Amelia's POV
After Ricardo left my office, I couldn't concentrate on my work. I decided to call my friend, Anna, and explained everything to her.
"How did you allow that to happen?" Anna asked, her voice filled with concern.
"So, you finally gave out your first kiss?" Anna teased.
"Anna, stop," I said, feeling a mix of emotions. "I'm married, remember? I don't know what to do."
"You need to stay away from him," Anna advised. "Forget about Ricardo and focus on your marriage."
I nodded, even though Anna couldn't see me. We talked for a while longer before ending the call.
I still needed answers about Ricardo. I decided to call my mom, hoping she might know something.
"Hi, Mom," I said, trying to sound casual. "Do you know if Ricardo is staying in the US?"
My mom's tone changed, and she sounded cautious. "Ricardo shouldn't be in the US. He's usually in Italy, where his family is from."
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's nothing, Mom. I just saw him at work."
My mom's voice was laced with concern. "Amelia, what's going on?"
I quickly ended the call, not wanting to worry my mom.
I was baffled by Ricardo's presence in the US and his sudden interest in me. As I sat in my office, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in trouble.
I needed to forget about Ricardo and focus on my marriage. I couldn't let my feelings for him ruin everything.
When I finally left the office, I told my driver to take me home. As I walked into my house, I saw Ethan sitting on the couch, his expression intimidating and scary.
"What was Ricardo doing at your company?" Ethan asked, his voice low and menacing.
I tried to play it cool, but my voice trembled. "Nothing, Ethan. He just stopped by to say hello."
Ethan's grip on my neck tightened. "Don't lie to me, Amelia. I know he was there. What did he want?"
I was scared, and tears welled up in my eyes. Ethan's behavior was frightening me. How could he change so much in just a few weeks of marriage?
As soon as Ethan noticed my tears, he let go of my neck and stormed upstairs. I was left standing alone, my heart racing with fear.
As I stood in my living room, trying to process what had just happened with Ethan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame and guilt. I didn't know why I felt that way, but I couldn't shake off the feeling.
I thought about telling Anna or my mom about what Ethan had done, but something held me back. I didn't want them to know, didn't want them to worry. I felt like I needed to handle this on my own.
But as I looked around my living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Ethan's behavior was getting scarier by the day, and I didn't know what to do. I felt trapped, like I was stuck in a situation that I couldn't escape.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to focus on finding a way out of this situation, not letting my emotions get the best of me. But as I looked around my living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. What would happen next?
****
Ricardo's POV
I watched Amelia leave her house, her expression troubled. I wondered what could have caused her distress. If that old man, Ethan Thompson, had anything to do with it, he would regret ever crossing me.
I instructed one of my men to keep a discreet eye on her and report back to me. Soon, I received a call informing me that she had visited a friend. I hoped she was seeking comfort and guidance, but a part of me wished she had come to me instead.
Just then, Jeff called to tell me he had gathered information on Ethan Thompson. I told him to submit the file to my office. I was eager to learn more about the man who had captured Amelia's hand in marriage.
As I sat in my office, waiting for the file to arrive, my mind wandered back to Amelia. I recalled the way she had looked at me, the way her lips had felt against mine. I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was meant to be mine.
I've expanded my business empire globally, but since discovering Amelia was in the US, this country has become my second home. I'm not leaving until I take her with me to Italy.
Mi Amor.
Ethan's POV
As I thrust into Anna, she screamed, "Oh yes, Daddy, right there!" I gripped her hips, my release building. Finally, I let go, my body shuddering.
Anna's eyes locked onto mine. "You won't believe who came to see Amelia today," she said, a sly grin spreading across her face.
I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Ricardo," she replied. "And he kissed her."
I shrugged, feigning indifference. But inside, a spark of anger ignited. Ricardo was a threat, one I couldn't ignore.
Some of my business ventures were on the brink of collapse, which is why I strategically approached Amelia's parents. I knew they were eager to secure a suitable husband for their daughter. I married Amelia for one reason: to gain control of her family's vast empire. As the wealthiest and most influential family in the US, their legacy was the key to my financial salvation.
As I looked at Anna, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. She had been instrumental in helping me secure my marriage to Amelia.
But now, with Ricardo in the picture, things are getting complicated. I needed to keep a close eye on Amelia, make sure she didn't get too close to Ricardo.
I smiled to myself, a plan forming in my mind. I would do whatever it took to keep Amelia by my side.
I thought back to our wedding day, how Amelia had looked so beautiful and innocent. I had known then that she was the key to securing my financial future.
And now, with Ricardo threatening to ruin everything, I knew I had to act fast. I would do whatever it took to protect my interests, to keep Amelia and her family's empire under my control.
Anna's voice broke into my thoughts. "Ethan, what are you going to do about Ricardo?"
I turned to her, a cold smile spreading across my face. "Don't worry, Anna. I'll take care of Ricardo. He won't be a problem for much longer."
Anna's eyes locked onto mine, a look of concern flashing across her face. But I just smiled, reassuring her that everything would be okay.
And as I looked at her, I knew that I would do whatever it took to keep my secrets safe, to keep my grip on Amelia and her family's empire.
Amelia would never leave me. I'd make sure of it.