Aurora’s POV
I decided to take a walk along the lawn later that evening, sneaking out of the house like I did some time ago because I didn’t want anyone to see me, especially Matteo.
He was acting like a strict chaperone which I never had, as my uncle was liberal with me but then it was becoming annoying and tiring since I couldn’t do as I pleased.
Ilaria was the only one who knew that I went out since she helped me to distract the guard who was at the fence. The same place I’d escaped from to watch Matteo’s sparring match. Though she was scared, I managed to convince her and she listened.
I enjoyed the evening breeze which made my hair fly in different directions around my shoulders, some strands covering my face as well. I tucked the straying strands behind my ears and trudged ahead till I got to a spot that had a jaw-dropping sight.
How didn’t anyone show me such a place?
There was a small flowing stream with water, but what marveled me was how the turquoise blue surface glittered. My eyes darted to the tall trees which had several flowers arranged in a horizontal pattern right in front of them.
The white jasmine drew my attention as I touched, inhaling the floral scent that attracted other butterflies around it.
The place was quiet with few birds chirping and multicolored birds flying around in delight. I loved nature and if Matteo built his house around this place so that he could come here once in a while then he deserved a tight hug and a passionate kiss from me.
I reached for the zipper of my dress and tugged at it, as the dress slid down my body. Then I noticed that my dress matched the ambience and beauty of the lawn and the flowers surrounding the stream.
I was left with my thong and a strapless bra clung tightly to my breast and the cup, pushing my cleavages to a very exposed position. I glanced at my stomach which was still tapered with long layers of plaster.
I didn’t have the plans of dipping my whole body in the water anyways, I just wanted to feel the water around my leg.
“What do you think you are doing?” I heard and got startled but I didn’t have the time to regain composure as I lost my balance and slipped falling into the water like a pack of cards.
My legs kicked against the water but each action I took plunged me deeper in a downward trajectory. At that point I’d totally forgotten that I could swim! I heard a splash like someone had dived in, and suddenly, two capable hands wrapped around my body and whisked me out of the stream.
“You really mapped out a good plan for committing suicide,” Matteo commented angrily as I took in deep breaths unevenly.
I didn’t respond as I tried to catch my breath. He laid me on the finely mown grass and used his jacket which he might have taken off before diving into the stream and wiped my body dry.
“I’m sorry, Matteo. I just felt a bit choked up inside the house and decided to take a short stroll then I found this place,” I finally replied as I bit my lips, evading his eyes which were fixed hungrily on me.
“There’s no need to apologise, Aurora. It’s become a fact that my beautiful girlfriend has the penchant of disobeying me all the time. You try to act like you are strong but you had a bullet wound on your stomach which you barely survived and then an operation, Aurora. Can you understand why I’m so overbearing and listen to me for once?” He asked, anger accompanying his words, causing me to feel guilty.
“Matteo…”
He raised his hands sharply, cutting me short from whatever I wanted to say.
I moved closer to him while he placed a hankie on the grass for me to sit on. We both sat on the grass, watching the sun set. It was a beautiful sight and I didn’t notice that my head was resting on Matteo’s shoulder.
“Don’t take it to heart, my love. I promise to change,” I pleaded when I noticed that his angry countenance had returned to normal.
“If I could stay mad at you then maybe you’ll be more obedient,” I snorted at his response while he snaked his arm around my waist and tickled me.
I furrowed my brows at the thought of him wanting me to do everything he wanted. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that kind of woman who could be pushed around like a child. I had my own values and my uncle raised me to have my own opinions.
“Asking me to be obedient is like you are speaking to one of your staff or guards or even a child. We are partners, Matteo, and in this time and age, I have the right to do whatever I please.” I began and he gave me an appalled look.
I knew what it meant. He wasn’t used to being challenged and maybe I was the first woman to stand up to him.
“Oh really? Your uncle spoiled you too much, maybe if your parents raised you themselves, you would understand the need to submit to your partner.” He snapped.
Fury blasted through me as my palm connected with his face. His father murdered my parents and he had the guts to say such to me? I sprang up to my feet, tossing on my dress even though everything I did hurt because of my injury.
But what hurt the most was the pain from the reminder that the man I had fallen for was the son of my parents’ murderer.
I dared not look at his face knowing that it would break me, but when my eyes finally met with his, it was filled with surprise, regret and confusion.
I’d turned around to leave when he dropped a heart wrecking question.
“What are you hiding from me, Aurora Mancini?”