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 darkness.
Unaware of the passage of time, I lay motionless with my eyes shut, unable to find sleep. The sound of the door opening abruptly brought my senses back to life. Intuitively, I knew it was Marco; otherwise, a knock would have preceded his entrance.
To maintain the illusion of slumber, I squeezed my eyes shut even tighter, ensuring he couldn't discern that I was pretending.
His cellphone disturbed the silence, prompting him to answer it promptly.
"Hello," he whispered softly. "I've returned."
Straining to grasp any information from their conversation, I found it difficult due to Marco's concise replies.
"Tomorrow. Make it happen, Gi." Their dialogue came to an end.
I noticed some sounds that I believed were Marco's movements. The doors to the bathroom and walk-in closet were being opened and closed. As Marco left, I caught a scent of food.
I woke up and immediately felt hunger, realizing that I hadn't had dinner earlier.
"Maddie..."
I tried to feign sleep again, but it was futile as Marco was already standing before me. I looked up at him, and the soft glow from my lampshade illuminated his face.
"Why haven't you had dinner?" he asked.
I sat up and directed my attention to the table beside the bed, where a tray of food was placed. Consuming a heavy gulp, I deliberately shifted my eyes away.
‘I'd rather not dine alone,’ I confessed inwardly, ‘my appetite dwindling upon learning that you wouldn't be joining me.’ I refrained from sharing this sentiment with him, keeping it to myself.
Gathering my courage, I locked my gaze with Marco's, yet I struggled to decipher the emotions resonating in his eyes. They remained composed but distant, concealing his true thoughts.
"Then, let's eat the meal together. I had the food brought here, so you won't retire on an empty stomach." He turned away from me and began arranging the dishes on the table.
"I lost the appetite--"
"What have I told you about defying me?"
Right, I must obey him.
"Let's eat, Maddie."
I raised my gaze once more and observed Marco, who was now settled in a chair. It was then that I noticed two plates resting on the table.
Getting to my feet, I walked towards him, and my eyes soaked in the tantalizing array of food, causing my mouth to salivate.
"Aren't you hungry yet?" I inquired, wondering about the time. "I thought you were planning to eat with me."
"I've already eaten," he replied. "But if you'd like company while you eat, I can have another meal. Now, take a seat."
I felt like an obedient puppy, settling where he gestured. My head hung in a mingling sense of bashfulness and gratitude, particularly as he began serving food onto my plate.
"Don't skip your meals again."
Suppressing a smile, I couldn't help but bite my lip. Maybe he isn't so terrible after all... Maybe?
My cellphone rang, and my heart filled with excitement when I saw that it was my sister Violet calling.
"Violet!" I exclaimed happily as I answered the call.
"Wow! This is a pleasant surprise. It's not often that I hear such cheerfulness from you, Maddie," Violet chuckled on the other end, mirroring my smile. "I love the positive energy."
Typically, the atmosphere at home was gloomy. After all, how could it be anything else when you're mistreated by your own father?
I joined Violet in laughter.
"Did you call for a specific reason? Is something wrong?" My smile faded as a thought struck me - perhaps my absence from home meant that my abusive father was now directing his hostility towards my beloved sister.
"I just wanted to check up on you, Maddie," She said with a sigh. "I was curious if your husband is treating you well. I really hope he is."
"Don't worry, I'm doing fine. He treats me well here." I reassured her, I couldn't help but recall Marco's actions towards me. He may not express his feelings verbally, but I could sense his care through his gestures. However, I must admit, he still intimidates me at times. I try not to dwell on thoughts of him hurting me.
Violet responded, "That's good to know. By the way, Sophia came by. She didn't have your current address. I provided her with your address and phone number. She mentioned that she couldn't reach you, and I informed her that you had changed your number. By any chance, was she absent from your wedding?"
Sophia and I have been best friends since we were young, but unfortunately, she couldn't attend my wedding due to her work abroad. Another friend of ours, Alec, is currently living in a different country, so he couldn't make it either. However, Alec mentioned that he plans to visit us here soon.
Realizing this, I exclaimed, "Oh, I completely forgot to speak to Sophia. I had no idea she was planning to come here. Honestly, I haven't even checked my social media. It's possible that she has been trying to get in touch with me, but I haven't noticed. Thank you, Violet. I'll make sure to give her a call later."
My sister and I continued chatting about various topics until she had to leave.
Eager to catch up, I swiftly opened all my social media accounts after my dinner with Marco, and my intuition was correct - my friends had indeed been trying to reach out to me.
I dialed Sophia's number, especially after noticing she was online. To my delight, she picked up promptly.
"Sophia!" I greeted cheerfully.
We hadn't caught up much since her vacation in Hawaii. She had mentioned the patchy network there and her quest for self-discovery, resulting in her deliberate detachment from social media.
"How are you? Have you found yourself yet?" I chuckled gently, lightly teasing my friend. With my friends, I could always be candid. Being around them meant being my authentic self, without any inhibitions. Therefore, when they were absent, leaving me alone, I felt truly lonely. It's a relief to have Sophia back.
"Silly! By the way, how's married life? Is your husband treating you well? I always thought Alec and I would be the first to tie the knot, and you beat us to it! Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?" Sophia playfully quipped.
I greeted her with a smile and provided all the necessary information. She mentioned her intention to visit me, but not in the near future.
"What matters most is that you've finally escaped your father's control! I've been encouraging you to leave that house for a while, and I can't even bear to imagine your father's terrible reaction when you did try to leave."
I didn't want to dwell on that either. "I'm doing fine here. Nothing like that is happening," I reassured her, though the only issue was that Marco was often busy and not home.
"Can you picture your husband for me? I searched for him online, but there's barely any information! I came across a few articles about their business success, but I couldn't find any photos of Marco Moretti. He seems exceptionally private."
Her words left me speechless. How could I accurately convey Marco's essence without exaggeration? Attempting to articulate Marco's life felt like trying to grasp fleeting air. I had mentioned before that there simply were no words sufficient to describe that man.
"Well, he embodies the quintessential bachelor archetype. Just like that," I replied.
"Wow, your depiction of him was so vivid, I can perfectly envision him!" she sarcastically interjected, to which I chuckled.
Expressing Marco's existence adequately eluded me. In my mind, I held a vivid image of him, yet articulating it proved challenging. It was as if I perpetually stumbled over my words when it concerned him. As I had previously stated, no words were adequate to capture the essence of that man.
Marco possesses an undeniable allure and captivating presence. His deep, intense eyes possess an enchanting power that can effortlessly captivate your attention. Standing tall with a well-built and strong physique, Marco exudes an aura of strength. He possesses an air of mystery that only adds to his magnetic appeal. Oh, and have I mentioned his armband tattoo? It caught my attention when he casually rolled up his sleeves, but unfortunately, I've never had the opportunity to closely examine it. Being in Marco's presence always left me feeling unfocused, making it difficult for me to properly observe his tattoo.
"Is he currently present?"
"No, he's at the office. As a CEO, he is always occupied and rarely finds time for his personal life." My response may have carried a tinge of disappointment, almost as if I were a disillusioned spouse. However, I can't deny that I've grown accustomed to Marco's company, even if it's tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"Oh, now spill the details about your honeymoon! I want to hear every little thing!" She squealed with excitement on the other end of the line.
"Stop it!" The memory came rushing back, evoking thoughts of our unforgettable first night together with Marco. It was an experience filled with passion—an exquisite blend of tenderness and a subtle touch of intensity. Perhaps Marco's caution stemmed from knowing it was my first time. However, the issue remained: he left me the morning after.
He assured me it was for my safety, but it lingers, a persistent source of unrest.
"What?!" Sophia's emotions teetered, torn between laughter and anger upon hearing the account. "Should I find this amusing?"
"Just laugh," I urged my friend.
"After your first night? What kind of husband would do that?" Sophia's question hung heavily in the air.
I couldn't provide an answer, not even to Sophia. Even now, I grapple with doubts. Despite Marco's alibi, the lingering absence of crucial details continues to haunt my thoughts.
"Although he may not cause you physical harm, it's important to recognize that he could still inflict emotional pain. Emotional and mental abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, my dear."
Her comment hit a sensitive spot, like an invisible slap that stung as her words penetrated my thoughts.
"But perhaps I shouldn't rush to judgement without meeting him in person," she sighed, her concern evident. "Let's plan to meet soon, alright? Always keep in mind that if you ever need anything, Alec and I are here for you. I'm just a phone call away, Maddie. You'd never be a bother to us. Take care for now. See you soon. Love you!"
I expressed my gratitude and bid her farewell. After hanging up, I sat on the edge of the bed, deep in thought.
"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
I entered the room directly and promptly retrieved some clothes before making my way into the bathroom. I spent some time in there to clear my mind, as Marco's presence in the same room would have complicated my thoughts further.Once I had regained my composure, I emerged from the bathroom and noticed that Marco was dressed in loose sweatpants that hung on his waist, teasingly revealing a seductive V-line.Marco had opted not to wear anything on his upper body. He rested one of his hands casually by his side while engrossed in a phone conversation. My attention was completely captivated by his bare torso, making it impossible for me to hear any of the words he was saying.I easily noticed Marco's armband tattoo on his left arm. On it, the name "Moretti" was elegantly inscribed in a beautiful Old English font, complemented by intricate lines that added to its allure. His tattoos enhanced his masculine aura.Similarly, his back tattoo caught my attention. Positioned in the middle of hi
I woke up early, but Marco had already risen even earlier. When I woke up, he wasn't by my side. I got out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom to wash up and do my morning routine.As I looked at myself in the mirror, I noticed a reddish mark on my neck and a few bite marks that I assumed were from Marco's actions last night.Last night. Suddenly, all the details came rushing back. From the way Marco teased my nipples to how passionately he played with me. My face flushed, and I couldn't deny the intense heat that washed over me. I washed my face again, almost submerging it in the sink out of embarrassment for what happened last night. I pleaded with Marco. I almost touched myself. I felt like a different person, almost unrecognizable to myself."You're such a fool, Maddie," I whispered to myself.After finishing up in the bathroom, I emerged and made my way to the walk-in closet, trying to find an outfit that would conceal the marks on my neck. Despite the scorching weather ou
Marco and I dined together once more because he arrived home early. I concealed my agony, knowing that even a slight arm movement would trigger it.I appreciated Marco's silence and lack of curiosity. It spared me from creating excuses in case he inquired about my visit to my father.As I prepared to ascend to our bedroom, Marco grasped my arm and spun me around. He inadvertently brushed against the bruise, causing me to emit a gasp of pain."Ah!"Momentarily, Marco's brow creased with concern, but he swiftly masked his emotions."I-I’m sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," I said, while I averted my gaze, attempting to conceal my pain-ridden expression.Marco commanded, "Show me your arm."Confused, I deliberately feigned ignorance, saying, "Sorry, what?""Don't play dumb, Maddie. You heard me," Marco responded firmly, signaling for me to comply. When Marco used my name in that tone, it carried a different meaning.I reluctantly revealed my arm, and Marco gingerly laid his hand on it
As soon as Renzo saw us, he swiftly arranged for the car, and Marco signaled to them. We hurried into the car, putting distance between us and the uneasy situation.Marco invited me to join him in the front seat of his Rolls-Royce, opening the door courteously. He then positioned himself in the driver's seat."I just need to swing by the office quickly to sign some pending documents. Once that's done, I have the whole day free. Where would you like to go?"Marco's words sparked excitement within me. Could this be a date? The possibility lingered in my mind, causing a flutter of anticipation in my stomach."How about the mall?" I suggested, realizing I needed to refill my skincare supplies and restock my makeup collection. Additionally, I felt the desire for some new clothing pieces to freshen up my wardrobe.Marco affirmed with a nod before donning his pricey sunglasses and heading off to his office. I opted to remain in the car, as he assured me it would be a brief errand. True to hi