Chapter 3
1138 Words
The next morning, the De Luca house was bustling with activity as preparations for the upcoming wedding began. In the midst of the chaos, Francesca and her mother, Elena, found a moment to speak privately in Francesca's room.
Francesca closed the door behind her and turned to her mother, her eyes wide with excitement and curiosity. "Mama, I didn't expect Enrico to be so handsome," she whispered, almost breathless. "Deep inside, I couldn't keep my eyes off him."
Elena arched an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Handsome, perhaps. But do not be deceived by his looks, Francesca. Enrico Saviano is a dangerous man. He is not to be trusted."
Francesca bit her lip, her mind racing with thoughts. She couldn't deny that the moment she entered Enrico's study and her eyes met his, she had been drawn to him. "Do you think it's right for Isabella to marry Enrico and not me? What if she can’t handle him?"
Elena’s smile widened, a glint of malice in her eyes. "Isabella is the one who must marry him, not you. This is what is best for our family. Enrico will show his true colors soon enough, and Isabella will surely suffer as his wife."
Francesca’s laughed, her laugh was light but carried a hint of nervousness. "You think?"
Elena's expression grew more serious as she leaned closer to Francesca, her voice lowering. "Have you forgotten the stories, dear? About the woman who betrayed Enrico? He had her killed without a second thought. He sees women as beneath him, as tools for his use."
Francesca's face paled slightly as the memory resurfaced. She had heard the gruesome story whispered among the servants and in hushed tones at gatherings. Enrico Saviano had discovered that his former lover was feeding information to a rival family. In a swift and brutal act of retribution, he had her disposed of, her body found days later as a chilling reminder of his ruthlessness.
"I remember," Francesca whispered, her voice tinged with fear. "It was so horrifying. I didn’t think it could be true, but now…"
Elena nodded, her eyes hardening. "It is true, and it shows the kind of man Enrico is. He will not hesitate to do the same to Isabella if she crosses him. She will suffer, Francesca. But that is her burden to bear for the sake of our family."
Francesca shivered at the thought, but she couldn’t deny the logic in her mother’s words. "But what if Isabella finds a way to defy him? She’s always been stubborn."
Elena shook her head, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Stubbornness will not save her. Enrico is far more cunning and ruthless than she can ever imagine. He will break her spirit. And that is exactly what needs to happen. Isabella must learn her place. She is a nobody. You are the rightful heir, not her. You will marry a more befitting husband when the time comes."
Francesca’s nervousness was replaced by a sense of superiority. "You’re right, Mama. Isabella doesn’t stand a chance against someone like Enrico. She’s too weak. They both deserve each other."
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by sounds coming from outside the room. Curious and slightly alarmed, Francesca and Elena rushed out into the living room. There, they found Angelo, Isabella, and a man in a sharp suit speaking.
Francesca’s eyes immediately fell on the large gift box Isabella was holding. Without a second thought, she hurried over and took the box from Isabella's hands.
"Francesca!" Isabella gasped, stunned by the way she had grabbed the box from her.
"What is it?" Francesca asked, She quickly opened it, hoping it was perhaps a gift from hee father. Her father was fond of buying her gifts when he was in a good mood.
"Is this for me Papa?" Francesca asked, a smile plastered on her face but before Angelo could reply to his daughter, the box opened and Francesca eyes widened in surprise at its contents. Even Elena who had been standing by the side jaw dropped.
Inside the box was a stunning wedding gown, adorned with intricate lace and delicate beadwork. Alongside the gown were sparkling pieces of jewelry, each more beautiful than the last. Francesca gasped, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of envy and amazement.
The man in the suit spoke up, his voice calm and professional. "These are from Mr. Enrico Saviano, for his bride-to-be."
The room fell silent, the gravity of the man's words sinking in. Angelo, Elena, Francesca, and Isabella all stood in stunned silence, processing the unexpected gesture from Enrico. None of them had anticipated that Enrico would send such an elaborate gift for Isabella.
Isabella, in particular, was taken aback. She had never received any gifts from her father, so in a way, this was the first time she was getting something so extravagant, and it was from Enrico Saviano. She ran her hand over the gown, feeling the delicate lace and intricate beadwork beneath her fingers. It was beautiful, and for a moment, she allowed herself to marvel at the craftsmanship.
The man continued speaking, his tone unwavering. "Mr. Saviano has requested that you wear this gown when you meet him next. He wishes to see his bride-to-be in the attire he has chosen."
Angelo stepped forward, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Thank you. Please convey our gratitude to Mr. Saviano for his generosity."
The man nodded, acknowledging Angelo's words. "I will. Mr. Saviano wants everything to be perfect for the wedding. He will be expecting you to wear this gown."
Isabella felt a mix of emotions. The gift, while beautiful, was a reminder of the reality she was facing. She was being prepared like a bride for a man she barely knew and certainly didn't love. The gesture, although generous, felt more like a transaction, a symbol of her impending fate.
Francesca, still holding the gown, felt a pang of jealousy. She couldn't deny the beauty of the dress and the exquisite jewelry. For a moment, she imagined herself in Isabella's place, wearing this beautiful gown but she quickly dismissed the thought, reminding herself of her mother's words. This was Isabella's burden to bear, not hers.
Elena, on the other hand, maintained her composure, though her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. This was a sign that the plan was moving forward, and Enrico was taking the marriage seriously. Soon enough, Isabella would be out of their lives.
The man in the suit handed Angelo a card. "This contains all the details for the wedding preparations. Mr. Saviano has arranged everything. He expects nothing but perfection."
Angelo took the card, nodding. "Of course. We will ensure everything goes smoothly."
With that, the man turned and left, leaving the De Luca family to marvel at the gifts.
- Writer
