MAFIA CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Chapter 18

Eleonora Gates POV

I sat in the hotel room, staring blankly at the TV as the days blurred together. My parents had left a month ago, and I was still trapped in this limbo, waiting for Lorenzo to decide my fate.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Lorenzo walked in, his eyes fixed on me. "Eleonora, it's time to pack. We're going home."

My heart raced as I processed his words. Going home? Did that mean he was finally letting me go?

I nodded, trying to hide my excitement, and began packing my bags. As I folded my clothes and gathered my belongings, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Was I really going home, or was this just another trap?

Lorenzo watched me with an unreadable expression, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized I was still completely at his mercy.

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As we drove through the city, I recognized the familiar streets and buildings. We were heading back to the penthouse, the same place where Lorenzo had kept me captive for after our wedding.

But as we entered the penthouse, I noticed something was different. The atmosphere felt less tense, less oppressive. Lorenzo seemed...softer, somehow.

"Eleonora, I've been thinking... maybe it's time for us to start fresh. Leave the past behind and start anew."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "What do you mean, Lorenzo? You're not exactly known for your forgiveness."

He chuckles, a low, smooth sound. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my dear. I can be very... generous, when it suits me."

I eye him warily, my guard still up. "What makes you think I'd want to start fresh with you, Lorenzo? After everything you've done?"

His smile never wavers. "Ah, but that's the beauty of it, Eleonora. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm offering a truce. A chance for us to move forward, together."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "And what's in it for you?"

His eyes glint with amusement. "Oh, I think you know the answer to that. I want what I've always wanted: to be close to you, to understand you."

I shake my head, trying to keep my distance. "You're not going to manipulate me that easily, Lorenzo. I need time to think."

His expression turns thoughtful, but he doesn't push the issue. "Very well, Eleonora. I'll give you all the time you need. But know this: I'm not going anywhere. And eventually, we will come to an understanding."

"I'm not forgetting the contract, Lorenzo," I say, my voice firm. "After two years, we can divorce if there's no love between us. And as far as I'm concerned, there still isn't any."

His eyes darken, and his expression turning cold. "I disagree," he says, his voice low. "I think we have something worth exploring."

I raise an eyebrow, surprised. "You can't be serious. You know I don't feel the same way."

Renzo's smile is mocking. "Oh, but I think you do, Eleonora. You just don't want to admit it. After all, you were the one who told me you loved me, all those years ago."

My eyes widen in shock. "That was a mistake, Lorenzo. I was young and foolish."

Lorenzo's eyes gleam with a knowing light. "Ah, yes. I remember that letter, Eleonora. The one where you poured out your heart and soul to me."

My face burns with shame and embarrassment. "You tore it up, Lorenzo. You rejected me."

His smile is soft and gentle, but his eyes gleam with a hint of triumph. "Ah, but I didn't reject you, Eleonora. I just didn't want to acknowledge my own feelings yet. But now, I think it's time we confronted the truth."

Lorenzo's eyes sparkle with warmth as he takes another step closer. "I'm saying that I've loved getting to know you again, Eleonora. The way you smile when you think no one's looking, the way your eyes light up when you're passionate about something, the way your hair falls in loose waves down your back..."

I feel my heart fluttering in my chest, my resolve weakening with every word. He's always been charming, but this is different. This feels sincere.

"... the way you challenge me to be better, the way you see me in a way no one else ever has..." Lorenzo's voice trails off, his eyes locked on mine.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my guard up. But it's no use. I'm melting into his words, into his gaze. "Lorenzo, stop," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

But he doesn't stop. He keeps talking, keeps pouring out his heart to me. And I can't help but listen, can't help but feel my walls crumbling down around me.

Until he mentions the arts in the hotel. The ones he destroyed in a fit of rage.

"That was the last straw for me, Lorenzo," I say, my voice cold and hard. "That was the moment I realized I couldn't keep pretending anymore."

His face falls, his eyes clouding over with regret. "Eleonora, I-"

But I cut him off, my words spilling out in a torrent of anger and hurt. "You destroyed something beautiful, something precious. And you didn't even care. You didn't even apologize."

Lorenzo's face hardens, his eyes turning cold and distant. "So, you're still holding onto that, are you?" he says, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're still punishing me for one mistake, one moment of weakness?"

I stand my ground, my heart racing with anger. "It wasn't just a mistake, Lorenzo. It was a symbol of everything that's wrong with our relationship. You only care about yourself, your own desires and needs. You don't care about me, about what I want or need."

His smile is icy and cruel. "And what is it that you want, Eleonora? What is it that you need?"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I want out of this marriage, Lorenzo. I want a divorce."

His laughter is cold and mirthless. "Oh, Eleonora. You're not going anywhere. You're mine, and I'll never let you go."

The air in the room seems to drop several degrees, the tension between us becoming almost palpable. I know in that moment that I'm in grave danger, that Lorenzo's cold exterior hides a sinister intent.

Lorenzo's voice is icy and detached, his eyes avoiding mine as he speaks. "Get ready for dinner at 6, Eleonora. I have a surprise planned for you."

I feel a shiver run down my spine at the coldness in his tone, but I refuse to back down. "What kind of surprise?" I ask, my voice firm.

His smile is calculating and cruel. "You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"

I shake my head, my heart racing with anxiety. "I don't think I want to play along, Lorenzo. Whatever game you're playing, I'm not interested."

His eyes flash with anger, but his voice remains cold and detached. "You don't have a choice, Eleonora. You're my wife, and you'll do as I say. Now, get ready for dinner at 6. And don't be late."

With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me feeling chilled and frightened. I know that I have to be careful, that Lorenzo is capable of anything when he's in this mood. But I also know that I can't back down, that I have to stand up for myself no matter what.

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