Aurora’s POV
I stood in front of my vanity table with a tired look on my face. What did Matteo really want?
Angelo’s words flashed in my mind again. Somehow, he was trying to tell me about Matteo. He didn’t know of my plans so anything he said was a clue to breaking him and getting my revenge.
It was already getting late. The party was slated for 7pm and having lived with the brother-in-law to a late Capo, I knew how much they loved punctuality. It would have been fun messing with him and coming out later on since I wasn’t really interested in going but I still buzzed out.
Matteo stood with his back facing me. His eyes were on his wrist watch and I held back a snort.
“I’m ready,” I announced as he turned back and gazed at me with a gentle look.
He looked magnificent in his black tuxedo and his hair that was combed in a slick comb-over. He opened his mouth to make a comment but snapped it shut.
I didn’t need his reply because I could see how his eyes nearly undressed me. I was putting on an emerald green sleeveless dress that had a mermaid tail design and a long slit that cut up to my mid thigh.
My hair was packed to the side with hair pins holding it at the back so that it wouldn’t tousle.
“You look nice,” He said and motioned that I came over to him while he stretched his hands towards me.
I did but didn’t place my hand on his. “I never agreed to this so don’t act like this is fun.” I said through gritted teeth as he chuckled.
“We’ll see about that,” He replied, his brows creasing as he watched me stalk off in annoyance.
He got into the driver’s seat while I stood at the door. “I thought your chauffeur would do the driving. I don’t want to sit beside you, looking like your girlfriend.”
“You better get in if you don’t want me to force you to.” He said in a cold tone and I sneered at him before hopping onto the chair beside him.
If this was what he wanted, then he’d regret taking me to a party by the time I would be done with him.
He drove slowly with silence reigning in the car. Socialising wasn’t my thing since I was an introvert, but for tonight I was willing to change and have decent conversations with men.
I’ll do it to taunt Matteo and also try to get information from them about the Outfit.
“When are we going to get there?”
“Soon. Just be patient,” He replied and I rolled my eyes.
“I never knew that a Capo could attend an event as important as an engagement party with a mere cook posing as his girlfriend. Won’t it arouse conflicts?” I probed, watching him bring the car to a halt.
“I’m the Capo of the Outfit so my word is law. No one would confront me for my decisions so long it doesn’t affect their well being, and you sitting here with me doesn’t.” He said and looked at me with the expression he had been staring at me with since we left the house.
It was so gentle and compassionate, and it said several things I didn’t want to give a name to. I’d have told him that my presence would affect both him and the Outfit very soon, but I wasn’t ready to go ahead with my plans yet.
“That’s nice,” I replied softly and tucked my hair.
He glanced at me once more and ignited the engine of the car. We didn’t say anything to each other until we got to the house where the party was being held. It was a huge building but smaller in size compared to Matteo’s. Even when we got in, I couldn’t stop comparing how the calm colors of the walls and the furniture that were in Matteo’s living room contrasted to the dim ones here.
A man and a woman who seemed to be the host of the party stood by the entrance to welcome every invited guest. They both smiled as the husband shook hands with Matteo and I, then the woman hugged me.
It felt cold but I didn’t care.
“We are honored to have you in our midst, Capo. Please make yourself comfortable inside,” The woman said and I nodded in agreement as I allowed Matteo to lead me further into their house.
“Say it!” Matteo demanded with a cheeky smile as we approached the table that was kept for us.
“That couple doesn’t look happy, I could see how fake her smile was. And the husband’s expression was so tight even though he tried to pull off a friendly look.” I complained.
“I noticed it too, but it’s normal with arranged marriages. There’s no love in it and even if I act like a sick bastard, I’m not happy with the fact that my father allowed that woman to marry him before he died. He’s loyal to me but he treats his wife like trash,” He replied and scowled at the women who were already whispering about us.
“So you can’t interfere? I thought he was under you,” I nudged, reining the anger that was welling up in me because of the woman’s state.
If marriages were that way then I would be single till death.
“He’s my underboss, not my younger brother. I can’t interfere in anything that concerns their marriage except he tries to kill her and the woman comes with proof.” He stated then clamped his lips shut like he had talked too much.
I didn’t probe further but I would surely speak to the woman soon, I just needed time. My eyes darted around and met with a young girl who looked lost and sad, she had striking resemblance with the woman who welcomed us and then I realised that she was the soon-to-be bride.
Her gaze locked in mine for a second and then she looked away. “That girl isn’t happy too,” I stated and took the champagne flute which had some wine in it.
Matteo nodded then shrugged, his eyes settling on me. “She’ll get over it because Danilo is a good man and very honorable too.”
I said nothing more and I stood up.
“Where are you going?” Matteo asked, his eyes widely alert.
“To do some work. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” I assured him and left our table.
The party hadn’t gotten in full swing yet, giving me the opportunity to talk to the woman. I looked around for her and found her at the back, close to the hallway then I approached her.
She looked nervous and frail, but she was beautiful and her golden blonde hair shimmered under the reflection of the chandelier. How could God hand over such beauty to recycled trash all in the name of marriage? I thought
“Can we talk? Your dress looks beautiful,” I said with a genuine smile.
She looked around and then nodded, leading me away from the whispers of the women that were mixed with the roaring of the men.
“What do you want to talk to me about? The party starts in ten minutes,” She informed me nervously while I held a smile.
“You don’t have to keep staying with him. I know that he doesn’t love you and no matter how much you smile, it still looks fake.” I said quietly.
Her face turned pale as the words left my lips. “And who do you think you are to tell me such things? I don’t even know you, the Outfit doesn’t. So if you are bothered about me, then your energy isn’t properly channeled because you should work on being accepted here,” She spat.
“I don’t care about anyone’s acceptance, but maybe I care too much about your life. Even if you don’t need my help, you could leave the marriage by giving evidence that your husband has tried to you.” I whispered and then straightened.
“I don’t need your advice,” She spat but I could tell that she was considering my advice then she looked away and gasped, her eyes reeling with shock.
I turned around to know what got her shivering and met her husband glaring daggers at her with his eyes narrowed in skits and his knuckles turning white at how tightly he held the champagne flute.