[Chapter 5]
Late Night | Alessandro’s Bedroom
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 This marriage is a curse. A lifetime sentence for a crime I didn’t even commit.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 If Valentina hadn’t said those words—Marry me—none of this would be happening.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 I would still have control over my life. Over my choices.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*mutters to himself* This is her fault.
His gaze flicked to his whiskey glass, the amber liquid swirling under the dim light.
He downed it in one gulp before slamming the glass onto the counter, the sound echoing through the empty penthouse.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 My father knew exactly what he was doing. Backing me into a corner. And she—
He scoffed bitterly, running a hand through his hair, his mind flashing back to his girlfriend’s words from earlier.
(ML Girlfriend)
So what? Just go marry her.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 That was all she had to say? No argument, no concern, nothing? Like I was replaceable?
He clenched his jaw, the bitterness in his chest growing heavier.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 And now, I’m stuck in a marriage with a woman I don’t even like.
He grabbed his keys and walked out, needing air before his anger consumed him entirely.
The Same Night | Valentina’s Bedroom
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 How much worse can things get?
She sat on the edge of her bed, hugging a pillow tightly against her chest.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*whispering to herself* It wasn’t supposed to be like this…
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 I was supposed to marry a man who loved me. A man who looked at me like I was his world.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 Not like this. Not to someone who despises the sight of me.
Her eyes welled up, but she quickly wiped the tears away, refusing to break down again.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 I don’t have a choice. My parents’ reputation is at stake.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 If I refuse, they’ll be humiliated. I can’t let that happen.
She let out a shaky breath, staring at the engagement ring sitting on her bedside table.
It wasn’t the one Alex had given her. That ring had been taken back, along with every dream she had once cherished.
Morning | Alessandro’s Office
(ML Secretary)
*knocking* Sir, your father has requested a meeting.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* Of course, he has.
He already knew what this was about.
Afternoon | Salvatore Enterprises – Chairman’s Office
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*calmly, sipping his coffee* You’ll make a public appearance with Valentina today.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*clenching his jaw* Excuse me?
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
The media will be expecting an official engagement announcement.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
You wouldn’t want to disappoint your fiancée, would you?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
She is not my fiancée.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
The world thinks she is. Act like it.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 This isn’t just about Valentina anymore. This is about control.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 He wants me to bend. To obey. To accept my fate like I don’t have a say in my own life.
Alessandro exhaled slowly, forcing down his anger.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*gritting his teeth* Fine.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💭 But if I have to suffer, she will too.
Evening | Collins Family Home
Valentina sat in the living room, her hands clenched in her lap as she waited.
Her parents sat across from her, their expressions filled with quiet excitement. They thought this was a blessing.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 They don’t see what I see. They don’t feel the weight of this like I do.
A knock at the door made her stomach twist painfully.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
He’s here.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 I don’t want to do this.
She forced herself to stand as Alessandro walked in, his expression unreadable.
His presence filled the room, suffocating yet electrifying at the same time. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he spoke.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*calmly, but ice-cold* Let’s talk. Alone.
Valentina hesitated before nodding. She led him to the study, her heartbeat loud in her ears. The moment the door closed, the air between them became unbearable.
Valentina Collins (FL)
You agreed?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
Yes. But don’t misunderstand.
Valentina Collins (FL)
What do you mean?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*eyes darkening* This marriage will mean nothing.
She inhaled sharply, his words cutting deeper than she expected.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
You forced me into this. And because of you, I lost someone who actually mattered to me.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 Lost someone? Is he talking about his lover? Of course he is… Why wouldn’t he?
Her chest tightened as she swallowed past the lump in her throat.
Valentina Collins (FL)
I didn’t force you, Alessandro. I only asked because—
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*cutting her off* Because you were desperate. I get it. But don’t expect anything from me.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
Not love. Not respect. Nothing.
Silence filled the room. Valentina gripped the fabric of her dress, her nails digging into her palms.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💭 I wanted a perfect marriage. A husband who loved me. Instead, I’m marrying a man who already hates me.
She lifted her chin slightly, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Valentina Collins (FL)
I don’t expect anything from you.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
Good. The engagement announcement is tonight. Be ready.
And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving her standing in the cold, suffocating silence of the study.
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.
I always believed marriage was about love and respect. But now, I know it can be a curse.
– Valentina Collins
Stay tuned for the next chapter! 📜✨
Comments
Pookie writes 🎀
you don't have to...ML actually told his problems..and also his conditions...u could have refused to marry but you didn't
2025-04-16
2
dora Capgemini
update one more episode plsssssss plsssssssssssssss plsssssss plsssssssssssssss plsssssss
2025-02-12
0
straight emotionless freak ❄️
Really????bro don't place a judgement like that on someone 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨 you think she had a choice🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
2025-04-05
0