Chapter 15
I must have made some small sound, because he turned, catching me staring. But unlike the first days of our marriage, his sharp gaze didn’t harden at my intrusion. Instead, his eyes softened almost imperceptibly.
“Awake?” he says, hooking his finger under my chin. “Looking at me so intently, do you want one more time before vacation?”
My heart skips a beat, and I shake my head, “Nonsense-”
“If you don’t want to, then forget it.” A hint of a devilish smile appears at the corner of his mouth.
By Friday afternoon, my colleagues and I gathered at the company’s parking lot where luxury coaches waited to transport us to Bellavista Estate. Everyone was dressed in their weekend best, excitement palpable in the air.
“I can’t believe we’re going to stay at the Vittorio family estate,” gushed Tina, adjusting her designer sunglasses. “Do you think he’ll actually show up?”
“No way,” said Paolo confidently. “I have insider information that the CEO has purchased many items, apparently he went on a business trip.”
“He won’t come, I agreed absently, then immediately regretted it when Tina gave me a curious look.
“How can you be so sure?” she asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“Just a guess,” I backpedaled.
The female colleagues around me are touching up their makeup. I hear them discussing the program for this vacation in low voices. It seems they have prepared a lot for this company event.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed several men in dark suits standing at a distance, observing our group. With a jolt, I recognized Giulio Bruno, Marco’s personal assistant, though he pretended not to see me.
My heart raced. If Giulio was here, did that mean Marco would actually attend? I felt a confusing mix of emotions- dismay at the prospect of losing five hundred euros I couldn’t afford.
We’re legally married, I thought indignantly. Couldn’t he have given me a heads–up? T
Upon arrival at Bellavista Estate, I was stunned by its magnificence. The sprawling property overlooked the Mediterranean, with manicured gardens and a main building that resembled a Renaissance palace more than a vacation retreat.
As we lined up to receive qur room keys, Luca Ferrari approached me with a clipboard. ‘Ms. Rossi, you’re in Villa 3,” he said, handing me an elegant key card.
Before I could ask why I wasn’t staying in the main building with everyone else, Monica from Public Relations stepped onto a small platform.
Ladies and gentlemen,‘ she announced, “Mr. Vittorio would like to say a few words.”
The crowd fell silent as Março appeared, looking devastating in a silver gray bespoke suit, flanked by security personnel. My heart leapt at the sight of him, even as I mentally said goodbye to my five hundred euros,
His sharp gaze swept across the assembled employees, lingering briefly on me, I tried to smile, but my distress must have shown on my face because his brow furrowed slightly. He probably thought I was upset that he hadn’t told me he was coming.
Akter a brief welcome speech, the crowd dispersed toward the main building. Luca gestured for me to follow her in the opposite direction. “This way, Ms. Rossi,” she said, leading me down a path that branched away from the main resort area,
As we walked, I noticed several security personnel among the trees. The path eventually opened to reveal a secluded area with several private
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Chapter 15
villas, each surrounded by lush gardens and high walls.
On one of the stone pillars, I spotted a small, distinctive emblem–a black falcon in flight. My breath caught as I recognized the symbol I’d seen on Marco’s ring.
Luca stopped before the most elegant villa and gave me a knowing look. “Mr. Vittorio is waiting for his wife,” she said quietly. “Please follow me.”
