Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 4 ~ Gianna

Gianna Rostova

Wedding planning took a lot effort. I was told Matteo hired the best in every field, from the caterers, to the photographers.

I wasn't sure why he was doing all this. Especially for a wedding he clearly wants nothing to do with. But I didn't question it.

After I woke up, took a shower, and did my skincare and make up, I was told that for today I had get my wedding dress tailored. I wore a white shirt and some baggy jeans with black sunglasses and sneakers. I also decided to wear my hair down since I couldn't decided on a style.

I checked the time, 9:34am. I assumed most people would be up since it wasn't too early. I pushed open the doors and the maze like hallways revealed itself.

I continue walking around the mansions aimlessly, hoping to find the kitchen or rather a kitchen or someone to take me there.

After a while, I felt like I wasn't getting any closer to finding the kitchen, where could it-

I suddenly heard faint shouting in the distance, I was a little confused, then I heard a gunshot come from the hallway in front of me followed by an ear curling scream, I stood frozen in my spot.

Curiosity got the better of me, and just like any horror movie I made my way closer to where the gunshot happened. Did I know it was a horrible decision that could potentially cost me my life? Yes. But did I also want to know where that sound came from? Triple yes.

But I wasn't afraid, at least I shouldn't be, I lived here too whether Matteo or anyone else for that matter liked it or not.

Luckily, the door was slightly open and I peeped through the slight gap in the door. My heart skipped a beat. Matteo stood over what I hoped was a sleeping body. A sleeping body with red liquid pouring out their torso.

I gasped and Matteo's eyes shot to the door, but I hid quickly,my back pressed against the door frame, my chest heaving. I hope he hadn't seen me.

The coast was clear, however when I peeped again, I saw Matteo standing right in front of the door.

He was in a suit and tie, his hair was tousled and he looked like he'd done some light work not, what seemed to be, killed someone.

He glared at me, "I don't like people who don't mind their own business."

I stuttered for an excuse, was he going to kill me too? "I wasn't- I just got lost!" I say, "This is a very big house." I laugh nervously.

Not a muscle twitched on his poker face. Come to think of it, I've never even seen him smile, or possess any other emotion from his top three favorite, neutral, neutral and neutral.

"Anyways, what are you up to?" I ask, I know I would probably pay for asking that question but I was curious, who even was that?

"Business." he replied dryly.

"What kind?" I ask, pressing on.

I could almost see the 'fuck off' tattooed across his forehead.

"The kind I don't like to talk about." he replied, he swiftly moved past me and started walking ahead of me, I glanced again inside the room and everything was cleaned up, like nothing even happened.

I could have sworn there was a whole crime scene in there.

I follow him, once again having to take extra large steps to keep up with him.

I didn't know Matteo that well, and I figured if we were going to be married I should at least get to know him better. I started off with light questions.