5. Something In the air.

"He's mine"

I look at her in astonishment, her lips curving into a saccharine smile but her expression quickly changes back into one of remorse.

She was about to say something and before I could stop myself, I slapped her harshly across the face. She clutches her right cheek, her eyes wide as saucers. The room gasped and the attention of everyone in the room was on us.

I couldn't believe what I had done myself. Did I just slap her? It was as if my body had moved on its own.

She looked as though she would retaliate. I instinctively brace myself.

Giovanni steps beside me and her fierce expression changes into a meeker one. She looks at me again, anger in her eyes, turns and walks away, her hips swaying slowly in the tight gown she wore.

The onlookers continue to stare, rushed whispers flying in the air. I self-consciously wrap his suit tighter around me, my head hanging low to avoid any eye contact.

Giovanni places his hand on the small of my back, and whispers, "Don't look down". His words instantly calmed me and I looked up at him, mesmerized by the way his eyes sparkled under the dim lights

"Look up, like the queen you are". He adds, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

The people watched our little play-by-play in growing interest. Something in the room felt off, I wanted to leave.

"Should we leave?", He asks.

I look around. The crowd was hungry for more drama. It was better if we left but I had a feeling, everything was far from over.

We navigate our way through the crowd, I hold my head high with pride avoiding their curious and malicious looks. I catch a glimpse of Zachary, his eyes fixed on us and in that moment, I felt grateful to have Giovanni by my side.

I notice someone in the crowd watching us intently. It was a man I had never seen before. He seemed to be staring at me, an eerily calm expression on his face. A shiver went down my spine, I didn't know what it was but something about him didn't feel right. I quickly avert my eyes.

As we exit the building, the paparazzi swarm us, eagerly shoving microphones in our faces. The bodyguard shields me from the flashing lights as the questions come pouring in.

"Mrs Rivera, when did you get married to Mr D'errico?"

"How does it feel to be the heir of the billion-dollar shipping company?"

"What plans do you have for your father's company?"

"Weren't you married to Mr Zachary? We noticed the two of you together, what's going on?"

Amidst the chaos, we are quickly ushered into a waiting limousine. I let out a sigh of relief as the fresh air hit me.

"Drive." Giovanni orders, and we speed away from the frenzy.

The ride home was silent and after a few minutes, I inconspicuously look at Giovanni. His head rested on the window, his eyes closed. It looked as though he was asleep.

I continue to stare at him, tracing his jawline with my eyes. The length of his eyebrows, the curve of his lips.

"I apologize for Mia's actions," he suddenly says, removing his head from the window and looks at me.

I quickly nod, "It's fine, it was unintentional."

"No, it was not. She should not have acted that way. I am sorry it occurred." The darkness conceals his features, but the occasional rays from the streetlights reflect on his face through the window.

"No, I'm sorry for slapping her too. I didn't mean it, I don't know what came over me. " I look down again, avoiding his eyes.

"Who is she to you, anyways?" I quickly asked before he could respond. I knew it wasn't really my business but I was just curious.

"We grew up together in Italy, she recently just got back from Italy. Her name is Mia Leonardo.

My eyes widen. Wait a minute. The Mia Leonardo. As in, Mia Leonardo of SHE?!!

SHE was a clothing brand known worldwide. It was the most preferred clothing brand in the world. it was so popular, that most celebrities would hire her herself just for her to style them. Mia Leonardo the Italian bombshell, founded the brand years ago and it quickly rose to fame for its creativity and glamour.

I couldn't believe I didn't recognize her at the gala. Then it hit me. I slapped Mia Leonardo. Oh shit! That was all I could think about on the ride home. We approached the gate of his home.

After our wedding, I moved into Giovanni's lavish estate. Zachary's house, which I had once thought was magnificent, pales in comparison to the awe-inspiring mansion. Giovanni had suggested I stayed in one of my father's houses but I insisted that I'd stay in his home instead.

The maid stalks out as I walk into the living room. She asks about my night. Taking my bag from me.

"It went well thank you". I quickly say. she says nothing as she examines my out-of-place hair and ruined dress.

She was young and I had only known her for a very short while. I had noticed her eyeing Giovanni once or twice, but since the marriage was just for show, I didn't pay mind to it. It's just that she acted closed off to me almost to the point of subtle rudeness. It felt like I wasn't welcome here but I refused to let it get to me.

I go upstairs into my bedroom. She helps me undress and I change into a simpler gown, my hair up into a messy bun.

She briefly goes out of the room and re-enters later, just as I finished washing my makeup off.

"The master requests your presence." she says.

I slowly get up and walk to the living room. It was empty so I take a seat on the sofa and turn the television on.

The events of the gala were being replayed. I tensed up as it was focused on me and Mia. I watch myself slap Mia and the way the room gasps in shock. They had so gracefully edited the part of her showering my body with her drink.

I held my glass tightly as my face was being recorded up close. Those pricks. The next day, the incident would be the talk of the town. Everyone would have their version of what had happened. Those that were there and those that weren't would all have something to say.

In walked Giovanni, his gaze landing on the television screen that had captured my attention. He smirks, causing me to frown in response. Two buttons of his shirt were undone and his hair was disheveled, like he had been running his hands through it.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll resume work with me," he announces.

I scowled at him, "Why do we have to work together? Can't I just have a piece of my father's company? I don't want to work with you."

"Because, Miss Rivera, how else will you prove to me your capabilities if you don't work under my guidance?" he retorted.

"You'll get up early, I don't like to be late to work. Let's see just how efficient and capable you are."

He grins.

And if looks could kill. I swear Giovanni D'errico would be six feet under.