Page 78 of Monster in Disguise

"It's more than okay," he replies with a wink, his eyes full of confidence. "I make the rules, remember?"

I avert my gaze, feeling a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. How can he be so effortlessly charming? Sometimes I wonder if he's even real.

Ever since that unforgettable afternoon in his office, I've found it nearly impossible to get him out of my mind. The fact that I have a chance at a real marriage with him still feels almost surreal, something I never thought possible in the past.

And as we grow more comfortable with each other, perhaps romance will blossom too. The physical attraction between us is undeniable—though I'm still apprehensive about what that might entail. But knowing that he shares my fears brings me some peace of mind.

A driver takes us to a nearby mall, a few discreet cars following behind to ensure our safety. Once we arrive, I turn to him and ask curiously, "So where are we going?"

"I know you went shopping with your Assisi and Claudia, but I heard you didn't get anything special for yourself," he explains.

"You...heard?" I frown in confusion.

"I asked Claudia.” He shrugs nonchalantly.

"That little traitor," I mutter playfully under my breath. "But I don't understand what you mean by 'something special.' I bought everything I needed."

"Perhaps too little," he remarks with a teasing smile.

I blink in surprise and look up at him quizzically.

"Just remember, I have plenty of money," he adds confidently. "You don't have to worry about being frugal."

"But I don't need much," I protest. "I've always been used to wearing the same clothes for years."

He suddenly stops.

"And that is the issue, Lina. You shouldn't have suffered like that."

I'm still not sure why he's insisting on this topic. I like clothes. What girl doesn't? But I would rather get a few quality pieces rather than a lot that will get destroyed at the first wash. And I have everything that I need thanks to Enzo and Marcello's generosity.

"I lived in a convent, Marcello. They're not known for their extravagant attires."

He purses his lips thoughtfully. "You should have never been sent there in the first place, Lina," he adds, a hint of regret in his voice.

"It is what it is." I shrug. "I'm happy I'm not there now."

At that, he smiles.

"And because you're here now, you get to be extravagant. So today we're getting you something special." With that, hetentatively reaches for my hand. His fingers twine through mine, slowly.

He blinks and gulps down hard as he gets used to the touch. I don't move, letting him go at his own pace and become comfortable enough to hold my hand.

The mere fact that he's trying is a wonder in itself. And when he succeeds in holding tightly onto my hand, I can't help the beaming smile that spreads over my face.

He gives me a small nod and we proceed toward the entrance of the mall. Behind us, a group of men dressed in dark suits follow closely, their watchful eyes scanning the crowds around us.

As we walk through the bustling mall, the sound of chatter and footsteps fills the air. The glittering displays of countless shops catch my eye, tempting me to stop and browse. My gaze lingers on a dazzling jewelry display, but I quickly avert my eyes. I don't want Marcello to spend exorbitant amounts of money on me.

Just one glance at the prices and I am shocked—when did a simple pair of earrings start costing tens of thousands of dollars? Perhaps it's because I've been sheltered for so long, but this sheer extravagance astounds me.

"Oh shit." Marcello suddenly stops in the middle of the mall. My brows furrow as I look up at him.

"I'm such an idiot."

"What do you mean?"

"I never got you a ring, did I?"

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