Chapter 4 NEW HOME, NEW LIFE

Adriana's POV

My mind felt foggy as I tried to open my eyes but everything was blurry.

What happened to me?

The last thing I remembered was Diego beating up that guy. I gasped as I realized that I must have gone into shock because of the incident. As I looked around, I realized I wasn't in my house; I was in an unfamiliar place and my wedding gown was changed into comfy nightwear.

I recalled gasping for breath and I became insecure. I thought that issue had finally passed because I had not experienced it in a long time, but now, it seems to have returned. I didn't know how I would tell Juan about this.

Just as I was about to get up from the bed, I heard footsteps approaching my door. I quickly lay back down on the bed, pretending to be asleep. The door opened and I could hear two different sets of footsteps approaching me.

"I have no time to waste on her, so just do as I instructed," a deep and cold voice commanded. I figured it was Diego.

"At exactly 8 PM, bring her to the venue and make sure to keep an eye on her because I do not want her complicating my plans," Diego instructed and left the room with Luis.

I couldn't help but wonder what he was planning this time and where he was taking me. The thought made me feel anxious. I needed to find a way to leave the house and to go and see Juan; he deserved an explanation for everything that had happened. After freshening up, I sneaked out of the house.

|||

Upon entering my living room, I was surprised to see Camila and Juan sitting there, and I instantly sensed that something was off. Camila was happy to see me and hugged me.

"Adriana, I have been worried about you since you left after your wedding to your new home," she said, linking her arm with mine as I sat down on the sofa. I looked at Juan and he was staring at me in silence.

I tried to figure out why he was acting that way but couldn't. "What's wrong with Juan?" I asked Camila, hoping she knew something valid since she was with him.

She glanced at Juan and her expression changed to that of a guilty person.

"I'm sorry Adriana, but I told Juan about everything that's happened in the past few days."

Typical Camila-she never keeps her mouth shut.

I moved closer to Juan so that I could explain everything and change the look of disappointment he had. But before I could say anything, he began to question me.

"Why didn't you tell me anything when you called? Is that how little I mean to you?." He sounded hurt, and his voice was tense. I began to feel guilty.

"I'm sorry Juan; I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't say it over the phone because you were worried, and I feared you might do something rash like last time."

Upon hearing that, Camila leaned over and whispered in my ear, excitedly, "Later, you will tell me what happened last time." I shrugged her off.

Two years ago, Juan had messed with a mafia syndicate abroad because they tried to kill me and I couldn't let anything like that happen again.

"You should have still told me, Adriana; I would have talked to Dad for you," he said, looking concerned and guilty for not being there when I needed him the most.

I didn't know what to say or how to make him feel less guilty. "Everything is done now, so let's leave it in the past," I told him calmly, trying to end the discussion.

Suddenly, Camila asked me a question, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Why are you here? Did Diego allow you to come?"

"Well, aren't you enthusiastic?" I said, teasing her. She smiled and looked away.

"What's wrong Adriana?" Juan asked, pulling my face towards his so he could get a better look.

"Why do you look a bit pale? Did that monster do something bad to you already?" How did he notice? I made sure to apply enough makeup to hide any paleness on my face.

I couldn't tell him about the shock attack-not for now at least. "It might have just happened this once and won't happen again," I thought.

"Nothing happened to me. I was just too exhausted from yesterday," I assured him, trying to clear any suspicion he had.

He nodded but I could tell he still had doubts, so I quickly changed the subject. "How is Dad's health?"

"His health is good, and I'll get his test results about the bleeding tomorrow," Juan reassured me.

"I need to leave now," I told Camila and Juan as I glanced at the time on my watch. I stood up to leave, but Juan insisted that I see my father. I rejected the idea, claiming it wasn't necessary. The last thing I needed was a lecture from my dad.

" I won't come to work anytime soon, so please tell the boss about my leave," I said to Camila and then hurried out the front door. I didn't want any more questions from either of them, and I needed to be home before Diego returned to prevent any trouble.

The way he had beaten up that man had traumatized me, and I feared what would happen if I ever went against him.

Later that evening, I heard a knock on my bedroom door and opened it to find Luis standing there.

"Miss, there is a party being held for all mafia syndicates to celebrate Diego and your successful wedding," Luis said to me while leading personal stylists into my room. "Diego said you should get ready, and I'll take you to the venue." He left after delivering the message.

"A mafia party? And all syndicates will be there." I whispered, panicking. This was bad for me.

Diego's POV

It is about time I stopped obeying my father's orders. Just because we got married doesn't mean I have to bring Adriana everywhere I go.

I scoffed.

Who was she anyway? The wedding was nothing but a sham, and I didn't need to pretend that I was nice to her or that we were a real couple.

Rodrigo rushed into my office without knocking, and I shot him an irritated glare.

"Boss, I'm sorry for not knocking but I need to relay some important information urgently." Rodrigo looked like he was being chased and I wondered what was so urgent.

I signaled for him to proceed and he complied.

"After what that guy who broke into our warehouse said, I found out who his associate was, which also led me to his master as well."

His master? That was the information I had been waiting to hear.

"What did you find out about his master?"

"I learned that the associate met with Mr Javier on two occasions a month ago. I managed to capture the associate and decided to question him about it but he fled from my grasp, so that was all I could find out." Rodrigo said, awaiting a response from me.

"Darn!" I exclaimed. So the Castillo family was involved in this. I couldn't help but snicker as I knew I would find out about their plans from their beloved daughter soon.

Just then, I received a call from Luis, who said my presence was needed urgently at the party. "What could have happened?" I wondered as I left for the venue.