Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 83 』

It had been a week since Yuri saw Giancarlo with Emilia, and even though he may still be the same doting partner who sleeps with her in the same bedroom every night where the same burning passion still thrives, she could still feel that ever since that day, there seemed to be a subtle shift in their relationship, as if an invisible barrier had been put up between them. 

She knew that doubts and insecurities should be the last things she should entertain in her mind, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more going on between those two.

She hasn't concluded yet that he is cheating on her, but perhaps he isn't just being completely honest with her, so even though they have been spending a lot of time together lately, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease.

"Signorina, the boss called, and she said that he couldn't make it to lunch today. Something came up that requires his immediate attention," Lorenzo informed her, the unease in her gut intensifying.

"Lorenzo, where is your boss going these days?" she asked in a contained voice, trying to hide her growing suspicion.

Lorenzo hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm not entirely sure, Signorina. I guess it would be better to ask Favio about that. My duty is to take care of you and ensure your safety."

She smiled blandly at that. "Since your duty is to take care of me, then does that mean that you will do everything I ask you without hesitation or question?"

Lorenzo shifted uncomfortably, but he was able to maintain a professional demeanor. "What is it that you need me to do, Signorina?"

Yuri tilted her head and thought for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Ever since I saw your boss with that woman, things have changed between us. Sure, we still sleep on the same bed, and things may seem normal during the day, but I can't shake off the feeling that he's hiding something from me. I want you to find out what's really going on between them. I need to know if there's anything I should be worried about, or if it's just my imagination playing tricks on me."

Lorenzo couldn't help but feel the cold sensation that crept up his spine as he listened to Yuri's commanding tone. He knew that the Moretti family had a connection to the Costas, as the former one was also a criminal family with relevant influence, and he remembered hearing a rumor before, although he is not quite sure that it would be wise to tell Yuri about it for now.

"I know that it's Giancarlo who is paying you, but since you were ordered to take care of me, I have been thinking that you are like my right-hand man. Do you promise to let me know what's going on regardless if it's going to hurt me?"

Lorenzo nodded, and he silently wished that he wouldn't find out anything unpleasant because he doesn't want to be in a position where he would have to choose between the person he has sworn his dying loyalty to, bound by blood, and someone who trusted him blindly.

***

Yuri had been so preoccupied with thoughts of Giancarlo's whereabouts that she totally forgot that Gianna would arrive with her wedding gown. Unlike before, when she was excited to see the dress and try it on, now she just feels a sense of dread, especially now that she has started to doubt whether it was a good decision to accept Giancarlo's marriage proposal.

His family not accepting their relationship is something she could ignore, but if there is potentially another woman involved, it would be a whole different story.

"I know I made the right decision by going for this design, Signorina. You can check the pockets underneath and let me know if you want me to add any additional details or alterations," Gianna said, breaking her thoughts.