Chapter 3 3.

"We are definitely going back, Athena," her friend looks at her while the men put the luggage in the room. "Do you want to go through with this? Look at that woman from a moment ago. Is she his woman? For God's sake."

"Come on, Layla, my head hurts," she complains, making a face. "What else can I do? The contract between the families has already been signed. I just want to put an end to all this torment once and for all."

"Are you going to put up with that woman from a moment ago? I'm sure this Valentin or Valentino, whatever his name is, is doing all this on purpose."

"I don't care," she shrugs.

"Why are you taking it so lightly? Don't you care at all that he has another woman?"

"Hey, why should I care about a complete stranger? That's not my business; she was surely his girlfriend before I got here." She rubs her temples in frustration. "Besides, it's better for me that there's another woman to warm his bed, because from me he won't get that kind of attention."

"Don't tell me you're going to go without for a whole year; that's too extreme."

"I always have my resources, and you know it."

"Alright, let's stop this conversation here; I'm feeling really angry right now." She fumbles for the phone that vibrates inside her bag. "It's time for me to go, Ate; we'll talk tonight. I have to get settled."

"Don't forget to send me the address of the place," she bids her farewell with a kiss on the cheek. "Use protection."

"I will."

Athena lets out a tired sigh as she is left alone in the hallway, watching her friend's back as she leaves. The bodyguards finish bringing up the luggage and are then guided by some maids to the place where they should stay. Upon entering her room, she finds her personal maid, or rather, her nanny, unpacking some things.

"You should leave it like that, Nana; the other maids will take care of that job," she tells her, letting herself fall backward onto the bed. "Take a break for today."

"I was about to prepare you a bath; you look quite tired," she replies, sitting down beside her. "Are you okay?"

Athena closes her eyes, nodding her head.

"Better than ever."

"That wasn't a very pleasant welcome a moment ago. Do your parents know about this?"

"I don't know... but it doesn't matter anyway; this is a matter of paper and ink, Nana; there's nothing personal involved, don't worry."

"If you say so... then I guess it's okay."

"Did they already tell you where you're going to stay?"

"Yes, on the first floor below."

"Then go and take a break; I want to be alone for a moment."

"Let me know if you need anything."

"Okay."

The door closes again when the nanny leaves. She completely collapses onto the bed, ready to fall asleep after the uncomfortable trip she had. But just when she thought she would have some peace, the door opens abruptly with a loud bang, causing Athena to turn over in bed, startled.

"What the heck...?" She sits up, frozen as she sees a male figure standing in front of her. "And who the hell are you? Don't you know how to knock on a door?"

"What?" The man reacts, disconcerted. "Is that your way of talking to me?"

"Excuse me?" she raises an eyebrow. "Who the hell are you? Get out of my room right now."

"Who do you think you are?" He frowns severely, giving her a cold look. "I expected more from the fiancée they sent me."

"Wait." She blinks, analyzing the situation. "Are you my fiancé?"

"Unfortunately."

"Damn it."

"What?"

Athena remains silent for a few minutes, observing the man in front of her. She scrutinizes him without any hint of modesty, shifting her eyes first to his crotch. She raises an eyebrow, noticing the bulge that shows through his pants. Then, her gaze moves to his face: green eyes, blond hair, fair skin, a square jaw, and a perfect physical condition.

Everything about him seems to be fine. She imagined that marrying a less attractive man would be a bigger annoyance, but this is exactly her type. Despite this, he doesn't meet her high standards.

But what is that murderous look he's giving her? They've just met and this is how he treats her.

"I'm Athena Volkova," she gets up from the bed, standing in front of him like a fragile little doll before a big ogre. "Your fiancée. Nice to meet you."

He looks at her for a brief moment, thinking that she might be a little more mature, but she just looks like a spoiled child in front of his eyes.

He analyzes her appearance for a moment; it's not bad at all. Black hair, gray eyes, with a good body figure as if she puts a lot of effort into taking care of it. A small, pink mouth, her gaze seems sweet, like that of an innocent girl, but deep down, you can see how dangerous she can be. Her white skin is quite well-cared for; she's practically a perfect doll. But she's not to his taste.

"Valentino Rizzo," he finally introduces himself. "It's best we make things clear right now."

"Go ahead," she purses her lips, showing nonchalance.

"I don't want you to go near Lirio," he states, with a harsh and rough voice. "This will simply be a paper and ink marriage, so stay away from her. She's the woman I want, make that clear."

Athena tried to hold back a mocking laugh, but she couldn't help but let out a burst of laughter, which made Valentino's face harden even more.

"What's so funny?"

"What do you think? This idiot act you're doing right now," she replies, trying to hold back again. "Let's see. We've just met, I don't know who the hell you are, and you don't know who I am either. And now you're asking me not to mess with your mistress as if I were a jealous woman? Seriously, I didn't know Italians liked to make such a fool of themselves. First, the withered flower telling me she's your woman, acting like a secretary without a salary, and now you with empty threats as if I cared about your pathetic life."

"Watch your words," he snaps. "If I'm telling you all this, it's so you can be clear; Lirio told me everything that happened and what you said to her as soon as you set foot here."

"I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

"Do you plan to threaten me into kicking her out? She was here before you."

"And I won't argue with that," she sighs, sitting back on the bed. "I'm not against you having your stupid romance with her, but her living under the same roof as me, of course not. Find her a nest to warm your eggs."

"You are insolent!" he bursts out, filled with rage. "I won't allow you to mess with her; you'll only be my wife on paper, so you have no right."

"Come on, drop this boring speech," she rolls her eyes. "Just like you, I didn't agree to this; I don't like being tied down, and even less with bitter guys like you, so stop playing the victim. If I'm here, it's to save your father's factory. Stop whining, please."

"How dare you?" He grabs her wrist, pulling her to her feet roughly. "Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?"

"If you don't want me to kick your balls, let go of me right now," she states. "Don't think that just because I'm going to be your wife, you'll even think about controlling me. Get a grip, Rizzo."

"You'd better know your place." He releases her without a shred of gentleness. "Don't expect any kind of friendly treatment from me, because you won't get it."

With that, he turns on his heel and leaves the room, slamming the door. Athena takes a deep breath and lies back on the bed, thinking about what to do with that guy who apparently feeds on scorpions.

Threatening her not to approach his mistress. Something truly ridiculous that actually caused her amusement. That statement couldn't have been more absurd.

Athena expected many things from this marriage that was set up so suddenly, but it turned out to be more fun than she thought. It was time to start with the Volkova disaster.

Valentino was pacing in his study, quite furious after a confrontation with the woman who would now be his wife. He didn't like the idea of sharing his life with her, much less that she was so arrogant, trying to be in control of everything.

At that very instant, Lirio appears in the doorway, and he gestures for her to enter without losing the devilish look on his face.

"What happened?" she asks him, putting on a pitiful expression. "Did you meet her? It must have been unpleasant for you; she's a very rude girl."

"She's an insolent woman!" he explodes, almost on the verge of madness. "How dare she...?"

"What did she say to you?" She approaches and clings to his arm.

"Nothing." He breaks her grip and goes to his desk to pour himself a drink. "Today, move back to your old apartment."

"What?" She bristles. "Are you kicking me out because of that woman?"

"Don't argue, Lirio, I've had enough of her," he runs his hand through his hair, quite stressed. "Do what I say; I already told you it's just for a year while the term is up. I'll come to visit you from time to time; besides, we see each other daily at the factory."

"But, Valentino..." Her eyes get moist again. "Are you going to fall for her threats? She just wants to get rid of me; don't let her..."

Valentino's mind flashes back to Athena's words about her complete lack of interest in Lirio. It's obvious she knows what she's here for and doesn't care at all that he's in a relationship, so he concludes that Lirio's words don't make sense. A woman can't be against another woman when she shows no interest in her man.

"Ask the servants to help you pack," he finishes, standing up and heading towards her. "Try to make this easier for both of us; I have to think about saving the factory, okay?"

"Valentino..." she whimpers.

"Go back and pack." He leaves a kiss on her forehead. "I have things to attend to now."

He turns his back on her, returning to his desk and pouring himself another drink. The woman clenches her fists, containing the helplessness caused by being kicked out like this, simply because of a newcomer who will only provide financial help, while she is the woman Valentino "wants."

She leaves the study in a fury over the current situation. How can things change so fast overnight? Before, she was the only one who could be by Valentino's side. They didn't have a stable relationship as such, but he was always attentive and affectionate with her.

They were practically already a couple. But something keeps her restless, and that is that Valentino has always seen her as that emotional support he had at a time when he lost his mother. What if the affection ends and he falls in love with his new wife?

It's a risk she is taking, as Athena is much younger and more beautiful than her. Furthermore, Valentino's father doesn't agree with their relationship, so things have always been difficult for her in that aspect.

The only solution for Lirio to maintain her place by Valentino's side will be to stay in the role of a victim, being somehow hurt by the jealous wife.

"Valentino is mine, only mine, you'll see," she murmurs, heading towards her room to pack.

Now, her role as the "lady of the house" will be taken by that little girl, and that little girl will be the ruin of them both.