CHAPTER SIX
1303 Words
ISABELLE
"When we are married, I'll worship you every day and never leave your side. Ever"
Memories from five years ago threaten to consume me as I lie alone in my bed. He'd said those words to me after our parents had signed the marriage agreement and informed us about it. I giggled softly. Trying not to show too much excitement as he kissed me over and over again.
Now as I stare up at the ceiling, I recount all the promises he'd made to me. Promises he had failed to keep. Four days have passed since the wedding. Four days since he kissed me like his life depended on it and I haven't set eyes on him once. Catherine brings me food three times a day like clockwork. Popping in occasionally to ask if I need anything. She doesn't try to make small talk though. I suppose I have myself to blame for that.
It's almost lunchtime. She should be here soon. I'll ask her about Santiago. Just then, the door opens and Catherine walks into the room balancing a tray of food between her arm and hip. She eyes me warily and places the food on the table.
"Where is Santiago ?"
I think the question takes her by surprise "Mr. Della Rossa is at the office, but if there's anything you need, You can just tell me"
I close my eyes and take deep breaths to calm myself. "Please tell Santiago I want to see him" She must sense my irritation because she doesn't say anything else and just gives a small nod.
It's been two days since I asked to see Santiago. He still hasn't come, and whenever I ask Catherine about him, she makes up an excuse. I'll admit that I'm a bit hurt by his lack of desire to consummate the marriage or even see me at least. But the fact that he's locked me up like a prisoner and nobody is giving me any answers, just makes me mad.
Catherine comes into the room, replacing the untouched tray of food on the table with yet another tray that will remain untouched. The worry on her face becoming more evident with every meal that passes.
The door opens again, a few minutes after she leaves. Has she forgotten something? I turn to look at her, but instead, I see Lucas. Santiago's... What is he to Santiago?
He doesn't say anything at first. Staring at me from the doorway with folded arms. I stare right back.
"Is starving yourself part of your plan to get Santiago to come and see you? Because it is not working " he says dryly
"Well, obviously. Seeing as you are here instead of him" I match his tone
He shakes his head, muttering something quietly before taking his leave.
Contrary to Lucas's words, Starving myself actually works because Catherine comes to tell me I'll be having breakfast with Santiago. Now I'm seated at the dresser in one of the dresses Laura picked.
"If you are ready, I'll show you to the dining room "
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I run the comb through my hair one last time before following her out of the room. The dining room is a grand affair; High ceilings, gleaming chandeliers, an equally grand table and Santiago, dressed in a suit, seated at the end of it, looking sinfully good. His gaze lifts to mine and holds it for a few seconds. The intensity of his stare making me nervous as I smooth my hands over my dress and walk towards the table. There's a place sitting set right beside him and as soon as I reach it, he comes to hold out the chair for me which surprises me.
"Is there a reason you are refusing to eat? " he asks as he resumes his seat.
"I wasn't hungry " I murmur. My stomach chooses that exact moment to betray me. Letting out a low rumble I can't even deny.
"Well, your stomach says otherwise " he says in amusement. And I feel my face turn red. I focus on the food on the table. Catherine brings me a lot of food upstairs, but this is a feast. Does he always eat this much?
"Why have you been avoiding me?" I blurt out quickly. Voicing out the question that has been on my mind for days. His hand stills on its way to his mouth and falls back to the table.
"What makes you think I've been avoiding you ?"
"I don't know. Maybe the fact that this is the first time I've seen you since we got married. Or the fact that I'm literally locked up all day in my room and you won't let me speak to my father" I force myself to calm down. I can't afford to lose my temper or anger him. The last time didn't go so well.
He doesn't look angry though. Instead, he's looking at me with... Pity?
"I'll arrange for you to be let out of your room. As for not seeing me..." he stretches out his hands. Palms up. "I'm here now, aren't I ?"
The fact that he doesn't address the part about talking to my father doesn't go unnoticed. But I decide to let it go. For now...
We continue our meal in comfortable silence and I try not to look at him too much. Stealing subtle glances once in a while. Ethan was not bad to look at, but Santiago is a work of art and I'd always been attracted to him. Over the years, he'd filled out nicely. I could detect the faint contours of muscle under his suit. My eyes move to his lips and I remember the feel of them on mine. The memory makes my face flush.
"Are you alright?" I wonder if he can sense what I'm thinking. I push my now empty plate away from me and rise to my feet. Suddenly, being in my room doesn't seem like a bad idea.
"I'm fine. Thank you for the meal"
He makes a sound of approval. And I hightail out of the room before he can stop me.
Over the next few days, Santiago and I settle into a comfortable routine. We have breakfast together and dinner if he's back from work early. I spend my days exploring the house, not that there's much to see. The house is big and apart from Catherine, there's really no one else around. The men stay outside, only Lucas ever coming in. I miss going to school. Music kept me busy and happy, but I haven't played since I got here. Thankfully, I'm no longer locked in my room and although Santiago and I spend more time together -if having meals together counts as that- he tries not to make physical contact with me more than is necessary.
"There's going to be a ball" He stops eating to look at me. I look back at him, confused as I wait for him to continue.
"Gallo Empire's annual ball"
I nod my head slowly at first then pause in sudden realization
"You want me to go with you ?" I ask in surprise. Many thoughts run through my head and I don't know why I say what I say next, but I do "My father will be there" It's more of a statement than a question. Of course, he'll be there, he is the CEO of Gallo Empire. Santiago's body goes rigid beside me. His fingers clenching around the knife in his hand.
"The ball is tomorrow. Catherine will help you get ready"
I nod enthusiastically. This is a chance for me to see my father again. Maybe I'll finally be able to speak to him. I can't wait.
- Writer
