BOUND BY CONTRACT, CLAIMED BY DESIRE

Chapter 16: The First Nightmare

Valentina's POV

I froze, hearing the sound of glass shattering from Leonardo's study.

"Leonardo?" I called out, my eyes brows furrowed, hearing no response.

I walked toward the study, the door was open, and Leonardo stood by his desk, with whiskey bottle in hand, and broken glass scattered across the floor.

"Are you okay?" I asked, as he looked up, his eyes dark and empty.

"I'm good," he said, his voice rough.

"You don't look okay,” I said.

"I said I'm fine!” his voice filled the room.

"Let me help clean up,” I ignored his anger, stepping into the doorway.

"I don't need your help,” his ice blue eyes held my gaze, his jaw clenching.

"Leonardo, there's glass everywhere."

"Mrs. Chen will handle it."

"Mrs. Chen isn't here,” I raised my voice, my chest heaving up and down.

He set the bottle down, walked toward me, and stopped inches away. "Go to your room, Valentina, don't make me repeat myself.”

"We need to talk,” I lifted my chin slightly, folding my arms.

"There's nothing to talk about, why don't you listen!”

"We just got married,” I whispered, my eyes filled with tears.”

"And the rules haven't changed." His jaw tightened, his gaze never leaving mine. "Separate rooms, separate lives…nothing is different."

"Everything is different. We're married now."

"Legally, not emotionally, don't confuse the two,” the words stung, as I took a step back.

"I'm going to bed," I said quietly, closing my eyes for a moment.

"Good."

I turned, walked to my room and closed the door as I pressed my back against it, my hands were shaking.

I looked down at the gold but simple wedding ring on my finger. “What have I done?” I whispered, shaking my head slightly.

I changed out of the wedding dress, hung it in the close and put on pajamas, then washed my face.

I touched the ring on my finger, as I briefly closed my eyes. I thought about the wedding, the vows… the kiss. His lips had been soft, tasting like mint and whiskey, but he pulled back when I was starting to enjoy it.

Did my breath smell bad? Did he regret kissing me? I thought, as I rolled onto my side and stared at the wall.

Hours passed, but my eyes were wide open, thinking about the day I attended the charity gala, the day he made a deal with me, his family meeting and…the wedding.

But I quickly stood up, as I heard a sound from Leonardo's room.

I got out of bed, walked to my door and opened it slowly. The hallway was dark, and Leonardo's door was closed. The sounds grew louder, and desperate.

"No. Please. Don't,” his voice was broken. I walked to his door and stood outside, my hand on the handle, as my heart raced.

Should I go in? Should I leave… "Mom, please,” the words were muffled.

I turned the handle and pushed the door open. The room was dark except for the moonlight coming through the window.

Leonardo was in bed, tangled in sheets. His face twisted in pain and tears on his cheeks, and the sheets was damp.

"Mom, please. Don't leave me, I'll do better, I promise.” he said, as I stepped closer.

"Leonardo,” I whispered, my brows furrowed together, but he didn't wake. I sat on the edge of the bed and touched his shoulder gently.

"Leonardo…it's okay. You're safe,” I whispered softly, stroking his cheek.

He flinched and grabbed my wrist, his eyes flew open as he stared at me breathing hard.

"Valentina?" His voice was hoarse.

"Yes. It's me."

He looked at my hand on the air, his hand on my wrist. But he let go and pushed me away.

"Get out!”

"You were having a nightmare, I…I was trying to help!" I said, breathing heavily, my eyes wide.

"I don't need your help,” his voice was deep now and steady.

"Leonardo, you were crying,” I said softly.

"Get. Out,” he said, staring daggers at me.

"I heard you calling for your mom,” I said, and his face went pale.

"You had no right to come in here,” he said, hiding his face.

"You were in pain. I wanted to help."

"I don't need you to help me,” he sat up, his chest heaving. "I don't need you to save me. I don't need you to fix me. I need you to leave!”

"I'm your wife! and I have the right to know what's happening to you,” I stood up, staring daggers at him.

"You're my employee, don't forget that,” he said, the words cutting deep.

"Fine,” I said, ready to leave.

"And Valentina,” I stopped and looked back. His eyes were hard and empty, but his hands were shaking.

"If you ever come into my room without permission again, there will be consequences."

"Understood."

"And Valentina…don't tell anyone about this. Ever,” I nodded and closed the door behind me.

I stood in the hallway, my hands shaking, my heart pounding. I walked back to my room, closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed.

I had seen him, not the cold billoniare, but the broken, vulnerable, hurting, and crying for his mother billoniare.

“What did Catarina did to him,” I whispered.

I touched my wrist where he grabbed me. It didn't hurt, but I felt the desperation in his grip. He was terrified of the nightmare and worst, of someone seeing him like that.

I lay back on the bed, and stared at the ceiling. I wasn't afraid of him anymore, I was afraid for him.