Page 42 of The Billionaire's Vow

“I…I am, or actually, I was friends with Marjorie,” she said candidly. “She asked me to let her clear the air and solidify her friendship with Rocco, and I gave her a window.But I didn’t know she would delay him for so long after the panel interview in Cannes. Rocco was late because of me. I’m sorry.”

My stomach soured. It was good that Isla was honest, but it hurt me that she did that to us. Marjorie was still a sore spot for me because he chose her instead of being arranged to be with her. And to think, Isla set me and Rocco up to fail, giving Marjorie a chance to try to rekindle their relationship. It thankfully hadn’t worked, but it made me see her in a new light.

She finally made direct eye contact with me. “I’m very sorry I hurt you and Rocco. And that’s why I’ve agreed to stay and train my replacement. It’s important to have someone you can trust—”

“Yes, it is important,” I said, my tone abrupt. “However, one mistake shouldn’t end a career.” I took a deep breath, hoping that offering her an olive branch wouldn’t end in more disappointment and miscommunication. “I would prefer you stay on, and we move forward, but I believe this should be Rocco’s decision.”

She beamed. “Thank you, Adelina. I’ll talk to Rocco. But I promise I won’t let you and Rocco down again.”

I smiled back, hoping she was someone who kept her promises.

Rain beat against the window as we all rode inside a Mercedes SUV to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for Mr. Marini’s funeral Mass, though it was planned to be more of a funeral service. On approach to the avenue close to the cathedral, we could see that a barrier blocked a lane. A police officer approached, and two men moved the block to let us drive to the front entrance.

I stared out in shock at the police cars and orange and white striped barricade and what appeared to be tons of photographers and even a TV camera set up to record us. It was a reminder that my new life with Rocco would be different from the one I had. I was now the wife of a man that would lead one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the world. Not only that, but his star power was also increasing. That alone meant this would be our normal and I was grateful Isla helped me prepare.

Still, when Zane opened the door, camera shutters flashed, exploding light that temporarily blinded me as raindrops fell onmy face, blurring my vision. I felt Rocco’s hand in mine as I adjusted my stance in my heels. He left a gap, showing my left hand with the new ring, a symbol of our commitment in the midst of this tragedy. His way of announcing without it being formal.

We moved in a group of him, Isla, and Gunnar between the barriers up the sidewalk to the entrance of the Gothic building. Once inside, we found his parents and the Cardinal waiting to escort us in a procession. Rocco quickly hugged his mother, who sent a piercing stare my way. She glowered at me and Rocco. “Why are you so late?”

Rocco jutted his chin. “We’re here now. Let’s proceed.”

She sent me another glare before adjusting the veil over her eyes and straightening the crepe-black dress she had on. She took out a handkerchief and held it to her hand as we all lined up with his sister and brother, Salvatore, and Sienna, behind us. We proceeded down the aisle behind the Cardinal, and he read a prayer.

The sight of the casket at the front of the aisle, surrounded by a sea of mourners, was a stark reminder of the significance of the occasion. Was this the measure of a life well-lived? The multitude of people, united in grief, to bid farewell to a beloved soul?

We all took a moment and bent on the bench before the casket to pray, and as the weight of the moment hit me, I couldn’t hold back a sob.I’ll never hear his voice again.Rocco, sensing my pain, placed his hand on my shoulder in comfort, and even though I should be helping him through his grief, his loss, his understanding and support were a balm to my aching heart.

It was hard to imagine I’d never hear from Luca Marini again. I delighted in his reminiscences and visions of the world and imbibing his most measured advice. On my loneliest days, hewas there. When I needed a friend or a confidant, he never failed me. So, my prayer was a wish from my heart to his that his memory would always bring me comfort. As I prayed, I felt a mix of sorrow, gratitude, and a profound sense of loss.

I also realized I hadn’t allowed myself to imagine him at the wedding or holding my child. But right then, I did. I only had him for so short a time and felt such immense loss, so my heart broke for Rocco, his parents, his siblings—all the extensive Marini family—as they had had him for so much longer. As much as I felt it was so unfair to lose someone so dear to my heart, their grief must be crippling.

I stood and waited for Rocco as he gave his prayer. When he was done, he rose, and our eyes met—his cloudy. It was all of our time to say goodbye.

We were escorted to sit as his Uncle Walter went to the front and read his lengthy eulogy, which included the extensive list of family members Mr. Marini had left behind and his accolades. Mr. Marini had many. He finished high school at thirteen and college at sixteen. He was an intelligent, driven businessman who rebuilt the Marini shipping company into an empire that provided work and resources to thousands of people worldwide. In his personal life, he’d been a lover of books and poetry, which I’d known him for. He also gave back to the community. It took over a minute for his uncle to go through the list of his philanthropy outreach. It was extensive, and he lived well and was loved. As the eulogy unfolded, I found myself nodding in agreement, my heart heavy with the weight of his loss. That was the Luca Marini I knew.Thatwas the Luca Marini I would remember.

A choir filled the tiered platform at the front. They started to sing, and I immediately recognized the song as the opera Mr. Marini had sung on that faithful night at the beach, FrancescoSartori’s song,Con Te Partirò, which meant Time to Say Goodbye.

Tears slid down my chin.Had he known he was dying the whole time?

Rocco trembled next to me. I took his hand simultaneously as his mother had his other. I clasped it, then leaned close to him and whispered, “I’m sorry.” I felt his pain and the sorrow of his loss. On that day in his home, it was clear Mr. Marini chose him out of all ten grandchildren as his successor because he absolutely adored Rocco. Their bond was not just of blood but of a deep emotional connection. Not that he didn’t love them all; there was something special they shared. And I realized they were alike in some ways. Rocco had inherited his elders’ warmth and kindness. It was what had reached into my heart.

He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, and my soul grew heavy.

A gasp erupted on his other side. It was from his mother, and my eyes went to her as she saw the wedding ring. As Gunnar warned me, Rocco hadn’t told them he would marry me today. She pressed a handkerchief to her lips but didn’t say a word, the tension on the bench palpable.

I looked up at Rocco who hadn’t moved a muscle. However, I knew that this conversation wasn’t over, and the anticipation of what was to come hung in the air.

We rose again to receive the sacrament and went to the front for a final goodbye and blessing. I reached out and touched the casket.Goodbye, my dear friend. You were the father I needed, and no matter what is uncovered, that will never change. I’m eternally grateful to have known you. I love you.

A stream of people lined the hall to say their goodbyes. Rocco took my hand and let us stand to the side.

“Adelina.”

I turned to find Nadia and Paul. She hugged me tight and kissed my cheeks. “How are you doing?” she asked, rubbing my arms.

My throat closed, and my eyes watered.

She hugged me again. “I wish we had more time to talk, but we will soon. Did Rocco mention us meeting up in London?”

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