Marrying the Cold CEO

Chapter Nine

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The sight of the famous brand name inscribed on the top of the velvet box. The Mancini Family was part of the old money families like the Aleksandros and the Harens. They owned a billion dollar business in jewellery with their exclusive pieces costing more than an arm and leg.

I'd loved their jewellery line for as long as I could remember, especially after learning that my Father had commissioned my mother's engagement ring from them, having it custom made for her. As far as I knew, the beautiful diamond that had always left me awe-struck as a child was still in my mother's jewellery box.

Although their divorce had been pretty tumultuous behind closed doors, she had never let the ring go and I had never stopped loving Mancini Jewellery despite the ending of my parent's marriage.

The glittering bracelet on my hand was a gift that meant everything to me because my Father had probably put a sizeable dent in his bank account to get me something memorable for my birthday. I knew it was his own way of creating just as beautiful a memory for me and him and I loved him all the more for it.

Breathlessly opening the box before me, another gasp escaped my lips as I took in the gorgeous diamond necklace from what seemed to be a brand new, custom-made line, Amanti.

Holy s**t…that means there is only one of these in the whole world…which means that this is…

I was dumbstruck, memories flooding back of the meaning behind the gift. It was beautiful, eye-catching with marquise diamonds arranged in three dazzling rows and set in white gold.

Damien spoke up, his words bringing my stuttering heartbeat back to life as it beat almost painfully in my chest at the confirmation of all my suspicions.

"You might not remember this, but our family has a tradition. Every bride in the Aleksandros family is gifted a diamond necklace handcrafted and custom made by the Mancini Family. This tradition has dated back years since our families created an Unbreakable bond. In return, the Mancini's themselves have their own tradition where married couples within their family spend their honeymoon at Adetos' founding resort in Greece."

"It is a gift that is granted only when one is sure of their decision to marry and, as such, is a signal to all those who know of this tradition of the impending nuptials between said couples. This will be our first unspoken announcement of our wedding. The official communication will be sent out in the coming week."

I was reeling, lightly and softly tracing the beautiful diamonds as I internalised his words. Despite his skepticism, which was warranted considering I had tried so hard to forget, I knew about the tradition in their family.

My first taste of fairytale love had not been in books or my parents, but in seeing the wedding portraits of the Aleksandros women who wore their Mancini, Custom Made necklaces proudly. They were all displayed at the Aleksandros family's Manor in Greece, which we visited when I was younger.

Although many of the portraits had to be put into storage due to their fragility from age, Damien's grandmother and mother's portrait adorned the walls of their home not only in Greece but in their family home in New York as well.

They showcased a beautiful tradition of a heartfelt gift and custom that dated back several decades. All the women wore a gorgeous necklace, and although the design was not similar, the story was there.

Damien's younger sister Ariadne and I would stare at the portraits and dream of a future where we met the man of our dreams who gifted us such gorgeous diamonds. They were a girl's best friend after all. My betrothal to Damien had set that future for me in stone and excitement had engulfed me at the prospect of receiving it from him when the time came.

"Your portrait will be up there one day, little angel. You two will make such a beautiful couple."

Daphne Aleksandros' words returned to me at that moment, reminding me of when she had found me staring at her portrait, star stricken and excited at the prospect of such a future.

His mother had been a firm supporter of our union and it had been hard to stay away from her and Ariadne after everything that happened between Damien and I ten years ago. She was always so kind to me.

Just like you predicted…Here we are, in that very moment that I dreamed of time and time again…But the circumstances are not what I envisioned at all…

"I remember the tradition, Damien. Which is why I know I don’t deserve this. This is a business arrangement and, as such, I am unworthy of such a precious piece of history."

Memories gone but the longing still wedged deeply in my heart, I turned to him and moved to return the gift when his hand firmly settled on my own, the touch sending an electric current between us that we both clearly felt as his blues scorched my own.

"Business deal or not, you are still going to be my wife, Gianna. You are going to bear the Aleksandros name. Your part in the history of my family was written the moment you wore my ring. This is yours in as much as you are mine."

His words sent a shiver through me, amplified by his touch as he removed the necklace from the box delicately before securing it around my neck. I was aware of his proximity, of the way his warm breath left goosebumps on the back of my neck or his deft fingers caressed my bare skin and left me breathless.

It settled closely to my neck, an absolutely perfect fit. Damien seemed to feel the same as he stared at it, his features revealing nothing but his eyes showcased more. I could not comprehend them all but I knew he liked what he saw as his gaze strayed to my cleavage momentarily, darkening a fraction before he turned away as he muttered something unintelligible under his breath in Greek.

"We are here, Sir."

Mark spoke up from the front, pulling us back to the present as we realised that we had arrived at our destination. My nerves begun to flare up once more as the realisation of what was about to come dawned fully on me. This would be my first step into a new life. The first announcement of our upcoming union and a life with the man beside me forever.

Oh f**k…am I really ready for this?...

"Breathe, asteri mou. As long as you are by my side, nothing and no one can ever stand against you."

His words broke through the haze of panic as I realised Mark had already exited the car and was waiting patiently outside my door. I internalised Damien's words, taken aback by his consideration but thankful all the same for his support. He lingered for a moment, seemingly making sure I was okay before he exited from his side just as Mark opened my door and offered me his hand to help me out.

Stepping into the cool breeze of the night, I let it ground me as my thoughts seemed to clear and my worries abated, even if just for the moment.

"What does that Greek word mean? The one you keep using. Knowing you, it probably isn't something very nice, is it?"

I quizzed Damien once I secured my hand on his arm, letting him lead us forward and up the steps where the party was in full swing. I had chosen to focus on something different to distract myself and I was very curious about his answer.

He released a small chuckle, one that stunned me into silence as I gaped at the sight. Amusing him twice in one night certainly deserved an award. It was groundbreaking and I found myself fighting my own smile as I let him bring us to a stop in front of the burly guards at the entrance.

"Always so curious. I'm glad to see some things have not changed. Now come, let's officially begin our night."

He handed over our invitation, conversation forgotten, and although I was irked at his masterful evasion, I focused on the task at hand as we ventured into the party. The night was young and I would need all my focus on what was to come.

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