The Billionaire's Obsession with His Mafia Princess Ex-wife.

The sound of a car pulling into the estate's parking lot cause Ariana's heart to skip a beat and she panicked. The Marchetti family estate was on of the most luxurious within the state, requiring the services of many servants at all times. Her husband, Bruni Marchetti had been away on an 'important business' for a few weeks an no one knew how long he was going to be gone for as usual. His sudden return made the servants panic and hasten about their duties as if walking on eggshells as Ariana spoke to her Cousin Luciana with a heavy heart. Her mind knew what was coming yet her heart still held hope. Hope that he was back because it was their six months wedding anniversary. "You have to go Ana, Mr Marchetti is back. Please use the back door as usual but be careful so no one spots you, especially Mr. Marchetti. And leave the door open so the breeze can clear your cologne scent as he hates the smell of perfume the most." Seated on the kitchen island, her cousin Luciana had an unsightly expression on her face as her heart twisted in pain. She looked at her cousin and best friend since childhood an couldn't bring herself to be harsh with her words. Still she helplessly asked her cousin. "Why are you so scared of your husband? You even have to call him Mr. Marchetti like you're one of his servants or employees. You're his wife for Christ's sake Aria." She was completely exhausted of having to sneak in and out of the Marchetti estate to see her cousin and check up on her like she was some kind of criminal. This was too much for her to take and she was getting tired of it but she knew she was all Aria had that linked her to their family. "Aria, I can't take it anymore. If things continue like this then please, don't blame me but I will be forced to drop a hint of your whereabouts to the family. I'm sure my uncle will be all too happy to have some news despite his unfeeling facade." Luciana threatened. Ariana froze with a start at the mention of her father. He was the most powerful man in the history of the Italian Mafia Dons, ruling the south, east, north, and western America. Even her six brothers combined were still struggling to match his strength, knowledge and capabilities. Moreover, nobody could take his position as Don until he gave up the ghost which was not going to be anytime soon because her father was too powerful. Even the government had to follow his arrangements obediently. All these years, Ariana had lived away from her family, keeping her marriage from them after she was disowned by her father because she wanted nothing to do with the family business. Back then, she had confidently left home and went to Brooklyn. Giving up everything just to be by the side of the only man she ever loved, her father would still not hesitate to send his strongest and most skilled men after her if he found out about how she had been living like a soulless creature for the past six months. Ariana was someone who was always full of life. Though having schooled in Brooklyn as an ordinary person under her new identity of Emilia Ricci, an orphan. She also practiced martial arts secretly and was an expert in the underground fighting arena under her moniker Zero. She studied fashion design and was exceptionally talented enough to start up her own brand. She also studied ethical hacking but after just six months of marriage to Bruni Marchetti, she became like an old housewife, losing her sense of fashion and lively personality. She allowed herself to be made into a doormat for her husband’s relatives and even some of the employees in the company. “No, please don’t. Things will soon get better, I just need a little more time and I will personally let Papa know about my marriage. Bruni will love me. He just needs time to get over Quinn.” She ensured not to address him so formerly this time around, though her tone was filled with sorrow and fear. She knew that her father would always take her back at any time, but he just wouldn’t approve of her marriage to a man who never valued or cared for her. Her actions were equivalent to forgetting her worth and his actions or inactions could be considered as being contemptuous towards the Grasso family name which could be considered suicide. “I hope so, for your sake I really do hope you're right otherwise, nothing will save his entire empire from the wrath of the Grasso famiglia. Don't forget that regardless of everything that happened in the past, famiglia è per sempre (Family is forever).” Luciana warned her seriously before jumping down from the kitchen island she sat on. Ariana opened the back door of the estate for her hastily. “Quick. Please be careful and don’t let his guards see you. Be safe Ana and thanks for everything. I don't know what I would've done without you.” Ariana said earnestly as she gave her cousin a quick hug before ushering her out of the house. Luciana was unhappy with being urged and treated like some dirty little secret but she still obeyed. It was too easy escaping the guards because they were infatuated with her and that worked out pretty well for her because although she could fight, she didn't want to cause trouble for Ariana. As soon as Luciana left through the open back door, an elegant man walked in through the front door, and Ariana rushed to meet him in the living room, ensuring to maintain a good distance of three feet between them. His aura was intimidating like a tiger, his movements graceful like an eagle gliding across the sky, his eyes emotionless with indifference etched into his features as he ogled at her, his eyes turning cold “Emilia, we need to talk.” As always, there was no emotion in his voice. It carried a chill like the winter breeze, detached and unfeeling. Those were the only feelings the man spared her throughout their six months of marriage. Ariana began to panic as she already heard rumors among the employees that his fiancee had returned. This was also probably the reason for his recent impromptu 'business trip'. Ariana stiffened at her thoughts as one of the guards hurled his luggage up the stairs to his room. "Mr Marchetti, you just came back from a long journey. Please eat first an take a shower to relax or your food will get cold. I'm sure whatever you want to discuss is not more important than your health.” Ariana didn't dare to address him without a title like she casually did to please Luciana in his absence because that was equivalent to begging for trouble. She quickly turned around to get his food in a bid to avoid the upcoming conversation but his cold yet mellow voice cause her to halt mid-step. “This is more important than food and a shower, besides, it won't take much time. Take a seat and let’s talk.” Ariana slumped her shoulders in defeat before turning around obediently to take her seat without any form of resistance. She had hoped her obedience would get her browny points and melt his heart a little bit but that proved ineffective too. Taking the seat directly opposite her, he carefully placed his briefcase on the center table and she sat there quietly without moving, not daring to touch it. Throughout their marriage, they always lived in separate rooms, and he treated her like a stranger. He was completely oblivious to her dedication to managing his family's estate and managing his company as he wandered around the world in search of his fiancee. To him, she was just there at the time of convenience while he waited for his missing fiancee to return so they could finally get divorced and marry hi beloved woman. A tool used to cover up his family's embarrassment and help protect the position of his rightful Madam Marchetti. “You have to understand that I have tried my best. It’s been six months, but I still don’t feel anything for you despite living in the same house. Our contract ends today. I haven’t touched you nor even publicized our relationship because I earnestly hope that you find someone who will love you selflessly. He barely looked at her when he spoke like her gaze was poisonous. He never put in the effort to make their relationship work and yet there he sat, claiming he had tried.It was absurd. Ariana's heart stopped, her eyes turned teary as she heard the sound of her heart shattering to pieces. She had been in love with Bruni Marchetti all her life, but he had no idea about it and kept causing her pain but now, her heart was completely broken. Six months ago, he was getting married to his beloved fiancee, Quinn. Having schooled in Brooklyn with Ariana, she requested a small wedding with only close friends and family which Bruni Marchetti agreed to but she disappeared on the day of the event. Leaving Bruni stranded on the alter. Ariana, who was seeking revenge on Quinn, her former best friend because Quinn had laced her drink with poisonous snake venom during a party and a she would've died without even knowing what had killed her had a waiter not come across her and warned her about Quinn's intentions she had also sent countless assassins after her. Ariana took the opportunity took advantage of the situation and proposed to marry him to save him from the shame. She also believed fate was finally giving her the chance to be with the man she loved so she didn't hesitate in the slightest. Thus, she began the most tortuous and heartbreaking six months of her life as the ridiculed and unloved Madam Marchetti. Yet now, her time was up and he could not wait to get rid of her because his beloved woman was back. Ariana felt completely defeated yet she was not willing to give up without a fight.