HIS HIRED BRIDE

CHAPTER - 14

"All we need sometime is shoulder to lean on."

MARCELLO TROCELLI P.O.V

I entered my office and froze. Rafael was sitting on my chair, with his legs resting on the desk. I shook my head and sat opposite of him. "I'm guessing it went well?" He commented, not looking up from whatever he was doing on his cell phone.

"Yeah, she signed it." I said showing him the contract paper. A victory smile was dancing across my lips.

"I can see that." He replied nonchalantly. I studied him and knew something was bothering him. Knowing him most of my life, I can sense something was off about him.

"What's wrong?" I asked keeping the paper on the table and put it aside.

"Do you have any idea what you are doing, Marcello?" He questioned me as I furrowed my eyebrows at him.

"Of course I know what I'm doing." I answered in all honesty. However, I was confused about why Rafael, of all the people, was against my idea of hiring a bride.

He used to be the first who stood up for me, and accepted each and every thing whatever I did.

"Really? 'Cause it doesn't seem like it. Marcello, you're a grown up man now. You have seen how the world works. Do you really think this plan of yours is going to work? Do you really think this is a great idea?"

"I know what I am doing. You said it yourself, I am a grown up man. I have seen the world. I am pretty sure I know what I am doing and I know what I am getting myself into for the tenth time, Rafael." I said feeling the tension in the room.

Sure, Rafael and I would fight from time to time with our thoughts clashing, it was natural. But fighting about something like this, it was a lot more serious.

"That girl is naive. It's oblivious that she doesn't know what she is getting herself into. She's willing to go along with your plan because of her aunt. Don't you see Marcello, she's different from other girls." He explained as he tried to twist his thoughts in my head.

"She is taking money for me. That doesn't make her any different." I retorted.

"I don't think you are gett-"

"Seriously Raf, I am not having this conversation with you anymore. Just go with the plan and stick to the script. I gotta go. I have a meeting to attend." I interrupted picking up the contract paper.

"You are going to regret it one day, Marcello, mark my word." Rafael shouted behind me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AVA WILSON P.O.V

The next day I entered the hospital with a bouquet of fresh Lily's. It's funny, Lily's favourite flower is Lily.

I opened her door and froze as I saw Sam and Bella were already inside. I put the flower carefully at her bedside and Bella came forward hugging me.

"Did you do it?" She whispers slowly.

"Yes.." I replied as she patted my back, giving me comfort

I called Bella, the first thing after coming from the hospital. She listens to me and encourages me. That's what I like about Bella. She supports me if I do something wrong or right. She always has my back.

Sam stood up and got out of the room.

I ran behind her "Sam...please." I pleaded.

She stopped, as she heard me. I walked in front of her and took her hands "Don't do this?"

"I'm doing nothing. I just choose not to support you in your grave mistake." Sam spat in anger.

"Do you think I am doing this for myself?" I gritted my teeth in anger while tears fell down on my cheeks.

It's enough now. She has to understand what I am going through.

"Yes. You are being selfish. You are not thinking about Lily. You are not thinking what will she do, if she gets to know you sold yourself for her." Sam furiously replied back.

"Guys please. We can talk at home." Bella interrupted.

"If being selfish means Lily can live. I can be more selfish than this." I retorted back angrily wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand.

"I'm not going to stand and watch you get involved with that man." Sam shouted at me.

"The deal is already done." I utter with a sharp tone.

"What?" Sam question.

"I have signed the contract." I answered meekly.

"You did what? Are you f*****g out of your mind Ava? How can you sign it?" Sam yelled pacing around the corridor.

Sam stopped in front of me and ordered "Call that incorrigible casanova playboy fucktard Trocelli now and cancel the deal."

"I won't." I stated.

"Don't make me rep---" Sam started.

Bella growled, cutting Sam off "Both have you lost it. I am telling you to shut up. We are in the hospital for God sake."

"He will break you Ava. I don't want you to come one day with a broken heart." Sam's voice softened as her eyes got teary.

"I can assure you Ms. Harper, that day won't come." Marcello's voice boomed, making three of us stop in our tracks with wide eyes.

"And about my casanova playboy self. Sorry to inform you Ms. Harper, I am not a casanova nor a playboy. But the media likes to talk about me, and that's not in my hands." He spat with tight lips.

"Marcello..." I whisper.

"Are you alright, Ava?" He came towards me and wiped my tears making my mouth open in shock.

I nodded at him backing away from his touch. He awkwardly coughed and turned towards Bella.

"We haven't met?"

Bella was awestruck looking at Marcello. Her face was worth watching. She was giving Marcello heart eyes which made him slightly nervous.

He extended his hand and Bella took it. "Hi..I....I am Bella."

"I know." Marcello spoke, making her flushed.

I stood beside her and pinched her making her come out of her day dream. She screamed, rubbing her arms.

"Stupid." I mouthed her and she rolled her eyes.

"Ms. Harper, pleasure to meet you." Marcello turned and greeted Sam.

"Can't say the same thing." Sam raises her brows, taking his hand.

They were both glaring at each other making their grasp tighter. Bella and I watched both of them nervously.

It was like a match was going on who would lose first. Thankfully Dr. Parker came, making both of them leave each other's hand.

"We will be taking Ms. Lily inside." He informed us as several nurses came inside the room.

"Everything will be alright." Marcello whispered in my ear and I gave him a grateful smile.

I didn't know Marcello would also come and support me but I was happy for the time being. Looking around now made me more secure.

I don't know what fate has kept for me, I don't know where my life will take me, I don't know if Sam's concerns were right. But I know one thing, Lily will be alright.

And that is enough for me.

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