Chapter 57: A contract to claim me
"Let’s just leave," Luca said, turning toward Sara and taking her hand. He could already sense where the conversation was heading, and the last thing he wanted was for his father’s harsh words to hurt her, or to see her anger turn toward him.
But Sara shook her head. "No. I want to hear why Mr. Michael is saying all this," she said with hurt. "Why would he claim that Luca will spill blood and ruin my life? Because so far, all Luca has ever done is protect me."
She looked around the room. "Why would I ever walk away from a man who gives me a sense of safety and love? Perhaps today, you’re all judging me for everything that’s happened lately. But maybe, one day, you’ll see me for who I truly am, the right daughter-in-law for this family."
Luca’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. He lifted his gaze toward his parents. "I want you both to stop interfering in my life. Sara and I will handle our own path."
"Stay the night here," Michael said, rising to his feet. Turning toward the butler, he added, "Prepare a room for them."
The butler bowed and hurried off to carry out the order. Michael walked away with a deep frown, his steps echoing through the hall. Vinni, after a tense pause, also turned to leave.
"Shouldn’t you apologize to Sara?" Luca’s voice stopped her.
Sara’s head snapped toward him, her brows knitting together in confusion. ’What is he doing?’ she thought, watching him with unease.
"You called Frida here, helped Asher get out of prison, and fed lies to Ivanna," Luca continued. "Don’t you think you crossed the line, Mother?"
Vinni turned her gaze toward Sara. "Do you want me to apologize to you?" she asked.
Sara shook her head gently. "I don’t need an apology," she said softly. "But I think the two of you should talk, alone." With that, she stood, but Vinni’s response stopped her.
"We have nothing to discuss. Since Michael wants you both to stay the night, then stay," Vinni said curtly before walking away.
Once she disappeared down the hall, the heavy tension in the room finally eased.
"Let’s just go home," Luca muttered.
Sara shook her head lightly, settling beside him. "They asked us to stay. Besides," she said, her voice softening, "I’d like to look around a little. It’s my first time here. I’ve only ever heard about this place from your friends."
A quiet chuckle escaped Luca’s lips. "Fine," he said. "But we won’t be coming back here again, so make the most of your exploration."
Sara finally lifted her eyes to him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Won’t you help me explore it?"
He met her gaze. "Of course, I will."
The maid entered quietly and placed two glasses of water on the table before retreating. Sara picked one up and took a slow sip, the faint clink of glass the only sound breaking the silence.
Luca watched her with a thoughtful gaze. He couldn’t understand why she had defended him back there, especially after everything.
"I suppose you’re not afraid of me," he said. "Honestly, I thought that if I ever revealed the truth about myself, you’d turn away... maybe even hate me for it." He paused, his eyes searching her face. "You were angry, yes, but I never expected you to stand up for me."
"Because what you told me," Sara began softly, setting her glass down, "were your genuine feelings about your family and the weight of that legacy." She hesitated, glancing around the room to ensure no one was within earshot before lowering her voice. "And... I couldn’t let them see that our marriage is bound by a contract."
Luca’s jaw tightened. ’This damn contract,’ he thought bitterly. ’I have to find a way to end it soon.’
Just then, the butler appeared at the doorway with a polite bow. "Sir, Madam, your room is ready," he announced. "Please, allow me to show you the way."
Luca and Sara rose from their seats and followed him down the long hallway lined with portraits and soft golden lights.
The butler stopped before a grand door and opened it for them with a courteous gesture. "What would you like for dinner?" he asked. "I can have it added to the menu."
"Just the regular meal will be fine," Sara replied politely.
The butler nodded, bowing again. "Very well, Madam." With that, he closed the door behind him and walked away, leaving the two alone.
"You could’ve asked for your favorite dishes," Luca said as he walked ahead.
Sara followed beside him, her steps light against the marble floor. "Your parents already dislike me," she replied softly. "It wouldn’t look good if I started asking the butler to make things just for me."
As she entered the room, her eyes widened in awe. The space looked almost regal, high ceilings adorned with ornate carvings, soft golden drapes, and furniture that exuded timeless elegance. It reminded her of the old palace she’d once visited.
"Grandfather loved designs like these," Luca said, noticing her expression. "He wanted every room in the house to have that royal touch." He slipped off his shoes and placed them neatly in the rack by the wall.
"You used to live here?" Sara asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Yes," he answered simply. "This was my room once."
"Then why did you stop living here?" she asked after a pause, her tone gentle but probing. "Was it because of your strained relationship with your parents?"
"I had no reason to live here after my grandfather died," Luca answered, locking the door from inside.
"You miss him a lot, don’t you?" Sara sat comfortably on the soft mattress of the poster bed. Her elbow rested on the fluffy pillow.
Luca turned to gaze at her. "Yeah. He would have celebrated my wedding if he were alive," he asserted.
"But our wedding is just a contract, Luca. Why do I feel like you’re contradicting yourself? Tell me the truth why you married me. You loved me, right? But if you did, you could have told me before throwing a contract to claim me," she remarked, straightening up.