Wrongfully Yours

CHAPTER 8

Days turn into weeks and gradually into months. Luca is gone. He left without saying anything to Snow. She woke up one morning to the news from Marose and ever since, her world was empty; she felt like Luca took a part of her and left. They bounded for such a short time but she felt like they had been lovers for years. Luca left the house without informing Snow. He went back to handling his father’s business overseas. She kept on tossing and turning on her bed restlessly; she tried calling his number but it was not connecting and she left tons of voice messages in his mailbox but he didn't reply or respond to any.

“Snow, breakfast is ready; please come downstairs and have something to eat.

“I am not hungry, Marose. Please go away.

“You’ve not been eating well lately, and if you continue like this, you will lose weight. Should I spoon-feed you?

"Am I a child? Please leave me alone, Marose; I'm not hungry. Marose was still standing beside Snow and after a moment of silence, Snow decided to ask Marose the unanswered question she had in her mind.

"Can I ask you something, Marose?

"Sure, you can. Ask me anything.

“Do you know where Luca is? Do you know where his father sent him?

“Mr. Bruce is always discreet with that information. He doesn't let anyone know where he sends Luca, but it is strictly for business purposes.

“How long does he usually stay when he travels?

“It varies, Snow. sometimes weeks, months, even years.

Snow sat up on her bed quickly and her eyes widened.

“Years!! What do you mean, years? What is the longest time he has ever been away from San Francisco?

“Five years; he was away for five years before he returned. He came just because of the marriage ceremony. May I ask why you are so concerned about Sir Luca, Ma?

“It is not your business, Marose.

"I've been in this house for decades, Snow. I see what Sir Bruce does to people who betray him. I must warn you: do not let him see the worry on your face because of Luca; it won't end well.

“I’ll have my bath now; send your girls to come prepare my bathtub.

“Is there anything special you would like?

“I want a strawberry bubble bath; I'm tired of the goat milk; I need to go to the salon to trim my nails and curl my hair.

“I’ll call your stylist; she will be here soon.

“I do not need them to come to the house; I want to drive to the saloon myself.

“Mr. Bruce will not allow you to do that, Snow.

“Where is he? Let me talk to him myself.

“He is in his chambers but he'll be in the dining room after his Zoom meeting.

“Great! I’m ready for my bath now.

Snow was in the bathtub for over twenty-five minutes and her mind was filled with the thoughts of Luca.

“Could the s*x be a one-time thing for him? Why do I even think too much about him?

Her eyes were shut as she tried to capture moments from their short meeting; their intimacy and closeness were just for one day. Luca vanished the next morning after the book launch and she hasn't been able to reach him since then.

“Are you ok, Snow? You’ve been in there for a while now.

“I’m fine; I'll be out in an instant.

She came out of the bathtub, dried her body, and moisturized with lavender oil. It was difficult to pick an outfit for the day because she had so many options. She finally decided to wear black cargo pants and a white crop top. She packed her hair into a ponytail and headed to the dining room, where Bruce was already waiting for her.

“You look as beautiful as usual, my darling wife. What would you like to do today?

“I need to go to the salon to do my hair and change my nail polish, then visit the art gallery; I want to pick up some paintings.

“I never knew you loved paintings; Luca loves painting too; he has a fine taste for it. Marose, can you call the stylist, please? Snow needs her services.

“I’m tired of staying in this house all day. I want to drive to the saloon myself; I want to tour the city; I'm not a prisoner.

“Well, that can be arranged. Mario, can you send some of your boys to go with Snow? She wants to tour the city.

"Alright, sir, how many should I send?

“Maybe five or six; I don't want her to lift anything when she is shopping at the gallery.

“Five bodyguards? What for? I’m only going to do my hair and go to the art gallery; why do I need five private guards?

“Mario, three will be fine; please arrange the convoy.

“Why are you doing too much? I do not want attention.

"Alright, you can take whatever car you want to go out in. Here is my card; buy whatever you want.

“Marose, please send someone to get my purse upstairs.

“Are you leaving now? Will you not finish your breakfast?

“I’m fine.

“What time will you be back, my dear wife?

“I’ll be home before 5 p.m.

“Do you want me to come with you, Snow?

"No, Marose, I'll be fine.

Snow left the house with her private bodyguards in Bruce's black Lamborghini Urus, while the remaining guards followed her in an AMG A35 limousine.

“Where are we driving to, Ma?

“Take me to the art gallery in Berkeley.

When they got to the art gallery, the guards did not give Snow any breathing space; they were following her closely.

“Welcome to Paradise Art Gallery; what would you like to get? Do you have anything in mind?

“No, I do not, but you can suggest something beautiful for me.

"Alright, Ma, this way, please.

“Here we have the Framed Blossoming Almond Tree; it is a Van Gogh replica, and it is hand-painted in oil on canvas.

“I like it; I'll take this one; I want one more.

"Alright, ma, do you still want a Van Gogh painting or should I recommend something else?

“I love Van Gogh paintings but let me see something else.

“Alright ma, Take a look at this seated woman's Pablo Picasso canvas painting reproduction. This is a world-famous art print Picasso abstract wall picture wall decor 8x12in (20x30cm) framework. This will be perfect for your bedroom.

“I like it but do you have any painting replicas from Gustav Klimt?

"Yes, we do. Do you have any particular paintings in mind?

"Yes, I do—the kiss painting.

“I see you are a great lover of art; we are sold out on that but I have something else you’ll like.

Snow turned and saw that her guards were looking somewhere else and she decided to make good use of the opportunity.

“Please, is there a back exit?

"Yes, ma, there is. It is right beside the restroom.

“Snow drew the attention of her guard and she gave him Bruce’s card.

“I’m purchasing two paintings; please make the payment. I need to use the restroom.

Snow left the card with him and she went to the restroom. The back exit was empty, and none were passing by. It was the perfect time for her to run and see her father. She got outside and waved down a taxi.

“Where are we going?

“Oakland.

“That would be $30.

“I’ll give you $200 if you drive fast.