THE NEXT DAY
The day had barely broken, bathing Lorenzo's villa in soft, gentle light. In his bedroom, the air still carried the scent of alcohol and the chaos of the night before. Lying on his stomach, face pressed against the pillows, Lorenzo slept deeply, his tousled hair falling over his forehead.
Silence reigned until a piercing ring shattered the calm. The phone vibrated insistently on the bedside table. Lorenzo groaned, disturbed, and half-opened his sleep-heavy eyes. With a brusque gesture, he grabbed the phone without even looking at the screen, then flopped back onto his back. Fixing his gaze on the ceiling, he answered in a hoarse, irritated voice.
Lorenzo (arrogant)
_ Who is it?
A familiar voice replied on the other end, calm but firm.
Carlo (calm but firm)
_ Lorenzo, it's me. I'm letting you know that tonight, I'll be coming with…
Lorenzo (annoyed)
_ Dad, can you leave me alone, please? You're calling me at this hour to talk about what exactly?
On the other side, his father's voice sounded calm but firm, almost unyielding.
Carlo (calm but firm)
_ What do you mean, you want to know what I'm calling about? Have you already forgotten our discussion yesterday? I clearly told you your wedding is scheduled for today. Tonight, I'll come with the mayor and the bride. And I hope, I really hope, that you will be present and won't embarrass me. That's why I'm calling: to inform you and remind you what's at stake.
At these words, Lorenzo felt his blood boil. Anger rose in him like an untamable flame. His fists clenched, his jaw tightened. Barely had the day begun, and his father was already ruining it.
Lorenzo (furious)
_ Yesterday I told you I'm not interested in this damn marriage, and today I repeat it. Don't count on me, father. I don't want a mayor or a bride in my house. And if you don't want me to embarrass you, don't show up here. I warned you. Leave me alone.
Carlo (firmly)
_ Lorenzo, don't…
Pi… pi… pi…
Lorenzo had just hung up on his father. Without hesitation, he threw the phone onto the bed in rage, then let out a long, annoyed sigh. Arms crossed behind his head, he lay for a moment, eyes fixed on the ceiling, a dark look in his gaze.
LORENZO (inner voice)
My name's Lorenzo De Santis. But to my friends, I'm the Bad Boy. Why? Simple: I'm not like the others. I have my own world, a universe far darker and more dangerous than what I let show. My father knows it, that's why he always tries to bring me back to reason. But it's useless. I'm no puppet, not a pawn. At 22, I own three real estate companies and lead a mysterious group only my two comrades-in-arms, Fabio and Marco, truly know. I built this with my fists, with risk and blood.
Relationships? Nothing serious. No fiancée, no wife, no love. I'm not thinking about that. Do I look like a guy who can fall in love? No. Love is a weakness, a chain. I like to own, dominate, fuck, and move on. For over a month, I've been sleeping with the housekeeper. Thirteen years older than me. Who cares? As long as she helps me release, that's fine.
I loved once, only once. But I destroyed that love with my own hands. Since then, I swore never to fall again. Love is too many sacrifices, too many vulnerabilities. I don't want weaknesses. I'd rather be a target for my enemies than offer a weakness to anyone. My parents? I love them. But I must stay tough with them, keep them away from my world. It's my way of protecting them. My father knows it, yet he refuses to let go. He knows one day this world will swallow me. One day, I'll disappear for good. And he refuses to bury his son alive. So he pushes me, forces me, thinking a marriage can save me.
But I see through his game. He wants to tie me down, force responsibility on me to slow me. Impossible. I love danger too much, risk too much. I will never lower my guard for a woman. I'm a bad boy. And bad boys… they don't change.
After long minutes staring at the ceiling as if an answer would fall from it, Lorenzo finally got up with a sharp motion. He left the bed, dragging his anger with every movement, heading toward the bathroom.
Meanwhile, in front of the Martin residence, a black sedan pulled up. Carlo cut the engine. In the passenger seat, Rosa, Lorenzo's mother, watched silently. She studied him with a worried, almost curious gaze, aware that something serious was about to happen.
Rosa (curious)
— Is this where the girl lives?
Carlo (calm)
— Yes. This girl impressed me. One day, while Eric, our guard, was driving, he accidentally hit her without realizing. And guess what? She didn't scream, didn't play the victim… She simply demanded they pay for her bike. That's when I realized two things: first, despite her young age, she knows not to be walked over in life. Second, she has character, she can stand her ground without being insolent. And believe me, Rosa… she's exactly the kind of woman Lorenzo needs. I'm convinced only she could tame him.
Carlo clasped his hands on the steering wheel, his gaze hardening.
Carlo (serious)
— I won't lose my son. I refuse to be told one day that he was killed in the street.
Rosa looked at him long, torn between worry and compassion.
Rosa (calmly)
— But… this girl? Do you really think she'll accept to marry a man she doesn't even know?
A faint, almost bitter smile appeared on Carlo's lips.
Carlo (smile at the corner)
— I think she will, for her father. Giovanni has lung cancer. He must have surgery, or he won't survive. I used this situation to propose a deal: our children's marriage. I'm not proud of this move, but to save my son, I'm willing to do anything. And Giovanni? He wants a better future for his daughter. With my help, he'll get surgery, I'll provide a house… and his daughter will now be under Lorenzo's responsibility.
Rosa turned away, her features marked by anxiety.
Rosa (worried)
— Your idea may make sense, but don't forget Lorenzo. You know he won't easily be bent… And that poor girl will suffer. Lorenzo has a fiery temper, he likes to impose his rules. If he's already against this rushed marriage, it'll be even worse. I fear he'll take out his anger on her.
Carlo gently placed his hand over hers, his voice attempting reassurance.
Carlo (reassuring)
— Calm down, my dear. Let's talk to the girl first, finish what we started, and then we'll see.
Rosa nodded silently. Together, they stepped out of the car and walked toward the gate. Carlo knocked firmly, making sure they could be heard inside the house.
Inside the living room, Giovanni was sitting on the sofa. The sound made him get up, but at the same time, Chloé entered.
Chloé (curious)
— Dad, where are you going?
Giovanni (calmly)
— Someone's at the gate, I'll open it.
Chloé (kindly)
— No, stay seated. I'll go.
Giovanni looked at her for a moment, then sat back. Chloé quickly crossed the yard and opened the gate, coming face to face with Carlo and Rosa.
Chloé (surprised)
— You?? Uh… sorry, hello, sir, hello, ma'am.
Carlo smiled warmly, almost calculating.
Carlo (smiling)
— Hello, my daughter. Looks like you recognized me.
Chloé nodded gently, a timid smile appearing.
Rosa (smiling)
— How are you, my daughter?
Chloé (polite)
— I'm fine, ma'am. Please come in.
She stepped aside gracefully, allowing them to enter. Carlo and Rosa walked into the yard with confident poise. Behind them, Chloé closed the gate and joined them, her face marked by growing curiosity.
Chloé (curious)
— Are you here for my father?
Carlo exchanged a glance with Rosa before replying, slightly hesitant.
Carlo (hesitant)
— Yes… but we'd also like to talk to you.
Chloé (calm)
— Then let's go inside.
She led them through the yard into the house. Once inside the living room, Giovanni, sitting on the sofa, looked up and froze at the sight of his boss and his wife. Surprise quickly passed on his face, replaced by a polite smile. Carlo and Rosa sat on the sofa across from him, while Chloé excused herself to the kitchen out of habit.
Giovanni (kindly)
— Hello, sir, welcome.
Carlo and Rosa (together)
— Thank you.
Carlo crossed his legs, elbows on his knees, and fixed a serious gaze on Giovanni.
Carlo (calm)
— Giovanni, if we are here, it's to talk with you and your daughter… about the marriage.
Giovanni slightly bowed his head, visibly embarrassed, but replied calmly.
Giovanni (calm)
— Alright, sir. I already spoke to my daughter, but she hasn't given her opinion yet.
At that moment, Chloé returned, carrying a tray with two glasses of water. Carefully, she placed the tray on the small table, offering one glass to Rosa and the other to Carlo. Her gesture was full of respect.
Carlo and Rosa (together)
— Thank you, my daughter.
Chloé offered a slight smile and sat near her father, her gaze alternating between the guests and Giovanni, eager to understand the purpose of the visit.
Carlo (smiling)
— How are you, my daughter?
Chloé (polite)
— I'm fine, sir. Thank you.
Carlo set down his glass, his eyes fixed on her, his tone growing serious.
Carlo (calm)
— If my wife and I came this morning, it's to talk to you about marrying our son… and to bring you with us.
Chloé's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding.
Chloé (wide-eyed)
— Bring me with you? Uh… the wedding is… when?
Carlo (calm)
— Today.
The word hit like a thunderclap in the room.
Chloé (surprised)
— Whaaat?! But… why today? I…
She looked at her father's eyes, seeking an answer, but Giovanni looked back at her sadly, almost guilty.
Giovanni (sad)
— Chloé, actually… this wedding is very important to Mr. Carlo, and…
Chloé's voice trembled, her eyes moistening.
Chloé (trembling voice)
— But dad, you only told me about this marriage yesterday and today I already have to marry? I don't even know this man. Don't you think it's too rushed? Can't we at least get to know each other?
Rosa looked at her calmly, her voice soft but firm, like a mother trying to reassure.
Rosa (calm)
— My daughter, you're right to react this way. But don't worry… you'll have time to get to know each other. And I promise you one thing: you'll lack nothing.
Carlo (pleading)
— Yes, my daughter… we are a respected family. You'll have everything you want, and you'll continue your studies. Over time, you'll get to know my son, since you'll be living together.
Chloé did not answer immediately. Silence enveloped her, heavy and tense. Her eyes drifted to her sick father, and she felt a burn behind her eyelids. She looked at him long, sadly, then lowered her head. She felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under her feet.
Carlo (reassuring)
— Rest assured, Mr. Giovanni. I promise your daughter will lack nothing. She can come see you regularly. And for your health, as agreed… I will take care of everything.
Giovanni lifted his gaze to Carlo, his voice calm but heavy with emotion.
Giovanni (calmly)
— Thank you very much, sir. I trust you. But I'll let my daughter give her approval.
Chloé gently squeezed her father's hand, took a deep breath, then spoke calmly, almost resigned:
Chloé (calmly)
— Dad… it's fine. I accept this marriage, as long as I can continue my studies and see you whenever I want. For your health… I accept to marry this man. I don't want you to die and leave me alone.
Carlo and Rosa's lips stretched into satisfied smiles. Giovanni, moved, tenderly stroked his daughter's hair.
Giovanni (moved)
— Thank you, my daughter, thank you for helping your father.
Rosa (smiling)
— Thank you, my daughter. We're happy you accepted this union.
Carlo (kindly)
— You can now go prepare yourself. We'll leave with you.
Chloé (calmly)
— Alright.
Without another word, Chloé rose and walked slowly to her room. She opened the door, approached her bed, and fell onto it, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Her mind was racing.
CHLOÉ (inner voice)
And there it is… this wedding is arriving faster than pizza delivery. Yesterday dad calmly tells me I'm to be married to his boss's son, and today, barely awake, here come my future in-laws to take me like luggage. Seriously, it's crazy. It feels like we're planning an impromptu vacation, not a wedding!
Well, okay, the positive point is my studies are guaranteed. That's reassuring. And dad will get his surgery, that's the most important. In reality, this marriage is like a promo pack: dad saved + studies paid. Not bad as a deal.
But one detail scares me: this guy. What is he like?! I hope he's young, handsome, muscular, with well-defined abs, because if he looks like some chubby uncle in early retirement… I'll divorce right after dad's surgery!
And he has to be kind. Like… really kind. Like my dad. Because if I end up with a grumpy tough guy 24/7, it's over. I want him to read me a bedtime story before I sleep. Yes, I know I'm over seventeen, but that's always been my ritual. My granddad used to read me stories… I don't want to lose that.
And mornings? Let's not talk about it. I wake up like a ghost if dad doesn't shake me. So yeah, my future husband will have to be my human alarm. And not a rude alarm that screams, but a gentle one. Otherwise… fight!
And cooking… pfff. I give up. Me? Cooking? Joke. Besides heating water, I'm hopeless. I've lived alone with dad for two years. He doesn't have time, mostly fast deliveries or quick meals. So if my husband can't cook… we're doomed. I may be lazy in the kitchen, but not in school! No, there I'm a machine. In class, I'm Einstein, girl version.
Anyway, future marriage, here I come. Totally crazy. Feels like chaos, but hey… apparently I'm marrying a super rich guy. Pff. Hope he's not one of those tough guys 24/7. Otherwise… he'll see that the real boss in this story… is me.
Chloé suddenly sat up, grabbed her small wardrobe, and started folding her clothes into her travel bag. Her heart pounded with a mix of nervous excitement and fear.
A FEW HOURS LATER
In a VIP room of a chic bar, the atmosphere sharply contrasted with the noise outside. Music pounded against the walls, clients' laughter and shouts collided, but inside this isolated room, it was almost silent.
Lorenzo was sprawled on a large black leather sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes were lost in the void, staring at an imaginary point as if trying to drown an inner anger in alcohol. In front of him, Marco and Fabio, his two best friends, were glued to their phones.
The atmosphere was heavy until Lorenzo's phone vibrated. He exhaled loudly, as if the sound alone made him want to break something. He grabbed the phone sharply and answered.
Lorenzo (annoyed, deep voice)
— Mom… what do you want?
On the other side, Rosa's voice snapped, firm and commanding, as if reminding him she was still his mother despite his attitude.
Rosa (firmly)
— Lorenzo, we're already at your place. Where exactly are you? Come immediately. We're here with your future wife and the mayor.
Lorenzo's face hardened. His jaw clenched, fingers gripping the glass so tight Fabio thought he'd crush it. Anger surged like a wave, and Marco noticed immediately.
Lorenzo (imposing, icy)
— Dad already called me this morning. I told him I don't want to see ANYONE in MY house. I warn you… you're driving me crazy. Get out of my house now, or…
Rosa (dry, relentless)