𝑳𝑰𝑩𝑬𝑹𝑻À

𝟎𝟒. 𝐋𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐚

CHIARA:

The car comes to a halt and slowly but surely, we pull up into the longest drive I think I have ever seen. It just kept going, once the iron gates opened we had drove north for a whole five minutes—at least.

We finally pull up outside of the house, though, mansion would put it better. Windows on every surface and the largest front door known to man. Before the house lays a fountain gushing with water, every five seconds it squirts up into the air before returning back to a peaceful drop. And then it repeats itself, I watch as it goes over and over again.

My door is opened and I realise that I'm the last one remaining in this car. Mattia holds the door open for me whilst I climb out, he's covered in a cheesy grin as he takes my hand and helps me out. I've never been one to judge a person in less than an hour, but this man has changed my life. I hate him.

"What? Is it not big enough for you?" He chuckles lowly, like he's proud of the joke and I drop his hand in response. I make my way to the front door, wondering what the fuck I'm doing with each step it takes to get there, and whether or not it's too late to run.

Lorenzo waits for me by the door, Leandro already out of sight. I approach him slowly, still on edge, still kicking myself. His smile makes me feel a little better, and when he gestures for me to take his arm, I do. He's nice, I think. Definitely the best out of the bunch.

"Are you okay Miss Milano?"

"Amazing." I didn't mean to snap back quite so sarky, it's just a stupid question. I'm in a house that's probably worth more than the rest of my life, with men that might end it in seconds. I can't exactly let them no I want to go home, and I'd most likely be chased at if I ran so, I'd say I've been better.

"Don't be alarmed, Miss Milano." Easier said than done when you're on my end of things.

"There are quite a few that reside in this house but majority don't bite. Just don't touch anything or enter a room without permission and I'm sure you'll be fine. Got it?" I nod.

If I thought the exterior was something, then I really wasn't ready to see what it covers. A marble staircase spirals down the centre of the hall accompanied by a shining white banister. Exquisite chandeliers decorate the ceiling, some hanging lower than others but still glistening just as bright. They're the perfect ratio of extravagant to pretty, and I hold back reaching my finger up to stroke on the glass. I can't even imagine how much the hall costs in itself.

Lorenzo's arm is still linked in mine and he leads me left, away from the hall and towards a brown wooden door. He inputs the passcode and a loud noise is made before the door unlocks and we enter what I suspect to be some sort of meeting room. He drops my arm and leads me to my seat, before placing himself beside me once again; and I wonder whether I'll ever be left alone, and then laugh at the thought.

You don't leave someone like me alone in a house like this.

Mattia walks in not long after, positioning himself in the seat opposite to me and finally breaking the awkward silence as he informs me that Leandro wants a discussion and will be down soon. He also made an effort in informing me of some conference room 'rules' which include:

Not speaking unless spoken to.

Not leaving unless having been dismissed.

And most importantly rising when the boss walks in.

I almost break a smile at the last one. It's so arrogant it's gross. I roll my eyes instead.

"Miss Milano?" Sharp, my name is sharp on his tongue. As always.