The Italian Billionaire and His Run Away Bride

Chapter 1

Chicago 2020

Amelia's POV

I came rushing out of my apartment. I am so late for my shift at the diner, again. I came home as soon as my teacher in graduate school released me.

She can be so chatty sometimes if you let her. I try so hard to avoid her, but because I am her favorite student, she always makes sure to hold me captive after her lecture.

I am taking up Business Administration, and I am about to graduate a month from now.

After I left our small town in Italy, I've never heard from my parents anymore. My uncle and aunt never want me to talk about them and ask me to forget. How can you forget the people who brought you to the world?

They treated me as their own child, sent me to school, and changed my name entirely. From Amelia Leone to Cassandra Parker, and they registered me as their adopted daughter. They never had children, but I never asked my uncle why.

They own the J&S hardware located in downtown Gold Coast. They are good people; they provide for me and send me to the best schools.

On my 21st birthday, which was three days ago, they gave me my very own car. I was so happy; at least I won't be rushing to catch the bus on my way to school and Ramon's Diner, where I currently work as a part-time waitress.

At first, my uncle was firmly against my working at the diner. He asked why I should work when they can give me what I want or need. After arguing and explaining, he finally agreed. I just wanted to have my own money and pay my rent to my apartment near my school.

I had a hard time convincing them to allow me to move out, but I repeatedly tried until they let me. It was time for me to move out. I am 21 years old. For God's sake, I need my own space.

I have lived in a cocoon all my life, and I haven't even made a single close friend since I arrived here 11 years ago. They wouldn't let me talk to anybody, let alone be friends with other kids. And yes, I am still single and as pure as the Virgin Mary.

I had a few crushes, and many attempted to pursue me, but as I've said, my uncle wouldn't let me. I was okay with it because I haven't met someone that makes my blood boil and my panties wet if you know what I mean.

I am almost at the diner and was looking for a parking space for my car. I saw one right beside a black Mercedes Benz; the owner must be filthy rich. I parked my car and went flying out of my car and rushed inside. Ramon is not so forgiving for latecomers.

One time I was late; he chopped a considerable amount off my tip for that day. When I got in, all the tables are almost full, and Cherry, my colleague, is busy refilling the patrons' cups.

I smiled at her apologetically; she just nodded and moved her head in the bar's direction, where to my dismay, Ramon is glaring at me. I rushed inside to change into my uniform, put on my apron, and then grab my pad and pen.

" This is your third for this week, Cassie. If you want to keep this job, you have to set your priorities straight." It was Ramon's words before he went back to his small, crappy office. I rolled my eyes at his back and started serving my assigned table.

" Thanks, girl," I bumped Cherry's shoulder when she went past me. She just winked and went to serve the VIP cubicle.

All I can see are the heads and suit-clad legs of the men sitting there, and they have a heated argument. I am so glad I am not assigned there today; rude men get on my nerves.

The day dragged so painfully slow after the lunch hour. When 9 pm came, I am ready to go home and get in the tub and soak in my bubble bath. One more hour and I can go home, I said to myself.

I was cleaning the tables when the door sounded. Then four men came in wearing black suits like those spies you see on tv.

They went straight to the VIP lounge and took a seat, Cherry at the moment, is in the toilet, so I don't have a choice but to go and get their orders, or Ramon will bite my head off again.

I sighed loudly and took out my pen and pad from my pocket. As I approached their cubicle, they argued in a shallow voice, then stopped abruptly when they noticed me. I cleared my throat, stared at them, and then put on my fake smile. I hope I don't look like I just swallowed thumbtacks.

" Hey, guys! What are you having tonight?" I asked cheerfully, fake smile on.

" Can we have beers, little girl?" The big bearded man answered. I can hear a hint of an accent in his voice. I suddenly miss home.

I wouldn't say I liked it when he said, little girl, because I am no little girl. I stood 5 feet 8 inches tall, still taller than any ordinary girl.

" Sure, is that all?" I asked again.

" That's it for now, Bambina," the smaller guy said, and I turned to him with wide eyes. So I am correct, they are Italian, suddenly I don't feel good.

I turned right away and gave their orders to Cherry, who just came out of the toilet. I rushed to the back and hide. I remembered my father's words: do not trust anyone and not let people know I am Italian.

I looked at the time; it's still 9:30, 30 minutes more, and I'm out of here. I busied myself cleaning the counter and washing the glasses. I glanced at that table from time to time. It seems like they are expecting someone or waiting for someone.

When the clock struck 9:50 in the evening, I am so thankful. It's not easy to be on your feet for 13 hours straight. The men started to stand up and went to the door.

The Mercedez Benz I saw this afternoon is back, and it's evident that these men were waiting for that car. They talked to the man inside the car for a while, then went to their own vehicle and followed the Benz.

I continued doing my task wiping the counter, and when we finished washing and cleaning, I went to my locker to change my clothes.

I clocked out and waved goodbye to Cherry and the other girl I always forget the name of. She seldom talks to me anyway, so I don't make an effort to befriend her.

To my dismay, I went into my car and put the key in the ignition, but it won't start. That's what you get from a second-hand junk of a car, great!

I guess I have to walk home then. I don't think there are busses at this time and cabs will cost a fortune. I grabbed my bag put on my coat, and exited my car. I'll come and pick it up tomorrow.

Good thing it's not too cold tonight, and the stars are out, so no worries about rain. I strolled in the direction of my house. This is why I need to move out and look for close apartments here. I would have to walk for at least 20 minutes before I arrive home.

When I passed by an alley, I heard a sound. My curiosity won over my fear, and I went to check what it was. There I saw the back of a man wearing an expensive black suit, a gun in his hand, and a man kneeling in front of him.

Three more men are watching, then the man with a gun pulled the trigger and shot the one kneeling in the head. I screamed out of shock, and the man with a gun turned to look at me. I gasped when I saw his face. I knew him! His face is all over the magazines. He is every woman's fantasy, including me but now turned into a nightmare.