CHAPTER FOURTEEN
T he paparazzi who took photos of us going into the restaurant had the pictures circulating social media with the headline:
A Match Made in Money: Rocco Marini has finally chosen his bride .
A mysterious Belfiore heiress has emerged with a ring. Rocco Marini and Adelina Belfiore captured outside of Carbone. Greenwich Village, New York. First picture: No ring. Second picture: Boulder-sized ring.
There was a red circle and a closer photo of my hand. The photo captured us just as we were leaving the restaurant on the first day. It was odd to see myself in print. Unfortunately, I had squinted from the sun in my eyes, and Rocco wasn’t smiling. I don’t remember that. Rick, his bodyguard, held the Mercedes’ door open next to us.
The headline stung, but it was true. I decided to skip the comments, and there were many.
“You look beautiful, Adelina,” Nadia said and squeezed my shoulders. “The world will know you tonight.”
A nervous rush coursed through me as I remembered the pages of images that had come up when I’d searched for Rocco online. That may soon be me . “Thank you, Nadia.”
The week had flown by. Nadia had been very kind to fit me in for more appointments, but also made time to talk. She told me all about living in Paris and Italy. Her life sounded so exciting with fashion and award shows, and photo shoots at locations all over the world—not to leave out touring with her husband. Would my life with Rocco be just as jet-set?
Most of all, I admired her passion. I was eager to draw, and Isla had brought me some charcoal and mixed media pads. I’d gotten lost and absorbed in making pictures from my memories. Rocco had been right about that—these experiences were inspiring. I’d drawn a version of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts cover with the impromptu band. With Nadia singing, Paul playing the piano, and other musicians that were in the band. I’d include Rocco and myself playing the tambourine amongst the clouds. The night had inspired me, and I wasn’t ready for this week to end.
I sent a photo of my work-in-progress to Cindy for Jacob’s critique. Perhaps in Italy I can get some canvases and paint?
I loved the leisure of being on my own and not doing college work. I even took a walk around the village and sent a few pictures to Cassidy who had been sending photos from her trip to Cancun that her parents had hoped we’d all go together if I’d been able to come back to visit. Before it had seemed impossible, but now with Rocco it didn’t seem as much.
Rocco met up with me for lunch and dinner out, but he had work to do. We had our engagement party to hold and planned to leave for Italy right after. I’d studied languages with a dream of traveling, and now it was somehow coming true. I can’t believe this is my life .
I only wished it all was going well. Jacob had an infection that required treatment. With all his medical issues, these always made me nervous, but Cindy assured me that he would get through it. I want to see him in person .
“I must go pick up Miles from his music lessons,” Nadia said, bringing my attention back to her.
“Another Paul?” I asked with a grin.
She shrugged and closed the closet door. “He’s at the age where he wants to be something different every day.”
“I never grew out of that,” I half-joked.
“You can be whatever you want,” she said with conviction.
My life was different. She chose to be a mother; I have to be one . That was still my duty. But Rocco didn’t sound too keen on children, and that was one of the many worries I had to deal with. Nadia left, and I was too nervous to sit down, though I had hours. I picked up my phone to call Cassidy, but it rang in my hand.
Mr. Belfiore?
“Hello?”
“Hello, Adelina. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I’ve had a dress fitting for the wedding. Everyone has been very nice and accommodating.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “Nadia Crane just dropped off my dress, and a stylist will be here soon.”
“That’s good news. It’s good things are progressing,” he replied.
“So, I’ll see you tonight for the announcement party?” I asked.
“Uh, that’s why I called.” He cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend tonight. Your grandmother has come down with a summer flu. We’ve already sent our regrets to Rocco and his family.”
In all the years I’d known her, Grandmother was never sick. She didn’t want to go. I remembered Mrs. Belfiore’s annoyance at Rocco’s grandfather, Luca Marini, being there. Why was he?
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I couldn’t hide my disappointment. He kept me at arm’s length most times, but I admired him greatly and was grateful for all he’d done for me. I wanted him to see me graduate with honors and marry well—both things he valued. Deep down, I wanted to see him pleased by something I’d done. I always have to keep working for his praise .
“I’m very sorry, too. I’m proud of the way you’ve maintained your decorum through these challenges. Rocco said he’s very pleased. He has already fulfilled some of our objectives.”
“That’s great,” I said. Seems like Rocco speaks to all of my family members about me and my behavior. It’s like having a keeper.
“Yes, it is, Adelina. You seem to be handling things well, and I hope you continue to do so. I expect your…obedience. You understand?”
“Not really. What do you mean?” I asked in a light tone. He was never one to hold back his words; he was always exact.
“I mean, obedience in every way,” he said quickly. “Forget what your grandmother told you. We have a great opportunity of joining with the Marinis. While I wasn’t exactly pleased at first, this marriage is a great way to restore our family legacy. I need you to make Rocco happy.”
I understood, but I could hear the struggle in Mr. Belfiore’s voice. It was nothing I hadn’t agreed to for our marriage; now my virginity no longer mattered, as long as they could get the financial benefits from the Marinis.
My face burned, and I drew in a breath. Indignities were something I always had to deal with, and this was no different.
“I see,” I said monotone.
“Good. Don’t worry. We won’t miss your wedding. That you can count on, no matter what.”
“Thank you,” I said and rubbed my sore neck. “But do you think Jacob can come—”
“I want him to come, but Jacob needs twenty-four-hour care. He has seizures so severe, they stop his heart. I’m not sure he’d make a flight or even get his doctors to approve it—”
“Well, maybe we can look into it. Or I can go there before I leave —”
“You’re leaving for Italy tonight, right after the party. That’s what you need to focus on right now. You can see Jacob later. I’ll arrange for more time on your calls.” Mr. Belfiore was trying to be accommodating, but he always came up with a reason to keep us separate. The boarding school was too far away, and my time off interrupted his care. College had too many responsibilities. My grandparents always had an excuse.
“I want to see him in person,” I said, my voice graveled.
“I know you’re disappointed, but this is last minute. I never stopped the FaceTiming or the money you sent for his art supplies that you tried to hide from me.”
Our call went silent. I had my drawings online and my books to pay for art supplies for Jacob because they didn’t find them necessary.
He finally said, “After you’re married, you can go without any interruptions. Okay? Did you get the flowers I sent to you?”
My eyes watered and my throat closed. I dabbed my nose with a tissue from a side table.
As if on cue, the doorbell rang. I walked over to the door with the phone and found three large bouquets of white roses there. “I see them now. Wow. They’re lovely. Thank you so much,” I said hoarsely.
“You’re welcome. We’ve also expanded your trust. You’ll get an update. Have a nice evening.”
“Thank you,” I said, and we ended the call. I still had twenty minutes before the stylist arrived, but even with the flowers, my heart ached. But I had something to look forward to. I went to my computer and there was a new message from Cindy and Jacob.
Hi Adelina!
I just wanted to send you a quick update on the message you sent. Jacob told me to tell you to paint them for him. He’s been asking me to print out the images to show his friends.
Talk to you soon,
Jacob and Cindy
I dabbed my eyes and wrote a reply.
Hi Jacob and Cindy,
First thing I’ll do. Tell him I love him so much!
Adelina
Jacob had some good in his life. Yarwood Springs is better than the places we ever took him to before. We had a relationship that held a lot of meaning to the both of us now, and that made everything worth it. If things worked out with Rocco, then maybe we could grow even closer. But that all depends on us making it to the wedding ceremony.
I took a deep breath and tried Cassidy again.
She answered while talking to her mother. “Mom, give me a minute. It’s Adelina.”
“Adelina,” her mother’s voice came out loud from nearby. “Oh, please tell her I’m happy to hear she’s engaged. We love her and hope to see her again soon.”
“Did you catch that?” Cassidy mused.
“Yep, tell them I hope they can come with you,” I spoke loudly on the line.
“I held it out to Mom and she nodded,” she said and chuckled. “How are you, gorgeous?”
“I’m about to get ready for the announcement party. I wish you had been able to come.”
“Sorry. When you sent me the invitation, I was already on a flight to Cancun. We’re still here, and I’ve been a lazy bum, sunning and cocktails. But I plan to jet ski and snorkel tomorrow.”
“Sounds like paradise,” I said and touched the flower petals.
“Not as exciting as your party.”
“I’m nervous. The press will be there.”
“You’ll be fine. Don’t make up answers and just smile. That’s what I do when I go to events with my parents.”
“Oh, I have some big news. I met Nadia and Paul Crane. She’s styling me and making my dress.”
“Get out. No way,” Cassidy said excitedly. “Is she nice?”
“Very. I wish you could have come tonight,” I said and sighed.
“Me too, Gorgeous.”
The doorbell chimed.
“I’ve got to go.”
“I do, too. But please know I’m there in spirit. I’m so happy for you. I’ll try to call you later. I love you, Lina.”
“Love you, too, Cass.”
The neon sign for The Brass Clarinet was ahead of us, along with a red-carpet full of press, and a stream of luxury cars lined up outside the club. Photographers and tourists stood outside to glimpse the rich and famous. From what I could see from my window as we waited, they weren’t all celebrities, but they had a public persona all the same.
A stylist had come to fix my hair and makeup at the hotel. She’d added a loose twist to my long black hair, eyebrow pencil and mascara to my long lashes, and a little gloss on my lips. Combined with the swing dress, I looked so different. Like a grown-up version of me. Stylish and beautiful. The way I’d always wanted to look. I’d convinced myself I didn’t need much because I never thought I’d have it. But now, seeing myself well dressed, I looked as good as a star. It was like a cloak of confidence. I hadn’t known the power.
I’d turned my phone off but took it along. Tonight was having my moment in the spotlight. I felt dazed, a bit dizzy. Not only would Rocco introduce me to the public, but I’d meet his family. He hadn’t prepared me, and I wished I’d used some of my down time to research his parents. Too late now.
“You ready, beautiful?” Rocco asked with an exuberant smile.
Once in his orbit, it was impossible not to be enthralled. He looked incredibly handsome in his tuxedo, and he was full of compliments. While I’d never paid them much attention in the past, his lifted my esteem. I reveled in the glamour. The black cocktail gown was wearing fit my curves, and I loved the elegant way the satin, off-the-shoulder cut accentuated my neck and shoulders. Even the silk stockings and high heels made me feel glamorous.
Our car moved forward, and Rocco pulled out a velvet box from his inside pocket.
“What’s this?” I asked when he held it out to me.
“Open it, Adelina.”
My hands shook as I did. Inside were two teardrop diamond earrings. “They’re beautiful, but I…I can’t,” I stuttered and shook my head.
“You must, and hurry. The doorman’s coming,” he said in a demanding tone.
I quickly put the earrings on and tried to frown at him for his spontaneous insistence, but instead I grinned.
He touched one and after, trailed his hand down my neck. “Perfect.”
I shivered and ran my hand over where he touched. “You’re too much. Thank you.”
The doorman opened the door, and my pulse jumped into my throat. I put on the smile I’d practiced—“reserved, but friendly,” which was what Nadia had called it.
Rocco’s hand was light on my waist when I climbed out. I moved closer to him as we walked to the front of the hall. He stopped to speak to the gathered fans and press. “Thank you for not asking questions and respecting our privacy. Right now, we’re going to celebrate our wedding announcement. Thank you.” He waved to the crowd, and people reached over the barrier and shook our hands. However, the press still tried to ask us questions.
“Rocco, you recently broke up with starlet, Marjorie Storm. Why the sudden marriage?”
I fought hard not to look at Rocco. Who’s Marjorie Storm? Then I remembered he had a life before all this, and I was only in his right now because our marriage was arranged. Would he keep a kept woman? I thought about Mama and Glenn. Why did I think I’d have something different? He was flirtatious, and maybe interested in sex, but not serious about me.
“Adelina Belfiore, aren’t you the daughter of Judge Eric Colby? Will he be here?”
I bristled but didn’t answer. Of course the press would find out things about my family, but for some reason, I hadn’t expected it. Rocco gave a quick wave, then rushed us inside the hall.
I stopped walking and he stopped and turned to me.
“Who’s Marjorie?” I asked.
“My ex-girlfriend.” His tone was casual, but had a hint of annoyance.
I peered at him through my lashes. “You’re upset—”
“I’m not upset,” he said, frowning and rubbing his jaw. “The press likes to gossip and start trouble. They do it with everyone I spend any time with. I’m sorry they did it tonight, but trust me. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
His reaction had me concerned, but I didn’t have the time to ask more questions. People were waiting for us at our engagement party. I decided to put Marjorie out of my mind for now, but I needed to know what I was up against. Even if Rocco was downplaying it.
What bothered me more was that the press were already digging into my history. How much will they find out about my past? There were things I didn’t want anyone to know. Better yet, if they were all uncovered, what would it mean for Rocco and me?