BOUND BY CONTRACT, CLAIMED BY DESIRE

Chapter 6: Moving in

Valentina's POV

I sat on the edge of my bed, pressing down on the lid of my suitcase with both hands, my lips in a deep frown.

“Ughh, two years of my life fit into this suitcase and it still wouldn't close!” I stopped pressing on the lid, as I sat down on the bed.

I stretched my hands on the bed, as I leaned back slightly looking at my suitcase. But a brown object caught my attention, making me open it.

I heaved a sigh, as I carefully carried the old photo of me and my parents, before my dad left us.

“I'll save you mom,” my voice was low, as I rubbed the old photo with my thumb. “I pro…,”

“Valentina!!,” a voice shouted from outside my room door, as I rolled my eyes, while I dropped the photo.

“Mr. Vonn…what happened,” I said after opening the door, my lips forming a thin smile, while I looked at the chubby landlord with disheveled hair.

“There's ehh someone outside with an expensive car…said he's waiting for you,” he said, scratching his stomach while yawning.

“Ok…,”

“You packing?...Good, you can't even keep up with payment, I bet you found a sugar daddy huh,” he said, smirking.

“Well good luck, make sure to please him,” he said, walking away.

My gaze were fixed on him, with my mouth slightly open. “Well at least I'm leaving already,” I said, returning to my room.

I pulled out one of my dresses, folded it smaller, and tried the zipper again, and this time it closed. But my phone buzzed, a message from an unknown number.

"Driver will arrive at 2 PM. Address: 1500 Skyline Avenue, Penthouse Suite. Mrs. Chen will meet you at the entrance…Leonardo.”

I looked at the clock, 2:10PM, as I grabbed my suitcase handle, and walked to the door, but stopped and turned back.

The apartment looked smaller now, emptier. I had lived here for four years, paid rent on time every month until the hospital bills started. And now I'm leaving it behind, for a penthouse fifty floors above the city…for a man who looked at me like I'm a problem to be solved.

I saw the driver waiting outside in a black car that cost more than my entire year's salary. He was older, with grey hair and had kind eyes as he opened the door without speaking.

We passed small houses, street full of people, and slowly replaced with expensive houses and fewer people.

"We're here, miss," the driver said, as I stepped out.

“Mrs Chen is waiting for you in the lobby,” the door man in a crisp suit said, his lips in a small smile.

I walked inside. The lobby was massive with white marble floors, a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace.

A short woman who looked in her mid-sixties with silver hair pulled into a tight bun stood near the elevator.

She wore a simple black dress and flat shoes. Her posture was straight, military-precise, but her eyes were soft.

“Miss. Rossi," the woman said, her voice professional. "I'm Mrs. Chen, and I manage Mr. Monte's household. Follow me,” she said, as she worked towards the elevator without waiting for response.

"You'll have your own bedroom on the east wing," Mrs. Chen said. "Mr. Monte's quarters are on the west wing. You are not to enter his wing without explicit permission. Is this understood?"

"Yes,” I said, letting out a low exhale.

"Meals are served at seven AM, one PM, and seven PM. If you require something outside these hours, inform me in advance."

"Understood,” I said, as she looked at me with a small smile.

"Laundry is collected every Monday and Thursday. Place your items in the basket outside your door. Do not leave personal belongings in common areas. Mr. Monte values order."

We passed through a door, the penthouse stretched in every direction. Floor to ceiling windows lined the walls, offering a view of the entire city.

The furniture was sleek, everything was white, black or grey, the floors were polished stones, and the ceiling high enough to echo. There were paintings on the wall, making it look like a museum.

"This way," Mrs. Chen said.

I followed her down a long hallway, as she stopped at a door and pushed it open.

"Your room,” she said, as I stepped inside.

The bedroom was bigger than my entire apartment. A king-sized bed sat against the far wall, covered in white linens. A floor-to-ceiling window offered a view of the skyline. There was a walk-in closet to the left. A bathroom to the right with marble counters and a glass shower.

"The closet has been stocked with essential items," Mrs. Chen said. "If you require additional clothing, submit a list to me by Friday."

I set my suitcase down which looked tiny and worn and out of place.

"Mr. Monte will return late this evening," Mrs. Chen continued. "He prefers not to be disturbed after nine PM. If you need anything, contact me directly using the room phone.”

"Do you have questions?" Mrs. Chen asked.

"No,” I said, looking around the room.

"Dinner is at seven PM. I'll expect you in the dining room,” She left, closing the door behind her.

I stood in the center of the room, alone, silence becoming my only companion. My gaze drifted towards the window, looking at the city below.

I opened my suitcase and started unpacking. Three pairs of jeans went into a drawer that could fit twenty. Five shirts hung in a closet meant for a hundred. The framed photo of my mother sat on the nightstand.

I sat at the soft mattress, as I lay back and stared at the white ceiling with no water stains.

“Miss. Rossi, dinner is ready,” I heard a voice from outside my room immediately I came out from the bathroom.

Mrs. Chen was already there, setting plates on a table long enough to seat twelve. There were only two place settings. One at the head of the table and one three seats down.

"Mr. Monte will not be joining you this evening," Mrs. Chen said. "He's been delayed."

I sat at the place setting three seats down while Mrs. Chen brought out the food. Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables and a glass of water.

The food was good, but I forced myself to eat half, while my lips was in a tight smile.

I entered my room, and tried to sleep, but even the soft mattress wouldn't help me, and after sometime, I gave up, and went to the kitchen.

The fridge was stocked with Fancy cheeses, imported chocolates, bottles of wine with label I couldn't understand.

I grabbed a bottle of water and closed the fridge, but I froze when I saw Leonardo in the doorway, his blue eyes staring daggers at me.

His tie hung loose around his neck. His shirt was untucked, the top three buttons undone. His hair was disheveled. His knuckles were red, bruised, swollen.

I stood there in my pajamas and robe, holding a water bottle, feeling like an intruder in a home that was supposed to be mine now too.

Leonardo's eyes scanned my face, then dropped to the water bottle in her hand, then back up.

“You're hurt,” my voice was shaky, but I stood upright.

"Boxing," he said, his voice was flat.

“What are you doing up at one in the morning?” he said, his gaze still fixed on me.

"I couldn't sleep,” I said.

Leonardo's gaze held mine for a long moment, as smething flickered in his eyes, too fast to name.

"Get used to it,” he said, then he disappeared down the hall without waiting for my response.

I stood in the kitchen, alone again. The water bottle cold in my hand, my heart racing.

I looked around the penthouse, the expensive furniture, the empty walls, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of a city I didn't belong to.

I walked back to my room and stood at the window, the city glittered below like a galaxy I couldn't reach.

“What have I done?”