The Mafia's Innocent Bride

My new life

Rosa's POV.

I slowly strolled toward Maximo's room, my heart pounding loudly with nervousness. I was acutely aware of Maximo following me. His firm footsteps were distinctly audible as they struck the floor, announcing his presence. I halted in front of his room door, swallowing my hesitation and the dry lump in my throat. Taking a few deep breaths, I remained conflicted about whether to enter or flee.

Maximo moved past me, gripped the doorknob, and gently twisted it to open the door. Holding it ajar, he waited for me to step inside. As soon as I entered, I gasped and instinctively covered my mouth. His room was adorned with scented candles and flowers. The golden flames of the candles cast a warm glow throughout the room, while the sensual aroma added to its romantic ambiance. Rose petals were strewn everywhere — beside the bed, atop the bed, and all around the room. I heard Max curse under his breath. I couldn't move; it was hard to believe. Was this actually happening? I was married to Maximo Leonardi, and tonight was meant to be our wedding night. My heart thumped loudly, hammering in my ears. I stood there, shuddering, awaiting something dreadful to occur.

My head snapped towards the sound of the cupboard door creaking open forcefully.

I saw Maximo picking up his clothes and storming towards the bathroom in a fit of fury.

I was still in shock and surprise, contemplating his actions. However, witnessing his intense anger unnerved me, and fear coursed through me, causing violent trembles. I knew the devil had been awakened. There was no escape from him now, and I found myself trapped within this room.

After a few minutes, he emerged, wearing a comfortable black v-neck t-shirt with a jacket layered over it, along with washed blue denim.

He picked up his wallet and phone, then hurriedly made his way to the door.

I stared at him without blinking as he gripped the doorknob and glanced back over his shoulder.

"Doll! Nobody should know about this, okay?" He ordered, and without waiting for my reply, he yanked the door open and dashed out of the room.

I exhaled the breath I had been holding for a considerable time. Slowly, I patted my rapidly thumping heart as I walked toward the door and swiftly locked it. I still feared that Max might return at night and unleash his anger on me.

I brushed the flower petals off the bed and allowed my exhausted body to sink lazily onto the soft mattress.

So, the entire room was mine tonight. I felt relieved that I didn't have to share the bed with Maximo Leonardi; sharing a life with him was more than enough. I didn't want to share anything else with him, especially not my body, given how much he despised me.

I woke up with a start when my phone alarm went off.

As a habit, I used to wake up early to ensure I could reach college on time. So, I got up swiftly and made my way to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I noticed the absence of any feminine toiletries in his bathroom. Mentally noting to bring my own bathing essentials, I brushed my teeth and donned Maximo's large, fluffy, white robe before stepping out to search for clothes. Fortunately, Mia had already had my luggage sent to this room. I opened one of the suitcases and selected a red top and blue jeans for the day. Putting my hair up in a high ponytail, I applied some mascara and lip gloss, opting for a light makeup look.

I walked down the hall to the breakfast table and realized Maximo hadn't returned yet. Where could he be? I inquired with a servant about Max's whereabouts, and was informed that he hadn't returned home since the previous night. I was quite certain he must have spent his night somewhere enjoying himself. He was known for being promiscuous and likely would have been with other women at a club or in a hotel room.

The morning was still early, and no one had yet begun their day. I quietly had my breakfast and left for college. Despite it being the day after my wedding, when I was supposed to be with my husband at our home, I found myself attending classes instead.

As I reached the parking lot, my bodyguard, Nico, greeted me.

"This way, Mrs. Leonardi," he hesitated, adjusting to the new title.

"I'm still Rosa to you, Nico," I asserted.

He responded with a smile.

"No, ma'am! Everything has changed now that you're married to my boss," he explained, causing me to roll my eyes.

My expression turned into a frown when Nico opened the door of a Bugatti that belonged to Mariya.

"What happened to my old car?" I asked, glaring at Nico. Had he forgotten that I used to drive an old Honda City?

"I was told to drive you in this one," Nico shrugged. I slid inside, and Nico shut the door, taking the driver's seat. The entire ride was silent. It seemed like nothing had changed after my marriage. But deep down, I knew that everything had changed. I needed to be prepared for the storm that was coming my way. Just as I had anticipated, everyone in the college was glaring at me—some out of curiosity, some out of jealousy, and some looking at me with pity. I held my chin high and looked straight ahead. I was accustomed to those stares. All credit went to Maximo. He used to bully me and allow others to laugh at me. When he left for university, only then did all my problems come to an end. But no, I was mistaken. He had gone only to return and remain in my life forever. Now I was forever stuck with him. "Wow, girl! You hit the jackpot!" Gemma came to my side and took a seat beside me. "It's not a jackpot, Gemma," I rolled my eyes, taking my laptop out of my bag. "It is, babe. You're married to the most eligible bachelor in the country, Maximo Leonardi," Sofia gushed. "I envy you, Rosa," she pouted. "Shut up!" I laughed. "Stop teasing me." "But, girl, that news really surprised all of us. We were still getting over this news," Gemma enthused about my marriage. "You're mistaken. That wasn't a surprise. It was quite evident that Maximo would marry Rosa," our heads turned towards the source of the voice, and we saw Elisa and her gang approaching. "What do you mean?" I frowned. The gang was infamous for all the notorious incidents in the college. So maybe today, I was their target. "You heard me, and I mean exactly what I said. Maximo Leonardi was very interested in you. Otherwise, why do you think none of the boys have ever approached you?" Gabe, one of her gang members, said, smirking at me.

However, the same applied to Mariya. We weren't allowed to date any boys unless they were from prestigious families.

"Because no one is interested in me," I shrugged off. Who would want to date a poor and unattractive orphan girl? I winced at the thought.

They all exchanged glances and burst into laughter, causing me to grimace.

"No, Maximo literally threatened every guy in the school and college. No one was allowed to ask you out. Heck, no one could even look in your direction. That's why you're always alone. Even if he wasn't there, he made sure that no guy could date you," Gabe revealed, and my mouth fell open, my eyes widened at this revelation.

Was Maximo serious? Did he genuinely want me to spend my whole life alone? Did he hate me this much?

"Do you remember Remo, the guy who tried to assault you in high school?" Elena smirked.

I slipped back into the past and wandered through my memories. How could I forget him? That day was a nightmare when he shoved me into a bathroom stall and attempted to assault me. Fortunately, Vincenzo broke the door and beat him mercilessly until he was unconscious. Then some of his friends dragged him out of school, and I heard that he left town with his family the very next day. I also recalled that during the entire incident, as I cried and Vin pummeled Remo, Max stood there with a cold expression. Vincenzo was laying into that guy, and I was sobbing and trembling in fear and embarrassment. Max didn't even bother to console me. That day, I realized he was heartless, incapable of feeling anything for anyone. He only cared about himself.

"We all know the boy left town after the Leonardi boys threatened him. No one ever saw him again," Gabe recollected. "But rumors were that Maximo killed the boy, and his body was never found. He made his family leave town."

I gasped. My hand flew to cover my mouth. Why would he do such a thing?

"But those were just rumors, right? Rumors are often baseless," Gemma dismissed Gabe's revelation.

"Everyone, take your seats," the professor instructed as he arrived, signaling the start of class and ending our discussion.

On the way back home, my head buzzed with thoughts of Max. I needed answers. Why would he do all of this? I stepped out of the car and thanked Nico. Upon entering the mansion, I found Mariya in the living area, flipping through magazine pages. My gaze caught Mariya's picture on the cover. She had become a successful model.

My mood brightened upon seeing her. Mariya smiled upon seeing me and set the magazine aside. I hurried over to her.

"Thank you so much for letting me use your car, Mariya. But you didn't have to do this. I was content with my old car," I held her hand and thanked her with excitement.

"Oh, no, no! I had to give up my car because Maximo ordered me to. He said I should lend you my car for today until he gets you a new one. I even saw a new car in the garage this afternoon," she shrugged, her shoulders falling carelessly. "But it was fine with me since you were going to use that car, my sis-in-law," she winked.

"Mariya! Don't call me that! It sounds weird. I'm not used to it," I squealed, my eyes widening at her using that term. Ugh!

But that was another shocking piece of news for the day. Max bought a new car for me?!

"And... by the way, I was waiting for you to give you your new card. Here! Take this. This card has no spending limit. So spend as much as you want," she took out a card from her handbag and handed it to me.

"Thank you very much, Mariya. You really think about me. This is more than enough. But I don't need a card. I rarely go shopping, and whenever I did, I used to be with you and Mom. So I don't really need a card," I expressed my gratitude, feeling genuinely thankful for her consideration.

"No, Rosa. You misunderstood me again. This card isn't from me. Maximo gave me this card to give to you, along with your new bank account details. Keep them safe," she smiled softly.

A new account? A new card? What was going on with Maximo? He wasn't acting in line with his reputation.

"Umnn... Is... he home?" I asked hesitantly, unsure if he would return after last night. Mariya had said Max gave him those things, so maybe he came back.

"Yes, he's in his study," she replied with a teasing smile.

"Miss Leonardi! The car is ready," Domenic came and informed Mariya. Her smile faded when she saw her bodyguard.

"Okay, I am coming," she replied coldly, without looking at him.

Domenic looked at me and smiled, "How are you, Rosa?"

"I am fine, Domenic. Thank you," I replied, returning his smile.

He was Uncle Sam's son. However, I didn't spend enough time with him to know him well. But he was always good to me and cared for me like a brother. However, we weren't very close as cousins. He nodded and left.

"Rosa, he is your brother, right?" Mariya made a face, watching Domenic walk away.

"Cousin, Mariya!" I corrected her.

"Yeah!" She wrinkled her nose. "He is such a handsome devil in disguise. He has made my life hell."

I laughed at her remark.

"You should talk to him and knock some sense into him not to mess with me," She added, rolling her eyes.

"Haven't you met your brother? The real devil with a handsome face?" I asked sarcastically.

"Maximo?! Yeah! He is a devil, but handsome? Nah!" She waved her hand dismissively.

The twins always used to tease each other. But I knew the Leonardi siblings loved one another. Mariya would do anything for her brothers if needed, just as her brothers would always protect her.

"Ask those girls who are ready to kill for him," I quipped, and we both laughed.

"Yeah, I think you're right. Those crazy girls have boosted his ego to the sky," Mariya said, laughing and catching her breath. "Alright, sis-in-law! I'll see you later. Gotta go," she hugged me and left.

"Don't call me that!" I shouted, and I heard her laughing as she waved her hand without turning back.

I gazed at her retreating figure, and then my eyes settled on the card in my hand. I should thank Maximo for this, and I had some questions that needed answers. So, I went to meet him in his study.