Page 10 of The Billionaire's Vow

He sat across from me and drew his head back. “Do you have the flu?”

I breathed out. “No. I’m just exhausted.”

“Are you pregnant?” he asked in a contemptuous tone.

I bristled and scoffed at his attitude.Didn’t you pimp me out?

“No, I’m not,” I replied curtly.

“How do you know?” he asked.

I rubbed my temples. “I’m taking birth control pills.”

He snorted. “Of course you are. Rocco thinks he can ruin you and not marry you? Well, I’m not having it.”

I scoffed. “His grandfather justdied. He said we’d reschedule the wedding after the funeral.”

“You honestly believe if he has time and a choice, he’ll honor the marriage? He’s head of the family now, and this marriage was all Luca’s idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if he walks away now. But he won’t get away with it.”

I stiffened. “What do you mean?”

He smirked. “When he comes to break our contract, which I expect he will, I have a few things up my sleeve. He’ll lose a lot,that I’m sure of.” He tapped his fingers on the handrest, looking pleased with himself.

Mr. Belfiore was sure Rocco wouldn’t keep to our arranged marriage once he could change it. Then again, I didn’t even know if I wanted to be a part of the Marini family, if they’d hurt us. I leaned my head against the cool window. It all had me so torn. All I wanted to do was see Cassidy. I needed a real friend right now. I took out my phone and called her.

“Who are you calling?” Mr. Belfiore asked.

I ignored him but got a voicemail.

“Hello, it’s Cassidy. You know what to do.”

Instead of leaving a message, I decided to text her.

Adelina: Back in the US. Going to Westchester. Long story. Miss you so much.

Mr. Belfiore huffed, clearly irritated, but I just smiled. My grandparents always got their way because I gave them unwavering obedience. But not anymore. Not after all the secrets and lies.

I closed my eyes and drifted….

“Adelina. Adelina, wake up.”

Mr. Belfiore’s sharp voice pulled me out of my sleep. My eyes opened and narrowed at his tight grip on my arm.

“Are you on drugs?” he hissed.

I snorted and rolled my eyes, pulling my arm back. “Of course not. I’ve been traveling for days and just got off a seven-hour flight. I’m exhausted.”

We had already reached the Belfiore estate drive, but a construction team was on the grounds. What seemed to be a few minutes was actually thirty. I’d lost time again. But then it hit me. My grandparents often complained about money, but theywere now spending on the patio I knew had been done only five years ago.

I eyed my grandfather speculatively once we climbed out, but he ignored me. To him, it wasn’t my concern since he considered me only a guest. My heart sank, and I immediately admonished myself.You’re the fly running into a glass, Adelina.No matter what you do, they’re not going to change.It was a waste to expect otherwise.

Squaring my shoulders, I walked over to the double doors at the front of the house. Mrs. Belfiore was leaning against one in a silk dress, hose, and heels. Her heart-shaped face was like mine, though with some lines around her eyes. I loved that she left them instead of using plastic surgery. Her dark hair had a streak of grey that was swept back in a fashionable clip, and together, they gave her face a regal beauty. She scanned me over, her eyes narrowing. “You look terrible. Are you pregnant?”

I opened my mouth to answer but before I could, Mr. Belfiore responded for me.

“She’s on birth control,” he mocked.

Mrs. Belfiore tutted. “No more of that. Hand them over.” She held her hand like a parent demanding a child to turn over a toy.

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