Page 137 of Hate Mates

My mother straightens her spine, meeting Cesare's gaze with a strength I've always admired. "The arrangements are lovely," she says, her voice steady. "Though I admit, I'm still getting used to the idea of my daughter marrying so young."

Cesare's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I assure you, Mrs. Costa, Vittoria will want for nothing as my wife. She'll be well cared for."

The implication hangs heavy in the air—that I'm a possession to be cared for, not a person with my own desires and dreams. I feel my mother tense beside me, but before she can respond, I step in.

"It's been a long day," I say, forcing a smile. "We should be going. Thank you for your hospitality, Cesare."

He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Of course. I'll have a car take you back to your home. We'll speak again soon, Vittoria."

As we walk out, I can feel his gaze boring into my back. My mother's hand finds mine, squeezing tightly as if to reassure herself that I'm still here, still hers, at least for now.

In the car, the silence is heavy between us. I want to comfort her, to tell her everything will be alright, but the words stick in my throat. We both know it would be a lie.

"Vittoria," my mother finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to promise me something."

I turn to her, seeing the tears she's been holding back all day finally spill over. "Anything, Mam."

She takes a shaky breath. "Promise me that no matter what happens, no matter how hard things get, you'll never lose yourself. That fire inside you, that spirit—don't let them extinguish it."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I think of Cesare's cold eyes, of the life stretching out before me, and for a moment, I'm not sure I can make that promise. But looking at my mother's pleading face, I know I have to try.

"I promise, Mam," I say, my voice stronger than I feel. "I won't let them break me."

She pulls me into a fierce hug, and I breathe in her familiar scent, trying to memorize every detail of this moment. Soon, these embraces will be a rarity, a luxury I can't afford in my new life.

The car arrives at the house, and I see my father standing in the doorway, his eyes dark with rage. Crap. He’s in a bad mood. What could have possibly gone wrong now?

As we approach the front door, I can see the tension radiating from my father. His jaw is clenched, his fists balled at his sides. Whatever has happened, it's bad.

"Inside. Now," he growls, not even waiting for us to fully exit the car.

My mother and I exchange a worried glance before hurrying into the house. As soon as the door closes behind us, my father explodes.

"What the hell were you thinking?" he roars, his face red with fury. "Talking back to Cesare Mariano? Challenging him? Are you trying to ruin everything?"

I freeze, my heart pounding. What is he talking about?

“Commenting on your age gap? Surely you can’t be that dense, Vittoria?”

I glance at my mam. Someone told him about what she had said.

"Domenico, please," my mam starts, but he cuts her off with a sharp look, one that I know all too well.

"Stay out of this, Siobhan," he snaps. "This is between me and our disobedient daughter."

He turns back to me, his eyes blazing. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I didn't mean any disrespect, Father. I was just?—"

"Just what?" he interrupts. "Just throwing away everything we've worked for? Do you have any idea what's at stake here?"

"I do," I insist. "I understand the importance of this alliance."

My father laughs, a harsh, humorless sound. "You're nothing but a pawn in this game, Vittoria. Your only job is to do as you're told and keep Cesare happy. Is that clear?"

His words sting, but I force myself to stand tall. "Yes, Father," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He steps closer, his hand raised as if to strike me. I flinch involuntarily, but the blow doesn't come. Instead, he grabs my arm, his fingers digging painfully into my skin.

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