Chapter 6 Between The Real And The Imaginary

• "By Giovanna Villani"
• With my heart racing and my breath interrupted, the shock mixed with the terror that dominated my thoughts. The sight of that man, the same one who tried to abuse me months ago, made my world crumble in an instant. The confusion was overwhelming, and the line between the real and the imaginary seemed to have completely dissolved.
• Looking around, the reinforced security provided by the soldiers of La Tempesta and Sovranità offered some small comfort, but not enough to calm my tumultuous mind.
• The doubt persisted, hammering incessantly: had it been just a hallucination? After all, it was impossible for him to have entered the wedding without belonging to both mafias. Uncertainty enveloped me, turning into a suffocating tightness in my chest.
• Then, when I realized, I was there on the beach, with the cold and wet sand beneath me, and tears falling uncontrollably. Each sob was an echo of my distress, a silent scream seeking answers to my inner turmoil.
• It was in that moment of despair that one of Matteo's soldiers found me. His firm expression and decisive words brought me back to reality.
• Led by Fabrizio to the Dons' room, I could understand the chaos that my absence had unleashed. I witnessed my father in a way I never had. Meanwhile, Matteo maintained the imperturbable expression of a Don. However, even in the face of Don Philippo's threats, I remained alive.
• "Where were you, Giovanna?" Sofia whispers as she sees me leaving the room. "Everyone thought you had run away!"
• "He was here, Sofia!" I reply, looking around before facing her. "That man was here!"
• "Gio, that's impossible!" she cuts her words and looks around before whispering. "Unless that man is part of La Tempesta."
• "That would be unlikely, Sofi. At my father's request, Matteo put me face to face with every soldier of La Tempesta, a few days after our engagement was announced. That's what I don't understand, how could he be here if he doesn't belong to any of the mafias?"
• "Suddenly, you had a hallucination with all this stress," my cousin responds, biting her lip before speaking again. "After all, you yourself think he's dead, don't you?"
• "I really hope it was just that. I don't want to imagine the possibility of him getting close to me again," I confess, feeling my voice falter as I approach my mother. "I need to say goodbye, the time has come."
• "I'll be at your house whenever my father allows it, cousin," she affirms, giving me a long hug. When we let go, we are sharing our tears. "This is not goodbye, just a see you later’. I love you, Gio."
• "I love you too, Sofi."
• As Sofia steps away, my mother stands up and envelops me in a warm hug. I feel her affection and the words of comfort she whispers in my ear.
• The farewell tears continue to flow, a thousand times more painful than the previous ones. She holds my face gently, as if she wanted to engrave every detail in her memory.
• "Don't cry, daughter," my mother said in a comforting tone as she wipes away my tears. "Everything will be fine, and you will be very happy. I love you, my love. And don't forget: never contradict or provoke your husband.
• "Come on, Sister," Alessio interrupts, caressing my back. "Don Matteo is already waiting for you.
• "I love you, mom."
• Those were the only words my tears allowed me to speak before letting go of her. After exchanging brief words with Alessio, since my father didn't even want to say goodbye to me, I got into the car and we quickly departed.
• An overwhelming mix of emotions overwhelms me. Fear, sadness, disappointment... Seeing the man who watched over my safety, who taught me how to handle a weapon so I could protect myself, and who always emphasized the importance of keeping our enemies at a distance, was the same man who handed me over to those I should avoid.
• Matteo maintains absolute silence, focused on his phone, which, for me, is a relief. I have no idea what awaits me when we arrive at my new home. His clenched jaw since they found me on the beach only intensifies my fear of possible consequences.
• "Your little outing delayed our plans," he murmurs, without looking away from his phone. "We will sleep in Messina tonight and leave for our honeymoon tomorrow after lunch. Be prepared, because I do not tolerate delays."
• "Understood. I apologize for that."
• "Stop with this damn theater, it annoys me! Listen, Giovanna..." Matteo says, advancing towards me. His face inches from mine as he stares intensely. "Whether you like it or not, you are now a Villani, and we do not apologize to anyone."
• "Okay, I unders... I understand."
• Matteo narrows his eyes as he steps back. As if I were a mosquito bothering his peace, he sighs and returns his attention to his phone. I try to disguise my discomfort by staring out the window at the landscape. And once again, silence falls between us.
• During the night, we stop in front of a mansion with a classic and elegant style. Through the car window, I gaze at its facade of white stone, adorned with columns, arches, and richly ornamented windows. The imposing solid wood door, flanked by two statues of golden lions... Everything seems to exude the wealth and power of the Villani.
• "Home sweet home, little bird," Matteo says in a malicious tone as we get out of the car. "Welcome to your new cage."
• I take a deep breath, holding back tears at being once again away from home. As we walk through the front door, Matteo smiles satisfactorily and steps away from me.
• "Martina," he says to a lady who approaches us. "Please show the house to the new lady of the house."
• "Of course, Don Matteo. I just need a minute to get the keys to the signora's room."
• "Take your time, Martina. My beautiful wife is not in a hurry," the Don affirms. He examines me from head to toe as Martina leaves the room. "Sit down, Giovanna!"
• Matteo exclaims, climbing the stairs and leaving me alone in the spacious living room. I sigh as I observe the red mark on my arm and settle into the luxurious white sofa.
• I observe the unfamiliar environment around me, wishing that the gray-haired lady would appear again to guide me to my room."
• However, within minutes, terror envelops me once more. As if seeing her face a few hours ago wasn't enough, I hear her voice echoing very close to my ear, coming from behind me.
• When I see her macabre smile again, I feel my legs weaken, my heart race, and everything around me turn dark. "Welcome to hell, cutie!" Were the words that echoed before my body completely gave in.