Chapter 24
Alia POV
I woke up to the sound of steady breathing beside me.
Careful not to wake him, I slipped out of bed and pulled on my oversized cardigan. After last night’s impromptu pasta dinner, where Marco had devoured my mediocre cooking like it was a five–star meal. After eating, he fell asleep almost instantly.
I tiptoed to the kitchen, mentally inventorying our refrigerator contents.
I was whisking eggs when I heard Marco’s footsteps behind me. He appeared in the doorway, hair slightly mussed, wearing just his dress, and a white undershirt.
“Good morning,” I said, “I thought you’d sleep longer.”
Marco leaned against the doorframe, I smelled food.”
“I’m making breakfast. Your flight isn’t for a couple hours, right?”
He nodded, then did something unexpected–he walked over and peered into the mixing bowl. “What are you making?”
“Italian vegetable frittata.” I gestured to the vegetables on the cutting board. “You could help wash those if you want.”
Marco raised an eyebrow, as if the suggestion was novel, but then rolled up his sleeves. “Show me.”
pants
I bit back a smile as I demonstrated how to wash the bell peppers and zucchini. There was something endearing about watching this powerful man–who probably commanded thousands of employees–meticulously cleaning vegetables at my direction.
“You’re good at this,” I commented as he handed me perfectly cleaned mushrooms.
“I follow instructions well,” he replied, the hint of a smile playing at his lips.
When the frittata was finally ready, I served it with a side of toasted bread and fresh fruit. I watched nervously as Marco took his first bite, irrationally anxious about his opinion of my cooking.
He chewed thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. “It’s good. Tastes like home.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest. I knew my cooking was average at best–Francesca had once diplomatically called my culinary skills ‘charmingly unpretentious“-but hearing Marco say it tasted like home felt like the highest compliment.
After breakfast, while Marco showered, I packed him some food for his trip. I prepared small Italian pastries and a handmade sandwich, carefully arranging them in a thermal container.
I want to be a good wife, even if this marriage came out of nowhere.
When Marco emerged from the bedroom, dressed impeccably in a fresh suit, he looked surprised to see the packed lunch waiting on the counter. “For your trip,” I explained, suddenly feeling self–conscious. ‘In case the airplane food is terrible.
“Thank you,” he said, taking the container. Then, with a gentle motion that caught me completely off guard, he reached out and ruffled my hair. “Hey!” I protested, ducking away. “I’m not a puppy.”
Marcos eyes crinkled at the corners, amusement evident. Then, before I could react, he pulled me into an embrace, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“Better?” he asked, his voice low.
My face burned, and I pushed against his chest halfheartedly. “That’s not–I didn’t mean-
1:05 AM
Chapter 24
But Marco only tightened his hold, his chin resting atop my head. I could feel his heartbeat against my cheek
steady and
trong b
“I have to go.” he said softly. “Be careful alone in the apartment. Don’t open the door for anyone.”
The sudden shift in topic made me blink, but I nodded against his chest.
At the front door of our Casanova Residence apartment, I said. “Text me when you land?*
Marco looked down at me, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “Okay.”
The office was buzzing when I arrived at Cortese Tech. I’d barely settled at my desk when Tina leaned over the partition, her eyes gleaming with gossip.
“Did you hear about Camila?” she whispered.
I shook my head, still organizing my notes for the Phantom Game project.
“She’s been fired. Effective immediately.” Tina’s voice dropped even lower. “Apparently she tried something with Mr. Vittorio. The CEO himself ordered her termination.”
My hands stilled over the keyboard. Camila–the woman who’d been so openly hostile toward me.
“What exactly did she do?” I asked, trying to sound merely curious rather than personally invested.
Tina shrugged. “Nobody knows for sure. But she was escorted out by security this morning. She’d been with the company for three years!”
I returned to my work, mind racing. Had Marco fired Camila because of what happened in his office? Was he protecting me?
The thought brought mixed feelings. On one hand, I felt a rush of warmth knowing Marco would defend me. On the other, I didn’t want special treatment because of our relationship.
‘I don’t really care whether Camila stays or goes,” I told Tina, deliberately changing the subject. I’m more concerned about the Phantom Game market report that’s due tomorrow.”
Tina took the hint and retreated, but not before giving me a curious look.
I had just immersed myself back in work when Berti appeared at my desk.
‘Alia, there’s been a change of plans,” he said, looking stressed. “We need the Phantom Game analysis today.”
“Today?” I echoed, checking my calendar. “But it’s not due until tomorrow afternoon.”
Berti ran a hand through his thinning hair. “Roberto from Red Scorpione Group is flying to Monterano tonight. If he doesn’t see your analysis before he leaves, we lose our chance at this project.”
My heart sank. Phantom Game was a major project with a total investment of 10 million dollars, so it was normal to be strict about it.
“What time does he need it by?” I asked, mentally calculating how much work remained.
‘Seven PM, latest,” Berti replied. “I’ll have Tina help with the market projection charts so you can focus on the core analysis.”
I nodded, determination replacing my initial panic. “I’ll get it done.”
As Berti walked away, I rolled up my sleeves and dove back into the data. There’s no job that can’t be finished with enough effort. This could be my chance to prove myself–not as Marco’s wife, but as a valuable team member.
Mr. Roberto from the Scorpione Group specifically assigned me to be responsible for this project, which made me value this opportunity even
more.
I opened a new document and began typing
