Deadly Vows

Chapter Five

The car ride to the boutique was quiet and uneventful.

Ariana sat beside me, poised as ever in a crisp cream blouse and fitted slacks, like she didn’t just do security but she had a company of her own. Another bodyguard sat in front, silent, bulky, with sunglasses on. I didn’t bother asking his name.

I kept my gaze fixed outside the tinted windows, watching Milan pass me by beautifully. The city was stunning, romantic and ruthless at once, just like him.

Of course, he didn’t come. Luca probably has more important things to do, like plotting my next humiliation.

“I picked a few boutiques I think you’ll like,” Ariana said, finally breaking the silence.

“You said that at the breakfast table and like I said then, I’m going to say again, I don’t need your help,” I replied, my voice cold.

She turned slightly toward me. “I’m not trying to help, I’m doing my job.”

Right! Her job. Making sure I looked the part of the perfect wife for that godforsaken man and keep me safe too.

“Must be nice,” I said dryly. “Getting paid to babysit a hostage.” To her credit, she didn’t flinch. Just gave me a small smile like she’d been through worse. Maybe she had.

“Do you always fight people trying to make your life easier?” She asked casually.

“Only when it’s under threat of marriage,” I said.

She smiled.

We pulled up to a boutique that looked like it was peeled out of a Vogue magazine. Everything from the polished glass to the logo screamed old money. A staff of three was already waiting, doors open. Time for my fake smile.

They greeted us like I was royalty. I didn’t as much return the energy.

“This way, Miss Montilli,” the one I assumed to be the lead stylist cooed, gesturing towards the entrance like it was my choice to be here. I followed, barely holding in a sigh.

Inside, I was bombarded with luxury. Racks of silk, chiffon, designer names I’d only read about. They had everything from soft neutrals to bold, regal colors that felt like they belonged to queens.

“How about we start with some everyday wear?” One of the stylists suggested. “Something simple for brunches, casual appearances…”

“Simple?” I cut in. “There’s nothing simple about being paraded like a trophy.” The stylist blinked, unsure of how to answer. Ariana shot me a look. “Just try a few things on. You don’t have to like it.”

I stared at her for a minute, then snatched the first dress handed to me and disappeared into the fitting room. Inside, I exhaled. This was insane and funny too. For someone who didn’t pack any clothes, I sure had one hell of an attitude.

As I tried on a bodycon olive green dress, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Hair a little messy from the previous day, dark circles under my eyes and a tired bitterness I hadn’t seen in a while. The dress hugged me in all the right places, made me look softer and deadlier. Exactly what he wanted.

I stepped out.

Ariana’s eyes scanned me briefly before nodding. “That works.” “Of course it does,” I muttered

For the next hour, I tried on pieces while Ariana the stylists debated colors, fabrics and silhouettes. I let them do their thing, pretending not to care. But I was watching, measuring, and calculating every inch of this new life. It was a cage wrapped in velvet.

Eventually, Ariana stepped aside to take a call, leaving me briefly alone. I stood in front of the full length mirror assessing the perfectly tailored trousers and blouse I had on that screamed “Milan Elite.” But, the eyes staring back were still mine. Angry, wild and unbroken.

When she returned, she handed me a velvety black envelope. “From him,” she said.

I opened it.

“You’ll be having dinner outside with me tonight. You’ll dress for the occasion.

P.S: I expect you to behave, but by all means, surprise me.”

I rolled my eyes so hard, I nearly saw my brain.

“You’re also a mail lady for him?” I asked.

“No, I only deliver important messages.”

“You really should check what you categorize as important,” I muttered.

Once everything was packed up, dresses, shoes, bags and even new lingerie, we headed back. The car was quiet again, but Ariana spoke just before we reached the estate. “You know,” she said slowly, “not everyone in Luca’s world is your enemy.”

I turned to her. “And you’re one of the good ones?” I scoffed.

“I’m one of the useful ones,” she said. “Trust is earned. So, I’ll try to earn yours.” I didn’t respond, but I didn’t dismiss her either.

Back at the estate, the guards opened the grand entrance and took the bags inside. I followed behind, feeling like a stranger in this world. As I stepped into the living room, I saw him, Luca. He was standing near the window, sipping something dark from a glass. He turned slightly when he heard me but didn’t move.

I walked past Enzo without a glance and stopped just a few feet from Luca. I held up the black envelope I was still holding. “Next time,” I said coolly, “maybe just call or text me directly, instead of sending people to deliver middle-school love notes.”

He raised a brow, clearly amused. “You prefer direct contact now?”

“I prefer not being treated like a chore,” I replied. “But, here we are.”

And with that, I turned to leave, flipping my hair over my shoulder, making sure the movement was sharp and final. As I walked out, I caught it. A quiet exchange of glances behind me. Enzo and Ariana smiling at each other. Let them enjoy the show. Ariana fell in behind me as the doors shut behind us.

Luca Ricci had his own games, I have a few of mine.

At 7:15pm, as I came out of the shower, I saw a bouquet of flowers on my bedside table and a note that said: “Roses for my sweet E.” This man was something else. I tossed them aside and decided to focus on the agenda for the night.

I changed into the gown Ariana had laid out for the evening, a deep emerald green dress that hugged my body like it had been made specifically for me. Off-shoulder, satin, with a thigh-high slit. Classy and bold, just how I liked it.

I accessorized with some diamond jewelry we’d gotten and wore some perfume.

When I stepped out of the room, Ariana grasped softly, “you look breathtaking.” I smiled a little. “Good! Your boss will have something to choke on.”

As we descended the stairs, I could already see Luca waiting below, dressed in an ash colored suit with his usual calm arrogance.

He glanced up as I approached and for the first time, I noticed something in his expression. Something almost like awe. Good. Let him choke on that too.

But, before a word could be exchanged, the main fire swung open. No knock, no guards announcing anyone. Just the swing of wood and the sudden chill in the room.

Luca turned sharply. Enzo stiffened, even Ariana’s smile dropped.

A tall figure stepped just past the threshold. His presence alone commanding the air. No one said a word, but every bone in my body went cold.

I know that silhouette, that stance, that silence. I didn’t blink, didn’t breathe, just stared.

In this moment, I knew this dinner wasn’t happening, not the way anyone had planned.