Chapter 47 Matriarch
Alessia’s POV
I drop my cutlery , and it makes a resounding clang sound.
Alex looks at me, grinning. “Are you done?”
I nod. “Yes, I couldn’t eat a bite more.”
He gets up and holds out his hand to me. “Come, Cara mia.” I take it, once again heat crawling up my arm. The minute he opens the dining room door and leads me back into the living room, I can already sense a shift in the calm atmosphere we left. Voices waft towards us , and I could recognise that cold detached voice anywhere. My stomach tightens in knots. Straightening my shoulders, my hand tighten on Alex’s, preparing myself for their verbal attack. I understand why Alex insisted I have breakfast before facing them.
We reach the living room doorway, and I sight Luca first, sitting on the love seat alone, shoulders set in a straight line, in an almost perfect posture. Not the Luca I am used to. This Luca is scared of a war breaking out. Sitting across from him is none other than Signora Margerita Ferrini. She looks at me as if I should be a stone under her shoe. Beside her, with her hands clasping the latest designer bag, sits Isabella Ferrini. Her eyes slowly peruse my attire, pausing at our joint hands once again, jealousy flashing in her eyes. Someone else might mistake it for disdain or disgust, but I know better.
Luca coughs to clear his throat. “Oh great, they are done eating.”
Margerita’s cold gaze meets mine, scoffing. “Hmmp. You.” And I gaze back, ignoring the statement and not flinching. Isabella, on the other hand, looks at me with triumph written all over her smug face. She is glad the matriarch is riled up by the sight of us together.
Alex releases me, stepping forward to stand between me and his family, his hand giving mine a quick squeeze.
“Mother. Isabella.” His voice is cool as usual. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unannounced visit?”
Margerita lifts her chin.
“Alex, you are my son. Do I need an appointment to see you?” Her cold eyes flicker to me. “Even though I can see why you will want privacy.”
My breath hitches in my throat. I refuse to cower, not in the midst of them.
Isabella smoothens her pink dress, her doe-like eyes fixed on Alex as she pouts. “When you didn’t return last night, brother, we were worried.” Her voice is sweet and melodious.
She plays with the strap of her bag as she continues. “When Mama complained she hadn’t seen you since yesterday, she insisted I accompany her to find you immediately.”
I hide a smirk ,Am I the only one that can see through Isabella? She obviously kept pacing holes in the floor of the mansion until Margherita agreed to bring her here.
Alex’s muscle ticks.
“There was no need for that. I told you ladies to stay indoors.”
“There is every need for it,” Margerita snaps, her eyes filling with fury as her gaze cuts to me.
“Considering the kind of people you have been pulling closer to you of recent.”
I can’t deny her words hurt. They sting like a bee, but I can’t let it get to me. I remain quiet, letting him handle his family. This is his kingdom and his fight.
“If you are referring to Alessia, then yes, Alessia is my people. Yes, I am not denying her to make you feel better, Mother,” he says firmly.
The entire room is silent after his declaration. Isabella stiffens, her eyes flashing pain only a lover will have. Margerita narrows her eyes.
“And how long will she be one of yours?” Margherita murmurs. “And why must she spend the night here with you?”
Heat crawls up my neck as her meaning isn’t lost on me. I go to take a step back, but Alex’s hand moves to my lower back, lending me his warmth and strength.
“Mother, I will not explain myself to you.”
He says it loudly, his voice echoing in the room like a thunderbolt.
Margherita snickers. “Alex, you really think she-”
He cuts her off sharply. “Mother, don’t finish that sentence. I will not tolerate it.”
I watch Isabella as she keeps her eyes focused on her hands. She didn’t expect Alex to stand up to his mother and defend me .Luca finally steps in to diffuse the situation.
“Can we all just sit and-”
“I will not just sit!” Margerita rises to her full height. “I am here because I want to understand what is going on.” Her gaze sweeps around the room before settling on Alex again. “Why are you risking so much for her? She is a stranger.”
“It is my choice, and I have made it,” Alex says. “Alessia stays with me. The sooner you understand, the better.”
Isabella lets out a shocked gasp as everyone falls into silence again.Isabella stands too, her eyes pitiful, her hands trembling as she hangs her bag on her shoulder.
“Brother, it’s okay. We just wanted to check on you,” she whispers softly.
“As you can see, I am fine.” His voice is not cruel, just firm.
Margherita takes a sharp intake of breath.
“Alejandro, this is not right.”
Alex shakes his head.
“My choices are just that. Mine. Don’t speak to me as if I am a child, Mother.”
Her lips open wide in shock.
My heart beats loudly in my chest, but I stand by him. Not trying to hide or shrink. I stand at my full height, chin up, by his side in a space both women wish I could disappear from.
The tension grows thicker, pressing on all of us, until Isabella’s shaky voice cracks.
“Brother, when are you coming home?”
Alex faces her. “Soon, Isabella.”
He moves closer to me, pulling me into his chest. His hand caresses my face briefly.
“Mother, you ladies should return home,” he says.
Margerita’s eyes flare in disbelief.
“What did you say?”
“Mother, I know you heard me.” His tone leaves no room for arguments.
“I will have the security guards escort you both home, and from today I am increasing the guards in the house.”
“Why?” Isabella asks quietly.
“Because things are unsteady now. I need you all to stay safe at home, and don’t just show up unannounced anymore.”
Margherita exhales, her voice laced with fury.
“Alex, have you forgotten who you are ordering about?”
“No, Mother, but a kingdom can only have one head. So perhaps I am finally waking up.”
Luca looks between them as he wrings his hands nervously, hoping things don’t escalate into a full-blown war.
Suddenly the living room door swings open, and one of the guards steps in quickly.
“Mr. Luca, we need to get going.”
The room freezes as Luca nods sharply, rising to his full height. Alex straightens as he turns to face them.
“Luca, also escort the ladies out.”
Margerita stomping off, while Isabella follows slower, looking back once at Alex. He doesn’t even pay her any mind as he gives last-minute instructions to Luca. And just like that, the war ended before it even began.