Chapter 2
1052 Words
Don Marco Morietti and the gilded cage
Alessia trembled as they walked to the living room.
They walked in and found a man staring at the windows with his back to them.
"Don Morietti." Ciara called with a smile on her face.
The man whipped around and a charming smile played on his lips highlighting his sharp jawline and chiseled features.
"Donna Ciara." He opened his arms and Ciara walked into his embrace.
A golden ring glimmered in his finger as he patted Ciara's small back.
His eyes trailed forward and his eyes fell on Alessia and his hazel eyes bore into hers. She found his stare intense and had to avert her gaze.
He pulled away from Ciara and she offered him a seat.
He loosened the checkered tie that laid dormant on his crisp white shirt. His dark blue suit seemed to shimmer in the light and Alessia was amazed at the broad frame his tailored suit exposed.
"Come sit here, Alessi." Ciara patted the side next to her.
Whike Alessia motioend to the couch, Marco held her gaze, his eyes holding hers till she got to the couch and sat down. The way he stared at her made her uncomfortable.
Ciara cleared her throat and began the introduction. "Don Marco, this is my step daughter, Alessia Vera Bianchi. Alessia, this is my business associate, Don Marco Dominic Morietti, leader of the rival family, Morietti…
Marco dug his hand into his pocket and whipped out a pack of cigars. With a flick of his wrist, he lit the cigarette.
Alessia watched him in astonishment as he lit the cigar. She scoffed at his rudeness. Who lights a cigar without asking for permission?
The hint of cigar smoke lingered in the air and she plugged her nose with her fingers.
Marco drew in a long drag and smiled as the smoke curled around his face. “Nice to meet you, Alessia.”
"Alessia, you will marry Marco, uniting our families and securing our alliance. This is what you father would want.” Ciara announced, her voice firm and her eyes unapologetic as she looked at Alessia.
Alessia struggled to speak but couldn't. She drooped her shoulders, fisting her gown.
“I don't want to get married.” She wanted to say but she couldn't.
The cigarette dangled from Marco’s lips, a thin stream of smoke went up to ceiling. He spoke in a low tone that made Eva shiver. “Alessia, listen to your mother.”
Ciara’s piercing gaze met Alessia's and she shrunk in her seat. “You will do as you are told! This is an honour to our family!”
Alessia felt tears trickle down her cheeks. They had already decided her fate without hearing her opinion. Hear? Of course. Why would they? She was mute.
The meeting concluded.
The sweet scent of Italian tobacco mixed with cologne filled the air as Marco gestured his hand to Alessia.
It was a small box containing a beautiful 20 carat diamond ring. "Welcome to the Morietti family, Alessia."
Tears pooled at the ends of her eyes.
Her fate was sealed finally when Marco walked to where she sat. He got down on one knee and slid the ring into her.
"Congratulations!" Ciara clapped gleefully, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Alessia knew it was all a game of power and she was the pawn - the perfect one for Ciara.
Her hand trembled as Marco took her hand. His grip was soft but cold. Now, she was his prisoner.
Her hair escaped from her temples and he put them pack in place.
His hand lingered on her face and he cupped her cheek.
"Don't worry, Darling Alessia." He whispered. "I promise to take good care of you. You'll learn to love me in time."
Alessais skin crawled from the touch but she couldn't pull away.
Ciara smiled. "You will make a good wife, Dear Alessi. All you have to do is obey Marco and everything will be alright."
That afternoon, Alessia was locked up in her room as she waited for Marco to come get her.
She looked out the window, he was discussing with her step mom.
Their eyes met and she shuffled away from the window.
Don Marco was a dangerous man and there was no way she would last a day in his house.
She ran to her wardrobe and began to pack her bags. Her eyes moving as quickly as her hands did.
In an instant the door flew open.
Marco's eyes narrowed as he saw the packed bags on her bed.
He growled in a low, menacing voice. "What on earth do you think you're doing?!"
Alessia's heart raced and she whimpered, moving backwards.
His gaze turned old as he approached her. "Are you planning to leave me?"
Alessia shook her head as tears spilled from her eyes.
Marco's eyes flashed with intense possesivesness. "Well, that's not going to happen. You're mine now, Alessia."
He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room. Alessia struggled to escape his hold but his grip was tight.
"You will stay with me forever!" Marco hissed as he dragged her with him down the steps.
The maids watched with gaping mouths as Marco forced Alessia out of the house.
"Alessia!" Gertrude called behind her.
She was about to follow them when Ciara called her back.
"Don't you dare step foot outside that door!" She ordered in a commanding voice.
Alessia’s fear spiked as she realised there was no escape from Marco Morietti.
The bodyguard saw them coming and opened the door to the backseat.
"Aargh!" Alessia screamed but Marco didn't let go.
He forced her into the car and shut the door.
When Alessia continued with her protests, he shushed her. "One more peep out of you !
She fell quiet, crying quiet sobs.
"Go!" Marco yelled to the driver.
The Maybach turned right and drove past the compounded through the open gates.
"Alessia!" Gertrude screamed. She turned to Ciara," Why would you do that to her? She's just a 20 year old child!"
"Oh please, she's not a child." Ciara turned on her heels and strolled into the mansion.
Gertrude clasped her hands together as she prayed for Alessia. "Dear God, please protect Alessia from that monster!"
- Writer
