Chapter 04:
I knew something was wrong the moment I saw my father's calculating eyes during breakfast.
His unusual smuggling expression, what's a sign, he had a plan for something significant.
As we ate in silence he finally spoke a word which caused a bombshell I had been dreading for long with my knowledge.
"Alessia, I've arranged your engagement to Antonio". He announced with a devoid voice which halted every argument in the room.
Antonio was one of my father's loyal associates, a man known for his ruthlessness and ambition.
The decision wasn't just a family duty- it felt like a death sentence. I stared at my father, my stomach churning with dread and anger.
"Dad I can't marry Antonio, I have nothing to do with strangers, Dad why would you arrange an engagement with him, I never loved him and I will never love him?
"Antonio is not just a stranger but a perfect one he's the best you can handle.". He swiftly interjected, raising his voice at me.
Antonia is one of my father's most loyal associates, a man known for his ruthlessness and ambition.
The decision wasn't a family duty- it felt like a delt sentence. I gazed at my father in anger after he uttered such words.
"Dad! I've nothing to do with him and am not interested in such an engagement".
"Alessia, you're not getting any younger, you need a man at your side who will treat you right that's why I choose Alessia for you".
"I'm not interested ". I said, ignoring his request at this moment I could see my father's eyes turning in red as my words pissed him up.
"Shut up! I mean shut up! Alessia, how dare you go against my order who gave you such confidence? I've made my decision and it's final, you're getting married to Antonio whether you like it or not".
Antonio was everything I despised in a man. Cold, calculating, and utterly devoid of the warmth and passion I had tested with Luca.
"Don't worry Alessia, you both will make a better team".
My father patted my shoulder, his voice calming my nerves, his hands gripping my hands with an ironclad force.
"Get ready Alessia for your engagement party tomorrow".
I could see the future stretching out before me. I pondered on why everything is just happening so suddenly maybe my father has a plan.
I knew I had to put on a facade of acceptance, but inside, my spirit raged against the chains being placed around me.
The next day the engagement party was a grand affair, a spectacle designed to showcase our family's power and influence.
The mansion was filled with music, laughter, and clinking of champagne glasses.
Every detail was meticulously planned to reflect the wealth of our reunion.
As I stood beside Antonio, his grip on my arm was a constant reminder of my imprisonment, I felt more like a showpiece than a bride-to-be.
The whole gathering was filled with celebration, the guest toasted our union not minding the storm brewing within me.
My smile was a mask, hiding the turmoil and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.
"Don't worry Alessia I know you're scared but I promise to be your Mr. Perfection".
"That's none of my business, you think this will ever last, I don't love you and It will never work out".
I responded in a whisper harsh tone. He gripped my hands with a smile which signifies I should be a little bit calm.
Throughout the evening I couldn't escape the feeling that the celebration was a cruel mockery of the love I longed for.
Antonio's touch made me repulsed, his presence was a constant reminder of my fate.
I caught glimpses of my father, his eyes watching me with satisfaction.
He saw this marriage as a strategic victory, a consolidation of power that would further cement his control.
But to me it was a nightmare, every laugh, every toast, every congratulatory remark felt like another nail in the coffin of my freedom.
In the process my mind began to remind me of Luca, for the passion, connection and time we shared, but that dream seems farther away than ever.
As the night wore on, Antonio's grip on my arm tightened, his possessiveness growing more apparent.
"You belong to me now, Alessia''. He whispers in my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine.
The threat in his words was clear, he would tolerate no disobedience, no deviation from his expectations.
My heart aches with a voice of hopelessness.
"Whatever plan you have will never work out".
"I've promised your father to take care of you and I cherished you more than anyone else".
"Liar! You both are liars you have nothing to offer you are only concerned with your illegal business and selfish interest".
"What illegal business are you talking about?". He curiously asked in shock.
"You know that yourself, I don't need to explain myself".
"If you try letting the cat out the bag, it will definitely be your biggest mistake".
His voice rises in an aggressive tone at this moment I knew something wasn't right, he left leaving me with my thoughts.
The future stretched out before me, a barren landscape. I knew I had to escape to find a way to survive and to protect the life growing inside me, but every path seemed fraught with danger and despair.
I felt trapped, my future dictated by the whims of men who saw me as nothing more than a bargaining chip.
The wall of the mansion which was once a symbol of luxury and power became a prison.
I glanced around the room seeing the faces of powerful men and their perfectly groomed wives, all playing their roles in this twisted game of alliance and power.
I couldn't help but wonder if any of them had ever felt the way I did- trapped, helpless and desperate for a way out.
My only concern was the tiny life growing inside of me, a secret of hope that gave me strength.