Chapter 42 Unwanted Date
Roman
My mother likes to wait until she gets what she wants. Since I achieved my position as Don, she can’t yell at me like she used to, but that hasn’t stopped her from constantly nagging me and demanding that I do her bidding.
I sigh as she follows me into the home gym. When I realize she won’t stop until I acknowledge her presence, I turn to her with annoyance.
“How can I help you, Mother?”
Her eyes narrow.
“You know exactly how to do it. I’ve arranged a date between you and Bianca tonight. It’s at Le Bernadine.” I worked hard to secure this reservation.
“I saw her last week,” I say dryly. “Is another date really necessary today?”
“Yes. Bianca is the woman you’re going to marry, and I expect you to be serious about getting to know her.”
“I am serious about this,” Mom warned me.
We’ve had three goddamn dates with this woman. First, she was completely submissive and boring. I almost backed out. The next time we met, she showed off some of her claws. I mean that both literally and figuratively, because the woman has long nails that I’m pretty sure could pierce skin.
When I asked her how she found it convenient to carry them around, she laughed shrilly and thanked me for my consideration before explaining that she had gotten used to them. She then told me that she would be able to stop doing this once we got married and had children.
I couldn't think of an answer. It was our second date, and she was already thinking about marriage and children.
Unfortunately, that is how things work in our world. By the time we met again on our third date, it was after meeting her father, during which the marriage was formalized. From then on, my mother watched me closely with an impatient expression.
I think she's waiting for me to ask her about an engagement ring, but it's too soon. I'm not ready to commit to anything yet. Although perhaps I should be.
“Roman, do I need to remind you how good this arrangement is?”
“No. I'm very well aware. Considering that I signed the papers and floated the idea.”
“Exactly. I'm not forcing you into marriage. You had a choice, and you chose Bianca.”
Her family was the wealthiest of my options, and they've been incredibly loyal to me over the years. Lauren Zanetti is a major aviation magnate. Owning a company that makes airplanes, jets, and several other impressive flying machines.
Our families have been close for many years, and although Zanetti is not an active member, he is the main source of funding. He reported to my father while he was alive.
And now, to ensure the continuation of their partnership, I have decided to enter into a marriage contract with one of his daughters.
Bianca arrives at the restaurant five minutes late, with a blush on her cheeks and an apologetic smile.
"There was a little movement. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I tell her, sitting forward on a chair.
She is wearing a tight red strapless dress. Bianca is a beautiful woman. Long dark hair flows over her shoulders, light brown eyes, olive skin. She has an aristocratic air, and given her family's social status, she matches it perfectly with infinite grace.
“You look beautiful,” I say politely.
She beams. The only thing I can’t figure out about Bianca is whether she’s genuinely interested in this match or if she’s doing it for her family. She certainly seems interested, but I can’t tell what her motives are.
“Thank you, I spent an hour preparing. I was a little nervous.”
My brows furrow.
“Why are you nervous?”
“Because on our previous dates, we were still testing the waters. Now that the contracts are signed, our future is set in stone. I can't wait to see what the future will be like," she says, batting her eyelashes at me.
I reach for the collar of my shirt to unbutton it, and I feel hot. I’m not sure I like the meaning of the words “set in stone.” Every day, I want to turn around and not finish the job. But my parents did it, and I know that’s what my father would have wanted. All I’m doing is honoring his memory.
“I’m a little thirsty. Can I have some water?” she asks.
I nod, gesturing for the waiter to come over. I inform him that the lady requires a cup of water before we order, and the waiter leaves, returning with a cup on a tray.
He places it in front of Bianca, but he must have used too much force because some of it spills out onto the table. Bianca lets out a shrill scream.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she yells, patting the front of her dress, which is almost completely dry. “It’s Dolce and Gabbana.”
I watch the scene quietly as the man mumbles an apology. Another waiter comes in and apologizes as well before leading the first one away. I wait until they’re gone before speaking.
“Oh, you idiot,” she mutters.
“It was just a mistake, the guy’s human. He deserves some respect.” Bianca blinks, her expression almost comical.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I overreacted,” she says.
I frown at her quick agreement. When the waiter returns, she even apologizes. The apology is far from sincere; it’s clear she did it just to please me.
“You should choose the wine,” she says, gesturing to the menu in front of me.
I shake my head.
“You can choose.”
“No. I’d rather you chose.”
I clear my throat to shake off my irritation and pull out the menus to order wine and then food. The entire evening is boring. Our conversation shifts from our families to her adult life, which would be a good topic to talk about if she didn’t picture her life as perfect.
The third of five children, she’s always had everything she wanted. Her father adores all of his children. She’s also one of two daughters, and she makes sure to emphasize the fact that her father would do anything for her.
The conversation also touches on some of the fashion shows she’s attended and her celebrity friends.
Bianca is perfectly compliant and obedient. On some level, I understand that this is exactly the kind of behavior some men would like to see in a partner. But as the evening goes on, I become even more uncomfortable.
It’s like she’s a robot. What’s even more frustrating is that I know she bites more than she lets on. There’s intelligence behind those brown eyes. She’s playing a role, and I don’t know how to tell her to drop it. So I say nothing.