Chapter 12 Vittoria
CHAPTER TWELVE
vittoria
I smooth down my dress nervously as I wait for Sofia and Valentina to arrive for lunch. It's been a month since our first real conversation, and while things have been improving between us, I still feel anxious about spending time alone with them.
The door opens and the girls walk in, both looking slightly apprehensive but offering small smiles. They're not alone. They've brought Elisabetta with them too.
Fuck. This just got more complicated.
"Hi, Vittoria," Sofia says, taking a seat across from me. "Thanks for inviting us to lunch."
I return her smile, feeling some tension ease. "Of course. I'm glad you all could make it."
Elisabetta gives me a small nod. She's still pretty standoffish with me, and I get it, I really do, so I'm not pushing her.
"So... how are you feeling? Dad said you're pretty much fully recovered now," Valentina asks softly.
"Yes, I'm doing much better. The doctors say I'm healing well," I say, voice wobbling slightly. It's still hard to think about what my father did to me.
"That's good," Valentina says, fidgeting with her napkin. "We were worried about you."
My heart warms at her words. "Thank you," I say softly. "That means a lot."
"I'm really sorry you had to deal with that," Elisabetta tells me. "That you had a father who hurt you."
I'm touched by Elisabetta speaking up. I know she doesn't approve of me, so it means everything.
"Thank you, Elisabetta," I say softly. "I appreciate that."
"So, um, we heard about the meeting Dad had. About the arranged marriages," Sofia says.
I nod, watching their reactions carefully. "Yes, your father told me about it. How are you all feeling?"
Valentina shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant, but I can see tension in her shoulders. "It's not like we didn't know this was coming, right? It's just how things work in our world."
Elisabetta, however, looks pale and nervous. "I... I don't know if I'm ready," she admits quietly. "I mean, I knew it would happen eventually, but... I'm only eighteen."
My heart goes out to her. I remember all too well how it felt to be in her position.
"I understand, Elisabetta," I say gently. "It's a lot to take in. It was why I spoke to your father about it. I suggested pushing Lorenzo's wedding back a year, to give everyone more time to prepare. And to possibly delay your wedding, Elisabetta, until you're at least twenty."
Elisabetta's eyes are soft. "Why did you do that for me?"
"Of course," I say, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "I remember how overwhelming it felt when I was in your position. I want to make this easier if I can."
Tears well up in Elisabetta's eyes. "Thank you," she whispers. "I... I didn't expect you do that. Thank you, Vittoria, I really do appreciate it.”
Sofia and Valentina exchange a look before Sofia turns back to me. "That was really kind of you, Vittoria. We... we haven't always been fair to you. I didn't expect you to look out for us."
I feel my own eyes getting misty. "You're family now," I say simply. "And family looks out for each other."
There's a moment of emotional silence before Valentina clears her throat. "So, um, what did Dad say? About delaying the weddings?"
"He said he'd propose it at the next meeting," I explain. "He can't guarantee the others will agree, but he's going to try."
Elisabetta nods, looking relieved. "Even if it doesn't work out, just knowing you tried... it means everything."
I smile at her. "I'm glad. And I want you all to know that if you ever need someone to talk to about this, about anything really, I'm here."
The girls nod, and I can see they're warming to me even more. Maybe we've gotten past the hard part. Maybe now we can all move forward and build something real.
The waiter brings lunch, and I'm finally feeling relaxed.
"Are you... are you happy? With our dad, I mean. With this life?" Valentina asks once we're eating.
The question catches me off guard. "I am," I say finally, surprising myself with the conviction in my voice. "It's not what I expected when I first married your father. But yes, I'm happy."
Elisabetta's brows raise, eyes searching my face. "Really? Even though it was arranged?"
I nod. "Your father has been kind to me. Protective. He's shown me a side of himself I didn't expect to see. And being part of this family, getting to know all of you... it's become important to me."
The girls exchange a look I can't decipher.
"We've noticed Dad seems different with you," Sofia says slowly. "Happier, maybe. More relaxed."
Warmth spreads through my chest at her words. "I'm glad to hear that."
Valentina bites her lip, looking uncertain. "It's just... we miss our mom. And when Dad married you, it felt like..."
"Like he was trying to replace her," I finish gently.
"I understand. But I want you all to know, I'm not here to take your mother's place.
I could never do that, and I wouldn't want to.
Your mother will always be part of your lives.
She loved you all dearly and shaped three amazing daughters.
I'm very lucky I get to be part of your lives. "
Elisabetta's eyes well up with tears at my words. "Thank you for saying that," she whispers. "I think... I think Mom would have liked you."
Her words hit me hard, and I feel my own eyes getting misty. "That means so much to me, Elisabetta. Thank you."
There's emotional silence before Sofia speaks up. "So, um, what's it like? Being married to Dad?"
I can't help but chuckle at her curious tone. "Well, it's certainly never boring," I say with a smile. "Your father is a complex man. He can be stern and intimidating in business, but he's also capable of great kindness and gentleness."
Valentina leans forward, looking intrigued. "Really? Dad, gentle?"
I nod, thinking back on the tender moments Cesare and I have shared. "He's been very patient with me, especially after what happened with my father. He's shown me a side I don't think many people get to see."
"Wow," Sofia breathes. "I mean, we know Dad loves us, but he's always been so... reserved. He's different with you."
Elisabetta nods. "We know that in our world, marriages are arranged. We've always known our parents' marriage wasn't filled with love. Our father cared for our mother, but not like he does with you."
"Does that upset you?" I ask, knowing if the tables were turned, I'd be sad my father treated my mother differently.
The girls shake their heads. "Not really," Elisabetta responds. "I'm sad our mother didn't get the chance to feel love, but I'm glad our father has someone who cares about him."
"I do care for your father very much," I say carefully. "Our relationship has grown into something I never expected."
"Do you love him?" Valentina asks bluntly.
I pause, considering her question. Do I love Cesare? The warmth I feel when I'm with him, the sense of safety and belonging, the way my heart races when he touches me... Is that love?
"I... I think I might," I admit softly. "It's all still new, and complicated. But yes, I think I'm falling in love with him."
The girls exchange surprised looks.
"Wow," Sofia says. "I never thought I'd hear anyone say that about Dad."
I smile, feeling embarrassed. "Your father is a good man. He's not perfect, but he tries. And he loves all of you very much."
Elisabetta nods, expression thoughtful. "I think... I think we're starting to see that more clearly now. Because of you."
Her words warm my heart. "I'm glad," I say sincerely. "All I want is for this family to be happy."
We continue talking through lunch, conversation flowing more easily now. The girls tell me stories about their childhood, about their mother. I share some of my own experiences, careful to avoid the darker parts thanks to my father.
As we're finishing up, Valentina suddenly says, "You know, we've been pretty awful to you. And you've been nothing but kind. I'm... I'm sorry, Vittoria. We should have given you a chance from the beginning."
Sofia and Elisabetta nod in agreement.
"Thank you," I say, feeling emotional. "I understand why you were hesitant at first. I'm just glad we're getting to know each other now."
As we say our goodbyes, each of the girls hugs me. It's a small gesture, but it feels like a huge step forward.
After they leave, I sit back, feeling overwhelmed but happy. For the first time since I married Cesare, I feel like I truly belong in this family. Like I have a real place here, not just as Cesare's wife, but as someone who cares for and is cared for by his children.
I take out my phone and send a quick text to Cesare.
Had a wonderful lunch with the girls. Thank you for encouraging this xx
A few minutes later, my phone buzzes with a reply.
I'm glad it went well. I'll be home later. Why not go shopping and get some new clothes?
I hesitate at his message. Can I spend his money? I haven't spent anything other than what's necessary.
I grin at the message. He may regret offering me the chance to go on a shopping spree.
Dinner was good. Everyone was home and present, and conversation flowed smoothly. Thankfully, the hostility that was in the air when I first married Cesare is gone. His children aren't treating me like I'm dirt beneath their shoes anymore.
I'm in the bedroom wearing my new nightdress, red, lacy, and sheer. It fits like a glove and I feel beautiful wearing it. It's been weeks since Cesare and I have had sex. I love that he wanted me to heal completely, but tonight I need my husband.
I'm rubbing lotion into my legs when he walks in. I don't turn, but I hear the lock engage and smile to myself.
As I continue with the lotion, I hear Cesare's footsteps approaching. My heart races in anticipation.
"Tori," he says, voice low and husky. "You look absolutely breathtaking."
I turn to face him, feeling a thrill at the desire in his eyes. "Thank you," I say softly. "I bought it today. Do you like it?"