MAFIA CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Chapter 20

Eleonora Gates POV

As I sit in the car, watching the scenery pass by, my mind races with thoughts and doubts. What was I thinking when I agreed to build a relationship with Lorenzo? Was I just caught up in the moment, or did I really believe we could make it work?

I rethink it over and over, weighing the pros and cons. I think about our past, our differences, our lack of communication. I think about the way I've felt alone, even when we're together.

But then I think about the possibility of a fresh start, a new beginning. I think about the fact that we're both willing to try, to work together to build something real.

And as the miles fly by, my doubts slowly fade away. I realize that I have one life to live, and I can't waste it on maybes and what-ifs. I have to take a chance, have to believe that we can make it work.

"Two years or a lifetime," I whisper to myself, a small smile playing on my lips. "It's a risk I'm willing to take."

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. I'm ready to start this new chapter, to build a relationship with Lorenzo.

As Lorenzo continues driving, I gaze out the window, my mind made up. I'm ready to see where this journey takes us, to explore the unknown together.

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As we drive on, the silence between us is still palpable, but it's no longer suffocating. We're both lost in our own thoughts, trying to process the weight of our situation.

Lorenzo doesn't try to fill the silence with small talk or empty promises. He simply drives, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

I don't try to break the silence either. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we're really doing this – that we're really trying to make our marriage work.

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As we continue driving, I notice that the scenery outside my window has changed. We're no longer passing by quaint little shops and cafes, but instead, we're surrounded by luxury high-class restaurants and businesses. The streets are lined with designer boutiques and upscale galleries, and the cars driving by are sleek and expensive.

I glance over at Lorenzo, who's still focused on the road ahead. "We're certainly in a different part of town now," I say, my voice breaking the silence.

Lorenzo nods, his eyes never leaving the road. "Yes, we are. This is the financial district. Some of the most powerful people in the city come to dine and conduct business here."

As he speaks, the car comes to a stop in front of a luxury skyscraper restaurant that screams money. The building is sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a gleaming metallic exterior. The entrance is flanked by two massive stone lions, and the doors are made of solid glass.

"Welcome to Rucoli," Lorenzo says, his voice low and smooth. "One of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. We'll be dining here tonight."

I raise an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. "Rucoli? I've heard of it. It's supposed to be impossible to get a reservation here."

Lorenzo smiles, a hint of pride in his voice. "I have connections, Eleonora. And tonight, we're going to enjoy the best meal of our lives."

As we step out of the car, Lorenzo leads me to the entrance of the restaurant, where a discreet sign reads "Rucoli's". The name is elegant and understated, with a subtle nod to Lorenzo's last name, Rucci.

Inside, the restaurant is even more impressive, with sleek lines, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers. The atmosphere is refined and sophisticated, with a hint of old-world charm.