Aria POV
I picked my shoes and tiptoed out the door , I had to be really quiet so I won't wake them up .
I slowly opened the gate leading to the stables .
"Hey Silvia." I smiled rubbing my horse , it neighed .
"Shh!, we have to be quiet so we won't get caught."
I gently removed the rope and walked her outside .
The morning was just dawning , everywhere was so quiet .
Please God , keep them fast asleep.
I succeeded in getting out of the mansion's gate .
I grinned and climbed on Silvia .
"Hiya!" I rode her to our favorite place .
Silvia has been my best friend as long as I can remember and surprisingly she's the only thing they haven't taken away from me .
She was gifted to me by my Nana when I was five .
My eyes watered , I miss her so much .
She was the only member of my family that treated me like I was really human .
Well she and Simon.
Simon is my Older cousin who lives with us , he's my dad dead brother's only son , but Dad loves him just like his own son.
I live with my family in the Romano mansion located next to the big ranch.
I'm not sure whether I can consider them my family though cause of the way they treat me.
My mother died when I was just four years old , I don't really remember her much .
My dad got remarried to Mom or as she prefers I call her , Ma'am Celine.
She has never accepted me as her daughter and she made it so clear that she doesn't even like me .
and sadly my dad doesn't like me much either , he accuses me of killing my mother and that I was a bad luck child .
I always cried myself to sleep anytime he says that .
My mom died in an accident , It was just me and her in the car but I survived , so I was told .
I have just two step sisters , they are ma'am Celine children .
Martina and the youngest , the baby of the house - Paola , But i call her my little Paolita.
Paola is so cute and small even though she's five .
I love her so much and she loves me .
We have a special bond , maybe because I practically raised her .
Martina is the first daughter of Ma'am Celine and also my Dad's favorite daughter.
She's exactly like her mom .
Rude, arrogant and proud.
She also treats me so badly , she doesn't consider me as her sister at all .
She's 22 and she's in college but she goes from home .
I remember begging my dad to enroll me in college but he refused , he stopped my education at just high school , which I was home-schooled.
I have a passion for arts , I Love painting and drawing .
I also loved to sing , But ma'am Celine and Martina mock me all the time , they say I have a really bad voice , so I don't even bother singing anymore.
I had small painting equipments and a painting board .
Simon got them for me as presents for my 15th birthday.
But the moment Simon left the house that day , Ma'am Celine took everything and burnt them .
Simon is really nice to me . He treats me well and considers me his little sister .
He's also very protective of me.
He stands up to Ma'am Celine and Martina sometimes when they treat me badly .
The only person he can't really face is Dad , but he tries his best .
Recently , Dad sends him on so many Mafia errands.
He's presently in Mexico.
I feel so sad because I can't even talk to him , I have no phone .
He left me in the mercy of the people I call my family .
I don't know why they hate me so much .
all my life , all I have ever done is try to fit in , I try so hard so they can accept and treat me like one of their own.
Maybe I understand Ma'am Celine resentment towards me , I'm not her biological daughter , but what of Dad , I'm his daughter for God's sake!.
I wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks and sat on the swing .
I'm never allowed to leave the mansion .
So I always sneak out to come here so early in the morning to enjoy the serenity and the view , then I return back before they wake up.
I found out about this place the first time I tried to escape .
I shut my eyes trying not to remember the horrible scene that followed when I got caught .
I was just 16 , I couldn't take the ill-treatment any longer .
I remember that night , they had guest , I was so sick but Ma'am Celine insisted on me serving them , I cooked all the meals and prepared everything .
We have servants but I consider myself one of them .
I sleep in the servant quarters and work non-stop in the mansion , even on the ranch and stables .
They made sure I always had work to do , not that I care though , I actually love it .
I practically grew up with the servants , they were the ones that actually treated me like i was family .
The head-worker – Ma'am Serena , is like a real mother to me.
She has been working for us for as long as i can remember.
She loves me so much .
Her son , Matteo , is a friend to Simon , he works on the Ranch .
He's also like a senior brother to me .
I feel so loved and welcomed when I'm with them .
*flashback*
My head throbbed so badly , my eyes felt dizzy and the plates I held on my hands suddenly slipped , I heard the crashing noise.
"You stupid girl , you can't even do one thing right!" Ma'am Celine yelled as she slapped me .
She dragged me to the kitchen ,
"You wait here , I swear I will deal with you this night , Little scum." She hissed at me and went back to attend to her guests.
I knew I would be a dead meat if I wait there , she would beat me up to a pulp , so I did the only thing my mind could think of .
I escaped through the back door and ran away , I got outside the ranch and I kept running .
Then I saw the torchlights and heard voices , my dad had sent his men to look for me , I gulped .
I hid behind the big tree opposite the swing hoping it would shed me from them as I couldn't run further .
but I was unlucky , they saw me .
"Please! Please! Let me go , please don't take me back there!." I screamed as I struggled to get out of their hold.
I was taken back home forcefully .
The look my dad had in his eyes was fierce , he looked at me with so much hatred as he brought out the horse whip and gave me several strokes on my back.
*Flash back ends *
I touched my back , the scars are still there .
I sniffed , then I noticed the day was already getting brighter .
Oh no , no! , I should have gotten home earlier!
I panicked and quickly got on Silvia .
I decided to take the tarred road , meant for cars , they weren't any cars anyways .
But all of a sudden , I saw a car approaching and it was On a high speed , I lost control of Silvia and before I knew it , I landed on the ground and blackened out.
****
I opened my eyes , my head ached . I groaned as I sat up holding my head .
Then I noticed I was in a car and it was moving, huh!
I looked up and saw an unknown man driving.
I screamed .
"who are you , are you trying to kidnap me? , let me go!!!."
I tried opening the car door but it was locked , I banged on the window .
"You should calm down , seeing as you almost got into an accident." The man said calmly in a really deep voice.
Accident?... oh , I remembered.
Silvia?!.
"Silvia... my horse , what of my horse?." I asked panicking .
"She's safe , I have got her handled ... now give me the directions to your house."
No no, he can't drop me at the mansion , they already probably know I'm gone by now , I gulped , sweats began to form on my forehead.
"Drop me here." I ordered .
"I can't , it's the least I can do since I almost ran you over ,give me your address." He said still calmly.
"I said drop me here! , drop me here!!!!." I yelled , trying to get hold the steering.
He stopped the car abruptly.
"are you trying to get us killed or what!" He snapped now .
"Unlock the door."
He looked at me as if I was crazy and unlocked the door.
I got out and tried running but I noticed I had an injury on my leg .
"Argh!" I groaned .
The unknown man drove his car to where I was and ordered me to enter again , I refused stubbornly and continued leaping away.
Suddenly he got out of his car and carried me .
"Hey! Put me down , stop it! ... you can't take me home please." I screamed .
My screams fell on deaf ears , he placed me in the front seat and put on the seatbelt , then he walked to the driver's side and drove off .
I could see the mansion from here now , it was really close . I swallowed fearfully.
"Please drop me here please." I pleaded.
"I live in that mansion over there , it isn't far anymore." I added with tears already forming in my eyes .
I was already afraid of what my dad would do to me .
I know I could easily escape from here , but Dad would find me eventually and moreover where could I even go to , I don't know anywhere .
"You live in the Romano's Mansion?" Mr Stranger asked coldly.
I nodded and got out of the car , still leaping.
I looked back at him , he was still standing there looking at the mansion .
Does he know my dad or something?.
I got to the mansion and stood in front of the big gate , I wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt and walked in .
I went straight to the servant quarters, it's a good thing it was closer to the gate .
I walked briskly into the kitchen and met Ma'am Serena .
"Ohh child , my child." She hugged me .
"Why didn't you tell me before you left , I would have covered for you ... your dad has been looking for you all over." She trembled with so much fear in her eyes .
Then she saw my bloody legs , "what happened to you?!" She cried out .
"I.."
"Aria!!!" I heard my dad's thunderous voice .
I shivered .
He walked towards me with so much Rage and landed me a big slap that made me fall on the floor.
"You disgusting brat! You tried to escape again! , do you know the trouble you are causing for this family , huh!" He yelled kicking me on my belly close to my ribs . I cried out .
"I will handle you for real this time , I will find a permanent solution to your stupidity!" He growled angrily and walked away.
I coughed out , tears kept rolling from my eyes.
I looked at Martina , she smirked at me before she walked away.
I held my hurting ribs , I miss Simon so much .
"Oh dear , get up ... I will help you clean up." Ma'am Serena said sadly helping me get off the floor.
She helped me dress the wound on my leg and massaged my belly.
"Why me?" I sobbed , she hugged me and placed my head on her Chest.
"It will be fine my girl , it will all be fine." She consoled.
When I rested a little , I decided to go to the stables to check if Silvia was there .
I pray the unknown man kept his word and returned her safely.
She neighed when I got in , I rushed happily to where she was and hugged her .
"Silvia , oh Silvia." I rubbed her soothingly.
I didn't know what I would have done if I lost her . I just hope they still wouldn't take her away from me .
I sat outside the stables looking at the stars , it was night already.
Then I remembered Mr stranger and the way he carried me back to his car , I blushed .
That was the closest I have ever been with any man .
I have never had a boyfriend before , I couldn't possibly have.
Ma'am Celine and Martina would Rat me out to Dad and he would kill me.
I sighed .
The man was handsome though , with his sleek black hair.
He was so tall and had a manly body .
My cheeks got hot again , I shook my head to get rid of the stupid thoughts .
I closed the stable and walked to my tiny room.
I laid on the bed , I wasn't able to sleep , I just rolled around.
I laid upwards facing the ceiling , as my famous thoughts about having a Prince Charming came back.
I have always imagined how my life Would be if I finally got married .
Most people are happy in their Marriage , so I guess mine would be the same .
He would take me away from this bondage and treat me like a princess , I smiled .
He would love me so much and care for me .
Probably Then, my fate would change.
I rolled to my side and soon fell asleep .
Theodore POV
"Is the file ready?" I asked the personal investigator coldly .
He placed it on front of me , I opened it.
It was truly her.
'Aria Isabel Romano' , the first daughter of the Romanos'.
I squeezed my eyes tightly and clenched my fists .
It's finally time for me to get my revenge.
I stood up and walked to the glass window , looking at her necklace in my hands.
I placed it in my pocket and dismissed the investigator.
Just then my friend and right hand man , Pancho , walked in.
"Hey grumpy." He joked.
Pancho has been my friend from childhood , he is the son of my Dad's right hand man .
We practically grew up together , I didn't see anyone to make fit my right hand man except him , I trust him so much .
Pancho is a skilled mafiaoso , dangerous too , but he is real playful , he is the only one that manages to get on my nerves all the fucking time.
"What do you want Pancho?"
"I just want to hang out with my buddy." He grinned , I raised my brows.
"We can hit the club , get some ladies." He winked and smacked his lips.
I rolled my eyes , I knew he was here to persuade me to go out again.
"Unfortunately, I don't have time for that."
"I have found the first daughter of the Romanos." I said coldly .
"Really? ... when?" He asked surprised.
"Well , Mr Romano agreed to the contract , he's willing to partner up now." I smirked wickedly.
"Such a greedy old fool , he doesn't know what's coming for him." Pancho scoffed.
"So you saw her at the house?" He asked further.
"No , Mr Romano insisted on us having a drink , I decided to play along ... I was heading there when suddenly she rode her horse into the main road , she lost control then fell.
I helped her not knowing who she was , I was surprised when she mentioned the Romano mansion was her home , I had a strong feeling she was one of his daughters, either the first or second , then she actually turned out to be the first , Aria , their princess." I explained and then rested on the arm chair.
"Wow... I guess you guys are really destined to be." Pancho laughed , I glared at him .
"So what now , are you still pushing with the plan ... to marry her?" He asked , I nodded.
Then the door opened , my Noni (Grandmother) walked in.
"Noni." I greeted , Pancho did same and then left , he figured she wanted to talk to me alone.
She walked up to me and placed her hands on my cheek .
"I heard you found her." She said , I nodded.
"The hiding is over , The whole plan is finally setting into place , my dear grandson." She smiled slightly.
"We can finally avenge their deaths and then claim back your real name as Theodore Galterio." She said as a tear dropped from her eyes , I wiped it away and kissed her knuckles.
"I swear to avenge their deaths even with my last blood Noni , every single member of the Romanos will pay." I said through gritted teeth.
"We shall disgrace and Shame their precious daughter just as they did to mom , I will slaughter every member of her family and send their remains to her so she will get to live with the agony I lived with for years , she will beg for death to come her way , but no , she would be my Slave." I said with red blood shot eyes and clenched fists.
"That's it , let them all feel your wrath." Noni kissed my temple and then hugged me.
Aria POV
I woke up , my ribs and leg still hurt .
I brushed and took my bath .
I was going to tend to the stable today , I couldn't do yesterday cause of what happened , if Ma'am Celina finds out , that's another problem for me .
I walked to the kitchen to have something to eat first.
I walked over to ma'am Serena and hugged her .
"Good morning." I smiled brightly.
"Oh morning dear , how are you feeling now?" She asked concerned.
"I'm fine , don't worry." I said
"How can you ask me not to worry.."
Then ma'am Celine walked in , "where's the breakfast already Serena!" She yelled at Ma'am Serena .
"It's almost done." She replied.
Then Ma'am Celine turned to look at me .
"It's funny how you have the guts to eat after what you caused yesterday." She scowled at me.
"I'm sorry." I simply uttered.
"Useless girl." She hissed and walked away.
I sighed and sat on the stool , Ma'am Serena hugged me .
"It will be okay my child."
I ate my breakfast and went over to the stables.
"Hey Silvia." I chirped happily , I took out the horse brush and gently brushed her white fur.
Then all of a sudden , I remembered my necklace , I touched my neck , it wasn't there .
I was always wearing it , maybe I forgot to wear it today .
I rushed in to go wear it.
My grandmother gifted me that necklace , she said it would be my good luck charm.
I wear it all the time to remember her , in a way I'm closer to her through the necklace .
I got to my room and opened the drawers but it wasn't there , I searched thoroughly , still nothing .
"where could it be?" I grumbled.
Then I remembered the incident yesterday .
"Mr stranger!... could it be with him? , but how am I going to get it back , argh!." I groaned.
I can't believe I lost it , I feel so sad right now .
"Please forgive me grandma." I mumbled sadly.
"Aria!" My step mother yelled .
I ran out of the room to meet her .
"We have important guests coming , make sure things are ready." She ordered and then eyed me .
"Make sure to dress presentable too , we can't have you disgracing us." She hissed and walked away.
I sighed , I really thought I could rest a bit , but of course who am I kidding?
I walked to the kitchen and started preparing the dish , I made Lasagna , Ravioli and Spaghetti.
Then I made some desserts .
It was almost evening by the time I was done , I guess the guests would soon arrive , I tidied up everywhere and double- checked to make up sure it was perfect , then I went to get ready .
I wonder who the guests are because ma'am Celine seemed nervous .
I wore a blue simple gown and white sandals , I let my black silk hair down .
I walked to the main house .
"It doesn't matter if you wear nice clothes , you still look like a slave." Martina snorted and walked past me .
"Don't listen to her my beautiful one." Ma'am Serena said as she stroked my hair , I smiled slightly.
"I should set the table already , the guests would soon arrive." I said and started arranging the dishes .
I was done , then Ma'am Serena came down with Dad .
"They are here!" She ordered for the door to be opened.
I decided to go stand with them , Dad flashed me a look that said 'don't disgrace me tonight.'
I guess they are really important people.
I saw Martina adjusting her upper body , the gown she wore was extremely revealing.
Then the door opened and the guest were revealed .
'Mr Stranger'...
[6/20, 09:31] Praise (My Mtn): Chapter 3 :Contract Marriage
Theodore POV
I stepped into the house of the Romanos and my eyes landed on Aria , she had a shocked expression on her face .
She wore a blue dress that hugged her curves really well , her hair was down in waves , she's so beautiful.
"Mr De'leon , you are welcome." His wife , Celine , welcomed me with a wide smile on her face .
"We have been expecting you , come on let's eat and then we can proceed to business." Mr Romano stated.
I cleared my throat and diverted my gaze from Aria to him , he had a stupid grin on his face , I twitched my jaw and clenched my fists.
"Alright." I said and then we all settled at the table .
I sat across Aria at the table and she looked nervous throughout the meal.
We were soon done with the dinner and I wanted nothing else than to end this night , I felt choked .
Sitting and eating at the house of the enemy isn't something one would consider as pleasure.
"I would really appreciate it if we could get to business now." I said curtly.
He nodded and stood up from the table as he led me towards an office .
"I have to confess , I was a bit surprised when you brought up the idea of the contract and partnership.
I heard you are a little too uptight as a business man , but I'm sure we would be great partners." He said smiling.
I scoffed inwardly , only if he knew my intentions ...filthy Dog!.
I sat down on the arm chair with my legs crossed .
"I'm happy you think that way Mr Romano , it will be a pleasure to do business with you , but I actually didn't come here for that.
What do you think about strengthening our bond as business partners? , and you becoming the richest business tycoon here in Italy." I asked with a smirk and my index finger on my cheek .
He sat up as he suddenly took interest in what I was talking about , of course he would , he was super ambitious.
"I know what you are capable of Mr De'leon , of course I'm interested , but I know you want something in return , so what's the deal?" He grinned excitedly like a child given candy .
"What better way to seal a business partnership than with a marriage." I smiled at him.
He looked confused then his expression changed as he realized what i was talking about.
"You mean ... you are interested in my daughter?" He asked .
I nodded.
"Uh... I don't know Mr De'leon." He chuckled.
"Martina is still kind of young for marriage." He said resting on his chair.
"If I remember clearly , you have two daughters. I'm talking about Aria , your first daughter, she's the one I want to marry." I said calmly.
His eyes bulged out as he suddenly sat up .
"Aria? ... how?."
I scoffed , of course he wouldn't want want to give out his precious princess.
"It's not that hard Mr Romano , She's a beautiful young lady."
I stood up adjusting my suit .
"Think about it and give me a Feedback , I deserve that much , don't you think?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"Huh? ... ah , yes yes , I would definitely get back to you." He smiled as he shook my hand .
"Good , I will take my leave now." I said and walked out of the office briskly , I wanted to get out of here so bad .
I walked outside the mansion to My car , my driver rushed out and opened the door before I got there , I was about to enter when I heard a soft voice .
"Uh, excuse me please."
I turned around to see Aria , she was fidgeting with her hands .
I stared at her , as the wind blew her chocolate coloured wavy hair , her rosy lips slightly parted .
My gaze went a bit lower , I watched as her chest heaved , I noticed the slight birth mark on her beautiful slender neck , I suddenly felt an urge to touch her.
I gulped and clenched my fist , focus Theodore!
"Uhm... I... i just wanted to ask for ... my necklace." She stuttered nervously as she shifted from one foot to the other .
I smiled and walked closer to her as she took a step back , I walked closer again and she shifted backwards until her back met the wall .
I had her caged now , my hands still itched to feel her smooth skin.
I brought out the necklace and raised it to her .
"Yes , this is it." She squealed excitedly , I chuckled .
"Turn around." I ordered .
"Huh?" She asked confused .
"I want to put it on you." I said staring into her honey coloured soft eyes .
"Ohh." She stated and turned around .
I gently placed the necklace on her neck and hooked it , my fingers grazed her neck , it was so soft.
I leaned in as I took in her pleasant scent.
She turned around smiling .
"Thanks."
I nodded .
" see you soon love." I smirked and got into the car leaving her confused.
Mr Romano POV
"That arrogant little bastard." I growled angrily .
He thinks he can just talk to me anyhow , he's so lucky I'm gaining from him.
"Gio , what happened? How did the meeting go?" Celine asked walking into the office .
"He had a bigger business proposal." I said .
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
I nodded , "but it came with a condition ... he wants to seal it with marriage."
"Oh my heavens , this is good news! , Martina will be very happy." She said excitedly.
I kept silent.
"Why aren't you saying anything ... you gave him Martina's hand right?." She asked .
"Of course I did , but..."
"But what Gio!"
"He wants Aria." I said angrily clenching my jaw.
"What..? , how?"
"I really don't know , he clearly stated he wants Aria , I don't even know how he got to meet her.."
"Dad.."
I turned around to see Martina at the door with tears in her eyes.
"princess.."
"He chose Aria instead of me?" She sobbed.
Celine hugged her .
"Stop girl , your dad would do something about it , right Gio?" She asked looking at me.
"Dad please do something, I want Theodore , I want him , don't give him to Aria." Martina pleaded .
I sighed and patted her hair , "don't worry daughter , you know your dad always does what you want , now show me your beautiful smile." I smiled at her , her eyes lit up and she hugged me.
"Oh Dad , you are the best." She smiled and left the office.
"So what are you planning to do Gio?" Celine asked .
"I will let him know I have agreed with the marriage , when next he comes , we will simply hand Martina to him and find an excuse for Aria." I smirked.
"That's perfect , goodnight my love." She smiled and pecked my cheeks , then she left the office .
I sat and rested my back on the armchair.
"As long as i am alive Aria , I won't let you be happy."
[6/20, 09:31] Praise (My Mtn): Chapter 4 : The other Wife
Aria POV
I sat on the kitchen stool , my palm on my cheek as I stared at nothing in particular.
Ugh! , why do I feel this way , I can't get Mr stranger out of my head , the way he touched my skin , it gave me tingles .
My cheeks became hot , I'm sure they are red by now .
"Huh , what's got you all dreamy?" Becca Smiled at me .
Becca is the niece of Ma'am Serena , she went away for a little while but now she's back , she's my bestfriend and well my only friend , she's so playful.
I blushed harder , "nothing."
"Don't Tell me nothing girl , your cheeks are all red , and your eyes are so dreamy." She smirked at me now .
"Come on , spill."
I huffed , she won't let this go until I tell .
"Uhm ... I met a man." I said playing with my fingers .
"Really?... when , how?!." She squealed .
"Shh , they might hear you." I warned her .
"Alright fine fine , but tell me everything."
"Uhm ... I met him one day when I went to the swing ..."
Yea , she knows about the swing , she partly helped me discover the place .
"I realised I was late and I was rushing back to the mansion, when suddenly I lost control and fell off silvia , he helped me and dropped me at home." I explained .
"What?, he came into the Mansion?"
"No no , I pleaded with him to drop me before the mansion gate." I replied .
"Awwn , that must have been so nice ... so tell me is he hot?" She asked.
I blushed.
"Yea , he is definitely hot." She winked at me.
"Stop it Becca." I whined.
"But he came here yesterday night."
"Really?"
"Yea , he is Dad's business partner."
"Wow , hot and rich." She said fanning herself dramatically.
I chuckled .
"He ... he also said he would see me soon when he gave me back my necklace." I said .
"Oh my! , it means he likes you too!" She squealed again.
"No Becca , that doesn't prove anything , he is Dad's business partner , he will probably be here for another meeting sometime , that was what he meant."
"Yea , you believe that." She scoffed.
Then Martina walked in .
She smirked at me , "now you look like the real servant you are, you thought putting on nice dresses would make that change." She laughed.
"Your plan to woe Theodore didn't even work , you slut , he chose me of course." She flipped her hair .
What?
"Watch what you say." Becca charged at her.
"He chose me Aria , he chose me to be his Wife and I'm warning you now , stay far away from him , he's mine." She flashed me a wicked look before she walked out.
"What?" I murmured.
"Don't listen to her Aria , you know she's a snake , she's definitely lying , I would ask my aunt." Becca said .
Ma'am Serena walked in .
"Aunt , is it true , is Martina getting married to Mr De'leon?" Becca asked .
Ma'am Serena looked at me with somewhat pity and then looked away .
"Yes , he's coming today with his family . Now come on , you girls eat." She said looking at me again before she walked out .
"Ugh! , I'm sure that snake seduced him , slut!." Becca hissed .
I sighed , it's fine , I mean , I don't even know him , I shouldn't feel this way.
"I will just head to the stables." I said and left .
I brushed Silvia's hair gently.
"Oh Silvia , I can't help but feel sad , he's getting married to Martina , I guess he likes her , I should really stop thinking about him now." I said sadly.
She neighed.
"Yes , it's for the best."
Theodore POV.
I stared at nothing in particular as I remembered every detail of her face , the feel of her skin .
I wanted to see her again , to touch her .
I groaned and stood up .
"Get your head right Theodore , she's the daughter of your enemy , a pawn in your revenge." I clenched my fist .
Then Noni walked in .
"Theodore." She called and walked up to me .
"I heard The Romanos' have agreed to the marriage ... its time." She said with her hands behind her back.
"Don't have any space for pity in your heart , let your heart be in accordance with your mind , one goal one thought , Revenge .
Avenging the death of your innocent father and mother .
Restoring the honor of your mother , and avenging your little sister who didn't have the chance to even know the world." She said as a tear dropped from her eyes.
I clenched my fist harder , the voices in my head started speaking to me again.
"every drop of their bloods , every tear they shed , I promise to avenge till my dying breath." I said through gritted teeth.
"That's good. Reneè and her mother will be accompanying you." She said .
"What?... no , it's impossible Noni."
"I don't trust any other people on this , who else to accompany you than them."
"Mother Elsa and Pancho can."
"They are both workers , Reneè and her mother is family."
"Reneè wouldn't agree to this Noni."
"She has , I already talked to her , get ready Theodore."
With that she left the room.
I sighed and rubbed my temple.
I got ready , I took out the bracelet I bought for her , Aria.
I smiled and kept it in my pocket , then I walked out .
The cars were ready , Reneè and aunt Salma stood at the front door .
"Let's get this over with already." Aunt Salam said and got into the car .
"Reneè , you don't have to do this if you don't want to." I said .
She looked up at me , her eyes teary , she let out a small smile.
"It's fine , I mean it takes a lot of courage for a wife to accompany her husband to ask for the hand of another woman , but if this is what I have to do , then so be it , maybe then you can finally acknowledge me as your wife and look at me with love , come on let's go."
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.
We got into the car and headed to the Romanos' mansion.