[Madison Rose]
"I had been hoping for him to choose Violet as his wife. Deep down, I believed she would be a superior partner for Marco. Unfortunately, Violet is still too young, so the responsibility fell on the eldest daughter. It's a situation that feels inherently unjust to me."As I absentmindedly chewed my food, I tried to drown out the constant discussion of Violet. There were times when my love for my sister clashed with feelings of envy towards the attention Walter showered upon her. Perhaps if Violet had been the one to get married, I would not have to worry about inheriting anything from him. Now, the entire company would be solely mine because I was the one wedded to the man who claimed to have saved it."Remember, Maddie, if Marco ever chooses to dissolve your marriage, you will not receive a single penny from me. Keep that in mind!"There were several grounds for annulling our marriage, and I was aware that it wouldn't be easily voided. However, aided by the influence of the Moretti family, he might appear capable of accomplishing challenging feats in the eyes of others.After finishing breakfast, I retreated to my room where I got dressed and prepared myself. It felt as though my husband could arrive at any moment.Although we've been married for a month, I still have a limited understanding of him. Besides his name and his passion in bed, he remains an enigma to me. Essentially, he is a complete stranger."Ma'am Maddie, Sir Marco has arrived," our housekeeper informed me.As Marco stepped into my room, an all too familiar feeling of nervousness cascaded over me, just like our initial encounter. My heart pounded in my chest as I noticed his icy gaze fixed upon me.With the departure of the house helper, we were granted a moment of seclusion as the door closed behind them. Marco continued to stare at me relentlessly, causing me to shrink under the weight of his intense eyes. His gaze lacked vitality, and it was evident that a brewing storm of violence lurked below his calm exterior.Should I greet him? I need to ensure he doesn't consider leaving me. Despite my lack of desire for this marriage and any feelings towards him, I must maintain it for the sake of our company. He's the one who will save our business.Finally breaking the long silence, Marco's question pierced through the tension. His voice remained distant, as though speaking out of obligation or reluctance. He scanned the room, his fingers gliding over nearby furniture.“How are you?” Marco was the first to ask with his cold demeanorMy heart raced, and I inhaled deeply, contemplating how to respond to him, even though his question was simple. "I'm... I'm good. And you?" I stammered. This is the effect he has on me; in his presence, fear grips my every word.I had heard numerous rumors about him long before our marriage, which is why I initially pleaded with my father not to arrange it. I feared that he would amplify the abuse I had already endured in my father's household, as that was a harsh reality I grew up with.As for Marco, people often talk about his unwavering determination and fearlessness. He swiftly deals with anyone who dares to challenge him, completely eliminating those who oppose him. He presents himself as someone cold-hearted, lacking both compassion and a conscience. This dominant and authoritative demeanor is clearly evident in his aura.Upon hearing my response, he locked his gaze on me, and fury ignited in his eyes, heightening my discomfort. I couldn't discern whether I truly witnessed the anger mirrored in his expression or if it was a figment of my imagination."Why haven't you moved out from your parents' place yet?" He furrowed his brow, inching closer to me. "We have our own house. What compelled you to remain here?"Perplexed, I furrowed my brow in response to his sudden question. ‘Why would he ask me this now? After leaving me without a word, he seems surprised by my decision to return.’"I stayed there for a few days, but..." My voice trailed off, uncertain how to proceed.Though I considered broaching the subject of the photos I discovered, capturing him with another woman that my father had shown me, I realized I no longer cared. It wasn't that I was wounded, truthfully; I felt nothing. What troubled me was that most people assumed he would abandon me. Or perhaps it was just my own apprehension.Numerous questions swirled in my mind about Marco. Where did he go during his absence? Who was the woman beside him? Is he planning to divorce me?Despite the jumble of thoughts, I found myself unable to vocalize a single one."Get your belongings, we're leaving," Marco announced, turning away from me as if preparing to depart the room. But before he could do so, I found my voice again."Where are we going?" I inquired, seeking clarification from him.Casting a quick glance my way, he responded with a dismissive eye-roll, conveying his impatience towards my seemingly trivial query. The corners of my mouth tightened as I pondered his response. "We're going home, where you should have rightfully resided all this time."His words caught me off guard, leaving me taken aback. His distant demeanor indicated that he might be challenging to connect with or comprehend. It was clear I had to grasp his intentions immediately, as he was not one to repeat himself. Deciphering his true thoughts proved challenging; I only hoped he wasn't inclined towards abusive behavior. I had experienced enough as a mistreated daughter, and I had no desire to subject myself to the same fate as a battered wife.A group of maids entered my room and immediately began packing my belongings. They skillfully arranged everything into a few suitcases that I would be taking with me. Their actions gave me the impression that they wanted to ensure I wouldn't return here.From the corner of my eye, I noticed Marco leaning against the door frame, observing me intently. Feeling uneasy, I purposely avoided making eye contact with him.With an air of authority, Marco addressed the maids, "If you have finished packing her things, you may leave now."The maids hastened to organize my belongings, and I observed their movements, trying my best to evade the intense gaze of the man loitering near the entrance. In no time, the maids departed.Marco advanced toward me, each step causing my mouth to feel drier than before. For some unknown reason, I instinctively took a step back.Marco exuded an overwhelming sense of intimidation and terror. Merely being near him was enough to send shivers of fear down my spine, even when he was fully clothed.Engrossed in my contemplation of his presence, I failed to notice that he had already positioned himself directly in front of me. Striving to distance myself, I made an effort to withdraw, but Marco grasped my hand firmly. With a single, smooth motion, he gently guided me onto the bed."Please, do not hurt me," I murmured in a feeble voice. The mere fact that Marco was present made me feel feeble and vulnerable."You told me never to ask you again, but am I allowed to kiss my wife? Am I allowed to have sex with you right now?"I was stunned by his consecutive questions. I thought of this as my duty as a wife, so I nodded. As long as Marco didn't hurt or beat me, I would allow him to use my body.Marco kissed me after seeing my nod. I let out a faint moan due to the intensity of his kiss.As I pushed him away in an attempt to catch my breath, a wave of weakness engulfed me. I couldn't help but question if my weakness was genuine or merely a subconscious desire to prolong our intimate moment, even though I was gasping for air.Amidst the fervent kissing, he softly whispered, "I'm upset with you."Each shallow kiss carried an intoxicating allure that left me feeling intoxicated, as if I were consuming alcohol with each delicate touch of his lips. I became completely lost in the moment, surrendering myself to the sensations."I understand that you may not be enthusiastic about this marriage," he confessed, his voice filled with longing. "But could you, at the very least, pretend to be excited and happy when you reunite with your husband after a month apart?"[Madison Rose]Marco held both of my cheeks. My lips parted because of what he did, allowing his tongue to enter my mouth. It explored as if searching for something inside me. I couldn't help but close my eyes tightly. Something strange was happening in my stomach. It felt like a storm raging there, and I couldn't explain it.I couldn't breathe anymore. Nevertheless, I couldn't bring myself to push him away or stop him from kissing me. Instead of stopping him, I saw myself being drawn into what he was doing. This was part of my duty as his wife: to satisfy my husband's needs, so he wouldn't think of divorcing me and leaving me.When he finally released my hand that he had been holding earlier, I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck. Our kisses deepened, and I found myself reciprocating each of Marco's kisses."Hmm..." I couldn't help but release a small moan because of that. I seemed to have lost myself completely and my sanity had abandoned me.His hand moved from my neck. I could
Marco and I walked into the room simultaneously, finding my belongings already there. I remained stationary, grappling with the uncertainty of our situation and Marco's intentions, now that we were alone. Glancing at him, I noticed him loosening his tie, with the top buttons of his shirt undone, providing a modest view of his chest. Taking a deep breath, memories of witnessing his bare torso flooded my mind. Shaking my head, I reminded myself that now was not the time for such thoughts. But what did Marco do? He left the following morning, just like that!Marco approached the bed, taking a seat at its edge. With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the veins on his forearms became visible as he moved."What are you doing, Maddie? Come here. We have unfinished business to attend to," he calls me over.Nervously, I began to walk toward him, my heart pounding in my chest. Marco was undeniably intimidating, his constant expression always cold and dark. Well, strictly speaking, that's two
"Mrs. Moretti," I heard a gentle knock on the door, accompanied by a voice calling my name. Each time I was addressed as such, it felt surreal, as if I was living in a dream. To think I had married someone as unreachable as Marco Moretti seemed too good to be true.Turning my attention towards the door, I rose from where I was seated. It was Lucille, the woman Marco had introduced earlier, whom I expected to see. Unlike our previous encounter, my attire was now impeccably neat, devoid of any wrinkles.Reflecting on that particular moment, a sudden warmth rushed to my cheeks, reminding me of the embarrassment ignited by Marco's previous actions.I was correct in my assumption. Upon opening the door, I discovered Lucille standing there. She greeted me cordially."Sir Marco has requested my assistance in acquainting you with everything you need to know as his spouse. Shall we proceed to the study room, Mrs. Moretti—""Please, just call me Maddie." They gave me all these fancy titles I wa
Remaining silent, I sat there, gazing at the food. My hunger had completely disappeared.After a few hours, I rose from my seat. Some onlookers seemed surprised, while Lucille and Renzo observed me closely, attentively following my actions."Ma'am—""I'm going to rest. I'm not hungry," I stated, emphasizing my lack of appetite.Without waiting for them to say more, I promptly departed, making my way up to the second floor and entering our bedroom. Leaning against the closed door, I closed my eyes, wondering if the feeling of solitude persisted, even in this space. Perhaps I had erred in believing that this house held a difference from my father’s. Maybe, wherever I found myself, the affliction of loneliness would always linger.Desiring rest, I readied myself for sleep, tending to personal hygiene and changing into fresh attire. Settling into bed, I enveloped myself in the warmth of the duvet. Although I had no intentions of actually sleeping, I shut my eyes, seeking solace in the dar
"Ma'am Maddie?"The tranquility in the room shattered, disrupted by a persistent knock on the door. I rose from my seat and greeted an unexpected visitor: Lucille."Ma'am, I've come to inform you about your scheduled appointment with Doctor Hayes at 2 pm today."An appointment? But I couldn't recall having any plans to see a doctor."Mr. Marco Moretti set up an appointment for you with an OB-Gyn today," Lucille stated as if reading what’s on my mind."OB-GYN?" I repeated, questioning whether I had heard correctly. "Why would I need to see an OB-GYN?" What was Marco's motive behind this?"I'm sorry, Ma'am, I don't have the specifics. However, I believe the doctor will provide all the necessary explanations during your meeting. Both Mr. Moretti and the doctor will discuss it with you."Recognizing Lucille's limited knowledge and her role as a messenger, I ceased my interrogation. It appeared that she was merely following instructions to inform me about the appointment.After lunch, I fi
Since that conversation with Marco regarding our decision not to have children, we haven't spoken. It's evident that he has no desire to start a family.It may be premature to speculate, but does he have any aspirations for the future? I cannot ascertain. It appears he truly has no intentions in that regard.As I drifted into slumber, I turned my gaze away from him, unwilling to confront the painful reminder of his hurtful words. While others or Marco may see those words as inconsequential, their impact on me was profound.Despite Marco's presence beside me, diligently engrossed in his late-night work, I willed myself to sleep. The darkness enveloped us, save for the soft radiance emanating from his laptop.Gradually, sleep claimed me that night. In the midst of my slumber, I found myself immersed in a dream, embraced by an unseen entity. The sensation of weightlessness and tranquility washed over me during those fleeting hours.The following day, our itinerary included a visit to Mar
As we stood by the elevator, I suddenly heard the distinct sound of two gunshots. My reflexes kicked in, and when I turned around, I was met with a harrowing sight. The two men who had been stationed by the door, whom I had interacted with earlier, now lay lifeless on the floor. Shock and disbelief washed over me, but Marco seemed unfazed and nonchalantly returned to the room. A chilling thought crossed my mind: had Marco just killed them?"Ma'am, we need to leave," I heard Lucille's urgent plea. Her voice trembled with fear, prompting me to surrender to her guidance. However, my attention remained fixated on the lifeless bodies of the two men Marco had mercilessly shot. They were being swiftly removed by other individuals, who quietly assumed their positions.I couldn't help but wonder: did these men lose their lives because of me? Did they pay the ultimate price for allowing me access to the room?I was struck with a sudden realization, causing me to gasp in shock. My gaze shifted t
During the ride to Marco's parents' house, I remained quite, purposefully avoiding eye contact with Marco as I wasn't prepared to confront him yet. The recent events had left me stunned, and I wasn’t sure about how to address the situation with my husband.While my hands still retained their chill, a sense of relief washed over me, understanding that Marco wouldn't do anything to Lucille as close to those he shot earlier.I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering the blood that had been splattered from the men Marco had shot. It struck me that I had considered that blood to be mine. I had no idea where that thought had come from.We arrived at Marco's parents' grand residence, and as soon as someone opened the door, I stepped out. Avoiding eye contact with Marco's staff, I felt a sinking feeling that they were aware of what had happened earlier. Embarrassment washed over me, fully aware that it was my fault. I couldn't shake the thought that my careless actions could have put innocen