𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 3

Eleanor's footsteps echoed softly on the marble floor as she was led through the grand entrance of the villa. The interior was a marvel of Italian opulence, with a blend of old-world charm and luxurious design. The high ceilings were adorned with ornate chandeliers, their crystal prisms casting a soft, golden light over the polished marble floors. Elegant tapestries draped the walls, and the room was filled with plush velvet sofas and antique furniture that spoke of a bygone era of Italian wealth.

She was guided into an enormous living area, its grandeur almost overwhelming. The space was lined with rich wooden bookcases filled with leather-bound volumes and framed by large, intricately woven rugs. Beautiful paintings of Italian landscapes and stately ancestors adorned the walls, their presence adding to the room's imposing elegance. Despite the beauty of her surroundings, Eleanor felt a cold knot of anxiety settle in her chest.

Eleanor was shown to a sumptuous couch in the center of the room, its velvet cushions deep and inviting but offering little comfort given the circumstances. She sank into the cushions, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Outside the door, she could hear the faint murmur of voices—Alessio and Luca were speaking in hushed tones, their words just barely audible.

The door creaked open, and Alessio and Luca walked in. Alessio's dark eyes were intense, and his posture rigid, while Luca wore a more approachable expression, though his demeanor was still serious. The contrast between them only heightened Eleanor's unease.

Alessio took a seat across from her, his expression inscrutable. Luca settled into a chair beside him, his gaze softening as he addressed her.

"Eleanor," Alessio began, his voice firm but measured. "I understand that this is all very confusing for you. There are things you need to know about why you're here and why you're in Italy."

Eleanor's heart skipped a beat. "Italy? So, we're not in Greece?"

Luca nodded gently. "Yes, you're in Italy. This is our family's estate, a place we maintain as part of a longstanding tradition. We brought you here because of a promise made many years ago."

Eleanor's brow furrowed. "A promise? What promise?"

Alessio's gaze was steady. "When your mother died, there was an agreement in place. Our families had a pact that in the event of such a tragedy, we would be responsible for you. Your aunt was aware of this promise but chose to take you herself instead of letting us fulfill our part of the agreement."

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock. "My aunt took me? Why wasn't I told about this?"

"It was kept from you," Luca explained, "to protect you from the complexities involved. Your aunt's actions were a direct violation of the agreement. Her decision to keep you away from us is something we have had to consider as we move forward."

Eleanor's confusion deepened. "So, you're holding this against my aunt? But she's gone now."

Alessio's expression hardened slightly. "Yes. Her actions have consequences, and those consequences have led us to this situation. We have a responsibility to uphold the promise, and that includes dealing with the fallout of her decisions."

Luca's voice was more soothing. "We understand this is overwhelming. But the promise was made to ensure your safety and well-being. Now that you're here, we need you to understand that you're under our care, and we expect you to comply with the terms of that care."

Eleanor's mind was racing. "What exactly does that mean for me? What happens now?"

"While you're here," Alessio said, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding, "you will be under constant surveillance. This is necessary to ensure that you're safe and that you don't attempt to leave or cause any issues."