Differences

Chapter 3 - Alaina

hehehe another long chpater, hope you like it

Warning: ideas of Eating Disorder is hinted within this chapter. Please read what is comfortable for you

Enjoy reading ♡

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The courtyard was breath-taking when you're actually in it. It felt like a scenery straight out from 1800s fairy tale. Perhaps once upon a time, Princess' and her Prince did play hide in seek right in this place. I wouldn't be surprised if they did.

Right in the middle of the courtyard stood a majestic fountain with intricate designs embodying the entirety of it and vines that wrapped around the castle like building opposite the restaurant. It didn't look unkept, it was definitely left alone to bring out the vintage, royal atmosphere it brings alive.

The courtyard garden homed itself several hundred types of flowers in an aesthetic manner, pleasing to the eyes. But the blue roses caught my attention. I've never seen such rose so rich in colour. I'd say they were prettier than the classic red roses, but the general population would probably give me a slap in the face instead.

I was in a trance. I felt like a like a little girl in awe, but I was interrupted abruptly by the man who stared down at me. I was tiny as is standing only just at 5'2 but having a man standing at what I assumed to be at least 6'1 made me look more like mouse next to a lion.

"Sorry to disrupt your viewing session but I need to make a few things clear with you," he shares. 

Ah, of course. The rules. The boundaries. The dos and don'ts. It was the first step of survival that people like me, must follow.

"Of course," I state, as a matter of fact.

"This marriage is purely for our family's convenience. I don't love you; I don't think I'll ever love you so I can't give you those fairy-tale like romance," he stated.

"That won't be a problem," I assured. I wasn't expecting love from him in the first place. It's hard to imagine someone like him to even care for me, much less love me when my own parents can't. Or rather, doesn't.

"Good. I'd prefer it that way. Secondly, as a member who will be entering my family, I do expect you to take on some jobs for us. Whether it's your assassination job or using your brains to  just plan things in general. I am aware you are pretty skilled in those fields."

"I understand," this was to be expected of anyone joining a new mafia family. He continued.

"I also expect you to play the role of a wife and put on the act that we are madly in love. We can't have either of our enemies' seeing cracks in our relationship. When we need to attend together, whether that is in the form of balls, events, or even just simple brunches with others, I expect you to uphold yourself as a sophisticated wife that loves her husband and I'll act the same."

"I understand," I state again. I was a good liar, pretending to be in love with this man is not a challenging task. I would chose to lie and fool people than to kill a man any day. It was an act that I could play very well.

"And lastly, when I do become the don, I will need an heir. When that time comes, I expect you to be willing to do what we have to do. I don't want to force you, but we may not have a choice when it comes down to it." He explains uncomfortably. I didn't think a man like himself being considerate of how I felt about it and it took a moment for me to process what he had said. He was more courteous than I had ever imagined and that made me feel . . . respected. Something I haven't felt, ever.

"I understand." I answered, not knowing what else to say.

"Uh, good. That is all I have to say. Do you have anything to say. Any conditions you would like me to adhere to?" He questioned.

Was he actually serious? The next leader of the American Mafia was asking me, if I, had conditions for him? I didn't know how to feel about it, in fact, I felt uncomfortable with the situation. But it would be stupid to waste such opportunity that was most likely to never appear before me ever again.

"I have one condition," I choked out. "I'd prefer that when I do move in with you and your family, that I eat by myself. I don't feel comfortable eating with others" I explained. It was a ridiculous condition, but I needed it more than anything.

"Just that?" He questioned. It was clear he was very confused as to why I even decided to ask of that, but he didn't press.

"Yes, just that," I say

"Alright, I will let you do that. I will also inform my family about that for you in advance," he replied.

"Thank you," I tried to sound as genuine as possible. It meant a lot to me, but I wasn't sure if it was expressed well enough.

"Ok, ah also, in your free time, you are free to do anything you like. No one really minds what you do as long as it doesn't interfere with anything. So, feel free to go out, laze around or whatever you do in your free time," he added.

"I see. Thank you." Was all I can say lame answers?

"We should head back now. It's getting a little late and I'm sure both our families are busy in the night," he stated. And he was right, the sun was almost about to set, and the afternoon breeze nipped at my legs.

"Yes, I do believe we are" I agreed. And with that, I followed him back up to the terrace restaurant.

I wasn't welcomed, but I was respected. As a person.

And that was more than enough for me.