Unguarded emotions

Untitled Episode

CHAPTER 4

His...what?

"Like my father said before he passed , I'll need to have a woman by my side to properly lead the family. My father's business empire of which I'll soon inherit brings many duties and responsibilities... So I'm pleased to face them with someone I can truly rely on by my side—"

Gabriel looks back at me , his gaze warmer than usual.

"A capable woman who has proven herself to me and won my love. Many challenges await us, but I know we can face them together".

I stand next to him in a daze as he goes on about our relationship—Yet, the commanding presence that he has continues to dominate the atmosphere.

But still...What the actual hell is going on? And why is he acting like a completely different person?!

Applause breaks out , and with a charming smile , Gabriel takes my hand again and leads me away.

He brings me into an empty room just off from the chamber where the party is. Inside, he immediately let's go of my hand. I stare at him , appalled and he groans in return.

" I didn't expect much, but this is disappointing even by the low standards I set...Whatever, at least you didn't embarrass me out there ".

His casual dismissal makes my blood boil. He has no right to talk down at me no matter his status!

" You have no right to talk down to me as you please, I'm not one of your servants"!.

He gave me a stern frown... As if hoping to intimidate me.

"Are truly the best he could offer as a fiancée for me"?

Gabriel sighs , pinching the bridge of his nose." Too late to turn back now..."

"Excuse me"?!

" Never mind, I should go ahead and explain what's going on. I'm sure you already know who I am—Gabriel Romano , heir to Fredrick Romano and the Romano family...and the recent family head after the untimely death of my father".

'Death' is putting it lightly. Mr. Fredrick Romano's gruesome murder was in the papers for weeks.

"Given the unpredictable line of our work, there are some concerns among the Cosa Nostra that, its risky to have a boss with no heir of his own. Normally I wouldn't care , but one of my enemies is pushing to take over my family's business empire".

" So...you need to put on this show to calm any doubts and make it seem like it's still going strong"?

Gabriel raises an eyebrow , "You're smarter than you look".

Its hard to tell if he's being genuine or not, but I take the compliment regardless.

" If I'm married, everyone will assume I'll have an heir sooner or later , and they'll stand behind me as their boss when I take over.

This is unbelievable...

"Wouldn't it make more sense to marry someone you actually want as your wife"?

" If I had a genuine fiancée already, this wouldn't be a concern to start with. I have no interest wasting my time romancing fickle women when I have a business empire to run".

"W-Well yeah , but...come on, this can't be the best solution"!

" On the contrary , it's the most ideal. You'll play the part of my fiancée. Then after the wedding , I'll secure full control over my father's businesses and related matters. You can do whatever you please at that point , and the divorce will be quick and easy. And rest assured , you'll be well rewarded for your time and role in this".

"Do I have a choice"?

" What exactly are you hoping my answer to be"?

"Er...that I can go back to my own life while you find someone else to marry"?

" Absolutely not"

I was afraid he'd say that...

"But, why? What’s so special about me?

His gaze grows so intense, it has me shrinking back.

" Because you where the best of all the women in that room".

My breath catches. So when I bumped into him earlier , that's when he chose me...

"A plan like this requires the utmost secrecy. I went to someone who owed me a favour, and he recommended you as the best choice".

" Recommended? Who would-"

A knock comes at the door , and it opens. At this moment , it feels surreal to finally see my uncle.

"Come in Mr. Stanley. You might help this go more smoothly".

He steps into the room and closes the door , " Well, Trisha, this is certainly more exciting than being back at the office, isn't it"?

All the pieces where beginning to fall into place

"This is why you insisted I come here tonight —You’re the one who recommended me for this scheme! How...How could you"?

" He owed my father a great debt, so I called in the favour. We value loyalty above every other thing, if you weren't aware. You can imagine how things will go if he reneges on the deal now..."

His polite phrasing just makes my blood run cold.

If I refuse , I'll put my uncle's and likely my life at risk — I can't afford to lose another father figure.

"Anyone with sense would see what a good deal this is. A few months of playacting and then you can move on with your life ,richer than you'd ever be from working that pathetic job of yours".

Gabriel looks straight at me again , but I can barely bring myself to reciprocate the gesture.

"Do you understand now, or do I need to explain it with smaller words"?

I swear, he's asking for a punch in the jaw...

"I understand your point , just...will you really fulfil your end of the bargain? You'll let me go after the wedding"?

"I never go back on my word. You'll be free to resume your regular life , albeit with a significantly bigger bank account , as soon as I have control over my fathers business. After you swear a code of silence ,of course, then we'll never speak of it again".

"Don't worry Trisha , I wouldn't have agreed to this if I wasn't sure of your safety". My uncle blurts out in an attempt to treasure me.

" keep in mind that there's a target on your back now that you've been introduced as my fiancée. With the announcement made public , I'm only the one who can keep you safe from my enemies and avoid public scandals”

I hesitate before I take a deep breath while looking Gabriel in the eye.

"Alright. I'll pose as your fiancée until this is over".

For once , he cracks a smile - a crooked one that feels more genuine.

He walks to the door and opens it , " Ace , come in here ".

The cheerful man from earlier enters the room.

" Good to see you again , Trisha".

I find myself smiling back.

"Ace will act as your bodyguard " , He pats Ace on the Shoulder." Don't let her out of your sight ".

" You got it" , Ace opens the door and bows to me , "After you".

Ace escorts me to a blue sports car and opens the door for me. Once were both inside , he starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot.

" Were not staying for the party"?

"Gabriel is concerned about your safety".

Or maybe he's concerned that I might let the secret slip?

I look out the window and sigh

" Hey" , he bumps my knee gently with his hand. I look over and see him giving me a playful smile.

"You have nothing to fear , Gabriel would never let any harm come to you, I can promise you that".

For some reason ,I felt I could trust this guy..

" Do you work for Gabriel?, He laughs .

"I'm his best friend. I belong to a different family , which have been business partners with the Romano's for generations. I and Gabriel swore an oath to each other years ago.

When he is in a jam , I've got his back...but at the same time we've been rivals in just about everything... Although... we've never been rivals for love before".

The way he says that makes me blush. Right then , my stomach growls ,and my blush deepens for other reasons.

"Ah. Sorry about that. Some gentleman I am, not even asking you if you had anything to eat before we left. Let me make it up to you now and take you out for a quick bite. What do you say" ?

I shake my head,

"Thank you, but I'd rather eat at home". This night has been wild enough , there's no need for me to eat with him - especially when it's not the man I'm supposedly engaged to.

Ace walks me to the door when we reach my apartment.

" I guess we can call it a night ,Miss Trisha. Don't worry, you are in good hands , you've got me watching your back too".

"I'll try to remember that. Good night ".

In no time I freshen up and lay on my bed ,staring at the ceiling. Tonight had to be the longest night of my life. What must Matteo be thinking ,now that I've been officially introduced as Gabriel's fiancée?

Finally, my restless thoughts settle down and drift off to sleep.