Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 81 』

No words were said between either of them as they walked side by side. Yuri could feel that the silence between them grew heavier with each passing step, creating an unspoken tension that hung in the air. Giancarlo is holding her hand gently, but his grip feels almost suffocating.

When they entered the mansion, Lorenzo saw them, and it seemed like he was thinking of approaching them, but perhaps he saw Giancarlo's expression and decided against it. After giving Yuri a polite nod, he quickly averted his gaze and continued on his way.

Yuri was only able to breathe a sigh of relief once she saw the door to their room. Giancarlo pushed it open and let her step inside first, releasing her hand as he did so.

"I am sorry if I was talking to Luca Moretti last time. I figured that was just natural for me to do considering what he had done for me tonight," she started, feeling the need to explain herself.

Giancarlo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, pulling her close for a comforting embrace. "You have nothing to apologize for. You did not do anything wrong. I just feel stupidly jealous because me and Moretti are kind of similar in some ways, and I am afraid that you might prefer him over me."

She looked up at him, almost rolling her eyes. "Who is he, and why did you say that you two are similar?"

"Just like me, he is also first in line to inherit his family's business. We may be the most powerful family here in Sicily, but the Morettis are also a prominent and influential family."

Yuri just nodded at that. She cupped her chin in her hand, deep in thought. "So, you're worried that because you both come from powerful families, I might be more drawn to him?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Giancarlo shook his head at that. "I do not take you for someone who would be easily swayed by such a thing. I was just really jealous, but there was nothing more to it. Anyway, congratulations on getting the highest bid during the auction. Although I see that Moretti actually returned it to you."

Yuri shrugged her shoulders, putting the velvet box on the side table. She suddenly felt tired from the night's events, so she slumped down on the bed, still wearing the gown.

Giancarlo removed his tuxedo jacket and loosened his tie, joining her on the bed. "It's been a whirlwind of emotions tonight, hasn't it? But I'm glad everything worked out in the end. I am sure that the donna was not happy with the results, but you do not have to worry about her anymore. I have called my personal designer, and she will drop by tomorrow. It's time that we start planning our own wedding, don't you think?" he said, looking at her with a twinkle in his eye.

Yuri smiled and nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. She curled her arms around his neck and pressed her lips gently against his.

"I can't wait to marry you, Giancarlo Costa. I do not mind wearing a simple dress, but just let your designer know that I want something that could give me access to my gun."

Giancarlo chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I do not think that you would have a need for that. We are going to get married in the church, and despite what my family could do, they all perfectly know that the church is off limits. Father Antinori will not tolerate violence within his sacred walls."

Upon the mention of the priest, Yuri recalled promising Father Antinori that she was going to visit him once she arrived in Sicily.

"Is there a way for me to visit Father Antinori before the ceremony? I kind of promised him that when we met back then."

"I wanted to accompany you tomorrow, but I have an important meeting. Take Lorenzo with you, and for the love of God, make sure that he will always be by your side. Do we have a deal, mia cara?"