Conflicted
Viola's POV
"Yes!" My lips grew so wide, I could hardly contain the smile.
That was it.
That was the confirmation I wanted, and need to hear.
Luca said it, and I heard it loud and clear.
His words were serious, like a man pained in battle. 'Aria is the daughter of my greatest enemy. The man who killed my brother... Why would I fall in love with her?'
Few hours ago, I still couldn't believe it myself.
That morning, Luca stayed home... Ate breakfast with me, and then he left.
He barely even looked at me. Not once did he stare.
I was still getting over it when I had seen he, one of his guards and Aria together. The bitch was talking back at him, but she wasn't on the ground.
Even after she finished, he didn't hit her... Neither did he send the guard to. Instead, he sent the guard away to wait for him in his study.
After that scene... I couldn't watch anymore.
I gritted my teeth, letting out a grunt before turning around and walking away.
I felt too pained watching that.
Seeing the interacting between the two of them... It was painful.
How dare she... Aria, the supposed slave.
How dare she even attempt to steal my man?!
She had no idea... No fucking clue what I had to do to make sure my union with Luca was possible.
She wasn't aware of the people I sacrificed, people I would take down over and over again... Just so Luca would be mine.
I had let him go once, and paid dearly for it when I wanted back in... How dare she just waltz into his life and ruin everything?
I couldn't take it.
Neither could I bare watching them like that.
My nose flared, my breaths came out in pants.
I had to do something.
Something fast.
There was no way I was letting my man go. Not after everything.
I still contemplated my next actions when the sound of footsteps deviated me from my thoughts.
I looked up.
Payson walked calmly. Like a man who had been trained in various skills. Every step he took was with purpose.
He matched towards the stairs about going up.
"Wait." I called out before I could stop myself, my legs moving fast towards him.
'What was I doing?' I was so confused at my own actions.
The only thing I was thinking of was stopping that lowlife from stealing my man... Someone I had so meticulously planned on, down to the very point I arrived at the mansion.
Yet she was there... Ruining those plans slowly.
Luca had little time left.
He was supposed to use that time with me.
But that witch...
"Payson, it has been a while." I greeted with a small smile, hiding my clenched knuckles behind my back.
Payson had turner around.
He had on a stern, yet calm face.
The man hardly showed any emotions.
He... Just as me, was a critical thinker. A master planner... A chess player.
But his game didn't involve him pretending to smile... Unlike mine.
"Yes, Ms Viola." He nodded, lowering his head to give me a little bow in respect.
I couldn't tell whether it was sincere, or just mockery.
"I assume that you're treated well here." He added.
I snorted almost immediately as he made that statement.
A plan formed in my head.
Talking to Luca was no use. If he at all responded to me he would just give me a brief answer.
One that wouldn't be the truth.
I needed someone who he trusted. Someone that could get into his head and stay there.
Someone like Payson.
"I have a place to sleep, good food to eat, and activities to keep me occupied..." I began, taking a step forward.
"But..."
Payson raised a brow at my words, probably curious to hear the objection.
"The main reason I'm here, my fiance, your boss has been a bit distracted lately. I barely see him, despite living in the same house."
"That's only normal Ms." Payson responded swiftly. "Mr. Morretti is a busy man."
I rolled my eyes, taking a few steps further until I was standing right beside him.
"Yeah yeah. I know he's busy, but... Not with work."
"That woman, the supposed slave... I have caught both of them together several times, and she wasn't being tortured." I whispered into his ears.
"Those pictures are etched in my mind to the point that I dare say that... Your boss might have feelings for her."
"What?! No. That's impossible." Payson moved away as he denied. "Aria Bellani is a captive. Nothing more."
I shurgged, pretending to be nonchalant.
My plan was working... Payson caught on quick.
"I'm not doubting that fact, it's just... Luca, he... He sees her more than just a slave. I can see it in his eyes, he probably wants more."
Payson face hardened. "That's impossible." He repeated each word slowly as though from clenched teeth.
"Okay." I shurgged again, walking away from him. "I just hope you're right because if not... My father would be hearing about this." I added without turning around, and then I walked away.
Payson was smart... He knew what that meant.
My marriage alliance with Luca was due to selfish business interests of both parties.
Once my father found out that I his partner had feelings for a woman... One of an extreme lower class, the deal would be off, and so would the alliance.
Payson... As the smart man that he was didn't want that, and neither did I.
I had done my part, it was time for him to do his... And he did it excellently.
I stood by the door, ears to the wall as I heard Luca deny.
He insisted on having no feelings for that bitch.
He wouldn't lie to Payson now... The man was his second in command, and only friend.
I couldn't hold down my joy after hearing that.
It had been confirmed... Luca had no feelings for her.
Which meant, the problem was coming from Aria.
She was the bitch who wouldn't leave him alone.
I had to deal with her quickly, to prevent whatever I had already thought was happening.
My eyes lit up, and I rubbed my hands together, a malicious plan forming in my head on how to destroy Aria once and for all.
But first...
I needed my man.
Luca wasn't going to have sex with me. Not now... I paused to think.... at least, not when he was sober.
My smile grew wider.
I knew what to do.