Chapter 44 You're coming with me

Chapter 44 You're coming with me
NOVA'S POV

I step out of the car with a line up of more cars behind me.

Mit must really be one big luncheon then.

I walk towards the garden with Mrs Caruso already walking towards me with open arms.

She's never this close to me in person.

"So glad you made it! That dress is perfect for today....come on I'll introduce you." She says nudging my back before I can object.

The floral design looks bridal yet warm. Like a blend of pink and white hues.

It better not be a tea party theme.

"Guys this this Nova Castiello my soon to be daughter in law. Isn't she gorgeous?"

The circle of older rich people eyes me up approvingly.

It makes me feel like an auction item.

"You're more beautiful and attractive in person." An old man says sipping from his champagne glass.

Somehow that feels more disgusting than runny eggs for breakfast.

"I can see why that fan girl kissed you. Poor job on security staff though. You're happily engaged....that almost sends the wrong message for the Caruso name." Another person says.

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

Fan girl?

Sofia is more than that. She's important to me in ways that even i am scared to admit.

Mrs Caruso leads me away with the same beaming smile.

I almost chuckle.

She's clearly upset from the statement.

I would ask why the fan girl narrative but something tells me my dad is behind it.

For the public image ofcourse.

"Let's find your fiancé, shall we?" She asks simply.

Her grip on my arm a little tighter than before.

If I comment on it I'll ruin the order of things so I don't.

We stop infront of a group of people her son's age.

"Fabio!" She calls out and he stands up from his sit in the middle of two guys.

His in a black suit with a missing tie.

His face lights up when he sees me.

It better go back to casual smug because I'm not his priced possession.

"You came!"

He plants a kiss on my cheek.

Convincing enough for the audience.

Then pulls away standing a safe distance from me.

Like he knows what my reaction would be.

"I'm your fiancée, aren't I?"

His mom lets go of my arm.

Fabio's eyes focus on that action.

For a brief second his face softens then his composed one takes over.

"I'll umm show you around."

I remain silent.

"That would be great, honey. I'll prepare the guests for the announcement."

She walks away before I can react to that statement.

What announcement.

He doesn't make an excuse to touch me like other times.

He just leads the way looking back from time to time to see if I'm following.

Inside the huge manor he stops in the kitchen.

The reaches for the fridge taking out an ice pack from the freezer.

My eyes squint suspiciously.

"For your arm...that looks bad."

"Your mother did that."

He rolls his eyes.

I walk over to the counter where he's placed it and take it.

"You're not making sexual remarks. Should I be scared?"

He scoffs then takes his suit jacket off.

It falls on the bar stool.

"I'm sorry for my behavior. You didn't deserve that."

He looks away.

"Truth is...I kept pushing because I hoped you'd hate me enough to call the wedding off."

"Instead..."

He glances at my bruised arm.

"My mother did what I couldn't."

Is this some sort of game to get me to soften?

I will not marry him.

"Well it worked. I'm not marrying you."

He pauses.

Then lets out a soft chuckle.

"I know."

"Then why are you still going through with it?"

He sighs.

"Look around Nova. Does this look like something either of us have a say in?"

I lean forward.

He's not wrong.

"Is it blackmail for you?"

"No. I just don't know any other life."

I scoff.

He's no better than his parents then.

He doesnt want this but doesn't mind it.

"I looked her up. Sofia Vescovi...she's not a fan is she? Screwing the daughter of your father's rival is worse than marrying me."

"Shut up. You don't get to have that name in your mouth."

He smiles.

"You love her."

Then a laugh follows.

My fists clench.

"Ice that. Wouldn't want the guests thinking I abuse you." He says in a soft tone before leaving the kitchen.

I look around for the first time since I've been in this kitchen.

He trusts me to be by myself?

Doesn't he know that a runaway bride beats a happy ending?

I look at my arm.

Bruised.

Somehow it looks like art.

The tragedy of a forced love.

I don't think i ever thought of marriage. 

Not when I was little and definitely not when I was a teenager.

It felt confining.

A man holds me accountable while I spend the rest of my life in silence because money should be enough accountability for him.

Marry rich huh?

"Miss they requested for you. A staff member says and I'm just glad my security detail didn't follow me.

I walk cautiously back to the garden.

Fabio is standing by his parents with a glass of champagne in his hand.

Eyes fall on me almost immediately.

Fabio leaves his mother's side and approches me helping me to where he was.

His mother's snear lasts a second but I caught it.

Even in all this I'm the bad person here.

"She's finally here....she wanders off sometimes."

The guests chuckle.

There's nothing funny about this.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for honoring the invite and for being here. This engagement party has been something I envisioned for so long. My son is all grown up."

My world goes still.

Engagement party.

Not a luncheon.

Not a family gathering.

An engagement party.

My engagement party.

Nobody thought I deserved to know.

But it sure will make a good headline.

I laugh feeling a tear roll down my cheek.

Fabio looks over to me with a confused look.

"Enjoy the meals.." she finishes before leading us away from the curious lot.

His dad doesn't seem to say much.

"Is there something wrong with you?"Mrs caruso starts once we're inside.

"Mom stop it...she's clearly in shock."

"From what?"

He sighs.

"A surprise engagement party she was clueless about, Geez!"

He snaps.

I don't think he has ever stood up for me in these situations.

"Come on, Nova....Unless you want to stay here."

I move to where he's standing.

His mom's veins appear on her forehead.

Something botox can't fix easily.

"Let them go." His dad says finally.

"The people came here for them."

"The couple wants some time alone. Are you going to object that too?"

Her face softens.

I think she's realised what he means.

It wouldn't work on me though.

Dad taught me to be more keen on people who suddenly have my best interests.

They usually want something in return.

He leads me to the lobby and out of the manor.

"I need to do something and i need your help."

There it is.

"What is it?"

He pauses.

Then takes out his phone and scrolls through it.

Then shows me his screen.

"A flight ticket?"

"I need a ride to the airport."

"I can have my driver take you."

He pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Did you even read the name on the flight ticket?"

I pause.

I didn't.

"Can you drive me or not."

I hesitate.

If I remain here I might be subjected to worse.

"Okay."

Somehow that answer catches him offguard.

Was he willing to do more for it?