d never choose a man like Rocco Marini for you if it were up to me.”

“Why not?” I asked. It wasn’t that I disagreed with her, but I wanted to know why she also thought we weren’t a good match.

“Because marriage could be a whim for him, and only he can end it. Who knows what kind of depravity lies behind that pretty face?”

“Mama,” I drawled out and rolled my eyes.

“I’m serious, Adelina. He could hurt you and leave you with nothing. His lawyers will bury you in court cases, and you’ll never see a dime. Then, you’ll be on your knees, begging my parents. And the second you do, your life will be over….”

Mama’s life had been with my father. She was trapped in an abusive relationship, lost custody of her son, and almost me as well. She needed me to succeed just as much as my grandparents. Knowing as much, I decided not to tell Mama about the backup plan of marrying Percy Sterling. Grandmother was positively distraught at the mere mention of him. I didn’t want to cause her any distress or instability now that her life was better than ever. “Is there anything I need to know?”

“My parents need your marriage ceremony to collect all ten million dollars. They’ll get more money every year and a hefty trust for your descendants.”

A sting cut in at Mama distinguishing her parents as only belonging to her. They never quite included me as their family, even after I’d taken the Belfiore name after her divorce. However, that was a consideration for another time. Mama was finally sharing what I needed to know that my grandparents had left out.

“The marriage has to last five months before collecting the Longfellow property. That’s the information their lawyer, Reese, gave me as a gift because he always felt bad about what happened to me. That means you have five months to announce you’re pregnant with Rocco’s baby. A public man like Rocco will not leave a wife who’s pregnant with his child.”

My stomach knotted. “A baby? Already?”

“Yes. Try to get things happening quickly. I know we haven’t talked about sex—”

“Not now,” I interrupted her and pressed my chest. “I’m just getting my head around everything. Give me a chance to catch my breath.”

“Life doesn’t wait for breaths, Adelina. Be smarter than I was. Play their game. You’ll be married. You always knew a child was important in this marriage arrangement.”

My grandparents never let me forget. I was a surrogate for their legacy. What if there is another pact to take even more control of my child? The thought made my head dizzy. Mama did everything they told her to do. She had been remarried for five years now. Was she happy? I had to know.

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