Chapter 59: Sound like you love her.
"It’s been over ten years since we last had dinner together," Michael began, settling into the main chair at the dining table. "I think calling Sara here did us some good. Otherwise, Luca would have probably ignored our request to come home."
Sara raised her eyebrows, surprised at the unusual warmth in Michael’s tone.
"That’s because you both pressured me today," Luca explained, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Mom even threatened to come to the company herself. But being the good daughter-in-law, Sara convinced me, and here I am."
"I hope from now on you don’t pester me with talk of another woman," Luca said after a moment. "Especially you, Mother."
"Everyone knows why you two got married," Vinni replied sharply. "No matter how many lies you tell, I can see through them."
Michael, meanwhile, gestured to the maids to begin serving the food.
"You two never believe a word I say," Luca muttered under his breath. "And... is there no wine? I was expecting this to be a proper family feast."
"There’s white wine," Michael said, signaling a maid to bring the bottles. "Let’s begin," he added, taking up his fork and knife.
Sara watched quietly, realizing just how much miscommunication and misunderstanding had built up between Luca and his parents over the years.
Luca picked up the wine glass, taking a slow sip of the wine. His eyes darted at Sara, who looked rather quiet than uncomfortable. He thought she would ask him to take her away, but it didn’t happen.
As the dinner came to an end, Luca prepared to leave first with Sara.
"Wait," Michael said as he lowered the glass of water. The maids swiftly cleaned the table while Vinni glanced at her husband with anticipation. She was hoping he would convince Sara to leave Luca’s life.
"Sara, you married my son because of a contract, didn’t you?" Michael this time spoke in a much straight way. "The lawyer who prepared those papers told me. So, you don’t have to hide the truth just because my son has asked you to," he stated.
"Dad, what are you trying to do?" asked Luca, knitting his brows close.
"I am talking to Sara, so stay quiet," Michael sternly instructed.
"Since you already know the truth, I have no reason to lie to your face," Sara began. "I had no way out to save Falcone Industries. I thought Luca would ask for some shares in the company, and I’d willingly give them to him. Instead, he asked me to marry me," she affirmed. "I accepted it because that was the only way I saw that could keep my father’s company alive."
"Though in the morning I said you weren’t in our league, but seeing your way of handling the situation, I feel otherwise now. Nonetheless, you have a good hold on my son. I think you are suitable for my son," Michael stated.
Luca’s jaw dropped when he heard the words of his father. "Didn’t you call me a madman in the morning?" his eyes squinted in suspicion, wondering if his father had another dangerous plan in his head.
"Aren’t you a madman? You hired men to beat up Asher. I don’t understand what pleasure it gives you to play with anyone’s life like that! If you were an obedient son, I would not have been complaining to your wife," said Michael with a sharp glare.
"Honey, but they don’t share any love. Is it right to keep lying to everyone about their relationship? I still believe that Sara is not made for this family, especially for Luca," Vinni showed her strong resistance in accepting Sara as her daughter-in-law.
"It’s a one-year marriage contract, Mrs. De Augustino," Sara declared. "After a year, I will leave your son’s life. I cannot break the legal terms in the contract, so for now, you must see me as the daughter-in-law of this house, for a year."
Luca stared at her in disbelief. He hadn’t expected her to speak so boldly, nor to rise and stand her ground like that.
"The meal was delicious. I’m tired, so I’ll go to bed early. Goodnight," Sara said softly, lowering her gaze. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the three of them alone in the dining room.
Luca rose to follow her, but Michael’s voice cut through the air, stopping him.
"Turns out your lies about being in love were exposed in front of us," Michael said sharply. "And making her sign a contract marriage... that’s beyond absurd. At least Sara values the elders and respects them, something you clearly don’t."
Luca’s jaw tightened, irritation flashing across his face. "Are you done with your lecture? Because if Sara ever leaves me, I’ll blame both of you for it, for the rest of my life."
Michael frowned, studying his son carefully. "You sound like you love her. Then why didn’t you ever tell us about Sara? I knew you two were batchmates in university, but I never imagined you were actually in love with her."
"Dad, what are you trying to prove?" Luca shot back. "That you know everything about me?"
"Of course," Michael replied evenly. "You’re my son. I know far more about you than you think. You chose a contract marriage instead of taking the proper path and proposing to Sara the right way. That’s what I find ridiculous." He leaned back slightly, his gaze firm. "You should take some time alone and think about your actions."
Luca glared at his father, saying nothing more, and then turned on his heel, leaving the dining room.
"I thought you wanted to drive Sara out of his life," Vinni said after a moment, her voice laced with irritation as she looked at her husband.
"I did, at first," Michael admitted calmly. "But did you notice how Luca came here tonight just because Sara asked him to? He never stepped foot here in ten years. But today he did. I don’t hate Luca, he is my only son. Indeed, his actions anger me, but this time I want to support his decision. So, you won’t either do anything that will hurt Sara. She is our daughter-in-law."