I barely slept that night.
Bianca’s words kept circling in my head like vultures, picking at every insecurity Rossi had already planted.
*Once he f***s that virginity out of you on your wedding night, the obsession will fade.*
*You’re the shiny new toy now.*
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her red-lipped smirk and heard that mocking laugh. Then Rossi’s cold voice would cut in his ruthless declarations about ownership, the bruising force of his kisses, the way he gripped my chin like I was something he could mold or break at will.
By morning, I felt hollow. Drained. The argument from the night before still hung heavy in the air, even though he hadn’t returned to the room.
When the maid brought breakfast, I ate standing by the window again, staring at the high walls surrounding the
