Page 32 of Forgive Me, Father

Loretta spoke in Italian, her words flowing effortlessly, but Alfonso quickly scolded her.She just laughed it off.I wished I understood the language.It was clear there was more going on than I could grasp.

"Lorette was at the ceremony last night," he said, his voice casual."She was there in my father's place.He couldn't make it and sends his apologies."

I could tell it was a lie by the way his cousin’s eyebrows arched in amusement.

My gaze shifted to Alfonso.He was all smiles, acting so friendly, but we were married now, and I would not let him treat me like this in the open.

"Don't lie to me," I said, my voice steady."I know your father isn't happy about this arrangement."

His cousin laughed.She said something in Italian again, and Alfonso glared at her.She fell quiet immediately.His gaze landed back on me.

“Enjoy your breakfast.”He stood, and Lorette begged him to come back before turning to me.“You have guts, girl.”

“I would appreciate it if you could speak English in my presence until I’ve learned how to speak Italian fluently.”

“Touche.You are very bold, and I have to admit, I love it.But I don’t think he does.So, if you want to keep that little heart inside your chest, I suggest you ease up around my cousin.”

“I’m not afraid of your cousin.He’s my husband, and he will respect me.”

“You’re dreaming.He’s a Ponticello.The Ponticello men are taught from a young age that males get everything, and females give everything.”

“Yeah, well, that’s not my way.If he wants, he needs to give too.”

I didn’t like how easily she dismissed me, like my thoughts and feelings didn’t matter.So, I stood up, threw a glare in her direction, and walked straight back to my room.

Another day, alone.It was becoming a pattern, and it didn’t sit well with me.

That night, Nico showed up with a sleek black dress and accessories.His face unreadable.

"We're going out," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

It took me two hours to get ready.The dress fit like it was made just for me, hugging my curves perfectly, accentuating my chest and hips.The studded stiletto heels were nothing short of gorgeous, and despite their six-inch height, it felt like I was gliding on air.My sister always joked that I had "rubber feet" because I could wear any pair of shoes without so much as a second thought about comfort.

Along with the dress came jewelry, expensive, luxurious pieces that sparkled in the light.There was also a wig, a sleek black one that just brushed my shoulders.It matched my evening makeup flawlessly, giving me a polished, sophisticated look.

Around eight, I met the party.My stomach growled as I’d only had a bit of fruit this morning.I was starving.

Alfonso looked absolutely stunning in a black suit that clung to his frame perfectly.For a moment, our eyes locked, and in that brief exchange, he made me feel a swirl of emotions I couldn’t quite place.

As I walked past him, the scent of his cologne enveloped me, rich and intoxicating.I hated how badly it affected me.And worse, I hated that Lorette was joining us.

We greeted each other, and against my wishes, she spoke Italian again.She had no respect for me, that much was obvious, but I wasn’t the type to repeat myself.She would learn the hard way that I was just as important as they were.

We went out for dinner, thank heavens, because I was starving.But of course, it was all in Italian, and I barely understood a word.Alfonso seemed completely uninterested as we ate, while everyone around us laughed and chatted in a rapid foreign language.

Afterward, we headed to a nightclub.

Alfonso had a meeting; I didn’t like the woman whose breasts were merely hidden by a jacket.She looked stunning but the way she leaned against my new husband and laughed at whatever left his mouth worked me up.He smiled and conversed with her.

My blood boiled as he kept ignoring me.He could’ve left me at the hotel for all I cared.

This is just a business arrangement, I reminded myself.I had to be with him wherever he went, and that agreement hit me all over again, suddenly clear in my mind.

The woman’s shrilly laughter pierced through my thoughts and Alfonso’s gaze flickered to mine.

He just stared at me, smiled even.

I couldn’t quite figure him out.Shaking my head, I turned and made my way toward the stairs, descending to the dance floor, hoping the music would drown out the confusion swirling in my mind.

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