Chapter 4 His touch

"Mr. D'Amato, your wife isn't in a good state. I've taken her blood samples, and you'll get the reports by tomorrow. I would like to ask you if you have been abusing your wife," Doctor Megan asked without any hesitation, her eyes sharp and assessing.

Valerian's face tightened with surprise and indignation. "No. We got married only today," he replied, though he felt a twinge of guilt for having used force on Liliana earlier.

Doctor Megan's expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained vigilant. "She has many scars on her body. I examined her and found some recent bruises too. Well, congratulations on your marriage. I hope you take good care of your wife," she stated, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you," Valerian said curtly. He watched Doctor Megan leave, then turned his gaze back to Liliana's pale face.

In the living room, Valerian ordered the head maid to send some soup upstairs. He then returned to the bedroom, his mind racing. He hadn't noticed the extent of Liliana's injuries before. Had her stepbrother been abusing her all this time? He hesitated as he pulled away the blanket, conflicted between his anger and concern.

When he saw the bruises and scars on her body, a wave of guilt and anger washed over him. Liliana's earlier slap stung in his memory, reigniting his frustration. He threw the blanket back over her, unable to reconcile his emotions.

Valerian left the room and instructed the head maid to feed the soup to Liliana. He needed a moment to clear his head and headed to the small bar within the mansion. The dimly lit room was lined with shelves of expensive liquors, a serene place where he could gather his thoughts.

As he made a drink for himself, a familiar voice broke the silence. "What's the Boss doing here on his wedding night?" It was none other than his secretary and close friend, Arlo Sartori.

Valerian didn't answer immediately, taking a long sip of the neat alcohol. The burn of the liquor was a welcome distraction from his turbulent thoughts.

Arlo, always observant, moved to the other side of the counter and faced Valerian. He tilted his head, scrutinizing Valerian's cheek. "Don't tell me you got slapped!" Arlo asked with a raised brow, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Shut your mouth," Valerian snapped, pouring more alcohol into his glass. The sharpness in his voice surprised even him, and it made Arlo laugh.

"The King Of The Underworld is slapped by a woman. That's strange! No one could ever touch you," Arlo stated. "Did you keep her alive after being slapped?" He was pressing his wound further.

"Arlo, don't trouble me. I'm already going insane," Valerian said. His grip on the glass tightened, his rings shone brightly and he lifted the glass once again.

"You are going insane because you couldn't punish a woman or you are going insane because you got slapped by your enemy's daughter!?" Arlo wasn't ready to back off. This was the first time Valerian had held himself back from using the violence.

Valerian glared at him, realizing Arlo would not stay quiet unless he would receive all the answers.

"Did you find out the Ricco Family details? Their elder son is trying to get my deal on which I've been working for a long time," Valerian asked.

"Yes, but I won't be giving out that information to you now. Good night," Arlo said and left the mini bar.

Valerian leaned back on the chair and enjoyed the alcohol in silence. That was the only thing that could keep him at peace tonight.

~~~~

The next morning, Liliana woke up feeling lightheaded yet strangely comfortable. It was as if she had been deprived of sleep for years, and the rest she had finally gotten was rejuvenating. Her mind was still trying to process the events of the previous night when the reality struck her-she was married to Valerian.

With a start, she sat up, checking herself and noting that she was still clothed. Confusion clouded her face as fragments of the night before came rushing back. She remembered how Valerian had attempted to force himself on her, his cruel words echoing in her ears as he called her a slave despite her being his wife.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of him, but Valerian was nowhere to be seen. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, her feet touching the cool floor.

The room was spacious, its opulent décor a stark contrast to the simplicity she was accustomed to. Ornate furnishings, rich tapestries, and intricate carvings adorned every surface, making her feel even more out of place.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she found the washroom. Pushing the door open, Liliana walked in, not realizing that Valerian was inside the shower until she heard the sound of water.

Her head turned right, her eyes widening at the sight. There stood Valerian, completely naked, the water cascading over his well-defined muscles, every movement highlighting the strength and power he possessed.

Her mind seemed to come to a screeching halt. She couldn't look away as his hands moved through his hair, the muscles in his arms flexing with the motion. He turned slightly, and their eyes met. The shock of the moment paralyzed her.

Valerian's gaze held hers for a brief moment before she quickly turned around, her face burning with embarrassment.

"I-I am sorry. I-I..." she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. Panic set in as she ran to the door, trying to escape the situation, but the door wouldn't budge.

She tugged at the handle, her heart racing with fear and humiliation. The lock was stubborn, refusing to give way despite her desperate attempts.

Just as she was about to give up, Valerian's hand rested on hers. She froze, feeling the warmth of his touch, and slowly tilted her head to look at him.

His proximity sent her heart into overdrive. His cold, piercing voice broke the tense silence. "Do you wish to break it?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

With a gentle push, he opened the door effortlessly. Liliana stood there, mesmerized by his presence. Fresh from the shower, droplets of water glistened on his skin, giving him an almost ethereal glow. She couldn't help but be drawn to him, despite the conflicting emotions warring within her.

She knew she shouldn't feel this way-shouldn't be captivated by the man who had treated her so cruelly. But her heart betrayed her thoughts, beating faster as she gazed at him.

Before she could look away, she was pushed out of the washroom, causing her jaw to drop.