Page 47 of The Marriage Contract

“I think we should.”

“Tell me what?” I ask.

Mother says, “I know you hired Elena for a fake marriage, but don’t worry. I can see something real here, and Dario, there’s something else. Something I should’ve told you a long time ago.”

I lean back, reeling from the news my mother has just shared with me. “I thought it was an arranged marriage. I thought you married for an alliance.”

“That was the story we invented. Over time, those who knew the truth learned to keep their mouths shut.”

“I suppose my father helped with that.”

“Yes, of course,” Mother says, nodding, “but you need to know the truth. You need to know there’s hope for the two of you.”

I want to believe it’s true so badly, but Elena’s expression is doubtful. She doesn’t know how to feel about it.

“Father would exile me from the Family if he learned who Elena actually was. He would never approve of this. Even ifhisrelationship started under similar circumstances, we both know it’s true, Mother.”

She sighs. “There’s a possibility you’re right.”

“You just said there’s hope for us,” I growl.

“I just said there’s apossibilityyou’re right. Possibility means there’s a chance that the opposite could be true.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

“That depends.” My mother looks at me seriously. It brings me back to the days before I fully comprehended what I was—the weight that would rest on my shoulders. “Do you want to change your deal? Do you want to make this marriage the real thing, or is it still going to be …” she hesitates, “… anact?”

She could’ve used the wordscam, but she’s being nice.

I look at Elena. She lowers her gaze, staring at the table while biting her lip. I wonder if she knows how beautiful she is when she does that. However, that’s not saying anything because she’s always so damn gorgeous.

“It’s more than an act,” I murmur.

“But a wedding is a big step,” Elena mutters.

“We haven’t known each other very long,” I agree, though, somehow, the words feel false and wrong—almost like a betrayal, which is complete insanity. “If you’re asking if there’s something real here …” I take a risk, reaching across the table and gently laying my hand on Elena’s. When she doesn’t cringe away, I consider it another victory.

After a pause, she turns to my mother. “Maria, can we maybe answer that question later? This is the first time I’ve even left my bedroom in days. It all feels like too much. I don’t know. I’m not explaining it very well.”

My mother nods. “I won’t pester you for now,” she says. “I understand how difficult this must be, but soon, Salvatore’s dealwill be complete. He’ll pay more attention to matters like these. You can’t hide forever.”

“I get that,” Elena says, turning her hand so that she can grasp onto me. A thrill shimmers through me at the action.

Maybe my mother can sense it because she stands. “I’m going to leave you two lovebirds to it,” she says.

“Thank you, Mother,” I say, “for understanding and not hating me.” I stand and hug her. “I never thought I’d want to be with anybody.”

“Why?” Mother asks, and I realize it’s the first time she’s ever outright asked this.

“Our life is too dark.I’mtoo dark, and I’ve never felt a thing for anyone. I never imagined I could. Until …” I look at Elena, at her radiant flushed cheeks, the way she bites down as if the weight of my gaze is still too heavy for her. “Until you, Elena. Shall we have something to eat? A date—an actual date?”

“Where?” she asks nervously.

“Wherever you want,” I tell her. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Mother says goodbye, and then I sit beside Elena and wrap my arm around her. For a moment, she cringes, and I think she’s going to tell me to move, tell me I’m pushing her too fast. Instead, she sinks against me.

“How can you scare me and still make me feel warm and safe?”

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