ALESSIA'S POV:
I lay flat on the vanity table. Belly down. My legs shook. If I tried to move, I would fall face-first.
Broken glass everywhere. All my perfumes. My creams. All shards on the floor.
Cesare. That bastard.
Yeah. The bastard who had just done this to me. Made me watch myself break. Made me enjoy it.
He hadn't even untied me.
Tears burned at the edge of my eyes. Is this what I'd become? A thing to throw around.
All those years abroad. All that pride. For this.
A sob ripped out of me. I hated him. I hated me.
I tried to stand. My knees trembled. I made it to the bed. I sat. My reflection stared back from the mirror. Mascara down my cheeks. My hair sticking. I looked like a wreck. I felt worse.
I pulled at the knot on my wrists. Over and over. My fingers slipped. Rope burned my skin. Finally it came loose.
I got up and stumbled to the bathroom. Sat on the cold tile. Hugged my knees hard and cried.
If only I could prove my father's innocence. I wouldn't have to give Cesare anything.
But I already had.
Regret crawled through me. Shame sat heavy in my chest.
I'd rather die than be used like this. Like nothing.
_____
I woke up to a knock on my door.
"Ma'am Alessia, please open up." A voice from outside. It was a maid. Cesare probably sent her to drag me out.
I didn't answer. I just lay there. My body ached everywhere. Between my legs. My chest wouldn't stop hurting.
The knock came again.
"I've brought breakfast," she said.
I didn't want breakfast. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to be left alone.
I rolled off the bed and went to the bathroom to pee. My legs shook. I washed my hands, stared at my face in the mirror. Blank.
I came back to bed and lay down again. If she got tired, she'd go.
Silence. Then footsteps fading. The maid left.
I stared at the ceiling. I tried to close my eyes. Tears came instead. I couldn't even cry out.
I pressed my face into the pillow. My whole body felt heavy but my head wouldn't stop spinning.
_____
CESARE'S POV:
"Welcome back, Sir," Grace greeted, reaching out for my coat as I stepped in.
"Is dinner ready?" I asked, taking the coat off.
I was already hungry. I'd spent an awful amount of time in the meeting.
"The table is set, Sir." She smiled, bowing slightly as she took the coat.
"Alright." I sighed, scanning around.
Does she never come out?
Always locked away like a little flower?
I paused and looked at her door as I passed.
Should I go in and see what she's up to? I haven't set eyes on her for three days.
No need. I'll see her at dinner. I scoffed, walking away.
I washed up and changed before heading down for dinner.
"Why isn't she down yet?" I asked the maid by the door as I stepped into the dining room.
"I'll go get her..." She stuttered, scurrying away.
I looked toward the door as the head maid walked in with a tray.
"Mia had forgotten to bring the desserts along."
"Grazie." I forced a smile, glancing at the door. What was taking her so long to come downstairs?
"S–Sir..." The maid who had gone to call her stuttered as she entered the room. "She's not responding, and the door's locked."
"The Madam?" The head maid asked, turning to her. "She's—"
"Is there a problem?" I asked.
She turned to me and sighed.
"The Madam has locked herself in for the past three days. She refuses to eat."
"What?" My brows rose.
"Why haven't I heard about this?"
"We thought—"
"I don't want to hear what you lot think." I stood, glaring at them.
They weren't to blame in this situation either.
Is she still sulking about what happened?
She's just the same little brat she's been since childhood.
That one time, she locked herself in when her father refused to buy her a horse.
Pathetic little cunt.
They followed behind me as I stormed off.
I'm going to get her down.
_____
"Alessia!" I called, knocking on her door. I called a few more times. No answer.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I raised my voice.
"Do you think this is some joke?"
Still no reply.
What is wrong with her? Did she lose a few screws from being punished?
"I'm sure you know not to joke with me, Alessia!" I yelled, banging on the door.
"Do you have some death wish?" I threatened, leaning closer.
"You seem to forget so easily. Is this the new brand of foolishness you've decided to showcase?"
Nothing.
"Open this door, Alessia!" I shouted, glancing at the maids beside me.
"You'll leave me with no other choice but to break this down." I hit the door with full force.
"S–Sir..." The head maid stretched out a hand as I continued hitting the door. "You're going to—"
She gasped as I kicked the door down.
"You little..." I growled, scanning the room as I walked in.
My breath caught when I saw her legs by the bed, on the floor.
My chest tightened as I rushed forward. Why the fuck was she on the floor?
"S–Sir..." The maids rushed after me.
My eyes widened when I reached where her body lay. I dropped to my knees to feel her pulse.
This stubborn brat—what has she done to herself?
"Get me Bernadino..." I murmured.
"W–What? I—"
"Get me Bernadino!" I shouted, shooting her a glare. "Now!"
I carried her from the floor, bridal-style, and placed her gently on the bed.
My eyes stayed on her for a few seconds.
"Where the fuck is—"
"Sir..." Bernadino rushed in, interrupting me, his eyes trailing from her body to me.
"I don't care if they're busy... Bring Doctor Antonio and Lucia here."