Chapter 12
Phew, finally everything’s ready. We’re done, the cleaning crew has already started, and the opening cocktail party is scheduled for two days from now.
The invitations have been sent out, RSVPs confirmed—now we just need to open the doors to customers.
I’m so satisfied with my work. Carter praised me a lot, which makes me happy.
I’m standing at the door, looking inside, when Mattia arrives and whispers in my ear.
“Admiring your excellent work?”
“It really did turn out beautiful, exactly how I imagined it.”
“Yes, I’m satisfied with the work. I didn’t think it would turn out so well—using wood, plants. At first I thought it was crazy, but now that it’s finished, it’s magnificent.”
“I told you to trust me, didn’t I?”
“Well, ragazza, you surprised me. Carter knows how important my projects are. I knew he’d assign an excellent professional to handle it.”
“Oh, thank you for the compliment, but he helped me a lot. I didn’t do it alone.”
“Ragazza, learn to value yourself. The ideas were yours. Carter and I just approved them and offered some suggestions, but you did all the work.”
I’ve never received such praise before. My ex always said I was never capable of anything. I remember when I mentioned I’d like to study design—what he said hurt me deeply.
“Honey, I’m thinking about studying design. What do you think?
“What, you study? I don’t think so. That won’t get you anywhere.”
“And how do you know I won’t be capable? I might surprise you.”
“Stop thinking nonsense. You’ll just waste time and money. And you won’t have time for me.”
“But, honey, I need to think about my future.”
“Your future is with me, kitten. We’ll get married soon, and I want you at home, waiting for me, all ready, every day.”
“Could you support me just once?!”
“Stop talking and come here.”
“You only think about sex.”
“I only think about you. It’s different. Now stop talking and come here.”
I snap out of my daydream when Mattia calls my name.
“Are you okay, Emma? You went pale and quiet.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” I try to give a smile.
These memories come and go, tormenting me. How could I have been so naive and let him take control of my life? I blame myself so much for that. But I managed to free myself from his grip, thanks to Samantha.
I started the course even with him complaining.
He picked me up and dropped me off every day, until I got an internship at Carter’s company.
That’s where I met Samantha. We became close friends, and she saw my desperation at times, so I told her everything.
She promised to help me, and she did. Today I can say my life is different.
I do what I want and go where I want. I finally have my freedom.
Still, the fear of getting involved is enormous, but as my friend says, “Not all men are jerks like your ex.” I really hope not, because this Italian is making me crazier about him every day, and with the time we’ve worked together, I’ve realized his personality really is different.
That day, when we were upstairs in the restaurant, we kissed and it was wonderful.
I didn’t want to stop, but it wasn’t the right place.
Besides, the sofas were just there so we could see which one would look better—it wouldn’t look good to return a sofa after having sex on it. I think about this and smile.
“And that smile—what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” I try to play it off. “I’m going to check on the cleaning upstairs—don’t you want to take a look at your office?”
“Of course, let’s go up.”
“Are you excited about the opening?”
“Very. I hope it’s a success.”
“It will be. Everything is perfect—there’s no reason it wouldn’t be.”
“I was wondering if you could help me greet the guests that day.”
“Me? But why me?” I look at him.
“Well, you were responsible for all the work. I’d like you to be there at the cocktail party—as my date. Would you accept?” That question caught me off guard.
“Mr. Matteo, I wasn’t planning to come. I don’t know if this is really my thing.”
“Stop talking nonsense. I invited all the company staff, and you more than anyone deserve to be here. And after that kiss, I think we can drop the ‘mister,’ right?”
“I don’t even have anything to wear for this.”
“Stop being silly. I want you as my date, and I won’t take no for an answer.”
He turns away and finishes climbing the stairs. I’m left thinking about the invitation. I don’t have anything to wear to go with him—I’ll have to find a way to buy a dress. I’ll leave that thought for later. Right now I need to check on the cleaning crew’s work. Everything has to be perfect.
My part of the project is finished. Now it’s up to Matteo to prepare the buffet.
I’m at the company today, helping the staff with a new project, when a young man comes in with a huge box.
He calls my name and hands me a slip of paper, which I sign.
I look at the beautiful package and see there’s a little note. I decide to read it when I get home.
I set the huge box on the counter at the entrance to our office. I notice several glances in my direction, which I ignore. When the workday ends, I grab my box and leave, curiosity consuming me.
“Who’s that from, girl?” I look back and see Samantha running up to me.
“I’ll find out when I get home.”
“Could it be from who I think it’s from?”
“And who might that be, missy?”
“Oh, come on—you really think I don’t notice the looks between you and that hot Italian?”
I just ignore what she said. All I want is to get home and see what’s in that package.
And that’s exactly what I do. I set the beautiful box on my bed and start to open it, enchanted by the gorgeous dress and pair of shoes Matteo sent me.
When I pick up my phone to respond to him, it rings and I answer.
“I hope you liked the gift. You’ll be even more beautiful in it. I’ll see you tomorrow—send me your address and I’ll have a driver pick you up at eight.”
And just like that, he hangs up, not giving me a chance to respond. I hope I can resist this charming man, but it’s getting harder every day.