CHAPTER THREE
R occo’s mother, Olivia, rose from her seat, her eyes red and puffy. She kissed me on my cheek before placing her arms around Rocco.
“He was fine,” she kept mumbling repeatedly, as though trying to convince herself.
I had thought the same about Luca. He had been sick during our visit, but mostly, he was himself, talking and laughing with us. He felt bad about something, but decided not to tell me. Did the Marinis know about what he hadn’t shared? The question swirled in my head, making me uneasy.
My eyes scanned over them with laser focus, searching for any trace of deceit. His father, Nico, was rummaging through my bedroom, irritated when I couldn’t help him find whatever he was looking for. However, today, he hugged me and then took over from Rocco holding Olivia. Across the aisle was his sister Sienna, who had on earbuds with her eyes closed. But when Rocco pulled on one, her eyes lit up for her big brother. She sent me a wave before talking with him. That was the Marinis. They had so much love for each other, and even in their grief, they still found moments to show me kindness. Shame washed over me, and I lowered my head to look away. I didn’t know what to believe.
A hand touched my shoulder, and I turned to find Isla. I was relieved Rocco hadn’t fired her after his anger at her in Cannes. He blamed her for his delay in meeting up with me at the afterparty, though it seemed more his ex-Marjorie’s fault for keeping him after the panel. She went over to stand near Rocco but waited quietly, her hand tight on her iPad. Things weren’t perfect, but there was a chance.
The pilot came over the speaker. “Ready for takeoff.”
Alice appeared, and showed me to my seat, and I belted in. The throbbing in my temples had returned and I asked her for something to take.
“Ciao. Hai qualcosa che posso prendere per il mal di testa?”
“Hai mal di testa?” She asked in Italian if I was unwell.
I nodded and rubbed my temples.
Her brows lifted in surprise. “Sì. Ti prenderò qualcosa da prendere.”
She told me she’d bring me something to take and I thanked her. “Grazie.”
A few minutes later, Alice returned and told me that Mrs. Marini had valium in her purse and offered it to me and aspirin. “Please tell her thanks,” I told her.
Rocco came over and sat down next to me. His eyes were glassy and soft when I met his gaze. My heart ached at seeing them, knowing he cried. He’d let his guard down and took me in his trust in such a way I hadn’t expected, but had I done the same for him? Did he feel he knew me well? I want him to know me. That was what I wanted, but deep down, I hated that I also felt I was hiding so much from him. Because of what I knew, but also because of what my grandfather expected. Why can’t this be easy? A man and a woman becoming friends, lovers, and then husband and wife.
I reached over and squeezed his hand. Surprise and delight swirled in his irises, and a small smile formed on his lips.
“Thank you for being here…for me.” He said it again.
My heartbeat skipped. For him. His parents and siblings seemed to lean on him, but I hadn’t seen him lean on anyone. But he needed that same comfort. He still needs it. Which is why I hate that Mr. Belfiore would pick me up and take me back to Westchester. How will Rocco feel when I leave him soon?
My face warmed, and I tucked my chin. He’ll be blindsided . I hated that I agreed, but still was too much of a coward to tell him the truth.
He lifted my chin, and frowned. “Something wrong, Adelina?” He reached over and felt my forehead. “You’re flushed and warm. How’s your headache?”
“Still hurts, but I’ll be fine,” I told him dismissively and shared what Alice gave me.
“Valium?” His voice rose in shock and his frown deepened. “Who the hell has valium?”
I smiled. “Your mom. She gave it to her to give to me. Is that okay?”
“No. I’ll have a talk with her—”
“Don’t,” I said and took his arm. “I’m hoping it’ll give me a chance to fall asleep? I’ve not slept well.”
His face softened and he relaxed in his seat and I took a deep breath in relief.
“No more valium,” he got out and I smiled at him.
“I’m only taking it this one time, and honestly I feel nothing so maybe it’s a dud?”
He grinned and leaned over and kissed my lips. “Okay.”
The plane started to move, and we were lifted into the sky. I still didn’t know what to do, and as I contemplated it, I drifted. I’ll tell him before we land in New York….
“Adelina. Wake up, please.”
I opened my eyes to Rocco staring concerned at me, shaking my arm.
“What’s up? Is it breakfast time?” My stomach growled on cue. I eyed the blanket over me that I hadn’t remembered putting there.
His frown deepened. “We’ve arrived.”
I blinked rapidly, and my jaw dropped. “What? We’re in the United States?”
“Yep, that’s the one.”
I squinted. “I slept the whole way?”
He nodded.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked as my hands fumbled to fold the blanket, my pulse speeding up.
He took the blanket and placed his hand on my forehead. “You wouldn’t have slept that long if you didn’t need it. You’re still hot,” he murmured, grimacing. “I’ll take you to the hospital—”
“I’m sure it’s nothing more sleep can’t cure.” My stomach knotted, remembering my grandfather would be outside. “Rocco?”
He turned his head back to me. “Yes?”
“Uh…I…there’s something I need to tell you—” I stammered.
“—Rocco, can you come help me with this?” Olivia called over.
He stared at me, waiting, and my stomach knotted further. Telling him I was leaving to stay with my grandparents wasn’t something I could rush out. I should’ve gone against what Mr. Belfiore urged me to do and told him myself last night.
“Rocco?” Olivia called again.
He groaned.
I shook my head for him to go ahead. “Uhm, later, I guess.”
“We’ll be staying at my parents’ home tonight. It’ll be easier than having them call me to go over to their place.” He got out quickly before walking away.
I stood, and straightened my clothes and put on my sunglasses although, from a glance out the window, the sky was overcast.
Rocco returned quickly and clasped my hand. “Let’s go.”
I walked with him down the aisle and out the door.
Outside, security officers were holding back a small group of press and photographers behind a barrier near the Westchester County airport. I glanced up at Rocco.
His eyes widened. “What’s your grandfather doing here?”
I felt my neck grow warmer as I walked with him towards Mr. Belfiore, who stood in front of his Bentley. The other Marinis stopped to shake his hand before climbing into their Mercedes SUV.
I touched Rocco’s arm. “This is what I’d hoped to talk to you about….”
But my grandfather walked briskly over to where we stood with his hand outstretched. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Rocco. Luca was a…remarkable man.”
Rocco’s eyes moved between me and Mr. Belfiore as he shook his hand. “Thank you. What’s going on?”
I shifted my stance, my face warmed. “I—”
“I told Adelina I preferred to tell you myself.” Mr. Belfiore cleared his throat.
Rocco’s brows lowered. “About what?”
Mr. Belfiore straightened his spine. “I’m here to take Adelina back to stay with us.”
Rocco grimaced. “Absolutely not—”
“I’m afraid I must insist,” Mr. Belfiore said in an abrupt tone, pausing to glance over at the press standing by. “ You postponed the wedding, and I never agreed to a living together situation for my granddaughter regardless of the circumstances.”
Rocco turned to me, and my heart ached. “Are you okay with this?”
My stomach knotted.
“It’s…I guess it has to be.”
He let out a heavy sigh. His eyes dulled, and his face blanked.
I swallowed hard. But would he be?
His jaw tensed. “You were expecting him?”
I removed my sunglasses and blinked rapidly, my head throbbing. “Yeah. Uhm, he called last night—”
“—I told Adelina I wanted to tell you personally,” Mr. Belfiore cut in. “You’ve a lot on your plate with the funeral, your family, and businesses. I thought it would be better if she stayed with us instead of being another distraction.”
“Adelina’s not a distraction, she’s my fiancée,” Rocco said in a deep, clipped tone.
I stared down at my feet, my chin trembling, but his words were a comfort.
“I’ll bring Adelina to the funeral, and you can come by and talk with us anytime afterward. The delay is only temporary. Right?” Mr. Belfiore pressed.
My face burned as I glanced at Rocco, and hunched my shoulders. I was ashamed of my grandfather’s blatant calculated maneuvering at my expense. He didn’t care about Rocco or his feelings, only about what he could get. And I half expected Rocco to continue to refuse, but then I saw the flashes of lights from cameras. We weren’t alone, which was also why my grandfather chose this time to take me away from him.
Rocco sighed. “Fine.”
I hadn’t expected him to give in so easily—not from the man I’d come to know—and the pain clogged my throat. And I readied to leave, but couldn’t keep myself from a parting glance. I lifted my eyes and my heart stopped. His expression was sullen, and I knew my leaving him at this time hurt him deeply.
I stepped closer, and whispered to him, “Sorry.”
Rocco cupped my face, his eyes scanning me before bearing in. My pulse sped up under the weight of his gaze. “Get some rest… She’s sick. Please make sure you take care of her.” His tone was firm, but my grandfather didn’t react or acknowledge him, merely remaining silent.
My heart warmed at Rocco’s words because I needed to believe he still cared. But I also knew this was a precarious time. Without a doubt, Rocco was about to assume the head of the Marini family and empire. If the documents left in the copy of Lady Chatterley’s Lover were true, it wouldn’t even surprise me now if Luca went back on his word.
If Luca was the man who helped my father while still hurting my family, would he also try to destroy me? He would have known I was ruined in my grandparents’ eyes by having premarital sex. It would be even more cruel to make sure Rocco never married me. Fear took hold of me, and my eyes darted away. Even if my grandfather encouraged me to sleep with Rocco, I did it because I wanted to. “You take care, Rocco. Please, please try to rest too. Okay?”
“Bella,” he said, his voice sweet like warm honey. His thumbs rubbed my cheeks. “I’m not letting them keep you.I’ll be there to pick you up as soon as I can. All right?”
I forced a smile.
“You’re bad at faking,” he admonished in a low tone. Then he kissed my forehead and lips before letting me go.
“We’ll have the reading of the will soon—”
“You don’t need me for that,” I rasped.
“You’ve already been requested by our lawyers.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but went into his arms, hugging him tight.
He kissed the top of my head before slowly letting me go, his fingers brushing lightly over my chin.
My throat closed as I watched him close himself off, putting his feelings behind a mask as he assumed the strong leader his family counted on right now. He left us and went to the SUV, climbing inside with no glance back. Without him, I felt cold and empty.
I dropped my head and raised my shoulders.
“Come, Adelina,” Mr. Belfiore said in a stern voice. I turned and followed behind him, and we climbed in his car.
He sat across from me and drew his head back. “Do you have the flu?”
I breathed out. “No. I’m just exhausted.”
“Are you pregnant?” he asked in a contemptuous tone.
I bristled and scoffed at his attitude. Didn’t you pimp me out?
“No, I’m not,” I replied curtly.
“How do you know?” he asked.
I rubbed my temples. “I’m taking birth control pills.”
He snorted. “Of course you are. Rocco thinks he can ruin you and not marry you? Well, I’m not having it.”
I scoffed. “His grandfather just died . He said we’d reschedule the wedding after the funeral.”
“You honestly believe if he has time and a choice, he’ll honor the marriage? He’s head of the family now, and this marriage was all Luca’s idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if he walks away now. But he won’t get away with it.”
I stiffened. “What do you mean?”
He smirked. “When he comes to break our contract, which I expect he will, I have a few things up my sleeve. He’ll lose a lot, that I’m sure of.” He tapped his fingers on the handrest, looking pleased with himself.
Mr. Belfiore was sure Rocco wouldn’t keep to our arranged marriage once he could change it. Then again, I didn’t even know if I wanted to be a part of the Marini family, if they’d hurt us. I leaned my head against the cool window. It all had me so torn. All I wanted to do was see Cassidy. I needed a real friend right now. I took out my phone and called her.
“Who are you calling?” Mr. Belfiore asked.
I ignored him but got a voicemail.
“Hello, it’s Cassidy. You know what to do.”
Instead of leaving a message, I decided to text her.
Adelina: Back in the US. Going to Westchester. Long story. Miss you so much.
Mr. Belfiore huffed, clearly irritated, but I just smiled. My grandparents always got their way because I gave them unwavering obedience. But not anymore. Not after all the secrets and lies.
I closed my eyes and drifted….
“Adelina. Adelina, wake up.”
Mr. Belfiore’s sharp voice pulled me out of my sleep. My eyes opened and narrowed at his tight grip on my arm.
“Are you on drugs?” he hissed.
I snorted and rolled my eyes, pulling my arm back. “Of course not. I’ve been traveling for days and just got off a seven-hour flight. I’m exhausted.”
We had already reached the Belfiore estate drive, but a construction team was on the grounds. What seemed to be a few minutes was actually thirty. I’d lost time again. But then it hit me. My grandparents often complained about money, but they were now spending on the patio I knew had been done only five years ago.
I eyed my grandfather speculatively once we climbed out, but he ignored me. To him, it wasn’t my concern since he considered me only a guest. My heart sank, and I immediately admonished myself. You’re the fly running into a glass, Adelina . No matter what you do, they’re not going to change. It was a waste to expect otherwise.
Squaring my shoulders, I walked over to the double doors at the front of the house. Mrs. Belfiore was leaning against one in a silk dress, hose, and heels. Her heart-shaped face was like mine, though with some lines around her eyes. I loved that she left them instead of using plastic surgery. Her dark hair had a streak of grey that was swept back in a fashionable clip, and together, they gave her face a regal beauty. She scanned me over, her eyes narrowing. “You look terrible. Are you pregnant?”
I opened my mouth to answer but before I could, Mr. Belfiore responded for me.
“She’s on birth control,” he mocked.
Mrs. Belfiore tutted. “No more of that. Hand them over.” She held her hand like a parent demanding a child to turn over a toy.
I bristled, walking past her. “I’m not handing over anything. That was a decision between me and Rocco. You’ll have to wait for your legacy baby.”
Mrs. Belfiore’s heels clicked on the marble behind me, catching up to me at the bottom of the spiral staircase. She jerked my arm. “Excuse me. I don’t appreciate your tone. Have you lost your manners?”
I stared down at her hand. “You’re hurting my arm.”
She let it go and dropped her arms.
I peered at her through my lashes. “This isn’t about manners —it’s about obedience . I was told to do whatever Rocco wanted. Remember?”
She pursed her lips. “Sex is for procreation, not for promiscuity—”
“It’s for whatever Rocco wants,” I countered. “I’ve only done what you asked me, as I’ve always done.”
She frowned. “You’re also aware an heir is important to your agreement… I had this same conversation with my parents. It’s not something you have to handle alone. Or are you now thinking about abandoning your obligations?”
I didn’t answer immediately, allowing myself to play out where this line of conversation would lead. She’d banish me, and I’d welcome it if it was just me. However, Jacob would lose his home, and I’d never do that to him. “No, Mrs. Belfiore. I’ve been traveling for hours, and I’m tired. And grieving . I want to rest, please.”
She stepped closer and placed her hand across my forehead. “You’re warm.” Then she picked up my wrist and checked my pulse. I would have stopped her, but I was positively baffled by her concern. Then again, I was just a product to her. “You should rest.”
She took the lead upstairs, gesturing for me to take the same bedroom in the East Wing near theirs. It was just as beautiful and pristine as I remembered. All the oak furnishings were polished, and books lined in rows. My tote bag was already open, and Patricia placed my laptop on the table.
“Patricia, please run a warm bath for Adelina.”
“I can do that,” I called over to Patricia, but she left to follow my grandmother’s request. Mrs. Belfiore headed towards the door, and I stopped her. “Please, wait.”
She turned around.
I flicked my eyes at her and shifted my feet. “Are you okay? I mean…you knew Mr. Luca Marini.” My voice cracked.
She cleared her throat. “I’m perfectly fine.”
“Uhm…why didn’t you like him?”
Her chin raised. “I have my reasons. Why are you asking me about him?”
My brows knitted, and I huffed. “Why? Because you and Mr. Belfiore want me to marry his grandson, but you don’t even like him. I think it’s a fair question.” I placed my hands on my hips.
Her expression turned incredulous. “I don’t need to like Luca Marini. There are things more important to life than feelings. There’s duty, family, lineage—just to name a few.” She stared up at the ceiling and touched her throat. “I’m listening to myself, and I sound like my mother.” She gave me a wistful smile. “What I most admire about you, Adelina, is that you’re more practical than me and Lorelei. I want you to avoid the mistakes we made. Rocco’s an idealist with his head in the clouds. A movie studio could go bankrupt in a year, and then where would you be if that happened? He should’ve married you and followed through with his agreement, but he didn’t and left us with no choice.”
I frowned. “What does that mean?”
She sighed. “It means Rocco either marries you now, or he steps aside. Luca knew that all too well—he should have made that clear to his grandson. But here we are.” She gestured around the room.
I grimaced. “It’s not Rocco’s fault his grandfather died. They have to have a funeral. Surely you understand that?”
She nodded. “I do, but that’s where emotions get you. The wedding was set and everything was booked. The funeral could have taken place after. We had even scheduled our flight to arrive in four days, but instead they canceled the wedding, and in our world it means they are looking at other options. So we have plans of our own.”
My eyes narrowed on her. Mr. Belfiore already was unreasonable expecting the Marinis to celebrate after their beloved head died, but these plans were sending off warning alarms. “What do you mean?”
“I mean…you marrying Percy Sterling,” she said, averting her eyes. “He’s…he’s very keen.”
My stomach muscles twisted in knots. With everything else happening, I wasn’t prepared for this possible change. “But I’ve already signed papers to marry Rocco. You don’t even like Percy Sterling.”
“No, I don’t, Adelina,” she said flatly. “I detest Percy, but he’s from a good family with a great lineage. He’s willing to see past your time with Rocco, and he has even already agreed to give Jacob a trust, enough to cover his finances and care for the rest of his life. There’s enough for Jacob to move to an independent home with medical staff if he so desires.”
I lowered my head, unwilling to give her a hint of the joy that news brought me. They knew me too well and what I wanted most. The money would help Jacob have a real independence and never have to worry again. There was nothing I wanted more for him than that.
She closed the door behind her but my mind was stuck on her words.
“Rocco is an idealist with his head in the clouds. A movie studio could go bankrupt in a year, and then where would you be if that happened?”
Is that what happened with Luca and Mrs. Belfiore? She didn’t even bat an eyelid after hearing about his passing. Was she really that cold? Or had she never invested her heart into Mr. Marini all those years ago?
And she wants me to rest.
How could I rest now?