Page 28 of Veiled Vows

“Serena, you were perfect for the role of my wife. Gorgeous, educated, well-spoken, healthy, and fertile. You had all the qualities I wanted. Yes, it wasn’t about love at first.” I confess, watching as tears well up in her eyes.

“You’re so cruel,” she mumbles.

I wipe her tears away, my touch gentler than I’ve ever allowed myself to be. “Just listen to me, my love. I probably loved you a month into meeting you. But I lied to myself, told myself I didn’t. As to why, I’ll tell you later in private.” I take a deep breath. “But I wanted to tell you right here, in front of both our parents, that this marriage isn’t an arranged one anymore. I love you so much that I’d die if you continue to look at me like you don’t care, like I’m nothing. I’m so sorry for breaking your heart baby.”

Turning towards our parents, I add, “This marriage is real. It’s the realest thing in the world.”

Maria throws her napkin on the plate, her face souring as she storms out. Serena’s father sits there, stuttering out apologies, while my father, surprisingly, looks ecstatic. It’s strange, seeing a flicker of emotion in his usually apathetic eyes.

Serena leans back into the chair, blowing her nose softly before looking at her father.

"I've known for months," she begins, her voice steady despite the tears. "But I didn't even confront you because I knew you wouldn't care. All you care about is money. When you made this deal, did you not think of me once? Did I not even cross my mother’s mind?"

Good girl, Serena. Give him a piece of your mind. That’s my good girl. She needs this, I know.

Her father shifts uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, Serena. When you have your own children, you will understand."

She scoffs, her eyes hardening. "I won't make them live a lie. I won't put them in the hospital from the stress of looking perfect. I'll..." She stops, cursing under her breath, then says, "I'll actually love them."

Serena excuses herself to go to the bathroom. As she rises, I reach for her hand and kiss it gently. She gives me a small, tired smile before walking away.

I sit there, my glare fixed on Nicholas. He buries his head in his hands, the weight of his actions finally pressing down on him. Good.

He deserves every bit of this guilt. He leaves, going out to search for his wife that’s throwing a little temper tantrum.

My father, however, has a grin so wide it nearly splits his face. "Good job, Salvatore," he says, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

My eyebrows furrow. My father never compliments me. Something's up.

"If you excuse me, I'm going to grab something from my office and return," he says, standing up from the table. I watch him leave, suspicion gnawing at me. What is he planning?

Chapter 16

Serena

Iwash my face, the cold water doing little to calm me. Salvatore confessed his love for me in front of them—our parents, the most judgmental people I know.

The anger I feel toward him is slowly fading, replaced by hope. It felt good to confront my father, to tell him off. I saw no point in it before, but it's good that Salvatore made me face the music.

Just as I'm drying my face with a towel, the door opens. Antonio, Salvatore’s father, walks in. His expression is downright sinister, he looks like the devil. I can smell the alcohol on his breath, it reeks of vodka.

“What are you doing here?” I say.

He walks closer, his hand reaching out to caress my slim waist. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” he breathes.

“What the hell?” I push him off, my heart racing. “Get back to your senses.”

I turn to leave, but he grabs my hand, yanking me back against his body. “I’ve been waiting for so fucking long for him to love you, girl. You have no idea.”

His hands roam all over my body, and I feel bile rising in my throat. I manage to open the door and flee, but he’s right behind me. He throws his body on top of mine, humping my back like a dog.

“Finally, finally, finally,” he moans. “I was starting to fear it would never happen. But it did. God, how happy I am that it did.”

“What happened?” I bellow, trying to shake him off. His hand immediately goes over my mouth, his grip firm.

“That he fell in love with you, stupid girl,” he hisses, biting my cheek hard. I gag under his hand, he smells awful, and his touch disgusts me.

“I’m going to steal you from him, like he stole Victoria away from me,” he babbles with madness. “Yes, he’s going to know how it feels for his own flesh and blood to take away the love of his life.”

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