Page 10 of Reign of Fate
“Love is a luxury we don’t have time for. It’s an emotion we both shared with other people, and they’re gone. Respect, kindness, and honesty are what we can base our marriage upon,” he says evenly, then adds, “and fidelity.”
Raffaele clears his throat, and we turn to face him. “You both have much to work out. Ivo will be coming to box up Guido’s office. Three months have passed since Guido’s death, and, as per his instructions, we’ll wait three more before the marriage. In the meantime, Evangeline and I will be here to help you in any way we can.” His tone becomes stern and firm. “Hear me: these are my final words. Do not make a liar out of me to a dead man.”
Raffaele gets up and leaves the room.His final words,he said. A shudder races down my spine.
FIVE
Secrets
IVO
Elisa is taking the news of her new husband rather well. I was expecting more theatrics. It’s expected that she would be shocked at finding out her late husband has chosen her future husband. But when she mentions the wordlove, there’s a lost look in her eyes that tells me she craves this. I refuse to lie to her. I’m not sure I’m capable of loving another woman the way I loved Maria, and I’m sure I never want to go through that pain again. Instead, I offer Elisa respect, honesty, and fidelity. This I can and will do.
“We don’t have to work out all the details tonight,” I tell her. She looks tired, and there’s already been so much thrown at her.
She looks up at me, her lower lip trembling, and says, “What if Adriana doesn’t want me to be her mother? She has you, and she’s always had you. She may not want you to share your attention. This will be a huge change for her.”
“It’s because you care about Adriana that I know she’ll love you.” I take her hand in mine. “Regretfully, Adriana doesn’t remember her mother. It’s both a blessing and a curse. She’s fortunate to have had Mrs. Withers, Peppa, and Evangeline to give her a woman’s influence, but she needs a woman in her life who will make her a priority and not just bits and pieces of time to entertain her. You’re that woman, Elisa. I’ve seen the immense compassion and patience you have. In return, I’ll make sure that you’re well taken care of,” I say. I can see that she has something she wants to say. “Ask me,” I encourage. “I prefer forthright honesty between us.”
“Many men feel that they can exert their physical strength over their wives. I know this to be true.” She glances down, avoiding my eyes.
“I swear to you that I’ll never lay a hand on you in anger. However, you will be my wife, and this means that you’ll be expected to attend functions, and because of my relationship and position with Raffaele, you need to work with Evangeline. I can’t see this as a problem, seeing that she’s one of the kindest people I know.” Elisa needs to know her role. Being Guido’s wife meant that she was able to hide away from the rest of the family for the most part. This will change for her.
“Evangeline is probably the only person I would consider a friend.” She grants me a smile.
“We have three months to get to know one another. After which, I assume a quiet ceremony with only immediate families present would suit both of us. Although, it would be appropriate to have the most senior underbosses in attendance. This will be expected. Depending on Raffaele’s plans, I may be able to get away for a long weekend. We’ll live here, of course.”
“Can we talk about the details at another time? This is all a little much,” Elisa says, tugging her hand away. “I understand this has all been decided, and I have to be okay with that, but perhaps we can save the rest for later.”
“Fair enough.” I sigh. “I’ll take you home.”
“No. I promised Adriana a story. I’d like to keep my promise, please.”
My chest swells. It’s been a while since I’ve been happily surprised. “I’m sure she’d enjoy that.” I lead her back out of the room, and when we reach the hall, I hear tiny footsteps racing above us and Evangeline calling for Adriana to slow down.
We look up and find Adriana peering through the wrought iron pickets of the stairs, her hair still damp from her bath, wearing her pink-and-white footie pajamas.
“I’m ready for a story,” my little girl announces.
“Here I come,” Elisa replies and heads up the stairs. She takes Adriana’s hand. I watch as my daughter tugs Elisa in the direction of Adriana’s bedroom. Raffaele has a soft spot for my daughter. Having no family means that Uncle Rafe is the only other family Adriana has. Raffaele has been there from the day Adriana was born and has seen us through the worst time of our lives. I can’t even remember how often Raffaele has pulled me out of the darkness of my thoughts.
While I was mourning Maria, Raffaele acted as Adriana’s father and mother. So, it stands to reason that when Raffaele built this home, there would be a place for her. I like having my daughter with me, but from time to time, it’s nice to have a break.
“Come on,” Raffaele calls out to me, jerking his head toward his study. Once the door has shut behind us, he hands me a glass. His finest scotch. It’s a pleasure we both share. He clinks his glass to mine. “Congratulations to the groom.” He lifts one side of his mouth in a sly grin.
“Yeah.” I take a swig, feeling a burn as I swallow.
“Are you doing okay with this?” he asks with concern. I know he’s referring to my vow never to marry again. I was vehemently opposed to taking another wife. Raffaele understands that I loved Maria. We chose each other, despite her father’s attempt to marry her off to another.
“I’m fine, Rafe. I made a vow, and I’m keeping it.”
“I get that, but are you going to be able to be the husband Elisa needs? This isn’t going to be easy on her either.”
“Elisa was born into this world knowing that she has little choice when it comes to marriage. She’s apprehensive, understandably, but she’s sensible. I’ve made no false promises of love. But we can make this work.”
Raffaele nods. “I’d like for you to be happy,” he says, gripping my shoulder. “You deserve a woman like my Evangeline.”
“Elisa is a good woman. I hold no delusions of a starry-eyed bride with love in her eyes. We’ve both been married before. We both know our place. It will be a solid marriage, and that will be good enough.”
