Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
“It’s okay, Freya.” I touch Freya’s arm softly and smile at Vica.
“How does it feel to be married to Valentino?” Serena asks. “I’ve always been afraid of him.”
“Valentino isn’t scary.” Vica rolls her eyes. “He’s a big bad wolf on the outside and a sweet teddy bear on the inside.” There’s a deliberately secretive, knowing look in her eyes that makes me want to snuff the life out of her.
“Vica, you shouldn’t say things that you know nothing about,” Freya scolds. She seems utterly exhausted with Vica. I’m pleased by the fact that I’m not the only one who sees how hard she’s trying to get on my nerves.
“I’m absolutely sure of whatever I tell you about Valentino,” Vica boasts. “We are very close.” She turns to me. “I saw Valentino a few minutes ago, and the poor man looked fatigued. I suggest you make him a pot of chamomile tea. It always calms him down.”
The other women glance at me, gauging my reaction. The reaction they see is not the one I am feeling. I smile gratefully at Vica and touch her arm gently. “Thank you, Vico. I appreciate any advice that will make my husband happy.”
“It’s Vica.” She jerks away from my touch.
I laugh softly. “Must be strange for you. To know so much about a man and have him marry another woman. What will you do with all the information in your head about him now?”
Vica gasps, jumps up from the bed and storms out of the room. When she’s out the door, we all burst into laughter.
“Ha, ha. You called her Vico. I love you already,” Serena says, throwing her arms around me.
“Don’t mind, Vico. She’s just upset he didn’t choose her,” Isabella says cheekily.
“I won’t.”
“Are you ready to meet everyone at the party tomorrow?” Freya asks.
It’s tomorrow? I feel irritated with Valentino all over again! He is so…so annoying. First, he didn’t bother to tell me about a party where his whole intimidating family would be there. Then when I confront him about it, he still doesn’t let me know it is tomorrow.
I think I should have something to wear in my suitcase but it gives me no time at all to prepare mentally for it. “I don't think I’ll ever be ready to meet some of the elders of the Barone clan,” I answer honestly. “But there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be with you all the way,” Isabella says, taking my hand. “We were in your shoes once. Nonna Isadora is the scariest one, but once you get over the first few minutes, you’ll love her.”
I smile gratefully. “Thank you.”
Freya hugs me and scrambles off the bed. “We should leave. We will see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you all,” I say and I really mean it. They are sincere and sweet and I am touched by their kind offer of friendship and assistance.
I hug the three women and walk them to the door. After they leave, I’m left alone with my damning thoughts. I wish they would return to keep me company, or else I may drown in anger. Vica’s words are still stuck in my head even though she was first to leave.
I saw Valentino a few minutes ago.
So she saw him a few minutes ago? Where?
In his room. I don’t even know where his room is. Why is he meeting up with her after telling me that he wanted his family to think we are deeply in love with each other? What did they do together? He could barely keep his hands off her when he was in the company of his family. Did he touch her? Did he kiss her? I get angrier and angrier with every new thought that roars into my head. He tells me I have to play the part of the happiest bride in the world while he plays the part of the most unfaithful husband in the world.
My blood burns with jealous rage.
I know I cannot stay cooped up here any longer.
Earlier, I saw an outdoor pool on the east side of the house. It was like something from an old Greek painting. Majestic thick columns with creepers growing up them and a wonderful ancient style mosaic tiled floor. The fragrance from the lemon and orange grove hung over the still water like a magic mist. Maybe I should go there. I’ve always loved to swim. Maybe the water will relax me tonight.
I slip into the bikini Louisa gave me as a wedding present and look critically at my reflection in the mirror. I never would have picked it if I was shopping for a swimsuit. It is too daring, which is not me at all. The top struggles to adequately cover my full breasts, and the bottom is a whisker away from being pornographic. Since she helped me pack, I had no option but to smile when she stuffed it cheekily into a corner of my suitcase. I grab a big white towel and wrap it around me.