Chapter 9
A R I A N A
The wedding reception finally ended.
No more fake smiles, no more pretending to be happy, no more watching Angelo glare at us from across the room.
Dante didn’t say a word to me as we left Just grabbed my arm and led me to his black car waiting outside.
The ride to his mansion was completely silent.
I sat as far from him as possible, pressed against the door, staring out the window at the passing city lights.
My throat still hurt where he’d choked me my wedding ring felt heavy and wrong on my finger.
Dante didn’t look at me once the whole drive he got himself busy with his phone, his jaw tight, his fingers tapping impatiently on the screen.
When the car finally stopped, I realized we were at a huge, dark mansion way bigger than my family’s.
Dante got out first, not waiting for me, not helping me he just walked straight to the front door like I didn’t exist.
I followed slowly, my high heels clicking on the stone path the night air was cold, I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly wishing I had a jacket.
Inside, the mansion was all dark and expensive furniture it felt cold and empty, nothing like the warm, cozy home I once had with Angelo.
A maid appeared from a side door, bowing low to Dante.
“Show her to her room,” Dante ordered, jerking his head at me before he turned and walked away down a long hallway without another word.
Just like that.
The maid a kind-looking older woman with gray hair smiled at me. “Come, Mrs. Russo I’ll take you upstairs p>
Mrs. Russo.
The name made me sick.
I followed her up the grand staircase, my legs heavy with exhaustion, all I wanted was a long bath and a good rest, a deep slumber would maybe forget the nightmare I was living in even if it’s only for a moment.
The maid kept making small talk, her voice gentle.
“Such a beautiful wedding… You must be tired… Would you like some tea p>
I shake my head, “No thank you” my voice sounded hoarse.z
Then, as we reached the top of the stairs, the maid suddenly gasped. “Oh! Your neck p>
Her wrinkled fingers reached toward the bruises Dante had left, then stopped herself. Her eyes filled with pity.
I quickly pulled my hair forward to cover the marks. “I’m fine,” I lied.
The maid didn’t look convinced but she didn’t ask more questions either she led me down a long hallway to a bedroom at the very end.
“This is your room,” she said, opening the door.
I stepped inside it was big and Fancy. A huge bed with silk sheets. Everything looked brand new but the feeling I get in my own comfort zone wasn’t there, I didn’t like the taste of color I wanted to redecorate but that thought was pushed aside since I don’t plan on staying.
She snapped me out of my train of thoughts.”Would you like help changing out of your wedding dress p>
I shook my head. “No. Thank you, I just… I want to be alone p>
She nodded, still giving me that pitying look. “Of course. Goodnight, Mrs. Russo p>
Then she left, closing the door behind her.
I waited until her footsteps faded before I collapsed onto the bed, still in my wedding dress, and finally let myself cry.
This wasn’t a marriage.
This was a prison.
And I had just become Dante Russo’s newest prisoner.
I tossed and turned all night.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Dante’s cold face and felt his hands around my throat his threats ringing in my ears.
You belong to me now.
The words played over and over in my head like a broken record.
After what felt like forever, exhaustion finally pulled me under.
Knock knock knock.
I jerked awake, my heart pounding confusion easing on my face before it all came rushing back.
The wedding.
Knock knock knock.
“Come in” I ushered part of me hoping it wasn’t Dante cause he’s the last person I want to see now.
The door opened and a girl about my age walked in. She had curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail and a big smile that showed perfect white teeth.
“Good morning, Mrs. Russo!” she chirped, setting down a tray with a glass of orange juice. “I’m Lina! I’ll be your personal maid here p>
I blinked at her energy how could anyone be this happy at… I glanced at the clock… 7:30 in the morning?
Lina didn’t seem to notice my confusion she flitted around the room, opening curtains, picking up my discarded wedding dress from the floor. “Oh my, what a beautiful dress! You looked so stunning yesterday p>
I didn’t answer just watched her move around my room like she owned it.
“Your breakfast is ready!” Lina continued. “Would you like it in bed? Or would you prefer the dining room p>
I swallowed. “Is… is Dante there p>
Lina shook her head. “Oh no! Mr. Russo left for work hours ago. He’s always gone before sunrise p>
A small relief.
At least I wouldn’t have to face him yet.
“I’ll come downstairs,” I said, swinging my legs out of bed.
I had nothing to wear except my wedding dress.
“Can you get me something to wear?” I ask.
Lima nods, “Yes! Mr. Russo had an entire wardrobe prepared for you! Come see p>
She practically skipped to a door I hadn’t noticed last night and threw it open Inside was a walk-in closet bigger than my bedroom, filled with clothes, designers, shoes and Bag everything looked expensive and brand nee
My stomach turned.
Dante had bought me an entire wardrobe like I was some doll for him to dress up.
“Beautiful, right?” Lina sighed dreamily. “Mr. Russo has such good taste p>
The asshole sure does have good taste.