Chapter 4
Gianna's POV
Tonight, I was going to uncover Matteo's secret.
The suspicion that Matteo truly loved my mother had kept me awake all night. If this guess was right, everything would make sense—why he insisted on marrying one of us sisters, why he always found excuses to come to our estate, why his gaze changed so completely when he saw Mother.
But I needed hard evidence.
The two families had arranged for tonight's traditional engagement celebration, a custom to let both families get acquainted before the official wedding. According to tradition, Matteo would spend the night at the estate, giving me the perfect opportunity to test him.
"Sister, are you really going to do this?" Chiara looked worriedly at the small bottle in my hand.
The bottle contained a special drug—something that would make a person lose control and expose their true desires. I'd gotten it from an old family doctor who used to handle "special situations" for Father.
"There's no other way." I said firmly. "Only by making Matteo lose control can we find out who he really wants."
Chiara bit her lip. "But... if he really goes after Mother..."
"I'll stand guard outside Mother's room." I gripped her hand. "I won't let anything happen."
My stomach was in knots, but I had to take this risk.
Night fell, and the estate's main hall was all lit up and decorated.
Members of both families sat around the carefully arranged long table, enjoying a lavish dinner. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, everyone raising their glasses to toast the upcoming union. Matteo sat beside me, playing the perfect fiancé.
"Here, Gianna, try this lamb chop." Matteo poured me a glass of red wine.
"Thank you." I managed a smile and took it, quietly observing him.
While everyone was absorbed in the celebration's laughter and chatter, I slipped the drug into Matteo's whiskey glass. The liquid was colorless and tasteless, disappearing quickly.
"Matteo, tonight's such a beautiful evening." I pretended to be happy. "Let's toast to our future."
Matteo raised his glass without suspicion, clinked glasses with me, and drank it down.
Chiara and I exchanged a glance.
"We'll know the truth tonight," I said in a low voice.
Chiara nodded nervously. "If it really is Mother... what do we do?"
I didn't answer, just clenched my fists.
About an hour later, Matteo began to seem restless and agitated. He kept loosening his tie, his eyes becoming somewhat unfocused, his breathing growing rapid.
"I... I need to get some fresh air." Matteo stood up, his voice sounding unnatural. "It's a bit stuffy in here."
"Want me to come with you?" I asked with concern.
"No, no need." Matteo left the banquet hall almost hurriedly.
I waited a few minutes, then quietly followed.
Matteo was already nowhere to be seen.
My heart pounding, I rushed toward Mother's room.
Mother's room was at the far end of the estate's second floor. I hid around the corner of the staircase, staring at that door.
If Matteo really came looking for Mother, I absolutely couldn't let him succeed.
The hours dragged on.
One hour... two hours... three hours...
Matteo never appeared.
I felt confused. The drug's effects should have been strong. If Matteo really loved Mother, he should have lost control and come looking for her.
"Where the hell did he go? Why didn't he come for Mother?" I wondered silently.
Was I totally wrong? Matteo didn't love Mother?
I kept watch outside Mother's room all night, until dawn broke in the east.
When morning came, I saw Matteo walking back from the direction of the estate's back gate. His suit was somewhat wrinkled, his hair a bit messy, but his expression had returned to normal.
I'd been completely wrong.
In the estate's morning garden, Matteo was straightening his appearance by the fountain.
I acted like I was out for my morning exercise. "Matteo, good morning. Last night's celebration was quite successful."
Matteo looked up at me, something weird flashing in his eyes. "Yes... it was a pleasant evening. You're up early."
"I'm used to getting up early." I probed carefully. "By the way, my mother said she felt a bit tired last night. Did you notice anything unusual?"
Matteo's expression remained calm. "No, I slept well last night. Is Elena okay? Should I arrange for a doctor?"
It seemed he really didn't pay any special attention to Mother, and even seemed concerned, but that was just out of politeness.
I was about to continue probing when suddenly a morning breeze swept by, carrying a faint fragrance through the air.
Rose perfume.
That elegant and familiar scent made me freeze instantly.
I stared at Matteo in shock. The fragrance was actually lingering on him!
Finally, I understood who Matteo truly cared about.
