JADE
MOMENTS AGO
“Follow that car. Don’t stop” I instructed the driver as we tracked down Luciano’s black sedan that drove far ahead of us.
Luciano had no clue I was following him. After the heated conversation we had earlier this morning, I had expected him to stay back with me and at least offer me his company.
That was probably the least he could do to make up for the rubbish he did in that power crazy don’s party wasn’t it?
But he just zoomed off. And to God knows where.
When Elizabeth informed me of his departure, there was no way I could sit and fold my hands whilst watching Luciano dance to the tunes of Damien and his selfish sister.
I had to do something. I had to stop him before he consented to another of Damien’s crazy ideas. And one way I could do that was by for staters, track down his location and follow him to wherever he was going to.
I had a feeling he was going back to the Valentino mansion.
And unfortunately I was not wrong either.
I watched Luciano’s car drive into the opulent mansion some distances away.
He had no idea I was following him and I intended to keep it that way.
I waited for approximately five minutes before stepping out of my car.
“Hold on for me. I’ll be back soon” I whispered to my driver before quickening my steps towards the mansion iron gates.
I did not want to drive in with the car. Luciano might spot me. It was best I kept my car outside and walked in on foot.
The security guards were not new to recognising my features. I was let in without questions and hesitation.
As expected, Luciano’s car was parked right in front of the paved steps that led to the entrance of the mansion.
I took in deep breaths as I climbed the few flights of paved steps. Pushing apart the double doors of the mansion, I expected to be greeted by the shocked orbs of Luciano and Damien discussing but instead I was met with the faces of the various staffs that were cleaning the living room.
Luciano was no where in sight. Where was he?
I smiled at them as they attended to their duties, walking past a number of staffs and approaching the centre of the broad living room.
“Signora Greco, are you searching for Master Luciano?” One of the maids asked upon noticing the worried and confused look on my face.
“Yes I am. Do you know where he is?” I replied back almost immediately.
Her eyes drifted towards the stairs that divided the living room and she seemed hesitant to reply me.
“Answer me” I ordered her sternly with gritted words.
“Well..” she lowered than her gaze. “I happened to see your husband walk into Valerie’s room” she confessed.
I was out of breath and my eyes widened in sheer shock.
He is in Valerie’s room?
Why? And most importantly, what are they doing in there?
Is the living room too small now to contain them both that they can’t discuss in the open?
“Signora ….” the young lady snapped me out of my shocked state.
“Take me to him” I swallowed the bile in my throat.
“But are you sure?….”
“Take me to my husband now!” I stood on my word with a fierce look in my eye.
Yielding into my request, the young maid nodded her head and led the way.
A million thoughts ran through my mind as we both climbed the stairs in silence.
It can’t be Luciano that she saw actually.
Maybe she is mistaken. Luciano would never put himself in such a comprising situation.
What could he be doing with that snake in her room? Was she really more prettier than I was? Was she more seducing? Was it the power in which her brother wielded in the underworld that would not let Luciano stay away from this Godforsaken family?!
Damn it! I am overthinking this!
I needed to get myself together and face whatever was waiting for me behind that door.
“We are here. He is inside there” the maid announced to me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I gave her a slow nod of my head and watched her leave.
Turning to face the door, I raised my fist to knock on it but stoped mid air.
Having a change of mind, I pressed my ear into the door, trying to make out the muffled voices I heard from the other side.
“Are you that hungry for me?” Valerie’s sultry voice spoke airily.
I backed out with a gasp escaping my lips and a hand over my mouth.
Did he come here to have sex with her?
No. It can’t be true.
I pressed my ear further deeper to eaves drop on their conversion.
“That is proof to the obvious” that was still Valerie’s annoying voice.
Fuck. That woman irks me so much.
“The truth that Jade your adored wife does not entice you in anyway. Because if she did then you would not need to find solace in another woman’s arm”
What? I backed away from the door with yet another disheartening gasp leaving my lips.
Valerie’s scornful words were so acrimonious to my ears.
Could I not really entice my own husband?
Is that why he hasn’t had sex with me since we got married?
I remember I made him promise me he wouldn’t touch me but along the way, is there a chance that he actually lost it all and stopped admiring me?
He has actually stopped being so touchy and flirty with me compared to before.
Tears filled my eyes and my heart pounded so heavily that I could literally hear every beat.
No. I can’t stay and listen to more hurtful words.
Swiftly turning around, I briskly walked towards the stairs and out of this goddamn mansion.
I’ve had enough.
* * * *
JADE
HOURS LATER
I waited impatiently for Luciano whilst seated on one of the dining chairs. I had assumed he would be back early so that we could talk but he did not come back.
Whenever I try to let my hopes up, something crushes it so fast.
How could I think that Luciano would leave the bed of his fancied mistress so quickly and come back to his colourless wife?
God please.
What sort of marriage is this?
The tears I had fought to keep at bay trickled down my eyes once more.
I have done everything within my power to try and keep that woman away from my husband but it seems my own husband does not want to stay away from her nor her family.
In my hour of grief, Luciano walked right through the door. A smile hugged his face upon setting his eyes on me.
My hands balled instantly. The audacity he has to still look me in the eye after coming out of Valerie’s bed!
“Jade what’s wrong? Why do I see tears on your face?” Luciano softly asked, trying to use his fingers to wipe them.
I pushed his fingers away and avoided his gaze. I had already made up my mind concerning everything. There was no need beating a dead horse and forcing it to move.
“Jade if something is bothering you, I would advice you to talk rather than….”
“You can get married to Valerie” I interrupted him mid way.
“What? You can not be serious”
“Why can’t I?” I snapped back at once. “You wanted her from the start is it not? And you always follow her brothers wish like a dog”
“Jade why are you sounding like this?” His voice was like a desperate plea.
“Now…” I squeezed my eyes shut and swallowed the clog in my throat before flying them open once more.
“I am giving you the freedom to be with her and to save your mafia. Get married to Valerie” I deadpanned with a firm resolve in my tone before standing up and walking out on him.