Rosetta awoke feeling a strange clarity that hadn't been there the day before. Today, she was determined to find a way out of the arranged marriage. Her mind raced with potential plans, each one bringing her closer to her dream of freedom. She dressed meticulously, choosing a simple yet elegant outfit that masked the turmoil inside her. She applied a touch of makeup and plastered on a polite smile—a perfect facade.
Just as she reached for the door handle, her brother's voice stopped her. "And where do you think you're going?" Dario's tone was calm, but there was a hint of suspicion.
Rosetta hesitated, knowing that honesty wouldn't get her far. If Dario sensed her true intentions, he would never let her out of his sight. "I just need some fresh air," she said, meeting his gaze and keeping her voice steady.
Dario's eyes lingered on her outfit, the slight detail of her makeup. He knew her too well; he was often the one who helped her sneak out when she wanted a bit of freedom. He didn't believe her excuse, but he played along. "Let's go together, then."
Panic flashed through her, but she forced a smile. "No need. I'll be fine on my own." She hurriedly stepped out before he could press further.
Dario smirked as he watched her go. He knew exactly where she was headed and, truthfully, he wouldn't have stopped her if she had been honest with him. But her secrecy suggested she had something else in mind. He dialed their bodyguard's number. "Follow her, and keep a close eye on her," he instructed.
Rosetta arrived at Enzo's apartment, where he greeted her with a surprised smile. She couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth as she stepped inside, momentarily forgetting her troubles in the comfort of his presence.
"You didn't mention you were coming," Enzo said, settling beside her on the couch.
"Can't I just miss you?" she replied, managing a soft laugh. But her tone gave her away, and Enzo's smile faded. He studied her face, noticing the strain behind her eyes.
"What's the matter, Rosie?" he asked gently, taking her hands in his. His warmth and tenderness almost undid her composure. Unable to hold back, she felt tears begin to fall.
"My family has arranged a marriage for me," she finally whispered, her voice breaking. Enzo froze, his grip tightening as her words sank in. She took a deep breath, steeling herself to say it aloud. "I'm getting married, Enzo."
"To whom?" he asked, his voice hard, his eyes clouding with anger.
"Antonio Moretti," she answered, feeling a shiver run through her as she spoke his name. The dread weighed on her, knowing what kind of man Antonio was—ruthless, controlling, everything she despised. Enzo's anger faded, replaced by a look of helplessness. He understood what a powerful adversary Antonio was, and the thought of Rosetta in his grasp pained him.
She took a deep breath, reaching for a final, desperate hope. "Let's run away, Enzo. We could leave this life behind, start fresh somewhere new. Just you and me."
Enzo's gaze softened, but he shook his head, pain in his eyes. "Rosie, you know we can't do that. If we run, your family will come after us. And if they don't, Antonio will. He's ruthless, and he won't rest until he finds you. Even if we managed to stay hidden, your family would suffer."
Rosetta shook her head, refusing to accept his words. Tears streamed down her face as she pushed his hands away, standing up in frustration. "So you'd rather watch me marry another man than fight for me?"
Enzo's face crumpled with guilt, his own pain evident, but he knew she was acting out of desperation. "Don't say that, Rosie. I love you, but running won't solve anything. We'll find another way, I promise."
"There is no other way," she whispered bitterly, glaring down at him. "So you've just given me up to someone else." Before he could respond, she turned and stormed out, leaving him stunned and heartbroken. "Rosetta…" he whispered, watching her disappear, helpless to stop her. He slumped back, the reality of losing her crushing him.
As Rosetta sobbed behind the wheel of her car, she was unaware of the eyes watching her from a distance. Antonio Moretti sat in the backseat of a sleek, black car, his gaze fixed on the building she had just left. His driver and second-in-command, Lucas, remained silent, following Antonio's orders. Antonio had intended to observe her lover, to gauge whether Enzo was a real threat. But he had witnessed much more—a lover's quarrel, a broken heart, and a woman pushed to desperation.
He didn't love Rosetta, but if he was going to marry her, he expected nothing short of complete loyalty and submission. The DeLuca family had always been loyal allies to his own, and marrying Rosetta would solidify that bond. His late parents had always wanted him to marry her, and though Antonio wasn't sentimental, he was determined to honor their wishes. She was beautiful, he thought, recalling her with an intensity he hadn't felt before. She had matured, her beauty sharper, her spirit fierce. He liked that, but he wouldn't tolerate disobedience.
"Let's go home," Antonio ordered in a low, gravelly voice. His gaze lingered on Enzo's apartment one last time before Lucas drove off.
As she drove home, Rosetta felt like she was drowning. The walls of her life were closing in, her future more restricted with every passing moment. The only flicker of hope she'd had was dashed, and all she could do was cling to the slim chance that she might somehow escape Antonio's grasp. But with her family's loyalty to the Morettis, her path forward seemed increasingly dark.
When she arrived back home, her heart sank as she saw her mother, Claudia, waiting for her in the entryway. Rosetta couldn't hide her red, tear-streaked face as Claudia looked her over with a critical eye. "Did you go to see that boy?" Claudia's voice was sharp, her disapproval evident.
"Yes," Rosetta answered, refusing to meet her mother's gaze. "He's the one I love."
Claudia sighed, her expression softening only slightly. "Rosetta, you don't understand what's best for you. Antonio is a strong man, powerful enough to protect you. Enzo could never give you that kind of security."
Rosetta's frustration flared again, her desperation spilling out. "I don't want Antonio's protection! I want to be with someone who loves me, who respects me and my dreams. I want a life outside of this… this cage."
Claudia's face hardened, any sympathy vanishing. "Life in this family isn't about what we want, Rosetta. We are DeLuca's and we do what is necessary. You will marry Antonio, and that is final." She turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Rosetta standing alone, her spirit crushed yet again.
The rest of the day passed in a haze. Rosetta went through the motions, the weight of her family's expectations bearing down on her like never before. With each passing hour, the reality of her future with Antonio seemed more inescapable, his shadow stretching over every part of her life.
As night fell, Rosetta retreated to her room, staring out the window as she tried to find some last remnant of hope. She couldn't bear the thought of being controlled by a man like Antonio, and yet every attempt she made to break free seemed doomed. Her family had made it clear: her life was not her own.
In the dark silence of her room, a newfound determination slowly began to form. She didn't know how, and she didn't know when, but one day, she would find a way to take back her life.