Bound by Vows

ALESSIA'S POV:

I looked around the place as I stepped out of the car. Still as beautiful as ever.

I wasn't here to admire beauty-everything had changed, and my family's survival was on the line.

I looked at the worker that rushed to me.

"Good morning, Miss Alessia" he greeted, panting.

"T–The Boss is with guests so you'll---"

"Who cares?" I interrupted, glancing at the driver as he took my things out of the boot.

The worker followed behind me, panicking as I walked past him and headed straight into the house.

With guests? While destroying my family's life?

My jaws tightened in anger as my pace quickened.

"Cesare!!!" I yelled out as I got closer to the drawing room, my anger doubling with the sound of their laughter.

"M–Ma'am, please---" the worker muttered as I barged into the room.

"What's this?" One of the Men seated, asked as he looked at me.

"I–I told her you were with guests, Sir" the worker tried explaining,

"She didn't---"

"Can't even handle a little girl" another cut in, clicking his tongue.

And there he was.

The very person set out to ruin my family, pulling me into such a stupid situation- Cesare Marchetti.

He kept looking at me as our eyes met.

My fists clenched as he smiled.

This bastard...

"We need to talk. I don't care---"

"Missy..." The capo seated closest to Cesare interrupted.

"This isn't a place for you to be at the moment. You can go join the ladies at the kitchen or make the beds"

The others burst into laughter at this.

Cesare was still watching me, silently.

I bit my lower lip, scanning through the room.

They think I'm some joke?

And that man. The capo that just made the joke- Fernando.

Doesn't he recognize who I am?

"You don't know who---"

"The spawn of a traitor" he cut in again, sharper this time.

"That's who---"

"Enough" Cesare cut in- voice thundering across the room, bringing it to complete silence.

He scanned around for a second, eyes trailing back to me.

"Everybody out"

Just like that, without a single grumble or noise, they all stood up, bowed and walked out, including the worker that stood besides me.

"...What the hell is this, Cesare?" I asked angrily, walking towards him.

"That's not the tone a sacrifice should be having"

My stomach twisted as the words sank in.

Sacrifice?

"How dare you?" I snapped.

"How dare you call me---"

"A sacrifice?" He mused, standing up.

"What do you call someone who's been offered by their father to save his skin and the future of his household?"

I gritted my teeth as he walked closer.

"T–That's not---"

"That's exactly what's happening. You're smart, Alessia. You've always been. Don't act foolish now"

I stared at him- frustrated, defeated and angry- at myself, at him and... at my father.

What made him choose to betray the Marchettis when he's been so loyal and righteous all these time?

"H–He didn't---"

"He did" he cut in, standing right in front of me.

"Shouldn't you be on your knees begging me to spare you and your family?" he brought his hand and ran it through my hair.

Fuck. A shiver of irritation followed, making me push his hand away.

"Don't do that" I glared at him.

"Or what?" He chuckled, grabbing my face.

"Now... This will be the last time in your little existence that you will dare have that tone with me. Understood?" His grip tightened.

"Understood?" He repeated upon my silence.

I struggled, but his eyes held me still. I was trapped.

"U–Understood" I stuttered, nodding.

My jaws tightened as I stared at him.

Am I just going to let him do whatever he pleased?

And this... This isn't the Cesare I used to know.

"Good" he mused, releasing his hand.

"You're my property now. It'll be for your own good to know your place"

My legs were already weakened, bringing themselves to the floor.

Pathetic, Alessia.

"Pathetic" he murmured, walking away.

"Prepare dinner for her and make her comfortable" he ordered the worker lurking outside,

"She'll meet me in an hour"

"Yes, Sir"

---

I stood outside the door for a while.

Why does he want to meet me?

Why did I even come?

You've accepted your fate.

No. I clenched my fist, raising it to knock on the door.

"Come in" his voice cut through from inside.

I walked in, crossing my arms to support each other since they were the only one I'd got now.