[Chapter 4]
Morning | Alessandro’s Penthouse
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💬 I want to meet today.
(ML Girlfriend)
💬 Sure. Everything okay? You seemed upset last night.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💬 I’ll explain when I see you. Meet me at the usual spot.
Afternoon | A Secluded Rooftop Café
Alessandro sat at the corner table, staring out at the skyline. His mind was a storm of anger, frustration, and uncertainty.
When his girlfriend arrived, she breezed in with her usual confidence, her smile bright as ever.
She leaned down to kiss him, but he turned his head slightly, her lips brushing his cheek instead.
(ML Girlfriend)
*frowning slightly* What’s wrong with you?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*staring at her, his tone clipped* I need to ask you something.
(ML Girlfriend)
*sitting down* Okay... what’s going on?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*leaning forward, in voice sharp* Last night, you told me to “just marry her.” You were serious?
(ML Girlfriend)
*blinking* Wait, is this still about that proposal your dad mentioned?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*nodding slowly* Yeah. You laughed it off like it was nothing.
(ML Girlfriend)
*shrugging* Because it’s not a big deal.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*voice rising slightly* It’s not a big deal? You’re okay with me marrying someone else?
(ML Girlfriend)
*calmly sipping her coffee* Alessandro, we both know what this is. You’re not marrying for love—you’re marrying for business.
(ML Girlfriend)
That’s your family. That’s what they do. Why are you acting like this is such a betrayal?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*staring at her, his voice dropping* I thought you cared.
(ML Girlfriend)
*laughing softly* Of course I care about you. But I also understand how this world works. You’ll marry her, and we’ll still be fine.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*staring coldly* Is that what you think? That I’ll just go along with this and keep you on the side?
(ML Girlfriend)
*frowning* I’m being practical, Alessandro. You’re the one overreacting.
Her words struck like a blow. Alessandro leaned back in his chair, his jaw clenched.
He had always known their relationship was more casual than committed, but hearing her dismiss the idea of his marriage like it was a business deal made him see her—and their relationship—in a different light.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*standing abruptly* Forget it.
(ML Girlfriend)
Alessandro, wait—
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* I think we’re done talking here.
He walked away without looking back, his mind racing. For years, he had kept himself detached, keeping his relationships light and uncomplicated.
But now, he was starting to realize just how hollow it all was.
Evening | Valentina’s Home
Valentina was sitting in her room, staring blankly at the wedding album her mother had ordered months ago
Pictures of her and Alex, smiling, looking perfect together, mocked her from the glossy pages.
She snapped it shut with a sharp breath, pressing her hands against her face.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 How did it come to this? One week ago, I was planning my dream wedding.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 Now I’m supposed to marry his brother? How much worse can things get?”
A knock on her door startled her. Her mother’s voice came softly through the crack.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
Alessandro is here. He wants to talk to you.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*stomach churned*
Slowly, she stood and made her way to the living room, where Alessandro was waiting. He stood near the fireplace, his hands in his pockets, his face unreadable.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*hesitantly* You wanted to talk?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*nodding* Yes. Let’s get straight to the point.
Valentina Collins (FL)
...
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*calmly, almost coldly* I’ve thought about it. I’ll marry you.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*blinking, stunned* What?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*meeting her eyes* I’ll do it. For the sake of your family’s reputation—and mine.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
But you need to understand something.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*quietly* What?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*firmly* I already have someone in my life. This marriage won’t change that. Don’t expect anything from me.
The words hit her like a slap.
For a moment, she couldn’t breathe.
Her heart sank, and her hands curled into fists at her sides as she struggled to process what he had just said.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 How is this my life now?
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 Alex left me, and now his brother is offering me a loveless marriage.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 And he’s already warning me that I’ll always be second to someone else.”
Valentina Collins (FL)
*quietly* I don’t have a choice, do I?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*watching her closely* I don’t know. Do you?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall*
Valentina Collins (FL)
*softly* Fine. I’ll do it. But don’t expect anything from me either.
They stared at each other for a moment, both silent, both carrying the weight of a decision neither of them truly wanted. Finally, Alessandro nodded and turned to leave.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*quietly* The engagement announcement will be tomorrow. Be ready.
And with that, he walked out, leaving Valentina alone with her thoughts. As the door closed behind him, she sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 This isn’t a marriage. It’s a punishment.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 But for the sake of my parents... I’ll survive it. I have to.
She acts like she doesn’t care. But I know she does. I can see it in the way her hands tremble when I walk past her.
– Alessandro Salvatore
Stay tuned for the next chapter! 📜✨
Comments
Pookie writes 🎀
this is still dumb..like thinking about reputation... won't people know the marriage was fix before with younger son and FL..they will still know her marriage was off..she had no reason to drag herself into this..
2025-04-16
0
Pookie writes 🎀
girl u do... don't be stupid! you know he won't love you! there is no point of marrying him just for the sake of families! then later don't cry saying ML doesnt love you and stuff
2025-04-16
0
Pookie writes 🎀
atleast he is being honest...FL must take right decision and not marry him...like why break your own leg
2025-04-16
0