Chapter 61: Shameful in my eyes
The next morning
Last night she had an emotional breakdown in front of Luca. She stood in front of the foggy mirror and ran her hand on it. Looking at her reflection, she told herself, "Sara, you have been fighting for everything all by yourself. You can do it again. You should feel bless that somehow you got an opportunity to turn everything right through Luca."
Indeed, it was a selfish thought, but being Luca’s wife, she would be in an advantageous position. She washed her hands with the cold water and stepped out. On the bed, a dress lay along with a bag while Luca was nowhere to be seen.
"When did he bring this?" she murmured. She locked the door from inside and changed into the white shirt and white palazzo pants. She blew dry her hair, and combed them. Letting the hair stay loose, she finally stepped out of the room.
Luca suddenly appeared in front of her, who was in his running attire, drenched in sweat.
"Thanks for bringing the clothes," Sara said. "Did you ask a maid to bring them from home?"
"Yes," Luca replied. "It would be hectic to go back, then go to office," he added.
"Hmm. Do you run daily?" asked Sara out of curiosity.
"Yes. But sometimes the routine breaks because of various reasons," Luca replied. "We can run together in the morning if you want," he asserted.
"That’s a good idea," Sara said. "Go in and freshen up."
Luca walked past her, heading toward the bedroom to clean up, while Sara continued her path to the large drawing room. Her steps grew slower and slower until she finally paused, struck by the sight of Luca’s father, Michael, seated comfortably and absorbed in his newspaper. The simple, domestic image reminded of her own father, who had always started his day with the paper.
"Madam Sara is here," the butler announced. Michael lowered the paper, turning his head slightly.
"Good morning, Mr. Michael," Sara greeted him respectfully, bringing her hands together in a polite gesture as she approached.
"Good morning," Michael replied, folding the newspaper and setting it on the side table. "Have a seat." He then instructed the passing maid, "Serve her the tea as well."
"No, thank you. I don’t drink tea," Sara refused politely, offering a gentle smile.
"Then, a coffee?" Michael asked, offering an alternative with a slight incline of his head.
"Yes," Sara accepted readily.
"Prepare a cup of coffee for her," Michael instructed the maid, before calmly picking up his own cup of tea and taking a slow sip.
"Is Mrs. De Augustino not around?" Sara inquired, glancing toward the large windows.
"She is in the garden, I believe," Michael replied. He lowered his cup and fixed his gaze on her. "You should call us Father and Mother. There’s no need to be this formal, especially since you are a part of this family now."
"I understand," Sara replied, taking note of the boundary he was attempting to establish.
"I’m surprised," Michael stated bluntly, his tone shifting to one of mild disappointment with curiosity. "I’m surprised you still wish to live with Luca, even after knowing what he does with the money and power he holds now. But then," he paused, sighing faintly, "his grandfather spoiled him a lot."
"I was indeed shocked that Luca is involved with the mafias," Sara stated. "But then, it’s his life. I have no say on it."
"I like with the honesty you speak," Michael said with a smile. Just then, the maid returned with the coffee, offering it to Sara. "However, you two are a husband and wife now. You should consider bringing a change in him. If I tell him to to walk away from that path, he will ignore or maybe yell at me. Even though he’s 28, his mind still doesn’t think like a mature man. What my father and ancestors did was shameful in my eyes. I don’t wish Luca to do the same."
"Thank you." She lowered the cup and saucer to the table as she accepted them from the maid.
Turning her gaze back to Michael, Sara spoke calmly, "It’s not easy to change a person. I don’t think Luca will ever completely leave that path, Father. However, I will make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone with it."
Michael offered a genuine smile and took a few more sips of his tea, observing her over the rim of the cup. Sara, sipping her coffee in silence, realized Luca’s father wasn’t nearly as intimidating to talk to as his mother.
"Master, Mr. Marino has sent these," the butler announced, extending a slender file toward Michael.
Michael took the file, placing his now-empty teacup onto the saucer with a gentle clink. He opened the folder and began reviewing the papers inside while the maid quietly whisked away the used cup and saucer.
"Sara," Michael began, his voice taking on a formal tone as he looked up from the documents. "Since you are the daughter-in-law of this family, you’ll be given everything equally as my son."
Sara froze, her eyes widening. She quickly set her coffee cup onto the saucer.
"Father, it’s not needed," Sara refused immediately, shaking her head. "I won’t accept any of the assets."
"Well, you can’t refuse it," Michael stated. "I have already transferred some assets in your name. Keep this file with you." The butler grabbed the file from him and handed it to Sara.
"I really don’t need anything," Sara insisted, lightly biting her lower lip. "And this is a contract marriage as you already know. After one year, I will walk away from Luca’s life," she murmured, keeping her voice.
"But you two are officially married to each other," Michael countered. "No one knows what will happen after one year. And I already think you are the perfect woman for him."
Sara gently lowered the file back to the table, pushing it forward slightly toward him. "Father, I-I don’t want anything. I’m glad that you’ve simply acknowledged my presence in the family. That’s what truly matters to me," Sara affirmed, offering him a genuine smile.