Page 43 of Cruel Heir

“Send them up here, please,” I tell Celeste. “It’s nice up here; we can all relax. Ask for some snacks and something to drink to be sent up too—sparkling water, some white wine maybe.”

“Of course.” Celeste slips out, and I take a moment to composemyself, smoothing my hands over the cashmere sweater. I’d put on the rose gold bangle and diamond earrings that Andre gave me, and I touch them a little self-consciously, feeling a small pang of guilt. I hadn’t known I would be having company—there was no reason to wear them, other than the fact that I like wearing the nice things he’s given me. And I also know that I shouldn’twantto wear them.

I push the bangle around and around my wrist, fighting back the feelings.Pick your battles,I tell myself, remembering what Celeste told me. This isn’t what I should be focusing on.

A moment later, the door to the library opens again, and four women come inside. “Lucia Leone!” One of them—a pretty dark-eyed brunette who looks about ten years older than me—chirps my name, hurrying forward to introduce herself. “I’m so happy to meet you. I’m Carla Amalfi. This is Bea Di Falci—” she motions to a blonde with light blue eyes who sinks onto one of the chaise lounges, “Annette Gaeta—” She points out a tall brunette who smiles tautly at me, “and Rosa Luisi. It’ssonice to meet you,” she repeats, and I look from each woman to the next, forcing a pleasant smile onto my face.

“It’s good to meet you, too. My husband told me you would be visiting, just not when. I’m having some refreshments sent up—”

“Oh, we surprised you? How rude. I’m so sorry.” Carla flutters her pale hands as if she’s committed some unspeakable sin, but the other women don’t look quite as concerned. Annette sinks into one of the chairs in front of the fire, and Rosa takes the lounge next to where Bea is sitting. “You’re such a good host to be willing to have us come up on such short notice, then!”

“Well, it is important to my husband that yours remain happy with him.” I slip the book I was looking at back onto the shelf, retreating to my own chair just as Celeste comes in with a tray of charcuterie and an arrangement of small sandwiches, another maid close behind her with drinks.

“Oh, this is lovely; I haven’t had lunch yet.” Carla beams, reaching for a small china plate from the tray as Celeste sets it down. “So what do you do here all day, Lucia? Does it get boring?”

“Not at all.” I pour myself a glass of sparkling water and reach for one of the small sandwiches, more to have something to do with my hands than anything else. “Andre has a lovely home. There’s plenty to keep me occupied. And, of course, when he’s home, I enjoy his company.”

Annette snorts from where she’s sitting, getting up to get a glass of wine. “No onereallyenjoys their husband’s company,” she says, putting a few pieces of meat and cheese on a plate and retreating.

“Benice, Annette,” Bea hisses, and I see Rosa’s lips twitch in a small smile.

“Well, I suppose you were just married,” Annette allows, sitting back down. “So maybe you haven’t had a chance to get tired of him yet.”

“I can show you around the mansion, if you like. Once you’ve all had a chance to eat. This room is one of my favorites, so I asked Celeste to have you brought up here.”

“You call your maid by her first name?” Annette rolls her eyes. “I thought you were Don Fontana’s daughter. I can’t imaginehimallowing that.”

“I’ve always been close to the maid who takes care of me,” I tell her stiffly, trying to keep my tone as pleasant as possible. “Even when I lived in my father’s house. It’s always wise to be kind to the people closest to you, I think. It ensures loyalty.”

“That’s smart,” Carla agrees. “Don’t mind Annette,” she adds. “She can be a little abrasive.”

I don’t miss the way Annette’s lips thin at that, and I give her a smile, remembering all too clearly that Andre wants me to make friends withallof these women. “We’ve all just met,” I say pleasantly. “I’m sure we’ll be friends once we get to know one another better. What about you? What do you enjoy doing?”

“Well, I like gardening in the warmer months. Although the greenhouse is a lovely place to spend time when it’s cold out.” Carla reaches for another small sandwich. “And I’m getting ready for another child, so—”

I glance at her narrow waist, and Carla laughs. “It’s very early,” she assures me. “Only my husband knows—and my closest friends.” She motions to the other women. “And you now, of course.”

“Congratulations,” I murmur. “You all have children?”

There’s a general nod. Bea looks a little downcast, and Annette speaks up, glancing at Bea as she does. “Bea has only managed one,” she says, her voice a little grating. “But it was a boy, so—”

“Annette,” Carla hisses, and Annette goes silent.

“I’m sure your husband was very excited for an heir,” I tell Bea.

She nods. “I want a daughter. But maybe in time. I’m sure Andre is eager for you to give him good news.”

The mention of a baby makes my stomach clench all over again, the sandwich I’ve been nibbling on suddenly wholly unappetizing. I think of the pills in my room, of what Andre’s reaction would be if he found them, and it suddenly feels hard to breathe. I realize, with another twist of fear, how much worse it would be now. His gentleness recently, I’m sure, is out of his comfort zone as well. If he finds out how I’ve betrayed him after taking those steps to try to close the distance between us in our marriage—

“Are you alright?” Carla asks, peering at me. “You look a little pale.”

“Oh, I’m fine.” I set down my plate. “Would you all like that tour now?”

I take the women around the mansion, showing them everything that I can possibly think would be of interest. “We’ll have to come prepared for the hot tub next time,” Rosa says with a laugh, looking outside at the large stone deck. “It has a lovely view. Your garden is pretty even in the winter.”

“I think the landscapers planted some perennials. And Carla, you’ll have to teach me what you like to use the greenhouse for.” I give her an encouraging smile. “I’m afraid I’ve never really learned gardening.”

“I’d love to,” Carla says enthusiastically.

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