TAKING THE GOLD DIGGER'S HEART

Chapter 1 Daisy’s POV I was walking across the hallway when I heard them arguing again. Why are they arguing so loudly today? “It's as if Dad wants me to hear them.” I wondered to myself. “We are finished, Catherine!” He shouted. “Did you hear me?” He repeated. “The creditors are circling; the bank won’t wait. If Daisy doesn’t do her duty, we lose everything!” Dad shouted again. “Take it easy, Richard. I know she is ready to do it now. I have talked to her,” she said in a calm voice. “Richard, don't forget that she’s just a girl. She still has her own dreams,” Mum pleaded, her voice barely a whisper. “She is not a child. She is 24 years old. Some of her mates are married,” he retorted. “Besides, dreams don’t pay debts! But the Cassanos can help us. Don Marco and Signora Evelina respect me enough to consider helping arrange a marriage match with a wealthy heir. But they’ll only help us if Daisy plays her part,” he cut in sharply. “So it’s true… I’m nothing but a bargaining chip.” I whispered to myself, feeling so deflated. As I stumbled to my room, I couldn't help but wonder, if I give myself to them, will there be anything left of me? “Goodbye, dreams,” I whispered to myself, resigned to my fate. Mum followed me into my room. In her hands are some new clothes. “Hold your shoulders high, my love. Confidence is half the battle. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.” “Everyone admires confidence,” she added. “Admire? Or own? Which is it, Mama?” I couldn't help but retort. “Don’t hate us, Daisy. We’re only trying to save our family,” she replied tearfully. “And in the process, you’re selling me,” I replied, through gritted teeth. “I’ll play your game. But I will not let you break me. No, I will not let anyone break me,” I shouted. Just before I got into the car taking me to the airport, my mother drew me closer and whispered, “The Cassanos are not always what they seem. Be careful whom you trust, Daisy.” Her parting words sent shivers down my spine as I turned to hear what my father was saying to me. "It's time you were exposed to the rich community. You will spend your holidays with my friends, the Cassanos. And make sure that when you return, you're engaged to one of their rich friends' sons,” he said, his voice bracing no argument. I wrestled with my thoughts. What Dad is asking me to do is against everything I believe in, but what can I do? I must help my family to pay back the debts my father owes the banks. I must not allow my family to be disgraced. When the gates to the Cassanos' mansions opened—black iron curling into intricate patterns—the world changed. “Wow, the Cassano estate looks like something out of the magazines. Look at those well-manicured gardens and marbled fountains. And the villa is so pale and enormous. It seems carved out of sunlight itself,” I chuckled. I couldn't help speaking out. “Yes. Is this your first time visiting?” The driver asked. “No. It had been years since I last set foot in Italy, and even longer since I had seen the Cassanos. Back then, I was just a shy 14-year-old tagging along behind her parents. Now, at 24, a college student, I have returned and am still amazed at the splendour of their mansion,” I responded. The car rolled to a stop before the steps, and the driver slipped out to open the door for me. I stepped out, heels clicking against the stone, my heart hammering in anticipation. "Daisy!" a warm female voice called out. I turned to see Signora Cassano gliding down the steps in an elegant silk dress, arms wide, her dark hair streaked tastefully with silver. She embraced me like a long-lost daughter, her perfume wrapping around me like jasmine and powder. "It's been too long,” she whispered. "You've grown so beautiful.” Signora Cassano's smile was warm, but I sensed calculation beneath it—the practiced charm of someone who ruled an empire, not just a household. I smiled shyly, trying to hide my true feelings, murmuring thanks, but my eyes were already drifting—searching. And then I saw him, Lorenzo. I was surprised by what I saw. I saw a handsome man whose presence commanded the space around him, with broad shoulders and dark eyes, not the boy I had known.Why was Lorenzo looking at me like that, as though he saw through every mask I thought I wore? “I think he knows why I'm here.” I felt sad, intrigued and unsettled. “Come on, get over yourself. You are imagining things. Lorenzo is nothing more than my parents' old friend's son. Remember that you are simply here to capture a rich fiancé for the summer holiday, nothing more,” I murmured to myself. At that moment, I knew that this summer would not be simple. Lorenzo’s POV “Oh, she is here,” I murmured to myself nonchalantly. I didn’t move. I didn’t smile. I just looked at her with disdain. "Lorenzo,” my mother called in her usual warm tone, turning to me. "Don’t just stand there, darling. Come and greet Daisy.” I descended the steps, and she was looking straight at me. “Wow, those gorgeous eyes, I could stare at them all day. Snap out of it, man. Don't forget why she's here. She is not here for you; she's here to secure a marriage to another rich dude. She is a gold digger,” I quietly cautioned myself. When I finally reached her, “Welcome back, Daisy,” I said, extending my hand politely. “Keep the handshake polite and distant. It's not like you have not seen lots of beautiful women before,” I again cautioned myself. But as my fingers slipped into hers, and my palm enveloped hers, it felt warm and tender.This is not right. I forced a smile, trying to act as if everything was okay. I need to get away from this girl. She is not to be trusted. "It's... good to see you again," I managed to say. But as I was to release her hand, I lingered for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, enjoying the softness of her touch. “What is happening here?” I felt myself pulling back. And I saw her almost jump back. “Come, child. Come and meet my husband, Don Marco. You must be tired. Dinner tonight will be in your honour,” my mother continued, oblivious of the tension in the air. As my mother invitingly gestured to her, leading her into the villa, I was sure I heard her murmur something sad under her breath. As she mounted the marble steps into the villa, my eyes were still following this sss of beauty. She had surprised me with her physical appearance. I didn't know what I expected; after all, it's been over 10 years since I saw her. “But don't you ever forget why she is here. All these beautiful women are the same. Trading their beauty for money. There is no need to respect a woman who is marrying just for money,” I murmured to myself.” “I must keep an eye on her this summer. It will be very interesting to see how she'll manage to bag her rich husband,” I chuckled to myself.