Page 14 of Veiled Vows

I sigh, leaning back in the chair to put space between us. “You need to figure out what you really want, Salvatore,” I say quietly. “Because this—whatever this is—it’s not working.”

He doesn’t respond, just stands there, his presence overwhelming as ever. I can sense him struggling to understand his own feelings. And for a moment, just a moment, I almost feel sorry for him. But then I remember what he put me through, and I harden my heart once more.

“Come with me,” Salvatore says.

I pretend to be focused on something on my computer, my fingers tapping aimlessly on the keyboard. In truth, I don’t want to look at him. If I do, I might break down. He doesn’t love me, but he wants the privileges he had with me as his loving wife back. And the worst part is, I still love him, despite everything. His recent behavior, this sudden shift, is making it impossible for me to move on. I would be damned if I give in though.

“I have work to do, Salvatore. I have no time to entertain your midlife crisis,” I say.

He is undeterred. “I’ve already spoken to Harper. You have the day off. I’ve planned something.”

Anger flares inside me. “I don’t want to jeopardize this job. How dare you!”

He grins wickedly. “You’re an extraordinary lawyer, Serena. But even if you weren’t, she wouldn’t fire you. Your last name is enough.”

I dig my fingernails into my hand, the truth of his words stinging. I’ve always excelled at what I do, scoring top marks in my courses. But the chance of Evelyn hiring me as a junior partner straight after graduation, with no experience, would have been slim if not for Salvatore’s last name.

“Get out,” I spit out.

He corners me, his testosterone overflowing in my office. “You either come with me willingly, or I’ll carry you over my shoulder, kicking and screaming. It would be my pleasure.”

I know he’s not bluffing. The defiance drains out of me, replaced by resignation. I grab my purse and stand up, hitting his shoulder with mine as I pass him.

He laughs, the sound low and amused. It must have felt like the touch of a feather to him, but it’s satisfying to know I at least tried.

We leave the office, his hand resting possessively on my lower back. I feel the eyes of my colleagues on us as we walk out, their curiosity and judgment palpable. The humiliation burns, but I keep my head high, refusing to let him see how much this affects me.

The car ride is silent, tension thick in the air. I stare out the window, my mind racing with thoughts of what he could possibly have planned.

Chapter 8

Salvatore

Idrive her to the coast, the tension between us thick as we travel in silence. When we arrive, there’s a golden glow over the pristine shoreline. I park the car and lead her to stroll through the gated community. Villas are spread out with ample space between them, ensuring privacy.

While walking around, I show her the landscaped gardens, which have fountains and exotic plants—everything that she loves. It’s a paradise, and I sneak a look at her to see if she’s impressed, but it doesn’t seem like she is.

“Surprise,” I say, gesturing towards the grandest villa, directly facing the shoreline. It’s the biggest one, and the expansive windows have an amazing view of the outside.

“That one’s yours,” I say.

We come to a halt in front of it, and the sight of the coast from here is outstanding. A yacht, shining in the sunlight, is anchored just offshore.

“And that,” I point to the yacht, its sleek form bobbing gently in the water, “is also yours. I know how much you love the sea. They are both in your name.”

I watch her face, expecting her eyes to light up, she loves swimming and being by the sea. I want to make up for all the ways I’ve failed her emotionally. But instead of joy, her eyes narrow with anger.

“Do you really think this fixes anything?” she snaps, her voice cutting through the ambient sounds of the waves and seagulls.“Do you think material things can make up for everything you’ve done?”

This isn’t the reaction I anticipated. “Serena, I thought—”

“Thought what, Salvatore? That you can buy my forgiveness?” She shakes her head. “This isn’t what I want. This isn’t what I need.”

I plead with her, my voice softer than usual, “Please, Serena, just give this day a chance.”

She looks towards the shoreline, staying silent for a minute that feels like an eternity. Finally, she nods reluctantly, and I allow my muscles to relax. This woman knows how to keep me on my toes. I’m willing to lay out my entire fortune for her heeled feet to step on, just for her to look at me like she used to.

I lead her towards the yacht, where I help her up on it. The captain meets us there, shaking my hand. He then shakes Serena’s hand, avoiding looking at her for too long. Good.

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