Invalid Pact, Irresistible Pull

"This is to make up for last night."

Tommaso pushed a velvet jewelry box toward me. A pink diamond, which cost a fortune, lay in it.

The diamond sparkled beautifully in the morning light, but my heart remained unmoved. I glanced at it and gently pushed it back to him.

"Why would I be upset?" I said lightly, elegantly cutting into the steak on my plate. "In a month, she'll be moving in anyway."

Tommaso froze, his fork suspended in midair. "What do you mean?"

I didn't answer. I simply continued eating.

The crystal chandelier in the dining room veiled the space in a warm, convivial light, but the atmosphere was unusually tense. Footsteps echoed from the staircase as Gelsomina walked into the dining room. Her personal belongings had already been moved into the main house.

"Good morning, Ms. Gallo." She deliberately used my maiden name, her eyes filled with obvious intent to provoke me.

That form of address was like a thorn, reminding me of my outsider status in this house. It had five whole years, yet she'd never once addressed me as the Signora of the house. She wouldn't even use my first name.

I set down my knife and fork and looked at Tommaso. "How long does the withdrawal period usually last?"

"About a month." Tommaso seemed uncomfortable, avoiding my gaze. "The doctor said she needs round-the-clock supervision. She can't be far from someone she trusts."

"I understand." I nodded, my voice devoid of emotion as I continued, "Family comes first, after all."

Gelsomina smiled smugly and clung tightly to Tommaso's arm. But he frowned, seemingly surprised by my composure.

I thought back to our engagement party five years ago. It was held at the Volpe family estate. Every important figure in the family attended.

Just as Tommaso and I were exchanging engagement rings, Gelsomina suddenly rushed out and shattered the champagne tower in front of all the guests. Crystal shards scattered across the floor.

"Tommaso is mine!" she cried. "He can't marry anyone else!"

Tommaso had coaxed her gently then, telling me, "She's young. She doesn't understand. Don't take it personally."

And I simply smiled gracefully, as if nothing had happened.

"Tommaso, let's go to the private island for vacation," Gelsomina cooed. "Just the two of us, sì? Like before."

Gelsomina's voice pulled me back from my memories.

"Va bene." Tommaso agreed without hesitation.

"I'll arrange for security." I stood and smoothed my skirt. "Have a wonderful time."

Tommaso looked at me, something complicated flickering in his eyes as I turned and left the dining room. Behind me, Gelsomina's excited laughter rang out. She'd won, just like every other time over the past five years.

That evening, I was in the study handling family business, reviewing cargo manifests from the docks, and signing several important contracts.

Gelsomina's voice drifted from outside the door. She'd lowered her voice, but in the silence of the night, it was still perfectly audible.

"Tommaso, you're not allowed to touch that woman tonight." Her voice carried a threatening edge. "You promised me. While I'm staying here, you won't touch her."

"Sì, sì, I promise." Tommaso placated her helplessly. "Get some rest. We leave tomorrow."

"Swear it." Gelsomina wouldn't let it go.

"I swear."

The footsteps faded, and the door opened. Tommaso walked in. His gaze landed on my now-empty walk-in closet.

The expensive gowns, jewelry, and accessories were all gone; only bare hangers remained.

"Where are your clothes?" he asked, a hint of tension in his voice.

"I sent them for cleaning and maintenance." I didn't look up, continuing to sign documents.

He walked behind me and suddenly wrapped his arms around me. I could feel the warmth of his body, smell the faint cologne on his skin.

"Your sister doesn't want you touching me." I reminded him, my voice perfectly calm.

Tommaso paused, then held me even tighter. His chin rested on my shoulder, his breath warm against my neck.

"I want you. Is that okay?"