Chapter 4: Clear Things
1974 Words
Clear Things
Sitting on the sofa by the window, I look around. The once perfect and orderly room has given way to chaos.
The bed is unmade, and the cushions along with the sheets and coverlet are on the floor. One of the nightstands and the bench in front of the dresser are overturned, the mirror on it broken. I glare at the door, not knowing how long I've been there, but I'm about to go crazy when the door opens and Aldo appears, his eyes widening at the mess.
He steps aside, and a woman carrying a tray appears, stopping at the threshold when she sees the surroundings.
Her green eyes meet mine in surprise; she's a young girl.
"Leave that on the table," Aldo instructs her in a serious tone, and she hurries.
"Take that back," I order Aldo with a harsh gesture.
"The man ordered us to bring lunch here."
I stand up and move towards Aldo while the girl steps aside, but observes everything in detail.
"I'm going downstairs to eat."
"The man said you…"
"The man can tell me himself," I lift my chin and walk past him, brushing his shoulder, and he mutters, but I ignore him.
I fix my hair and go down the stairs, stopping when I reach the ground floor and look around. I haven't had time to explore, so I'm a bit lost.
"To the left," someone whispers behind me, and I see the service girl carrying a tray downstairs. I follow her instructions and cross the room until I find my destination.
"Enjoy your meal," I say, announcing my presence, and five heads turn in my direction.
Salvatore sits at one end of the table, while Gianluca is at the other. Next to the latter is his wife and Martina, opposite her is Renzo.
«They want to see me crushed, but they're wrong if they think I'm an easy person.»
I can be just as tough.
I look at the service girl.
"Your name?"
She hesitates, looking around before returning her gaze to me.
"Ashley," she whispers.
"Well, Ashley. I'd like a place set for me," I advance and sit to the right of Salvatore, who maintains an impassive expression.
The girl disappears down a small hallway that I assume leads to the kitchen.
"I gave an order," he snaps through clenched teeth. "I didn't say you could leave."
"I didn't know I was your prisoner in this house, husband."
My words clearly infuriate him even more.
Martina looks at me from her position as Ashley returns and sets down plates, cutlery, napkins, and glasses from a tray.
"Thank you," I say when she leaves my food in front of me, pours some wine, and then withdraws.
"I hope you like the Ratatouille," Evelina speaks before exchanging a glance with her daughter.
"I've tried one of the best at Core in London, do you know it?"
"I've really heard wonderful things about the restaurant, besides it being recognized."
"Three Michelin stars," I pick up the fork and take a bite of the food under everyone's watchful eyes. I savor the food and when I swallow, I look at Salvatore's mother, "I suppose we can't expect pears from the elm tree."
Her offended face is my satisfaction.
«It's really delicious, but I won't admit it.»
"I suppose you're used to doing whatever you want, aren't you, sis-in-law?" Renzo speaks from his place.
Evelina raises her chin before unleashing her venom.
"I don't know how it is in your family, but the women in this one obey and respect the man's authority."
"You mean they worship the ground they walk on."
"Enough," Salvatore hisses.
"It seems you don't understand the concept of family," Martina chimes in, looking at me with disdain.
"Don't I? Maybe not," I take a sip from my glass and look at her, "tell me something, do you hold any position in your family?" She doesn't respond. "Let me guess, your brothers and father run everything while your task is to marry a man who is beneficial for this family."
"No, I don't work in the company because I'm treated like a queen by my brothers."
"Of course," I retort, rolling my eyes.
"We have women in positions within the hotels and the factory," Salvatore grits out.
"My friends work for the family; they're both intelligent and productive," Martina speaks, catching my attention.
"I see," I say, looking at Salvatore, "I suppose it's time to tell you that I'm going to start working at the hotel, and I'll be in charge along with Lorenzo of the project in Inverness, so I guess we'll be working together."
Salvatore glares at me.
"So you're planning to go back there, where that man is," and it's not a question.
"Wow, I didn't realize you were so territorial, brother."
"Renzo," his tone is cold, he just gives him a mocking smile.
Aldo appears at the dining room entrance and looks at Salvatore.
"They've brought the lady's belongings," he announces.
"You can talk to me, Aldo, I'm not invisible," my tone shows the irritability of the situation as I stand up.
"Where do you think you're off to?" Salvatore's hand grabs my wrist, and I look at him.
"I'm going to check that everything was sent."
I free myself from his grip in front of the rest of his family and leave the dining room without giving them a second glance.
Outside, two vans are waiting, one with packed boxes and luggage, the second pulling a single trailer.
"Freya," I say with a smile tugging at my lips upon seeing that my mare is here. One of the workers from the Rossetti villa comes down and opens the trailer from which Freya descends.
"Hello, beautiful," I whisper, taking her reins and stroking her muzzle as she snorts.
I look at Aldo, who observes me with an impassive expression.
"Should I assume everything's ready for her stay?"
He opens his mouth but closes it again.
"Gianluca knew full well my mare would be here this afternoon."
"Mr. Di Sante didn't mention anything about it," he replies, emphasizing "Mr."
Salvatore's figure appears behind the man, and he steps aside. He descends the entrance steps and stops a few meters from me when Freya rears up.
"Your father knew my things were arriving today, and with them, my mare. Now Aldo tells me there's no space for her in their stables."
"I didn't…" he intervenes, but falls silent when Salvatore raises his hand without even looking at him.
"Tell the stable hands to get a space ready for the animal," he orders in a serious tone while I hold Freya by the reins.
I gesture to the worker who brought her, and he takes her back to the trailer while Salvatore's employees do as I ordered them.
We stand there for a moment, side by side, but neither of us speaks for a few seconds.
I clear my throat before speaking.
"I think I'll show you where to take my things."
"I've been told you've trashed the room you were assigned."
"Yes, well, I don't handle being locked up like a damn hostage well, or being treated like an old rag."
I look at him with hatred.
"Let's make things clear," he says in a flat tone. "Stick to what's expected of you, and we won't have problems."
"What you want is a damn arm candy, and I'm a woman who thinks, feels..."
"You're a Di Sante now, remember that."
"I'm a Rossetti."
He clicks his tongue.
"Keep going down that path, and you'll see how bad things can get."
I confront him and see how his dark eyes study me without showing any expression.
"Stop your threats, this is a peace agreement, not an internal war."
"Are you sure about that?"
What the hell!
"What's your damn problem?" I frown. "Can you tell me what's bothering you? If you weren't happy with this agreement, you should have made it clear, because I doubt a man like you was forced into this situation," I open my arms with an exasperated expression.
"It's not your problem," he replies and walks away only to stop a few meters ahead to look at me. "Tonight I have a dinner to attend, so be ready at seven."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me, you're supposed to be my wife, you must be with me at these kinds of events."
"Of course, how could I forget," I speak with disdain, Salvatore says nothing more and walks away.
Once alone, Ashley appears and guides the men inside with my things. I suppose I'll have some busy afternoons organizing everything.
«Well, at least I'll be a bit distracted from being in this damn house.»
When they tell me Freya's space is ready, I walk her down the path to the stables, ignoring the curious and lascivious looks from some men, and others admiring the horse I'm leading.
It's well known that the Di Sante family loves horses, and I must say it was a relief to be able to bring Freya with me. Having her at the family villa is not an option, as my mother claims to be allergic to these animals.
«She detests them.»
Some murmurs catch my attention, and I find the person I assume is the head of the stables.
"Ma'am, I'm Luciano, the head of the stables."
"A pleasure, Luciano, I'm Helena and this beauty is Freya."
"A formidable animal, I must say," says the short, stout man with a friendly look. "If you please, follow me and I'll show you the space we've designated for her."
I nod.
My heels clatter on the stable floor as he leads me through. Luciano talks to me about the food they provide daily and I agree.
"Freya loves eating oats and green apples," I announce as we pass by a beautiful black horse.
I stop and watch it as it neighs.
"That's Perseo," he says upon seeing my curiosity, "he belongs to Mr. Salvatore." He steps forward and the horse immediately tries to bite him. He snorts. "He's a bit rough; the only one who can handle him is your husband."
"I see," I murmur, "they say things resemble their owner for a reason."
He gives me an amused look before continuing on.
When I finally leave Freya in her stall, I feel better after ensuring it's in an optimal condition for her. Luciano leaves me alone, and I make sure Freya feels calm before leaving her.
I hear footsteps and murmurs approaching. I stay silent as I hear the men.
"I never thought I'd see a Rossetti with a Di Sante," a sarcastic smile spreads across my lips as I hear the men.
"See what the pursuit of power does."
"Yes," replies the other unknown voice. "What do you think Mrs. Ginevra would have said?" the other whispers.
«Ginevra?»
I look at both of them when they appear, and they pale upon seeing me.
"Gentlemen," I say with my serene voice.
They open and close their mouths wordlessly.
"Mrs. Di Sante," they murmur nervously.
A tall and intimidating figure appears.
"Shouldn't you be working right now instead of gossiping?"
Renzo, Salvatore's brother, appears and gives them a stern look.
"Excuse us, sir," one mumbles before both men practically run away from us.
I look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Who is Ginevra?"
The question slips from my lips before I think.
He gives me a cryptic smile.
"You don't want to know," he responds, exhaling, diverting his gaze from me to Freya before returning it to me, "come on, sister-in-law, learn from mistakes. Don't go looking for what you haven't lost."
"Is that a threat?" I inquire with curiosity.
"It's advice."
With that, he walks away, leaving me with more questions than answers.
- Writer
