Chapter 5

Matteo kissed my forehead before he left.

"I need to deal with the docks. Call me if you need anything."

I kept hold of his hand for a second longer, then let him go.

A few minutes later, the door was shoved open violently. Nico stormed in, his face tight with fury.

"How long have you been throwing yourself at my uncle?"

I looked toward the door Matteo had just walked through, unfazed by his outburst..

"Nico, the man I'm marrying—"

"Don't bother. I know what you're doing. You're trying to make me jealous."

I settled against the pillows. He'd interrupted the one explanation that might have spared him what came next. Suddenly, I lost all desire to correct him.

I arched an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Oh? And what makes you so sure your uncle wouldn't want me?"

Nico scoffed, pointing a harsh finger at me. "I'm telling you to stop embarrassing yourself. My uncle wouldn't marry someone like you. He's already getting married. He asked me to deliver the engagement gifts the day after tomorrow. To my future aunt."

"Did he tell you her name?"

"He's already getting married. He asked me to deliver the engagement gifts the day after tomorrow. To my future aunt."

"Did he tell you her name?"

"I don't need to know her name to arrange a delivery. His office is sending the address."

He leaned over the foot of the bed, his tone dripping with condescension. "So stop chasing him. Accept what I'm offering. Livia will need your help with the family, and you'll still be with me."

This time he didn't bother dressing it up as another wedding. He wanted a mistress who would keep his accounts straight and never object to his wife.

"You should go," I said.

He mistook my quiet for agreement. "Think about it. Be a good girl, Serena."

After he left, I picked up my phone. If Nico intended to deliver my engagement gifts himself, I wanted a proper audience.

Two days later, the doctor cleared me to leave. My wedding was the following afternoon, and I had no intention of spending the evening before it in a hospital gown.

Matteo called while I was getting into the car.

"You're leaving already? I wanted to pick you up, but I'm still tied up here."

"I'll see you tonight. Is Nico still delivering the gifts?"

"He is."

"Good. I booked a private dining room at the Sofitel. Your office can give him that address. After all, as his future aunt, it’s only right that I receive them in person."

"What are you planning?" I could hear the amusement in his voice.

"An engagement dinner. Oh, and I've invited the press too. Hope you don't mind?"

He laughed. I could hear him move away from the voices around him."Whatever makes you happy, Serena. I'll get there as soon as I can."

At home, I changed into a dress that left the bandage undisturbed. Before leaving, I took a sealed envelope from my safe and placed it in the small case holding what I would need for the wedding. I shut the case and turned my attention to tonight.

The hotel's dining room was ready when I arrived. Reporters waited near the windows, and the staff left the seat beside mine empty for Matteo.

I watched from the entrance as a line of cars pulled up outside. Men carried in cases of jewelry and wrapped gifts, followed by Nico, who was busy with his phone.

Mine buzzed.

[See those cars? Those are my uncle's gifts for his bride. Still think you have a chance? Stop dreaming.]

I stared at the screen, a cold smirk touching my lips. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he walked through those doors.

I went back to my seat to wait for the show to begin.

He came through the dining-room doors wearing the broad smile he used for people whose favor he wanted.

"Auntie, I'm here to deliver your—"

He stopped dead in his tracks.

His eyes moved from me to the empty chair beside mine, widening in pure shock.

"Serena? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for my gifts."

He lunged across the room and grabbed my wrist, his grip so vicious I thought my bones might snap.

"Do you know what tonight is? My aunt will be here any minute. Get out before you cause a scene."

I looked down at his hand. "Let go."

"I'm trying to help you. She'll think you're here because of my uncle."

The reporters had stopped talking. The flashes of cameras began to click softly. A man carrying a gift case stood motionless by the door.

I gently pulled my wrist free and gestured to the mountain of lavish gifts behind him.

"Do you see another bride here, Nico? Or does your uncle have a second fiancée I should know about?"