TIES THAT BIND

Chapter Two

EMILIA'S POV:

I couldn't believe my eyes or ears.

Enzo Lombardo the owner of the Lombardo jewelers, the best jewelry designer/ maker in Italy and my crush since forever is getting married and to me !!!!

I was excited but confused "How did this happen ?"

"I've been arranging your marriage with him for a while, it's more like a business marriage proposal to help the company and Enzo couldn't say no". My dad explained.

Enzo was literally every girl's dream, he's rich, handsome, intelligent and crazily successful. I met him once at a seminar and though I bet he hardly noticed me but he was all I noticed.

" So… do you agree?" They asked softly

Watching them silently "Yes of course, I do"

I announced and my mum hugged me tightly, I'm so happy. Yesterday I felt my world crashing but today I feel all my dreams are becoming a reality.

"Let's not waste any time". My dad pauses to look at me " The wedding is in two weeks"

I shrug "Isn't that too close?"

"No honey, it's not"

"But we have meet, and talk to get to know each other right?"

My mum raises one perfectly tweezed eyebrow "You have your whole lives ahead to talk and get to know each other honey, get married first".

" He's coming in a few hours to take you for the ring testing, be ready hon". My dad said before exiting the living room.

With a smile plastered on my mom's face she says "You'll be fine hon, trust me"

Everything was moving so fast, too fast it almost felt unreal.

Enzo is literally the man of my dreams. I only have two dreams, one is to become a world class jewelry artist and two is to get together with my heartthrob Enzo Lombardo. And finally !!!

I rushed upstairs to go get ready.

Few hours later, I was ready. I headed downstairs and I could hear voices arguing.

"I already agreed to do your biddings, don't push it, Mr Romano", A harsh manly voice snapped angrily.

" You keep up that attitude and soon enough everybody will find out what happened ". My dad fired back.

I couldn't piece anything together, but it seemed my dad and someone were having a fall-out; the latter who I'd presume to be Enzo. I showed up and my eyes locked with Enzo.

My heart raced so fast, he was breathtakingly handsome; the pictures did no justice to this man, he was gorgeous.

He was an average height of 6 '2, his thick black hair gelled backwards, sharp chiseled jawline alongside his dark blue eyes and inked fingers, and hands. He wore a black tuxedo that held tight to his forearms, he wasn't muscular but well built enough to be intimidating towards an average-sized man.

I can't believe I would be marrying him.

As his gaze fell on my body, I couldn't help but blush, feeling weak in the knees.

His eyes scrutinized every part of me with an intense gaze.

" Hey" I greeted and he turned his gaze from me before facing my father.

"You'll regret this". He grunted before heading outside and I stood there confused.

" Follow him!" My dad echoed and I took off after him.

I walked out and Enzo's driver opened the door for me and I entered. Enzo sat in the car with his tux unbutton, he looked angry and stressed.

"Is everything alright?"

He turned towards me, his gaze angry. I was expecting an angry remark but he turned away from me without saying a word.

I bit my lips nervously "I'm sorry if my dad said something wrong"

He remained silent.

"If you don't want to go, we can postpone"

He snapped "Can you cut this charade, you're impressing no one"

Taken aback a bit "Charade?" I asked and waited for a response which never came. "We'll be getting married soon, we should at least be friends, right?"

"This isn't a marriage, it's formalities. The sooner you get that, the better"

The car came to a halt and Enzo didn't wait a second before getting down, leaving me reconsidering my whole view of him.

The jewelry was massive and beautiful, I followed him in and immediately everyone bowed, greeting him. His presence commanded such respect, everyone just stared at me and I felt so out of place as I waited for an introduction from Enzo which never came.

I checked myself out for a second, I was wearing a slightly short beautiful blue tight sundress with a nude stiletto heels, a simple but shiny jewelry with my long brown hair flowing to my back.

"What would you love to get?" The receptionist asked Enzo and I, smiling stupidly.

"Engagement rings, the most expensive you have"

"You're getting married Mr Lombardo?" Her high-pitched voice echoed with disappointment.

"Yes, she's my fiancée"

He introduced me and everyone started murmuring. Almost like I wasn't fit for him, it was embarrassing how he let them treat me.

Building enough courage I greeted with a smug "Hey, I'm Emilia. Emilia Romano"

Her eyes widened with the mention of my name. My dad wasn't as wealthy as Enzo but we had a name in the country as part of the top richest family in Italy.

Avoiding eye contact "What type of ring would you like?"

"Anything my fiancé chooses" I answered, eyeing her irritation.

"We have the diamond set, Gold, and silver. This is our most expensive one of a hundred million dollars" she said pointing at the ring in the show glass.

"We'll take it," Enzo said, passing her a black card.

That was too expensive, but I couldn't talk because Enzo looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but here.

"Ma'am you should try it on"

He interrupted "There's no need, pack the ring and send it to my address"

"Let's go" he instructed, leaving me standing before I followed along.

He dropped me off at home and through the car ride, we both didn't speak. I'm starting to think he doesn't really like me.

I complained "Mom ! I don't think Enzo … likes me"

Shocked, she answers "Nonsense! He's smittened by you hon, give him time. When you get married you'll see he truly loves you"

"I don't know mum, he acts like he's being forced to marry me"

"You're over thinking, the wedding is next week. He agreed to it"

"But… he and dad's conversation earlier today wasn't palatable at all"

"In-laws fight, it's normal"

"Mom ! If there's something going on, you guys better tell me"

"There's nothing, except that we're trying to hasten things so we can get the business back on track". My mum explained brushing my hair softly while giving orders to the maids

Utterly confused, I ask "He's funding the business?"

Avoiding my gaze she answers with a small smile "Yes, he decided to help"

"Why?"

"Cause he loves you and it's a business marriage proposal"

"He's willing to fund a sinking business?"

She beamed at me "Yes, part of the perks of marrying a wealthy man, hon. Get used to it"

A week later …

The wedding was canceled!!!