Chapter 126 Scared
ARYA’S POV
I was standing in the marble-floored foyer, holding Dante against my chest, and tried to process what I was seeing.
There was a sweeping staircase and crystal chandeliers and windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, letting in streams of golden afternoon light.
"This is where you live?" I asked Marco, my voice echoing slightly in the vast space.
"This is where we live now," he corrected gently, taking my hospital bag from my shoulder. "Come on. Let me show you around."
I followed him through room after room, each more beautiful than the last.
A gourmet kitchen with marble countertops and a library with built-in shelves that reached the ceiling.
"I've been building this place for the past year," Marco explained as we walked. "Quietly. I didn't want anyone to know until it was finished."
I blinked and shook my head. "But why? This is so much space for one person."
"I always wanted to start my own family." He paused at the bottom of the staircase. "I just didn't know who I'd be sharing it with. Until recently."
My heart skipped. Before I could respond, he was already heading upstairs.
"Your room is this way," he said, leading me down a hallway lined with closed doors.
He opened one to reveal a spacious bedroom decorated in soft cream and blue.
There was a large bed with a plush comforter, and I could see an ensuite bathroom. It made my body already tingle with happiness, it had been too long since I had taken a bath in a jacuzzi.
But what made me stop in my tracks was the corner of the room.
There was a fully assembled crib, draped with soft blankets, a mobile of stars and moons hanging above it.
"You already had a crib," I said slowly, moving closer to examine it. "Marco... did you plan this? Before I even had the baby?"
He shifted his weight, looking almost bashful. "I hoped that you would let me take care of you both." He stopped. "I wanted to be ready. Just in case."
Tears pricked my eyes. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." He moved to stand beside me. "Just know that you and Dante are safe here. You don't have to worry about anything."
I looked down at my sleeping son, then back at the beautiful room,
"Thank you," I whispered. "I know I haven't been the easiest person to help, but I'm grateful. More than I can express."
Marco's hand found mine, squeezing gently.
A different thought struck me suddenly. "My parents. Do they…" I swallowed hard. "What are they saying? Are they looking for me?"
Marco opened his mouth to answer, but the doorbell chimed through the house.
"Hold that thought," he said, already moving toward the door. "I'll be right back."
He left, and I was alone in the beautiful room with my sleeping baby.
I walked to the window, looking out at city lights that seemed to stretch forever.
"What do you think, baby" I whispered to Dante. "Is this our new life? Is this where we belong?"
He made a small sound in his sleep, his tiny hand curling against my chest.
I heard footsteps returning, and Marco appeared in the doorway.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Fine. Just a delivery." He smiled. "Are you hungry? I had dinner prepared. Nothing too heavy, I know you're still recovering."
My stomach rumbled in response. "Starving, actually."
"Good." He stepped closer, pulling me into a gentle hug that was careful not to disturb Dante. "Don't worry about anything, Arya. You just focus on yourself and the baby. Let me handle everything else."
The words should have been comforting. They were meant to be comforting.
So why did they make me feel trapped?
I pushed the thought away. "Thank you."
After he left, I fed Dante, marveling at how natural it felt now… this tiny person depending entirely on me.
Then I bathed carefully, my body still sore from delivery, and changed into the soft pajamas Marco had somehow thought to buy in my size.
Dante fell asleep quickly in his beautiful new crib, and I found myself with nothing to do but join Marco downstairs.
He was waiting in the dining room, two plates already set and wine glasses filled with juice for me and red wine for him.
"This looks amazing," I said, taking a seat.
"Only the best for you." He raised his glass. "To new beginnings."
I clinked my juice glass against his wine. "To new beginnings."
We ate in comfortable silence for a while.
"It's funny," I said finally, setting down my fork. "A year ago, I never would have imagined my life looking like this. Life is strange."
"But good, strange?" Marco asked, his expression hopeful.
"I think so. I'm still figuring it out." I took a sip of juice.
He reached across the table, taking my hand. "I'm happy, Arya. This is everything I wanted."
He was close again, leaning across the table, his eyes intense with emotion.
My heart raced as he leaned in for my mouth. Thankfully, his phone chose to ring at that moment.
Marco glanced at the screen, and something shifted in his face.
"I need to take this. Excuse me."
He stood and walked into the hallway. I could hear his voice, speaking in Italian too fast for me to follow.
When he returned five minutes later, he was already rolling up his sleeves, his expression grim.
"I have to leave," he said abruptly.
I blinked. "What? Now?"
"Something came up. I'll be back as soon as I can." He was already heading for the stairs. "There's food in the fridge and the security system is set. Don't answer the door for anyone."
I didn’t like this one bit. "Marco, what's going on?"
"Nothing you need to worry about." He disappeared upstairs.
I followed him. "Marco, I'm in a strange house with a newborn and you're leaving without explaining."
"I said don't worry about it!" He snapped and I staggered back. He swore, immediately looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Arya. I didn't mean to yell.”
He came to me, cupping my face, and kissed me.
"Stay inside," he said firmly. "Lock the doors. Don't let anyone in. I'll be back soon."
My chest tightened. "How soon?"
"I don't know. A few hours. Maybe longer." He was already halfway down the stairs. "Get some rest. I'll call you when I'm on my way back."
Then he was gone, the door closing with a firm click, leaving me standing alone in the massive house.
I stood there, feeling the silence press down on me.
What just happened?