Antonio

There's a certain feeling that engulfs your whole body, giving you a sense of satisfaction when you achieve something. That was the exact situation I found myself in. Killing two birds with one stone became easier. Camila and I are legally married now. She's mine. My possession. The thought of the things I will do to her made a smile erupt from me. "What's funny, son? It's been a while since I saw this kind of smile on your face," Father asked as my personal chauffeur drove us back home.

Only if he knew. My expectations always get fulfilled. Antonio doesn't get defeated easily. I didn't even put that much effort into getting her. "It's nothing serious. I'm just happy our company is getting stronger day by day."

"You're right. Good job, son. What's your plan now?" He asked. I know where his words are heading. I don't plan on involving her in my business. Her main job is to serve me, fulfill the duties of a wife, and nothing else.

"We'll stay here for a month before we leave for Italy. I don't want to leave the workload on Stefano." Stefano is my cousin. We've been handling the casino business together. If I'm not around, he'll take over. My casino is one of the largest in all of Italy, so imagine the amount of money it's bringing us.

"Speaking of that, have you received feedback from Franzese?" My insides boiled with anger at the mention of his name. I bet he wants to see himself six feet under. I held the steering wheel tightly, letting out a hiss.

"He will definitely see the other side of me."

I dropped father at home and drove back to my house. I live separately from my parents. I always want to be in my own comfort zone, finding solace in my world. Alone. And now I have a partner to share my solace with.

I turned to Rain, who was hot on my tail. "Tomorrow morning, you will pick Camila up from her house."

"Alright, Sir."

I was about to walk away when I remembered something. "And make the necessary preparations for her building documentation."

"Alright, Sir."

The moment I stepped inside my house, I fished out my phone and dialed Stefano's number.

"Ciao, fratello" (Hello, Bro) His voice sounded through the phone.

"Cut the crap, man. I'm in America, not Italy," I said, slouching down on the couch and loosening my tie.

"Ouch. That sounded harsh coming from someone who claims to be an Italian man."

"That's not the reason why I'm calling. Mr. Franzese..." I trailed off.

"What about him?"

"Gun him down. He's out of the business." I didn't wait for his reply as I ended the call, dropping the phone by my side.

I rested my head back as I reminisced about earlier events. How I'm imagining what I will do to her. The way I will feel her touch all over my body. Ravishing all the perfect places. To take the whole of her. I cannot wait any longer. She's my possession.

My personal phone sounded by my side, flashing with my mother's name. I snapped my eyes shut and opened them again. I might as well reject the call, but I know that will be in vain because she will keep calling until I pick up the phone or maybe switch it off. The phone rang for the second time, making me omit a sharp breath.

"Hello, M-"

"Well done, Antonio. So you and your father decided to go behind my back. You got married without thinking to consult me first. Don't I deserve a heads-up?" She bombarded without giving me a chance to answer her.

"I now know what position I stand in your hearts. I'm a-"

"Mom, I-"

"No, I understand. I know what exactly you and your father take me for. You didn't tell any of us. Not even Mia. Thank you."

"Mom-" And the line went dead silent, making me stare at the phone before releasing another sharp breath. I'm in for a lecturing session tomorrow.

**

I glanced at my wristwatch for the nth time, waiting for Rain to arrive with Camila. He told me they're on their way, but forty minutes close to an hour have passed, yet there's no sign of them. I hate waiting. I don't have enough patience in me. Mother has been disturbing me with calls. I plan to take Camila along so that they will meet. If not, I won't have peace of mind. And then the two are still not in sight.

The sound of the door opening halted me from pacing around the room and focused my attention on the door as the two walked in. My eyes were fixated on her as she stepped in all her glory. My eyes dilated as I assessed her dress. A plain black dress which hugged her body in all the perfect places. Black heels, and black glasses. Her hair was straightly done, trailing by her side. She was looking elegant. Perfect for me.

I was brought back to reality by Rain's voice. "Sir."

"You can go. I will drive," I uttered, my eyes still on Camila. Just when Rain was out of sight, I marched forward. "You look beautiful, wife," I muffled out the words, sounding flawless on my tongue, as if they were meant to be spoken by me.

"Why don't you remove the glasses so that I can see my wife's beautiful eyes?"

"They were not meant for you to see. And Camila is the name."

Her boldness is quite amusing. I took her by surprise when I closed the remaining gap between us, snaking my hand around her waist. "Let me go," she said.

"Why? You're my wife. My possession. It's normal for me to touch you. To feel your warmth." She was trying to free herself from my hold, nevertheless, I held her tightly. I snatched the glasses from her eyes and was met with a pair of hazel ones. She has that kind of spiteful eyes. Ones that will make you lose yourself in the pool of them. However, I wasn't able to achieve that when she yanked herself away.

"Don't even make a mistake of touching me again. I'm not your possession. You don't own me. I own myself. Think of it as a lady coming for a funeral. Because you will get nothing from someone who is dead inside," she spat. Surprisingly, her words amazed me instead of pissing me off.

"Is that why you're wearing all black?" I asked, assessing her body. My eyes lingering on her chest.

"You said it correctly. You might think you've succeeded in marrying me, but you won't own me. Neither my heart nor my body." That kind of ignited something in me. I jerked her forward, her hand landing on my chest, and crashed my lips onto hers.