Betrothed to the Mafia boss

Chapter 20

Camila

My eyes slowly opened to reveal a white ceiling above me. A sharp pain shot through my head as I managed to sit up. The headache was intense, and my body ached all over. I yawned, glancing around the familiar room.

Memories flooded back to me. The visit to the bar with Derek, Antonio's sudden appearance, his confrontation with Derek... and then...

"What the hell!" I practically jumped out of bed. Unbeknownst to me, my legs got tangled in the bedcovers, causing me to lose my balance and land on the floor with a painful thud. I winced in pain. Not only was I dealing with a pounding headache and aching body, but now my butt joined in the chorus of pain.

"Why on earth did I kiss Antonio?" I hissed to myself. I couldn't remember the details clearly, but the image of how his eyes bore into mine with a dangerous intensity remained vivid. After the kiss...

"You're in for it now, Camila." I quickly got to my feet and began pacing around the room. I had thrown up on Antonio. He'd be furious. I was lucky to be alive at this point. Perhaps he wanted me to sober up before he punished me.

Shivers ran down my spine at the thought of what Antonio might do to me. I hadn't just angered him by going to the bar late at night; I had gone further and thrown up on him. Camila, why do you always manage to get yourself into trouble?

Who cares.

Another part of my mind argued. He can't control everything you do just because you're married to him. But I knew deep down that my heart wasn't in sync with that thought. I feared what Antonio might do to me. He had already instilled a sense of fear inside me, and going against him was the last thing I wanted to do, especially in such a reckless manner.

The sudden knock on the door weakened my body even further. I instinctively shifted back, fearing Antonio would storm in like a hungry lion, ready to punish me. But for a brief moment, I felt relief. It was just the maid.

"Ma'am, breakfast is ready. Master wants you downstairs," she announced.

I didn't answer immediately. Going downstairs meant facing Antonio, and that likely meant more punishment. Yet, if I stayed in my room, he would come here, and it might be even worse. I swallowed hard. "Alright," I replied shortly.

As I heard the sound of her disappearing footsteps, I couldn't help but mutter, "You're doomed, Camila."

**

I couldn't explain the overwhelming fear and weakness that had taken hold of my heart and body as I walked toward the dining table where Antonio was seated. I had rehearsed in front of the mirror that I would keep a cool face and pretend not to remember what happened. I took deep breaths before finally reaching the table.

"I sent Helen to call you. What took you so long?" Antonio's sharp tone sent shivers down my spine. I thought I had rehearsed for this.

I proceeded to take my seat when he continued, "Thought I asked you a question?"

I wanted to roll my eyes, but the murderous look in his eyes stopped me. "I was taking a shower," I answered curtly. His gaze shifted from me back to his almost empty plate.

Silence followed as I reached for my own plate, which was covered by another plate. I silently prayed that he wouldn't bring up the topic. But my brief relief was shattered when he spoke again. "Last night."

"Huh?"

Why did you have to answer so fast, Camila? I scolded myself mentally. I should have played it off.

"You should never set foot outside late at night without seeking permission," he scolded me. My grip on the fork tightened. So he wasn't going to talk about the throwing-up incident.