VALENTINA'S POV

“What's going to happen now that Alana is back?” Someone asked from the crowd.

“I don't know. But Matteo had always loved Alana. I know one thing though, their marriage won't be the same again.” Another replied.

“Tsk, tsk, it's so sad that a lady this graceful and sophisticated, cannot keep man like Matteo all to herself.”

“What's the story behind it?”

“Well, Valentina married into the Da Vinci family when they're were down after the attack on the business three years ago. So it was an arranged marriage kind of thing.”

“Now, that Alana is back, I'm sure she'll be tossed aside by Matteo.”

“Shhh, she might hear you, keep it down.”

So three good years, was just a cruel joke? I was kept on the dark all this while?..

I picked myself up, the glass shards in my palm made pain shoot through my hand.

By the time I got to the ER, it was past midnight. The shards were removed and bandaged. I stopped dead in my tracks, when I saw Alana leaning against Matteo as they came out of a room.

“What are you doing here Valentina?” Matteo froze, shielding Alana. I forced a smile, and raised my hand. “If you've forgotten, your sister pushed me.”

Alana spoke. “why are you blaming Ariana? Isn't she your sister-in-law?”

“That's none of your business.” I replied coldly.

“Valentina, I won't have you talking to Alana in that manner, apologise to her this instant.” His tone deadly.

I turned to leave when he held my hand. “Apologise to her. Now!” His grip tightened. I stared into his cold eyes. Nothing. I felt nothing. A cold smile etched on my lips.

So this was it. “You should concentrate on her.” I said coldly and walked out.

I stared at the villa in front of me. The place I called home for the past three years, my safe haven was all in my head.

The following morning a text came in from an unknown number. “It's just a matter of a few hours before you're gone from our lives forever.”

Alana. Not surprised.

I was making breakfast when Matteo walked into the kitchen. “You're up early.” He said.

He came and placed a kiss on my forehead. But what I saw was like a slap on my face. Through his opened button, a hickey sat there, clear as day.

I may have ignored Alana's message but the hickey? That send a clear message if what this whole charade was.

“Baby, I'm so sorry for running out and leaving you yesterday. I was just worried about Alana, I didn't mean to upset you.” He apologised, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

He kissed my temple and smiled. “I have organised for us all to have dinner at a five star hotel tonight to celebrate the new alliance properly. Just us family and friends.”

His words felt sincere, I would have been filled with blushes by now but, I felt nothing.

Last night, after I left. A nurse came running, that the doctor forgot to give me some injections to prevent infections when I heard them talking again.

“What do we do? The plan failed.” Ariana said, her voice anxious.

“What are you worried about? Matteo should just talk her, he has organised a dinner to celebrate the success of his alliance, and we'll have right where we want her to be. And the plan will be carried out smoothly.” Alana said, casually.

I got the injections and left. And now, here was, the man I was so in love with, planning to ruin me, pretending as if everything was okay.

“You guys enjoy the dinner, I'm not going.” I voiced out flatly going back to my cooking.

“Come on, baby, don't be like that.” He coarsed.

“No.” I replied again, this time coldly.

Matteo's jaw tightened and his expression darkened for a moment before it was quickly replaced by the warmest smile he could muster.

“Everybody is already invited. It won't be nice not to have you there.”

“Fine. I'll be there. Send me the address.” Focusing back on my cooking.

“I'll pick you up. Wear something nice and fancy.”

I watched as his figure retreated upstairs. I felt nothing. It doesn't feel numb. I just felt cold and empty.

I was reviewing some files about a pending overseas project left by father from his legal side of the family business in my home office when I heard Matteo's car outside.

I placed the files in my bag and entered the car without a word. The car ride was silent.

“Where are we headed?” I asked, my attention on my phone.

“The B&B lounge and bar.”

I quickly typed in the name of the place and sent a message, dropping my phone back in my bag.

Matteo directed us to a private room. The loud music made me frown as we entered the room.

“Valentina.” I heard Alana yell my name. “ You are here, come, come sit here!”

She did not wait for me to respond before she grabbed my hand, dragging me to seat on one of the chairs.

“I hope you don't mind me being here?” I scanned the room quietly. Everyone here was either Alana's or Matteo's friends.

What a dinner!

Just then, Ariana came with two glasses. “Valentina, I'm so sorry about yesterday. I wasn't looking where I was going. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to push you.” she said, giving me one of the glasses.

Matteo sat at the corner, drinking silently. He made no attempt to talk and just stared. But I wasn't naive.

I smirked. “Ariana, if you really want my apology, why don't you drink it first? I need to know, if you're sincerely sorry right now.” I said smiling.

“Why are you being so difficult now Valentina. Ariana is sorry, she just apologised. What more do you want?” Alana accused.

“Then will you drink it?” I raised an eyebrow.

“You wench…”

“That enough,” Matteo's voice boomed.

“Valentina, stop being so difficult. Drink it, don't spoil the mood for everyone.”

I wasn't in the mood to keep playing along with their games. I checked the time on my watch. With another word, I turned to leave when a hand stopped me.

Matteo held my jaw tightly, forcing the drink down my throat. No one stopped him. In fact, they laughed at my misery.

Matteo left my jaw when he was sure I had swallowed the drink. My vision was blurry, pain and humiliation burned in my chest. I grabbed my bag and ran out looking for the restroom.

VALENTINA'S POV

I finally stopped, my hands dropped to my sides. I threw up everything bit of the drink until I was certain, nothing was left. Exhausted, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes were red, my hair was disheveled and my makeup was smeared. A bitter smiled edged my lips.

I took a deep breath and stared back at my self in the mirror. Why exactly am I upset? The three years wasted or the illusion I was under thinking Matteo wasn't as heartless as people viewed him to be?

I looked back in the mirror. The tears I was holding back finally spilled. The pain, the humiliation of these past few days came weighing on my shoulder.

I fixed my makeup, straightened my hair and my dress, pulling myself together and walking out of the restroom. I approached a waiter and he directed me to the private room for my meeting. I pushed the door open, only to bump into a wall or rather someone.

“Miss Felucci, you're here finally! I was beginning to wonder if you canceled on me.”

“My apologies, Mr. Romano. I was held up my something on the way.” I said, smiling politely.

If it any better, I'll take care of our bills tonight.” I offered.

The man, Alexander, placed a gentle hand over mine. “Don't worry about that. Besides, we men should learn to wait for ladies.” He said with a charming smile.

“Let's talk about the project. Meet my assistant, Daniel.”

His assistant handed him a file. My father had a pending project with the Romanos. Years ago, they moved abroad, where he was handling the overseas company, and now he's finally back and as the CEO of the cooperation. I was just notified yesterday that he was back in the city. And he agreed to meet for a meeting.

“Thank you for meeting here on a short notice.”

“I should thank you, it will be my greatest honour to continue this project with you. And also for making this meeting a success.”

“If you don't mind, I'll drop you home.” He offered.

“Sure! Thank you.”

Just as we were about to leave the lounge, the door busted open. “Valentina! There you are.” Alana said, grabbing my hand.

“Where did you go? We've looking all over for you! We were getting worried!”

I pulled my hand out of her hold. “You guys enjoy yourselves, I've a lot to do, I'll take my leave now.”

“Aw, don't be such a spoil sport. We were just having fun earlier, no need to take it personal.”

“Miss,” Alexander stopped her. Pulling my hand from her hold. “Why are you insistent? It's clear she doesn't want to go with you.”

“Well, well, well, who do we have here? The almighty Alexander Romano himself.” She said her voice suddenly seductive and more polite.

“It's Mr. Romano to you miss.”

“Well, Mr. Romano, we were just having fun and Valentina here just couldn't handle it. You know, joke among friends. You know, she's very sensitive.”

Sensitive my foot. I thought.

Out of nowhere, Matteo appeared, dragging me back inside with him. Alexander tried to follow but Alana blocked him. When he left, Alana was behind us. We went to the lounge and Alana opened the door and Matteo shoved me inside, locking it.

“Matteo, let me out.” I banged on the door. The door opened and five thugs waltzed in.

“Open the door, Matteo!”

One of them whistled. “Damn, we got some motherfucking luck, aye?”

I trembled, my hands clutch my bag tightly. I didn't plan for this but clearly, nothing goes as planned. “Don't come any closer.” I said, backing away.

The men kept coming forward. I removed my heel and held it as a weapon. “Relax darling, we just want to have some fun.” One said, as they circled me.

“Wh..what do you want? Money? Name your price, I'll pay you double the amount they gave you.” I said, barely able to keep my voice grounded.

One lunged at me. I hit him in the jaw with the heel. “Damn, she hits hard.” he growled.

“Well, if they're feisty, they tasted best.” Another said. Two came up from behind me and held me tightly. One was already unbuckling his belt and the other two, trying to unbutton my shirt.

“Let me go. If my brother finds out, you all are dead.” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

“Please, don…don't do this to me. I beg you “

My blouse was removed, my bra was torn. “ Ple…please…I beg you.” But my plea fell on deaf ears.

Nobody came to my aid. Who would? It was all a plan.

My dignity was about to be ripped off me. I laid there naked, in despair.

Just as I was about to succumb to darkness. A loud crash burst through the door and it opened with a bang.

VALENTINA'S POV

“Get your hands off her.”

Alexander?

“Valentina, Valentina, look at me.” He urged.

I tried to open my eyes but it was difficult. “Ale..” I succumbed to darkness.

The bright light woke me from a deep slumber. I opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the blaring light in the room. “Where am I?”

I rose from the bed and surveyed my surroundings. I was in the hospital. How did I get here?

The events of what happened to me came rushing in my mind. The betrayal, the humiliation and lastly, the pain. A drop of tear falls on my hand and they kept coming. I cried, for the pain I supressed these past few days.

Nothing hurts more than the cold betrayal from Matteo. The fact that he was willing to ruin my reputation just for a divorce.

The door opened and Alexander walked in. “You're awake! How are you? Are you in any pain?” He rushed out.

I couldn't speak, I simply nodded my head. “Thank you for saving me. If you hadn't come earlier….” The words stuck in my throat.

“But, how did you find me.” I asked.

“Something didn't quite feel right. I turned back around but the lady from earlier lied to me that you were in the restroom. I searched for you but you weren't there.”

“Then I heard you scream. She tried to stop me from going in the room but my men held her down. That was when I broke the door down.” He explained.

“And Matteo? Did you see him?” I asked. I don't know the answer I was going to get, but maybe, just maybe…

“He wasn't there, only Alana, a young lady and a man were outside.”

“I don't want to intrude but I need to know what exactly happed that led to that incident.”

“Uhmm.” I licked my lips. “It was plan.” I said finally.

“Plan? What plan?” Alex asked.

“Its a long story.” I saidz trying to avoid the conversation.

“I have time.” Alex sat down on the bed beside me. “Valentina, you can talk to me okay?” He held my hands in his, I don't know if he was trying to comfort me but it was soothing my nerves.

I took a deep breath. “Matteo, my husband and his siblings, Ariana and Damien planned to ruin my reputation inorder fronhom to get a divorce from me.” I started.

I looked at Alexander who was quiet. “Matteo loves someone else, Alana, the one who dragged me from you yesterday.” He nodded.

“They plan to get back together after removing me from the picture.”

“Three years, three years Alexander. I thought Matteo lovede but it was all a pretense. A pretense to put up with me until he's able to cast me aside.” I cried.

Alexander's hold on my hand tightened. I watched as he fumed. “That bastard. He's going to regret doing that to you.” He promised with conviction.

“I called your brother, he should be arriving anytime soon.” He said.

My eyes widened, my brother? How did you know my brother?” I asked, confused. If he knowsy brother, how come I've never met him.

“Uhh.. he's my best friend and brother.”

“I'm not getting you here. Besides, I would have known about you. You've never been around him, how come you're best friend.”

“Well, we hardly meet. And the fact that we are now both headed the family businesses both legal and illegal, we hardly have time to hangout.” He explained.

“Illegal? Which family mafia are you?” I couldn't help but ask.

“I am the head of the Greek Mafia.”

I gasped. “You..you are Alexander Volkov?” He nodded.

“But, why are you under the name Romano?”

“Romano is the legal name for the business and Volkov is for the Mafia and the real one.”

“Wow.” Then something downed on me. “Where are they? The guys who..”

“They are in my warehouse. You don't have to worry about them. They will be well taken care of.” He smirked. And it wasn't a good one.

Oh boy.

“Peanut,” I heard my brother's voice. He rushed to me and hugged me tight. “Thank goodness, you're safe.”

I hugged him tight. I've missed him. In these three years, I never visited home once and it's because Matteo doesn't allow me to.

“I missed you bro.” I cried in his arms.

“I missed you too, peanut, I thought you didn't want to see me, that's why I stopped reaching out to give you more time.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, confusion manning my face.

“I reached out to you a couple of times to visit you but the letters always came back with another one stating you ‘,you were married now and you don't have time to see anymore’

“But I never got any letters.” I said.

“What? Leave that, well discuss some other time. Tell me what happened.”

I recounted the event to Dante and by the time I was done, he was fuming.

“Matteo will pay for what he's done.”

Suddenly, Alexander's assistant rushed in. “Boss we have a problem. Miss Valentina is all over the news.”