Olivia's POV
Is it wrong that I'm ready for this to be over? I'm not feeling Rico at the moment. He must be off his rocker if he thinks I'm getting married without a prenup. I felt like I needed to call Salvatore.
He picked up the first ring. Bella, what is wrong with love? Salvatore, this trip was a mistake. I don't believe Rico is the one for me.
Bella, please tell me what happened to make you feel this way.
We ate dinner in this beautiful gazebo. It started nicely with instant communication. Then I told him I couldn't marry again without a prenup. After hearing that, Salvatore smiled to himself. In an instant, his entire situation or view of his character changes. Do you think I overreacted to this situation? Contacting you when it is his time; I know I'm wrong.
Salvatore's POV
I was excited that she chose me to call. I'm glad he screwed up. The only thing he did was push her close to me. I don't love her yet, but I can love her very much. As a way to get closer to her, I will take advantage of this opportunity.
Don't worry, Bella; I'm on my way. I always have a jet on standby. Okay, hurry; I will stay in my room until you arrive.
The fact that he messed up is terrific news.
Please don't come, Salvatore. I'm leaving to go home and think. I couldn't let her do that. I finally had the upper hand.
I'm sorry for calling Salvatore; it isn't fair to Rico. I'm heading home and getting ready for our week. My father sent me a jet. I just needed to vent to someone. You make me feel so comfortable when I'm around you. Salvatore smiled internally when he heard this information. She called him to vent, so he knew it was in his favor.
Ricardo's POV
I know I messed up and can't figure out how to fix it. Should I just give up and go home? Have you decided to call Mariano? Can't let Salvatore win? Mariano, I need you to do me a favor. Olivia is distraught with me. I know she already has a jet coming. We can't let Salvatore have her. You must ensure you are there when she arrives at the landing strip.
Marino was silent for a long time. Do you think you're trying to convince me to go after her myself? Yes, Salvatore only wants her for what her family represents to his family. I genuinely care about Olivia but messed up and didn't want her to end up with him. You guys deserve a chance, Marino. Give it a shot, little brother. I would say you better hurry because I know Salvatore is headed for her. Pick her up and take her to the lake house.
Marino POV
I was curious to know if I wanted to participate. Olivia is a beautiful woman that I can see myself in. So I contacted my parents. My father told me he was sending a jet for Olivia. So I will pick her up. I plan to convince her to give me another chance. No fool, I know Salvatore is the real competition. She is very attracted to him.
I plan to woo her like never before. My parents wish me luck.
I immediately got dressed and headed to our private landing strip. As soon as I arrived, I noticed that I had beaten Salvatore. Which works best for me? Nervously, I waited for the plane to land—still, no Salvatore, which is still in my favor. I wasn't sure what to say to Olivia.
Olivia
When I boarded the jet, so many things came to mind. I even thought about Marino for a brief moment. Salvatore is gorgeous, but is attractive enough for me? I found Mariano attractive and look how that turned out.
Then I thought, what if I had a chance with Mariano? We would have made an excellent power couple. I don't understand why he is always on my mind after treating me.
As I look out the jet window, I see Mariano standing outside. Why do I feel joy from that? I'm glad I convinced Salvatore to wait a week.
Mariano
Why am I so nervous? I don't know what to say, but I plan to plead my case as I watch her get off the plane. I smile at how beautiful she is. I picture her pregnant with my babies. That thought crossed my mind for no apparent reason.
I walk up to her the minute we close. She embraces me and begins to sob. As a result, I pick her up bridal style and carry her to the limousine. She looks at me and asks if we should go to the hotel instead of home. She falls asleep in my arms after that. Immediately I contacted my father and asked him to book us a suite in his name. That will give us some time to talk. Salvatore will be here soon. I know that without a doubt. This is my chance to win her heart.
Later that same day.
OLIVIA'S POV
In the morning, I woke up feeling more relaxed. I look to my left and see Mariano lying on the couch. Upon looking at my cellphone, it had 20 missed calls from Salvatore and my uncle. I had an excessive amount of text messages as well. Then I turn it off before they track my phone. I need this time for myself. I've always wanted to know more about Marino.
The prepaid phone I purchased at the airport was the best choice for me. I needed to contact my uncle. He will stop at nothing to find me.
I have to decide. I don't know if I want Marino or Salvatore. I just know that Rico isn't an option for me.
I've decided to get to know Marino less. He was the reason I wasted three years of my life. I'm leaning toward Salvatore more than anything.
That might be a better choice. It is time for me to start acting like a woman and making better choices. It was a mistake to run to Marino. I'm just so confused but I know Salvatore is what I need.
The choices we make can make or break us in the long run. I continue to gaze at Marino thinking was this the right choice or the safe choice running to him?
As an alternative to calling my uncle, I decided to contact Salvatore.
Salvatore's POV
The minute I got there she was taken away. Initially, I was upset, but then I thought she was just a confused woman. I just knew she would reach out to me again. She feels comfortable discussing her issues with me.
That is how I will win her heart by being there for her. Olivia is a very beautiful and intelligent woman. The reason Mariano never gave her a chance and walked away from her will never make sense to me. She is a successful businesswoman in her own right.
Whenever I get her, I won't let her go.
So if she is with Mariano he better get ready for the fight of his life.
She will be my wife and the mother of my children. I'm a man on a mission, and nothing compares to a man with a plan.
I will sweep her off her feet and show her how a real man woos a woman.
Then suddenly I heard my cell phone ringing from an unknown number
As soon as I saw her, I knew it was her. Where are you so I can get you? She sighs and tells me she is with Mariano. I'm not upset because I know this is just confusion on her part.
She then tells me she is staying with him for a few days so that she can get to know him better. But she will fly to me directly afterward. Tell me to contact her family and let them know she is okay and well.
It may not seem like a win for me. But you see it, the keyword is that she isn't telling me that she isn't coming just delaying. So that is a bonus and a good thing for me.
I smile and tell her I will await her arrival. I can feel her sigh and happiness.
This is very good news that she is coming to her senses. She is only staying to know him out of curiosity. That is something I truly understand.
I decided to email her family while I talked to her. They respond immediately with the excitement of the good news.
Olivia's POV
After speaking with Salvatore, I felt so much better about my decision to spend time with Mariano. I have already decided. I want to get to know Mariano before walking away forever. He was the man I married but never knew.
It is something I have to do to move on with my life.
I've always been curious about the man who married me and left me. It is challenging to think about how he never gave me a chance. I once thought maybe she is prettier or smarter than me. I dismiss those thoughts. This was his loss, but I'm a fantastic woman with a bright future ahead of me. No man can define me, but I am no one without a king to guide me. It may seem crazy to say that, but I was raised as a Sicilian in a certain way. The values of Sicilians are very different from those of Americans. We believe that a woman is not complete without a husband and a family.
Having been raised that way, I believe that a husband will complete my life. It will not define me, but it will make my life complete. I looked at Mariano, who was just staring, not saying a word.
Then I figured he heard my conversation. I decided to break the tension. Good morning Mariano, thanks for getting me to the airport.
He didn't smile or respond, just stared at me. Then he finally said good morning to me, beautiful. Thanks for allowing me to get to know you. I hope to change your mind or views on me.
As I sighed, I nodded and said let's eat some breakfast.
Mariano's POV
I heard her entire conversation with Salvatore. That only tells me I have a lot of work to do. It's my goal to win her That is going to be a bit of an obstacle.
As a result, I got up and ordered my staff to prepare some breakfast for us.
Olivia after breakfast I was thinking you could join me for a run after breakfast. Sure that would be awesome Mariano, I love morning workouts. I was standing there looking silly with a smile on my face after she jumped out of the bed.
This is incredible thing I get a chance to prove that I'm a decent man in her eyes. I decide to get ready in my room. Meet her downstairs for a light breakfast.
We talk about everyday things.
After that, she looks dead in my eyes and asks that dreaded question. Please tell me, Mariano, why you didn't give our marriage a chance? I sighed, knowing she would eventually ask me this question.
I decided that if she asked me I would tell her the complete truth.
Looking into her eyes, I was selfish and wanted to be with the woman I love. I thought I was in love with Eva and decided that you were not worth my love for Eva.
It was a mistake. I should never have agreed if I wouldn't give you a chance. I know that was a mistake. Looking at the situation now. Eva never genuinely loves me. She would love what my status and money could bring her. I know I messed up by not giving you a chance.
Thank you for your honesty, Mariano. I've always wondered about your reasoning for not trying our marriage. I hate you, Olivia sighed and continued talking. Then I thought that if I hadn't married, I wouldn't be as successful as I am today. So thank you for helping my family get back on top.
I also want you to know that we will never be married again. I forgive you, but at the same time, I will never forget the loneliness and embarrassment I felt being your forgotten wife.
It was mentioned in magazines and newspapers that I was the forgotten wife. I was probably the victim of many jokes. I wish you the best of luck, Mariano. Taking this as a learning experience will allow you to gain a better understanding of what a good wife looks like. If you had given me a chance, we probably would have started a family by now.
Then she got up and ran away from the table crying. I didn't know what to say because she was correct. I regret it more than she knows. Often I think about the life we could have had together. At this moment, I realize there is no hope for her or me.
The pain I caused her is still fresh in her mind. I can still hear her sobbing in her room. After hearing the soft cries, I got up and followed them. I find her on the bed and hold her face. We have to move on, and she needs this moment.
This will stay fresh in my mind forever. I held her until she stops crying. I start to cry, realizing that I have lost her forever due to my mistake. We could have had a family together by now. I made this mistake and did it on my own. I will never make this mistake again.
This has been a precious life lesson.
Olivia's POV
I can finally move on from Mariano and find true happiness. I have been stuck for so long. I can sense only good things in my future.
We spent the rest of the day getting to know each other. As a result of Mariano, I have gained a friend, but nothing more.
I finally closed with Mariano. It feels so free to say what I want to say. Now my life can begin with Salvatore. I'm currently packing, but I think I need time to enjoy Olivia instead of jumping into another marriage. Even consider having Salvatore date me. Then I fell in love with him. I want to love that so many people speak of. Is everlasting and unconditional love real, or is it the stuff of a fairy tale? I have to grow up at some point.
Rico has sent me 50 text messages on my phone. Simply don't understand why he keeps texting and calling me all the time. Rico is a gold digger. I didn't know men could be a gold diggers.
When Rico looks at me, he sees the potential to be the best in the world. He is an opportunist. Mafia-connected businesswoman in corporate America.
Salvatore's POV
To say I'm thrilled is an understatement. I finally have a chance to be with Olivia. Decided to court her to get to know her. I think she hasn't dated someone and got to know her.
I'm at the airport waiting for her to depart my jet. She stays with her family in Italy while courting me. Spoken with her uncle, and he feels this is the most suitable route for his niece.
I couldn't agree with him more. Then she will no longer be the forgotten bride. I know she hates that label attached to her name. I plan to court her for 6 months and then propose marriage.
As a result, powerful families will come together. Everything in Italy is always about family. The Sicilian mafia has strong family values and traditions. Salvatore Enforcer, I am proud to offer you a chance to date the treasure of my family. The minute the plane lands, I'm beyond excited.
A bright smile spreads across her face as she steps off the plane. No sadness in her eyes, which is a positive thing. That tells me she is finally ready to move on to her future with me.
I walk up to her and kiss her hand and smile at her. Good evening Olivia. Did you make it through your flight? She smiles at me with excitement. Yes, it was a good flight I always love to visit my family in Sicily. Sicily has always lifted my spirit whenever I visit my homeland.
To hear her say that about Sicily was beautiful. I know she wouldn't mind making this her home once we marry. Don't mind her working; we can build an empire together while strengthening our families. Connecting with our families will benefit us both. Now I have to get her to fall in love with me. I can sense that she is romantic at heart. In addition to her father, she told me she dreams of a future husband who will love her unconditionally. I can give her that power even though I'm older than her.
Salvatore wasn't what she expected the second time she met him. He was polite and gentlemen which made her think of her father and uncles. She comes from a strict Sicilian background that believes in rich Sicilian culture.
He led her to his car. She smiled at him at followed him to his sleek Rolls Royce. She felt special for some. Getting in the car, she felt butterflies in her stomach. Something she hadn't experienced since Mariano first laid eyes on her. This time it will be different, and she could get rid of the Forgotten Wife title.
She was smiling to herself as they drove to her grandparents' home. She stayed with her family while courting him. In Sicily, single women didn't live alone. If unmarried, you lived with your family as part of the tradition. However, she owned a villa in Sicily, and according to tradition, she had to stay with her family until she was married again. It didn't bother her at all. She loved her family so much.
She could work from Sicily while meeting Salvatore. So far, he has impressed her with charm and great conversation. Olivia was looking for a king to add to her kingdom. She wanted an empire with kids and a great life. If her family thought Salvatore could give her that, Then she would inevitably get to know him with no objections.
This was the start of a new adventure for Olivia and Salvatore...