Chapter 10: Elsa’s growing resolve
1082 Words
Rosa looked up at her approach, a smile softening her sharp, regal features. “Good morning, my darling. You’re up early.”
Elsa took the seat across from her mother. “I couldn’t sleep.” She hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “Mama, I need your help.”
Rosa set her teacup down, her expression shifting to one of quiet concern. “What’s troubling you, Elsa?”
Elsa hesitated, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. Finally, she said, “I want to understand. About them. About the De Luca family. About what’s expected of me in this... arrangement.”
She wasn’t just asking for answers. She was asking for armor, guidance on how to survive.
Rosa’s gaze softened, but there was a flicker of something else, pride. “You’ve always been strong, Elsa. Even when you doubted yourself.” She reached across the table, taking Elsa’s hands in hers. “Marrying into a family like ours or theirs is not easy. But it’s not impossible, either.”
“How did you manage it?” Elsa asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rosa leaned back in her chair, her lips curving into a wistful smile. “Your father and I didn’t have the luxury of love at the start. Ours was a union of necessity, much like yours and Alex’s. But over time, we learned to work together. We built something strong, something enduring.”
“But you’re not like me,” Elsa said. “You’re confident, graceful. You always know what to say.”
Rosa chuckled softly. “Do you think I was born this way? No, my darling. I had to learn. I had to observe, to adapt. Giovanni’s world is one of power and politics, but so is De Luca’s. You don’t need to know everything right away. What you need is to listen, to learn, and most importantly, to choose your battles wisely.”
Elsa nodded slowly, absorbing her mother’s words. “Bianca….” she began, but Rosa cut her off with a knowing smile.
“Ah, yes. The infamous Bianca Ricci. I’d heard she might be a... complication.”
“She was so confident,” Elsa admitted. “She spoke like she knew Alex better than anyone. Like I was just some outsider.”
Rosa’s expression hardened ever so slightly. “That confidence is her weapon, Elsa. Women like Bianca thrive on intimidation and doubt. Bianca Ricci may know Alex’s past, but she has no claim on his future. That belongs to you now. If she’s so secure in her place, why does she feel the need to challenge you?”
The question hung in the air, and Elsa found herself smiling despite the tension in her chest.
“You’re right,” she said softly.
“Of course I’m right,” Rosa said, her smile returning. “Remember this: Alex is yours now. Whatever the circumstances, he’s bound to you now, not her. You don’t need to compete with Bianca. She’s already lost.”
“And”… Rosa hesitated, “You’ll be moving into the De Luca mansion soon, Elsa.”
“ Before the wedding? But I’m not prepared Mama” Elsa asked, her voice trembling slightly.
“Yes,” Rosa said gently. “It's a tradition in families like ours. It gives you time to integrate with them, to understand their customs and expectations before you formally become one of them.”
Elsa’s stomach churned at the thought. “And what should I expect there?”
Rosa leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. “The De Luca mansion isn’t just a home; it’s a fortress. You’ll be surrounded by people who watch your every move, some loyal to Alex and his father, others with their own agendas. Trust will be a luxury you can’t afford right away.”
Elsa’s heart pounded. “So I’m supposed to just... survive?”
“No,” Rosa said sharply. “You’re supposed to learn. Observe their dynamics. Pay attention to who holds the most influence, who the allies are, and who might seek to undermine you. But above all, remember that Alex is your anchor. Even if he doesn’t show it, his loyalty will be to you as his future wife.”
Elsa’s mind reeled. “And if he doesn’t want me there?”
Rosa’s expression softened again. “He defended you last night, didn’t he? That wasn’t just for show. Alex De Luca is many things, but he’s not careless”.
But that didn’t mean he’d welcome her into his world. Not with open arms. Not without conditions.
Elsa nodded slowly, the knot in her chest loosening just a fraction.
“And one more thing,” Rosa added, her voice dropping slightly. “You must hold your ground. The De Luca family respects strength. If you let them see fear or hesitation, they’ll exploit it. Be polite, but firm. And never forget who you are, a Moretti. That name carries weight, even in their world.”
Elsa spent the afternoon reflecting on her mother’s advice. She pored over documents her father kept on the De Luca family, learning about their alliances, rivalries, and the ruthless efficiency with which Victor De Luca had built his empire, about Victor’s rise to power, the notorious deals that solidified their empire, and Alex’s role as his enforcer a reputation that sent shivers through even the boldest of men.
It was unsettling, knowing the man she was set to marry had such a violent past. But beneath the unease was a growing curiosity.
What drives him? she wondered. Is there more to him than the brutal enforcer everyone fears?
Was it duty? A sense of responsibility? Or something more?
Her stomach fluttered at the thought, and she shook her head, forcing herself to focus.
She didn’t know the answers yet, but one thing was clear, she wasn’t going to face this new life passively. If she was going to survive in the De Luca mansion, she needed to stand tall, to learn their rules and master them.
She would not be a guest in that house.
She would walk in with her chin high and her mind sharper than ever.
If the De Lucas were a fortress, then she would be the storm that learned to live behind its walls.
She was no longer just Elsa Moretti, the sheltered daughter of Giovanni. She was a future De Luca, and she would prove her place in their world.
- Writer
