Chapter 9
1076 Words
"I will take it from here Maria," Enzo's voice echoed behind them as they both came to a halt turning back to meet his gaze.
Maria bowed her head instantly and Gabriella unconsciously found herself in awe at the man standing before her.
Her lips parted softly, stunned by Enzo's presence. He was even more handsome than she had remembered, with his piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. He was wearing a tailored black tuxedo that accentuated his muscular frame.
She must have been quite upset with him that she failed to look at him up close, now that she did, she realized why most women were drawn to him despite his reputation.
"Gabriella," he said, his voice a low rumble pulling her attention back to his eyes. "You look...radiant."
Gabriella felt her cheeks flush at his compliment but immediately she frowned but Enzo didn't miss the look in her eyes at his compliment. "Can we get this over with," she questioned.
"A thank you won't get you in trouble you know," Enzo chuckled.
"I will save it for someone more deserving," Gabriella scoffed.
Enzo's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't say anything. He reached out and took her hand, leading her toward the ballroom.
Maria walked in the opposite direction, Mr. Saviano had assigned her to make sure everything was in order. She knew how Mr. Saviano loved his things to be in a specific order and the last thing she wanted was to ruin this event for him.
As Enzo and Gabriella entered the ballroom, all eyes turned to them. Gabriella could feel people whispering and murmuring behind her back, but she refused to let it get to her.
She suddenly felt Enzo's hand behind the small of her back, he leaned into her ear whispering, "What do you say about a little introduction?"
"What?" Gabriella's eyes widened.
What introduction? Was this event organized because of her? Now that she thought about it, she had been so lost in her thoughts earlier that she forgot to ask Maria what the event was about.
Darn it!
Enzo led her to the center of the room, where a large fountain was surrounded by a group of elegantly dressed people. The room was filled with the sound of music and laughter, but Gabriella felt a sense of unease.
She could feel Enzo's gaze on her, and she knew that he was watching her every move. She refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort, so she lifted her chin and looked around the room with an air of confidence.
She scanned the crowd, looking for any sign of a familiar face but there was none. She was completely alone in this den of vipers.
Looking at their dressing, she could tell they were all the same. She rolled her eyes looking for a drink instead, maybe if she downed herself with some alcohol she would feel more comfortable.
Enzo cleared his throat, interrupting her thoughts. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice echoing through the room. "Thank you all for coming, I am honored to have you all here tonight," he continued grabbing two glasses of champagne from a waiter passing by, he handed one of the glasses to Gabriella who reluctantly collected it despite her desire to get drunk.
What if it was poisoned? She thought to herself but he wouldn't poison her so soon, he looked like he still needed to use her. She was certain when he was done using her, he would discard her but how would he discard her, would he kill her?
She needed to get out of here was all she could think about as she took a sip from the glass cup not minding the eyes on her.
"I would like to introduce you to my guest, Miss Gabriella Diaz," Enzo announced and Gabriella nearly choked on her drink. She cleaned the side of her lips gulping in softly.
The crowd erupted into applause, but Gabriella could only focus on the cold, calculating look in Enzo's eyes. She knew that he was enjoying this moment, watching her squirm under his scrutiny.
"Gabriella here," Enzo continued, "is a woman of exceptional intelligence and wit. She is also a survivor."
Gabriella's eyes widened in surprise. She had never expected Enzo to say anything positive about her in public. What the hell was he up to?
"I am sure you will all be interested to hear her story," Enzo said. "She has overcome great adversity in her life, one that I truly admire."
The crowd murmured to themselves at Enzo's words, it was unusual for them to hear the ruthless Enzo Saviano admire someone, and not just anyone but a woman. Rumor had it, he wasn't fond of women, he enjoyed them when it came to his s****l desires but that was as far as it went.
Gabriella on the other hand felt more confused at what Enzo was saying, she stared at him trying hard to figure out what he was driving at.
She knew that Enzo was using her to gain sympathy from the crowd, but she couldn't bring herself to figure out what else and the truth was she didn't care.
She had been through too much to let his manipulation bother her, for all she knew this might be one of his sick games again and if she reacted she might be playing right into his game.
"As you all know, recently my father passed down the Saviano estate in my name," Enzo said. "It hasn't been easy running the estate and other business but I will have to admit that most of this has been possible due to this woman standing beside me."
Gabriella scoffed internally at his words, was he serious right now she thought to herself taking another sip of her champagne. He must be enjoying this, lying right in their faces.
"She has not only been my guardian angel but my shadow as well," Enzo continued his announcement sending shockwaves through the hall.
Gabriella remembered that man in the forest who had addressed her in Enzo's shadow, she wondered what the shadow meant now that they all looked surprised by it.
"Let's all raise a toast," Enzo said raising his glass, they all joined in alongside Gabriella. "A toast to my fiancée Gabriella Diaz."
What!!! Gabriella exclaimed but before she could speak Enzo turned, leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
- Writer
