Ruthless desires

INNER THOUGHT

CHAPTER 8

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Valentina sat down at her dresser staring at her self half believing that in a few hours her dad would announce her engagement to the Romano jerk, yes they had hot s*x so what that was just stress relief. Her mother had told her to compromise for the sake of the family, that it was the best choice she knew it was the best choice, but this choice sucked honestly. She was a beauty, her long brunette hair and green eyes she could have any man she wanted, but now she was stuck with Romano she didn’t even notice that she was crying , her father had told her not to make a fuss about this engagement , he was doing it for her sake ‘ooh please papa could never he’s to selfish for that, she cleans her tears ,takes the brush and touches up on her make up. The world didn’t need to know she was crumbling, especially not Romano.

Her gown black silk gown with a knee-high split and open back, admiring herself in the mirror. “ Even when I’m at my lowest, it doesn’t mean I have to look bad.” A knock interrupted her thoughts turning to face the door as it slowly creaked open. One of the maids peeked in cautiously, offering a small, sympathetic smile.

“Miss Valentina, your father requests your presence in the grand hall. The guests have started to arrive,” she said gently.

Valentina took a deep breath, steeling herself as she gave a slight nod. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

As the door closed, she looked back at her reflection, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her heart pounded with a mixture of anger and helplessness. How did it come to this? Being pawned off like some prized possession just to secure her father’s interests. He hadn’t even considered what she wanted only what would strengthen his precious empire.

She scoffed bitterly, wiping away the last traces of her tears. “Compromise for the family,” her mother had said, as if it were just that simple. As if sacrificing her freedom and future to the arrogant, possessive Romano was something she should feel honored to do. Sure, the s*x was incredible, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be shackled to him for life. Besides, there was a difference between passion and love something neither her mother nor her father seemed to grasp.

Running her fingers through her hair to make sure every strand was in place, she took one last look at herself in the mirror. She couldn’t afford to let anyone see how broken she felt inside. Especially not him. Romano thrived on power, and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he had broken her spirit.

Squaring her shoulders, she adjusted the silky fabric of her gown, letting it cascade perfectly against her curves. “Smile, Valentina. You’re the queen tonight,” she whispered to herself, painting on a confident expression. No one would know her heart was shattering underneath that poised exterior.

She took one final breath before heading for the door, determined to face the chaos with her head held high. Romano might own her hand, but he would never own her soul.

As Valentina descended the grand staircase, the soft murmur of conversations filled the hall. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over the elegantly dressed guests, and the scent of expensive cologne and perfume lingered in the air. She spotted her father at the center of it all, laughing and shaking hands with influential men who no doubt thought he was a genius for forging this alliance with the Romanos.

Her stomach twisted as she caught sight of Romano himself and lorenzo Romano standing by the bar with a glass of whiskey in hand. His dark eyes followed her every move, and a slow, wicked smirk curled on his lips when their gazes locked. Damn him. Why did he always have to look so effortlessly handsome? His sharp jawline, unruly dark hair, and that confident, almost predatory stand all of it made her chest tighten with a mix of fury and undeniable attraction.

She forced herself to look away, striding through the room with graceful determination, acknowledging guests with polite nods and strained smiles. The whispers were inevitable the spoiled princess finally tamed, sold off to the infamous Romano family. She ignored them, keeping her chin high.

When she finally reached her father, he pulled her into a stiff embrace, murmuring into her ear, “Try to smile, Valentina. You look like you’re going to war.”

She pulled back, giving him a practiced, dazzling smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Isn’t that exactly what this is?”

Her father’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, only guiding her to the small platform where they would make the announcement. Valentina felt her heart pounding, drowning out the murmurs around her. Romano was approaching, his confident stride never faltering, and when he reached her side, he didn’t hesitate to slide his arm around her waist.

She stiffened at his touch, glaring up at him. “You don’t have to touch me,” she whispered harshly.

He only chuckled lowly, bending his head so his lips brushed her ear. “I do if I want to make this believable, principessa. Smile for the cameras.”

Swallowing down the urge to elbow him in the ribs, Valentina plastered on a sweet, charming smile as her father addressed the guests.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his booming voice commanding attention. “Tonight is a night of celebration—a union between two powerful families. My beloved daughter, Valentina, and matteo Romano will soon be united in marriage.”

A round of applause erupted, and Valentina’s smile never wavered, though inside she wanted to scream. Romano’s hand tightened around her waist, pulling her closer as he leaned down to murmur in her ear, “You look breathtaking, Valentina. Almost makes me forget how much you hate me.”

She gritted her teeth, keeping her smile intact. “You would know all about fake smiles, wouldn’t you?”

He only smirked, his gaze dropping to her lips. “Careful, tesoro. Your fire is showing.”

Before she could respond, the guests swarmed them with congratulations, forcing her to play the part of the blushing, happy fiancée. Romano kept his arm possessively around her, whispering sly comments in her ear just to see her squirm.

But Valentina would be damned if she gave him the satisfaction of knowing how much he affected her. He might be her future husband, but she refused to let him believe he owned her heart. Not now, not ever.