Chapter 12
Alia POV
“What do you mean you didn’t introduce me to Marco?” I stared at Francesca, my heart suddenly pounding against my ribs. “At the Red Rose Restaurant… Wasn’t it you who arranged the blind date for me?”
I carefully recalled the situation from the last blind date. That day when Marco saw me, he immediately stood up to offer me his seat. I shouldn’t be mistaken about this.
Francesca shook her head vigorously, “Alia, I swear I never arranged any blind date with a Marco Vittorio.
“Tell me quickly how you met Marco! You haven’t been deceived by some con man who’s after your money and body, have you? My God, you even got your marriage certificate already!“Francesca anxiously urged.
My mind raced back to that evening.
Marco walked up to me and pretended to be my blind date. Was all of this… planned by him? Is Marco really a con man?
What does he want from
me?
“This is insane,” Francesca muttered, already grabbing her tablet. Let me see who this mystery husband of yours actually is.”
She typed rapidly, then turned the screen toward me. There he was Marco Vittorio, CEO of Cortese Tech, looking impossibly handsome in a professional headshot. Francesca’s jaw dropped as she swiped through more photos.
“Dio mio!” She dramatically fanned herself. “Alia, this man looks like he walked straight out of a Michelangelo painting! Those cheekbones! Those eyes! With such a handsome guy, even if he’s after my money and body, I’d still be willing!”
She made exaggerated hand gestures, nearly knocking over her wine glass. “Alia, Just consider it my indirect introduction. You need to give me a gift as compensation. Send me a luxury villa in Tuscany, or a wine estate in Western Sicily, which one do you choose?”
I grabbed a sofa cushion and threw it at her, laughing despite myself. “You crazy girl! So is Marco actually someone you introduced to me or not?” Francesca dodged the cushion and suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. Her playfulness vanished, replaced by fierce protectiveness. “Alia,” she whispered, “I just want you to be happier than anyone else in this world.”
I felt a lump form in my throat.
“That’s all behind me now, I said firmly, look her in the eyes. “I’m going to live happily, just for myself.
Something flickered across Francesca’s face? But she quickly masked it with a smile. She reached for the bottle of Chianti on her coffee table. “Well then, congratulations on your marriage! Let’s drink to your mysterious wedding and incredibly handsome husband!”
We stayed up all night talking, drinking wine, and reminiscing about our college days.
The next day, despite not having slept all night, I still dragged my tired body to work. My head was foggy, and I had dark circles under my eyes, After making a cup of coffee, I continued working diligently without slacking off, because this internship opportunity was hard to come by.
I was arranging documents at my workstation when a shadow fell across my desk. Looking up, I found Marco standing there, his dark eyes taking in my exhausted state.
“You look terrible,‘ he said bluntly.
“Thank you, Mr. Vittorio,” I replied dryly, trying to stifle a yawn.
His expression softened slightly. You need rest. Take an hour,”
I have too much work-
rinta
1:04 AM
Chapter 12
“That wasn’t a suggestion.” His tone left no room for argument. Before I could protest further, he was guiding me by the elbow through the office.
To my surprise, he led me past his office to a private room I hadn’t noticed before. It was a small but elegant space with a comfortable–looking sofa bed, subdued lighting, and heavy curtains that blocked out the midday sun.
