Chapter 4: The Unwelcome Guest
1131 Words
The Moretti mansion was filled with celebration. Laughter and loud conversations echoed through the grand halls, but to Elsa, it was all just noise. She stood by her window, looking down at the people enjoying the party, feeling distant and alone.
Her dark hair, styled into an elegant updo, framed her face in delicate waves.
“This is for the family, Elsa. For your future. It’s what must be done."
A sudden burst of laughter and a familiar voice jolted Elsa out of her thoughts.
“Where’s my favorite bride-to-be? Don’t tell me you’re hiding already!”
Before Elsa could say or do anything, the door to her room swung open. Isabella Conti walked in with her arms wide open and a bright, cheerful smile on her face.
“Isabella!” Elsa exclaimed, rising from her chair as her best friend enveloped her in a tight hug.
“Of course, it’s me! Who else would dare crash a mafia engagement weekend?” Isabella teased, hugging Elsa tightly. “You didn’t really think I’d miss my best friend’s wedding, did you?”
She pulled back and looked at Elsa’s face. Her almond-shaped eyes were full of playful sparkle, but her smile slowly faded when she saw how serious Elsa looked.
“Look at you, gorgeous as always, but there’s something off. Spill. You look... not quite the picture of a blissful bride,” Isabella said, tilting her head.
Her honey brown curls bouncing as she stepped back
“Don’t tell me he’s already driving you insane.”
Elsa let out a shaky laugh, but it lacked humor. “You have no idea.”
“Come on, spill,” Isabella said, dragging Elsa to the edge of the bed. “Who is this Alex De Luca, and why does he look like someone stole his puppy in every photo I’ve seen?”
Elsa hesitated, her fingers twisting the edge of her dress. “He’s… nothing like I imagined. God, so arrogant.” She shook her head.“He is... impossible. He’s cold, rude, and made it very clear he didn’t want this any more than I do.”
“Rude? Oh, darling, that won’t do,” Isabella said, feigning horror. “No one treats my best friend like that. Do you want me to ‘accidentally’ spill wine on him at dinner?”
Despite herself, Elsa smiled. “I don’t think that would help.”
Arrogant?” Isabella gasped in mock surprise. “How shocking. I mean, with those cheekbones, who needs a personality?”
“Stop.” Elsa shook her head, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips.
“I’m just saying, Elsa,” Isabella said with a smirk. “If you have to marry someone, at least he’s hot. The brooding, dangerous type always has its perks.”
“He barely said two words to me, but somehow he managed to make me feel small, like I was an inconvenience.”
Isabella’s eyes narrowed. “Sounds like someone needs to be taken down a peg. Are you sure about this, Elsa? You’re not some pawn for them to shove around.”
“It’s not about what I want,” Elsa murmured. “This is bigger than me. My father... my family... they’re counting on this to secure an alliance with the De Lucas. If I back out, I’ll ruin everything.”
Isabella grabbed Elsa’s hands, her grip firm. “Listen to me. You may not have chosen this, but you’re still Elsa Moretti . You’re smart, beautiful, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. If Alex De Luca thinks he can break you, he’s in for a surprise.”
Elsa gave a weak smile. “I hope you’re right.”
“I’m always right,” Isabella said with a wink.
At the De Luca Estate
Bianca Ricci walked into the grand De Luca house like she owned it. Her red dress hugged her body perfectly, turning heads as she moved. The sharp sound of her high heels on the shiny marble floor made sure everyone knew she had arrived.
Victor De Luca glanced up from his armchair by the fireplace, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. “Bianca. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“I came to congratulate the happy family,” Bianca said smoothly, her gaze sweeping the room until it landed on Alex, who stood near the window, his back to her. “Though I must admit, I’m surprised. Alex settling down? I didn’t think he had it in him.”
Alex turned slowly, his icy blue eyes locking onto hers. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was sharp enough to cut glass. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Oh, Alex,” Bianca said with a laugh, sauntering closer. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”
“We were never friends.” His tone was clipped, his hands sliding into his pockets as he leaned against the window frame.
Bianca’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. “Don’t be cruel. We had something once. Something real.”
“What we had was a mistake,” Alex said flatly. “And one I won’t be repeating.”
Bianca’s eyes narrowed, and her voice turned low and sharp. “You really think marrying some innocent little girl will fix you? Fix this family? She won’t survive in your world, Alex.”
“She doesn’t need to,” Alex said coldly. “She just needs to survive me.”
Victor chuckled quietly from his chair, taking a slow sip of his whiskey. “Bianca, it’s always a pleasure to see you,” he said with a slight smile, “but maybe this isn’t the right time to look back on old memories.”
Bianca turned to him, her smile venomous. “Enjoy your little alliance, Victor. But don’t be surprised when it all falls apart.”
Alex stepped closer, his gaze icy. “Whatever you think this is, Bianca, let me make it clear, it’s over. Stay out of my way.”
For a moment, her confident look slipped, but she quickly smiled again, playful and bold. “As you wish. But don’t forget, Alex, I always get what I want.”
She flipped her hair and added with a grin, “Now, where’s my room? I’m not missing your wedding.” She swept out of the room, leaving Victor shaking his head in amusement
As the door slammed shut behind her, Victor raised an eyebrow at his son. “She’s still got a fire in her.”
Alex shot him a warning look. “Keep her away from this, or I will.”
Victor smirked but said nothing, his gaze drifting back to the fire.
- Writer
