The Obsessed CEO'S Untamable Little One

"Marriage? Get married?" Valentino repeats in disbelief at his father's words. "Don't make jokes like that; it's not funny."

His father sighs, impatiently pinching the bridge of his nose. He then looks at his son, who remains with a furrowed brow, waiting for his answer.

"It's not a joke," he clarifies. "The marriage proposal was sent in writing to the Volkovas in Russia today. You are getting married."

"Are you crazy?" His brow furrows even more. "Did you call me here for this nonsense? Don't waste my damn time."

"Understand, Valentino, it's necessary for you to marry a Volkova!" he bursts out, causing his son to stand up, bringing a hand to his chin, and then looking at him with reproach.

"Don't you realize what you're saying? We're talking about a wedding, Dad; don't be ridiculous," he retorts.

"It will only be for a year; this will be a contractual marriage." His father also stands up, approaching his son to place a hand on his shoulder. "Could you do this?"

"No." He roughly pushes his father's hand away. "I don't want to get married. And much less to a woman I don't know and don't love. Forget it."

"Is it because of that woman?" he questions. "She's not at our social level! She can't help us!"

"Don't bring Lirio into this," he becomes enraged. "She has nothing to do with it. But you know what? I'd rather marry her. Even if she doesn't have what you're looking for, I love her. Instead of trying to sell me off to some crazy woman I don't even know, find another solution."

"But our factory is about to collapse!" he laments. "That woman you're with is of no use to us right now. Instead, if you marry the youngest Volkova daughter, we can get out of this crisis. It will only be for a year, and then you'll divorce. That's the agreement. In that time, we'll be back on our feet."

"You want me to put up with that woman for a year? I don't think so. I don't want a woman I'm going to despise by my side. Besides, Lirio will be devastated by this."

"The girl is very beautiful, son," he ignores his words. "You can even see her in magazines to see that I'm not lying. She's perfect for you; you can handle this. Her parents are good friends of mine, and they're willing to help me. Besides, they're interested in our factory's trade. It's a great opportunity!"

Valentino closes his eyes for a few seconds, rubbing his temples. His headache increases more and more from his father's pressure, who still won't back down from his absurd, but very advantageous, decision.

"No," he retorts.

"Too late; the marriage proposal has already been sent," his father declares firmly. "I just wanted to help you come to your senses so you could see the good side of all this. We're going to get out of our debts, and our factory will start to flourish again."

"You've been doing that without my consent?" He glares at him with fury. "You'd better call it off."

"Too late for that," he mutters. "The youngest Volkova daughter will be here in two days. You'd better behave with her; she is an important figure, more so than that bland woman you have by your side."

With that, he finishes, leaving his son in the entryway with his hands clenched into fists from the fury he was feeling inside.

The last thing he intended to do was "behave" with that woman as his father had instructed. He didn't want to get married, and if he was forced to do so, he wouldn't hesitate to make the rich girl's life a living hell.

In Russia. Volkova Mansion

"Are you listening to us, Athena?" her mother questions in a severe voice, while the girl looks at her nails with a bored expression.

"Not a chance," she finally responds. "Now can I go up to my room? I'm very sleepy."

"Athena Volkova!" her mother becomes enraged. "Behave for the first time in your life! This is something serious!"

Her mother's shouting only causes the young woman to feel... annoyance and laziness? Yes, exactly that. She rolls her eyes and pretends to listen to her mother again, while her father remains uneasy.

"Calm down, honey," the man encourages her, while the woman is red with fury.

"Don't you see your daughter?! She's still being a brat!" she complains. "That's because you spoil her too much!"

"Oh, Mom, please, stop with the paranoia." She makes a face. "Why don't you just continue with your sermon so I can finally leave?"

"Fine." She takes a breath, regaining her composure. "In two days, you'll be in Italy. You are going to marry Clodan Rizzo's son. It's just a one-year contract, and after that, you'll get divorced."

"Uh-huh." She sighs. "You've already told me the joke; now get on with the important thing you have to tell me."

"Athena!" she bursts out again, making the girl blink. She suppresses a playful smile, but then seeing her father, who becomes serious, she retracts it.

"Daughter, your mother is serious," her father adds, in a calmer and sweeter tone. "We just received Valentino Rizzo's marriage proposal in writing. It's a political marriage, where both families will benefit. We will help them recover their factory that is on the verge of collapsing, and they will provide us with commercial support to be able to distribute our products from Italy."

"You mean I have to be the bridge for the Rizzos and at the same time for you guys for economic benefits?" She raises an eyebrow, obviously in total disagreement. "I don't want to be married to some bastard I don't know!"

"It will only be for a specific time," her father continues. "It's also an opportunity for you, so you can finally settle down. Besides, I owe the Rizzos a lot; they also gave me their support at one point."

"Athena," her mother also speaks to her. "Do you plan to spend your whole life going from party to party and spending money?"

"We're swimming in it," she shrugs.

"That's not the point. You have to behave like a proper young lady. You just go from scandal to scandal and cause mischief."

"Me?" She opens her eyes wide in offense.

"And the fire at the president's house?"

"That old man wanted to touch me."

"And the video you uploaded to social media of your ex with three married women in his bed?"

"Because he's a jerk."

"And the beating you gave your best friend's boyfriend?"

"He cheated on her."

"And the day we had to go pick you up from the police station for stealing alcohol from a seedy bar?"

"The owner wanted to see my tits. He deserved it."

"The two men you bought at an auction?"

"They were hot."

"And many more I don't want to mention now. Does that seem minor to you? It's time for you to formalize and behave like a decent young lady."

"The 'decent young lady' part I doubt, because a little while ago..."

"No details," she cuts her off. "The point is that you don't have a choice. Either you accept this marriage and reflect, or I'll be forced to lock you up in a convent to be properly educated."

"I prefer the convent."

"Enough!" She sighs in frustration. "Athena, this is not up for discussion. The proposal is already in our hands, and it's already signed. You're of marrying age, so the matter is no longer being debated."

"Marrying age at twenty?" She looks at her expectantly. "Did you marry Dad at fifteen?"

"I can't deal with this," the woman laments. "Bernardo, say something to that girl."

"I'm home, family!" The study doors burst open, revealing the triumphant entrance of the eldest Volkova daughter.

"Where are your manners?" Her mother looks at her with a frown.

"What's wrong? Did you eat a lemon? You have the kind of faces that I don't even know what to say." She takes a seat next to her younger sister. "What did you do to them this time, Athena?"

"They want to marry me off to some lunatic," the girl mutters.

Cayetana looks at her sister for a few seconds before letting out a thunderous laugh.

Her parents watch her, tired of dealing with the same situation.

"Stop joking like that; I'm too old for that." She finishes wiping away a tear that came from the corner of her eye from laughing so hard.

"It's not a joke," her father clarifies.

"Seriously, Ate?" She turns to look at her sister with a surprised expression. "Who is that poor man? Come on, Mom, Dad, don't do that to someone else's son. What harm has he done to you? It must be serious."

"Says the one who wants to screw one of her employees," the girl retorts with narrowed eyes.

"What?" Their parents react to the confession.

"Don't believe her!" she squeals, red with embarrassment. "You know she's a troublemaker and doesn't want to accept her responsibility!"

"Responsibility? Why the hell do I have to put up with a guy who knows what, if he's a little small?" she questions with her arms crossed. "It's the worst thing that could happen to me in my whole life."

Her parents and sister are left with their mouths open, staring at her because of her outlandish words. They thought she would be worried about the type of man, or that a one-year marriage would prevent her from doing a lot of the uncontrolled things she frequently does, but... the size of the length is what worries her at a moment like this? She must have a screw loose to only think about that.

"What?" She looks at all of them with an innocent expression.

"I can't believe it." Her mother covers her face with one hand.

"This is a bad idea," her sister looks away.

"You need to see a psychologist, daughter," her father adds.

"Don't look at me like that, and don't think I'm going to touch that guy's bed and then doubt my own existence if what I say is true." She pouts nonchalantly. "What if he turns out to be a virgin?"

"Athena!" they all shout in unison, causing the girl to shrink in her seat, grumbling.

Athena Volkova, the Volkova family's little devil. A twenty-year-old girl, spoiled and whimsical. She always gets what she wants and doesn't submit to any rules, as she creates her own.

What will happen when she meets her future husband? She doesn't know, but what she does know is that she doesn't care. She pretends to follow the established rules, but if you're not careful, she could put a leash on your neck and have you at her mercy under her rich-girl heels.

Be careful, don't trust the angel.

"What are you telling me?" The brunette's eyes open in surprise at her beloved's words. "You're getting married and you're telling me about it like it's nothing?"

"Listen to me, Lirio." He holds her by the shoulders, looking into her eyes. "This was my father's decision to save the factory; it will only be for a year."

She shakes her head, refusing to accept it. It has been a year since Lirio has been with Valentino, giving him support after the loss of his mother. She has endured so much for them to now relegate her to a secondary role. Lirio thought she would be the one to walk down the aisle in a wedding dress to be his wife, but the proposal never came from him.

"I don't accept it, Valentino." Her tears slide down her cheeks, a tactic that always works with him. "What about us? Don't you love me anymore?"

"Of course, I love you." He dries the tears that moisten her cheeks. "But, Lirio, it's something I have to do. My father has made the decision, and the proposal has already been sent. I need you to understand."

"What do you want me to understand?" She abruptly moves away from him. "That you're going to marry someone else? That you're going to spend an entire year by her side while I have to wait like a fool?"

"I swear I won't touch her," he promises, approaching her again. She turns her back on him, still crying. "Lirio, please, when the term is over, she and I are going to get divorced." He comes up behind her and hugs her. "Then I will give that place to you, as my wife."

"Are you serious?" she whimpers, in a sweet and fragile voice. "You have to promise."

"I promise you," he assures her, leaving a kiss on her cheek. "Just wait for me, Lirio."

Athena sighed boredly at her parents' recommendations as they saw her off at the airport. They reminded her of the importance of being polite, avoiding rudeness, and maintaining the composure befitting a Volkova.

"Ate." Her sister approached her discreetly to whisper something in her ear. "I packed all your favorite toys and some condoms, just in case," she told her. "If your husband doesn't deliver, call me; I have a lot of Italian friends there, okay?"

"You're the best, sis!" She hugged her, pretending, while her parents looked at them with suspicion. "Are the leashes in there, too?" she asked in a whisper.

"Of course." She pulled away smiling. "All your favorite outfits, too."

"Don't play dumb; I know what you're talking about," her mother interrupted. "I've already told you, Athena, you must..."

"Yes, Mom, I heard you." She rolled her eyes. "Be polite, don't cause scandals, and all that nonsense about being a respectable noblewoman."

"Listen to your mother, Ate." Her father approached and hugged her. "Take care, and please, I beg you, behave with the Rizzos. You'll survive."

"Oh, of course I will." She nodded like a good girl. "Don't worry, I'll do my best to get along with my future husband."

The bodyguards begin to load her numerous luggage into the private plane, a reflection of the millionaire princess status she holds. She is ready to embark on her new journey full of adventures, or as she calls it, "mischief."

Before boarding, she says goodbye with one last hug to her parents and her sister. However, a familiar squeal resonates from afar, stopping her in her tracks.

"Ate!" A breathless shout makes her turn, and a girl running in thin heels leaves her astonished. "Wait, Ate!"

"Leyla?!" She rubs her eyes in disbelief. "Is that really you?!"

The girl with short, straight hair stops her race in heels, standing in front of Athena, who looks at her as if she were a being from another planet invading her peaceful space.

"Were you thinking of leaving me here?" she questions, catching her breath while two men arrive behind her with her luggage. "If you're going to hell, I'm... damn it, hold on, I'll take a little more air." She fans herself with her hand before continuing. "If you're going to hell, I'm going with you," she finally concludes.

Athena launches herself at her, hugging her while kissing her face, ruining her perfect makeup a little.

"You are everything that's right, Layla!" she squeals with joy. "Did your parents let you come with me? I thought I would have to endure all this alone."

"I had to use my wiles for two days." She winks at her. "I'm not going to miss the opportunity to meet those rich Italians."

"You've eaten up more than one besides your disgusting boyfriend."

"Ex-boyfriend," she corrects her proudly.

"Good for you."

"Ahem." Her father clears his throat. "We're still here."

"Layla, thank you so much for always being there for my daughter," the woman says, taking her hands. "Take care of her, and make her see reason, please."

"Don't worry, ma'am, I'll do everything in my power."

"No one believes that," Cayetana mutters. "They're both the same, Mom, don't believe her."

After a brief discussion about who was better and who was worse, Athena and her friend boarded the plane bound for Rome. Both have been inseparable since childhood; they studied together, and their parents are good friends.

Although Layla is two years older than Athena, they share the same wild and carefree temperament, typical of spoiled girls.

The flight only took three and a half hours to reach its destination. Athena gets off the plane, holding her friend's arm, adjusting her sunglasses while the other smiles widely.

"Benvenuta, principessa," Layla says excitedly. "What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?"

"You're so dramatic; we've been to Rome more than once," she mutters as they walk. They stop when they see a car parked right in front of them, with several men waiting.

"And who are they?" her friend asks.

"I have no idea," she replies.

"Ladies," an older man approaches. "I'm Martín, the Rizzo family butler; I have come to welcome you."

"Oh, nice to meet you, I'm Layla, the bride's best friend," the redhead introduces herself, extending her hand, which the man takes courteously.

"And I am Athena Volkova." She extends her right hand; the man takes it, kissing the back of it.

"I regret to tell you that the master could not come to personally receive you as he is attending to important matters," he informs, disconcerting Athena.

"Excuse me? I don't understand; I'm not expecting anyone," she clarifies, leaving the man flustered.

"Uh... I mean your fiancé, Miss; he couldn't come to receive you," he repeats. Athena exchanges glances with her friend before focusing on Martín again.

"I repeat, I am not expecting a welcome from my fiancé, I don't even remember his name," she answers determinedly. "I appreciate your kindness; my men will take care of our luggage."

"As you wish."

From the plane, Athena's bodyguards descend, each carrying a suitcase, others carrying both of their bags. Finally, a woman of a similar age to Martín, Athena's personal maid, gets off.

They all get into different cars that, after a few minutes, set off. Athena feels a little anxious about this drastic change in her life with marriage. Although she didn't object, considering it a family and political benefit, she needed to explore new paths without worrying about eventually returning to the same place.

She only has one thing clear: she doesn't intend to get entangled with whoever her husband is going to be. She will fulfill her duty, which is obviously outside of that man's bed, and then, once the necessary time has passed, she will return to her old path.

"We have arrived, ladies," the driver announces, parking in front of a mansion. Although a bit old-fashioned for the taste of the Russians, it doesn't lose its elegant and classy touch.

"Wow," Layla gets out of the car, looking over the place. "It's better than I imagined, isn't it, Ate?"

"Yes," she answers simply. "I'm tired, I urgently need a bed or I'll die."

"Your room has already been prepared, Miss Athena," Martín informs, but then looks apologetically at Layla. "As for you... well, we didn't know there would be another guest."

"Oh, no, it's fine. Don't worry about me; I'm staying at a friend's house." She gestures, shaking her head, receiving a withering look from her friend.

"A friend's house. Do you mean you came for him and not for me?" Athena questions, crossing her arms.

"Come on, Ate, you know it's for you, but I had to figure out a place to stay."

"I'll pretend I believe you this time."

Both walk down the long path surrounded by flowers, followed by the men carrying their luggage. The main garden is quite large, with a huge fountain and large pine trees decorating the surroundings. Athena's gaze fixes on the main door when it opens, and she stops in front of a brunette woman with brown eyes with the air of a lady of the house.

Layla raised an eyebrow at the sight of her, recognizing from her arrogant face that they were not welcome. In contrast, Athena's reaction was neutral, with her face showing no expression and her sunglasses still covering her eyes.

"Welcome," the brunette says with a sweet smile. "I'm Lirio."

"Lirio?" Athena pronounces with her Russian accent. "Are you some kind of maid? If so, could you help me with a chamomile tea? My head feels like it's going to explode."

"Athena," her friend gives her a discreet nudge.

"I am not an employee of this mansion," she replies, clenching her jaw a little at the unintentional disrespect. "I'm Lirio Moretti, Valentino's woman."

Everyone was dumbfounded at such a bold statement from the brunette. Layla had a face that said, "What did this crazy woman just say?" while the subordinates present whispered things to each other.

The first humiliation for Athena, who had just arrived as Valentino's fiancée? Maybe that's what everyone thought at that moment.

On the other hand, Athena takes several steps forward, making her thin heels resonate like a true elegant lady. She stands face to face with the woman, who is not fazed at all and lowers her chin with dignity.

"You say you're my fiancé's woman?" She takes off her sunglasses, a gentle smile appearing on her lips. "Nice to meet you, I'm Athena Volkova, your man's future wife. Sorry... our man."

Instead of extending her hand for a handshake, Athena simply stands tall, caressing her fine sunglasses between her fingers, observing Lirio's not-so-pleasant reaction.

A smile, absent throughout the trip, returns to her face upon encountering such a surprise. Her future husband's mistress.

"Oh, and forgive me, what was my fiancé's name again?" she asks with an innocent look. "You see, I didn't even have time to remember his name. The trip was a little too warm."

"Valentino Rizzo," the brunette replies with a forced, slight smile. "That's his name. And I apologize on his behalf; he asked me to attend to you in his place; he didn't have time either."

"Oh, is that so?" She looks her up and down. "Are you from a noble family?"

"Pardon me?"

"Because you don't look like it, and besides, instead of being his woman, you look like his secretary. I don't think it's fair to you, I guess my future husband is very inconsiderate," she mutters, getting a little closer to her. "I'm sorry you have to do this, I understand that you might feel sad because I'll be his new woman, but guess what? I like to share."

"Miss Volkova, I'm sorry for this inconvenience," Martín hurries to intervene a little nervously. "Miss Lirio is..."

"Yes, yes, she already said it," she cuts him off. "My fiancé's woman, she made it clear. But tell me, does she live here too?"

"Uh..."

"That's right," Lirio answers firmly. "Valentino has allowed me to live here as his girlfriend, so..."

"That's all I wanted to know." She raises a hand to silence her. "Please, Martín, convey this message to my fiancé wherever he is. Either this woman leaves this mansion, or the contract is canceled. I can allow him to have all the mistresses he wants, but lowering my social circle by having her under the same roof as me, that's something I will not tolerate. So please, let him know."

"What did you say?" Lirio reacts, disconcerted. "Who do you think you are? You just got here and you want to give orders that don't belong to you."

"My dear," she turns to her with a sweet smile. "Please get a grip. I will now be the lady of this house, and you will only be a side note. I will be his wife, and if it bothers you so much, I'll cancel the contract and you'll see how you manage to save your poor man's factory. What do you think? I have no problem with that."

"Please, Miss Athena," Martín intervenes again. "This is just a misunderstanding, let's calm down. The master will surely be here at any moment."

"I am calm, Martín," she sighs, irritated by the situation. "I just want things to be clear here. I don't like it when people show their claws if they can't handle a bite."

"Uh... friend," Layla hooks her arm, guiding her a little away from those present. "Why don't we get to know your room and talk about this for a while? We need an urgent chat."

"The rooms are this way," one of the maids indicates. "Please, follow me."

"Of course," Layla nods, walking with Athena, who winks at Lirio before going up the stairs, following the maid.

Lirio clenched her fists, to the point that her nails dug into her skin. She had come to receive Valentino's fiancée, following his instructions, as he wanted to make it clear to his future wife that he already had another woman.

But the plans did not turn out as they expected. First of all, Athena didn't show disgust at such a fact, but was simply annoyed at the idea of having to share a roof with the mistress, being herself a respected lady who shouldn't be humiliated like that. What would others say? That's what really mattered.

Although Athena cared little about what others would say, since, back in Russia, she did and undid as she pleased. But reaching the limit of sharing a roof with a mistress who pretended to be the lady of the house was another matter that she would not tolerate.

"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.