Chapter 201

Chapter 201
ISABELLA

The reception venue was unlike anything I had imagined. The Ferrari estate was vast—so vast that an entire lake existed within its grounds, a private jewel of water more beautiful than Lake Como itself. That was how breathtaking it was—water smooth as glass, framed by sloping lawns and sculpted gardens, mountains and evening clouds reflected in its surface like a painting too perfect to be real. The lawns surrounding the estate were impossibly green, trimmed with such precision they looked almost painted on.
But despite all that natural splendor, this was not an outdoor event. Somehow—miraculously—Levi had commissioned and constructed an entire reception structure in a single week. Even standing inside it, I could hardly believe it was real. The structure was made entirely of glass—walls, ceiling, and a sweeping arched roof that curved overhead like the vault of a cathedral. Through it, we could see the afternoon sky deepening into gold, and the reflection of the fireworks-ready lake just outside. It felt as though we were outdoors, surrounded by open air, but with the comfort and security of being shielded from heat, sun, or sudden rain.
The Italian sky was one of the things I loved most about this country, and walking beneath it while sheltered felt ethereal, as though we were strolling in sunlight and starlight at once. But it wasn’t just the sun that lit the place—chandeliers glittered above us like suspended diamonds. Flowers—hundreds upon hundreds—draped from every edge and pillar. White orchids, scarlet peonies, long clouds of baby’s breath cascading down from beams and floral arches, filling the entire space with a heady perfume that made the air taste sweet.
There was just one long table and cream linen flowed over it. It was set with sparkling gold-rimmed plates, crystal goblets, and antique cutlery so refined it looked like something stolen from a royal estate. I was just as overwhelmed by the luxury of it as the guests filing in behind us, stopping to take videos and photos while I tried to keep my expression calm. I didn’t know how Levi pulled all of this off—it almost made me soften to him, that he would put this much effort into us, into our marriage.
But then, just as quickly, the feeling vanished. Money isn’t everything. Trust is. My protection is. And no, I never demanded that he leave his father for me—only that he stall the wedding long enough for us to get the truth. I know for sure Mr. Ferrari is only pretending to want this. I don’t know what his true plan is, and I will only be at peace when he is locked away, far enough that he can no longer hurt me or anyone I love. What is the use of all this extravagance if I still feel scared?
Once everyone arrived and we finished taking in the beauty of the space, Levi and I began greeting each of the fifty guests personally. His hand slid into mine, warm and steady, as though we truly were the perfect couple. And to my own surprise, I slipped into the motions almost seamlessly—smiling, nodding, exchanging pleasantries like someone born into this world, thanking everyone for coming. I only had three guests of my own. The rest were his. Yet Levi walked past most of them without the faintest hint of attachment. It was then I realized—most of these guests weren’t truly his. They were his father’s. Levi only acknowledged a few: Sebastian and a handful of acquaintances he introduced as childhood friends, college friends, or past coworkers.
Meanwhile, I hugged Charlotte and Matt and Caroline, not wanting to let them go.
When the greetings were done, we made our way to the far end of the hall where the wedding cake towered—four tiers of sculpted sugar roses, gold filigree, and red velvet elegance. Together, we cut the cake. And the moment the knife slid through that first slice, fireworks exploded outside the glass walls—bursting into brilliant cascades of crimson, gold, sapphire, and silver. The entire sky lit up. And pictures and pictures were taken.
Levi pulled me close and kissed me, noticing I was a bit startled. And I didn’t resist. I had forgotten how to breathe from the overwhelming feeling, and his lips just anchored me back to life.
We sat to eat afterward. As I settled in, I spotted Matt and Caroline sitting with Charlotte, deep in conversation. They looked like they were enjoying themselves. I wanted nothing more than to join them, to hide beside them and pretend this glittering spectacle wasn’t my reality.
Naturally, the hall filled with conversation, laughter, and the gentle clink of crystal glasses. Servers glided between tables like dancers, presenting dish after dish with effortless grace. Plates of risotto shimmered under shaved black truffle, roasted veal rested in white wine and herbs, handmade gnocchi glistened with butter, basil pesto crostini added a pop of green, and stuffed artichokes steamed with fragrant oils. Lemon sorbet arrived chilled and bright, followed by glossy miniature desserts that sparkled beneath the chandeliers. There was caviar, and countless other dishes I couldn’t even name.
Our table was laid out with everything at once, an entire feast waiting to be served by our own hands. I stared at the plates awkwardly, unsure of what to take first, overwhelmed by choice and the sheer refinement of it all.
“Not hungry?” Levi asked me. I ignored him, but when I looked up Mrs. Sebastian was staring at me as if she were trying to recognize me, so I looked back down and forced a smile on my face.
“I’m fine,” I said—obviously everyone was watching, and I just had to put on the sociable act.
Levi sliced a piece of the red velvet cake we had just cut and placed it on a plate. Then he sat beside me, spoon in hand.
“Open up,” he murmured, lifting the spoon toward my lips.
I pressed them into a thin line. “No.”
“They’re watching. Don’t make things harder than it needs to be.”
With a reluctant breath, I opened my mouth slightly. He slipped the bite of cake past my lips, and I chewed slowly as the room applauded lightly. Then he took a piece for himself, brought it to his mouth, and leaned in. The kiss came suddenly—his mouth pressing to mine, cake mixing with sweetness, his tongue teasing against mine as his hand slid around my waist.
Heat and panic tangled in my chest.
“I am going to devour you tonight,” he whispered against my lips as he pulled back, his fingers drifting slowly along my hips.