Mariano Il Volo is the only child. Both of his parents were from the mafia and he did not disclose other details. The Il Volo is mostly involved in real estate and management of hotel chains as their legal front, but their family is responsible for manufacturing unregulated guns and ammunitions. They are the supplier of several families in the US, mostly the rich, the businessmen, and the high society. Attracting enemies is normal in the business that's why no one can be trusted.
I learned how powerful Mariano is through William, said power which became a cause of concern for some individuals who are threatened by Mariano's massive influence not only in the dark bellies of this country, but also in the high society. Several assassination attempts were set out to target Mariano but with Hal on the frontline, all the attempts were futile.
I did not give him my answer immediately. I had to absorb everything that has happened and discuss them to River and Aunt Becca first. I was expecting that River would protest but he was pretty cool about it.
"I agree with Mariano, Arden. You would be safer if you are with him."
"B-but... he's asking me to marry him, River. Aren't you concerned? Some stranger is going to take me away." This is so weird. River is so protective. How come he doesn't object to this absurd idea?
"Oh my god," I gasped out loud and went to his side, then cradled his hands on my lap. "He's threatening you, isn't he? Since he is a powerful businessman, he is trying to exclude you from business deals and contracts by using his influence, am I right? Is that why, River? Is that the reason you can't say no-- ow. Easy. This will be red tomorrow," I growled and threw him a sharp glare when he flicked my forehead so hard, it created a sound.
Rubbing my forehead with protruded lips, I reached for a pillow and smacked him with it before running to Aunt Becca's side for protection.
River shook his head in surrender and sighed. "Mariano briefed me earlier before you got home, and I agree with him, Arden. He has the power to protect you from his enemies."
"But--"
"Didn't I tell you before? Be prepared for the consequences. You're the kind of person who acts impulsively and owe it to your luck, maybe, but nothing dangerous happened to you," River explained calmly but I'm not convinced.
"I'm not buying that, River. We're going to get married and you're fine with that? After knowing my past and what's my stand on marriage and commitment?" I feel hurt and slightly betrayed. Out of everyone, I expect River to understand why I am so against this. He knows what happened to my family, and how marriage became a shackle to my mother; how marriage tied her to a loveless and emotionally abusive relationship. All for the sake of fucking marriage and its sanctity.
"What's the fuss, Arden? It's a fake marriage-- he didn't tell you?" River gasped when he saw my dumb expression mixed with confusion.
"Sorry, what now?"
Apparently, Mariano is being pressured by their so-called Elders to get married and sire a successor. I guess it's my fault for not letting Mariano explain everything in the cafe. When I heard marriage and mafia, I bolted and just sent Tyler a quick message. Tonight, we are going to talk about the terms of this contractual marriage. Things have been postponed because Mariano wants me to get used to the estate, and boy, did I ever accepted his hospitality.
The proof is the pit in the center of his well-trimmed garden surrounded by sunflowers and roses. I don't know why he tolerates my moods and keeps on spoiling me. My impression of him is that he is someone who appears to be cold-hearted and has no regards for other people other than himself, but from the past few days I have been here, he is far from that. He is caring and thoughtful. Not only that, he does not get annoyed when I intentionally provoke him playfully but he just goes along with it. Does he have a second personality, perhaps? One of mafia boss and the other as an ordinary citizen?
It took me a few minutes before I step out of the bathroom. I settled for a comfortable set of white pyjamas and blow-dried my hair. It's a good thing that Mariano was able to convince the elder to let us sleep in separate rooms but whenever we are out in the open, we try our best to be sweet and act natural because eyes are everywhere.
Except providing security from potential threats, Mariano is the one reaping benefits from this situation, or so I thought.
"I'll shoulder all of the expenses of your child until he or she gets employed. I will also ensure the safety of the both of you, including the people close to you, Arden. I am aware that I am asking too much of you, so I believe that there should be a proportionate compensation for that. Just give me one year, and after that, you are free to do whatever you want," Mariano proposed in detail as if he has been thinking about this matter all along.
"I appreciate that, but you're giving me a mansion too?" I pointed out a specific provision stipulated in the contract under the section Benefits and Compensation. "This is too much, Mariano. Supporting my child is already excessive."
Mariano frowned. "How is that excessive? You are giving me a year of your life to go along with this charade and you expect me to provide you a measly amount? I'm rich, Arden. I can provide for the both of you until you die." There was no hint of arrogance in his words, just a statement of facts.
"Fine. I have no energy to argue with you and I want to sleep. Should I even ask how you learned about my pregnancy?"
Mariano just gave me a deadpan stare. "Who do you think I am?" Yup. I asked the wrong question.
"Yes, yes, the almighty Mariano Il Volo blessed by the gods," I dismissed and I would give anything to wipe that smug smile on his face.
Leaning on the sofa, I continued to read the contract. To make this believable, we have to act sweet in the public. We are to attend social events and other activities. I have to go with him when he is being summoned by the elders.
"How often do the elders summon you?"
"It depends," he replied curtly and returned to what he was doing in his computer. He must have noticed that I am not satisfied with his answer, so with a deep sigh, he replied, "When I'm in the mood, Arden. I have no obligation to meet those fucking geezers. They're ancient; they should mind their own business and enjoy the time they have left."
Okay. Point taken. He is not fond of the elders, and from the short time I have known him, there's probably a reason for that, but it's not my business to mind.
"Got it, but... wait a minute. They will know that I'm pregnant, Mariano! How are we supposed to separate in peace after a year?" Wow. My brain may have slowed down for a minute, with all of these sudden turns of events. "You told me that they are insisting that you sire an heir. What if they order you to keep my child and install him or her as the successor?" I am full-blown panicking.
"I am not going to give you my baby. That is not going to happen," I said firmly and the unpleasant knots started to twist in my belly. My breathing started to become heaving as a barrage of horrifying thoughts started to bombard my brain. Not my baby. No one is taking away my child. My hand automatically reached for my belly, as if to protect him or her from a potential threat.
Mariano stood up and dropped what he was doing. "Arden, calm down and take deep breaths. You are having a panic attack," Mariano stated in a clear-cut voice and sat beside me. He held my hand and drew soothing circles on top of it, as he helped me manage my breathing. "Yes, that's it. Inhale... count to three... then exhale slowly. Repeat the process." This time, his voice is gentler as he guided me through the breathing exercise.
Once I calmed down, he offered me a glass of water and opened the doors to the balcony of his office for some fresh air. When I turned to him, I saw how his eyes glimmered with worry as he gently brushed my hair back in a soothing motion. "How did you know that I was having a panic attack?" I asked softly and looked at him tiredly.
His jaw ticked, his forehead wrinkled, and I noticed how conflicted he is based on his unreadable expression. A few seconds passed and I was about to tell him to forget about it when he opened his mouth to answer.
"I had it when I was a kid."
Silence fell between us and I did not have the courage to reply, ask, nor continue our discussion from earlier. I am so tired and my head fucking hurts. He walked me back to my room but not without pressing his lips on my forehead. "Good night, Arden. We'll talk again tomorrow. If you need something, just press the blue button on the nightstand. It will alert me immediately." I nodded and sighed softly. Warmth spread from where his lips landed. It has become our routine and it will be easier for us to fool the eyes that constantly watch us.
"Thank you, Mariano. Have a good night's rest." I wrapped my arms around him for a tight embrace which surprised him since this is a first, but he hugged me back softly. I smiled and buried my face on his chest, revelling on the minty scent of his cologne.
He's not that bad. We are going to be good friends.
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