Chapter 4 That's Who I Want to Marry

Eloise gave Rose her most disdainful look. "I said power borrowed through marriage is never truly yours, it can be taken away. Would you like me to say it louder in case you missed it again?"

Chloe snorted, giggling. Rose immediately shot her an offended look. "Shut it, you." She snapped. But Chloe stuck out her tongue.

Amelia scoffed, crossing her arms, "You wouldn't know anything about power."

"No," Eloise agreed softly. "But I do know a lot about cages."

Rose jumped to her feet, her dress swishing. "You are jealous," she spat. "You've always been jealous, sickly little thing. No man will ever choose you."

Eloise stood too, carrying herself like a queen. "That's where you are wrong," she replied. "I don't want to be chosen like livestock."

"You think you are oh-so-smart," Rose said spitefully, her blonde curls bouncing as she moved closer. That perfectly sculpted face was twisted into something ugly. 

She had always believed her looks were her greatest weapon. 

"You are nothing, Eloise." She continued, her voice rising. "Just look at you. You'll die a miserable, lonely death—"

"Oh, spare me the bull crap, Rose."

Eloise's reply was bored. She rolled her eyes to the ceiling as though she couldn't be bothered by Rose's words.

"I'd rather die lonely and miserable," she added coolly, "than be surrounded by airheads such as yourself."

For a heartbeat, no one spoke.

Then Chloe busted out giggling, unable to stop herself. Amelia and Rose immediately whipped around to glare at her, their shock curdling into rage.

"You ugly bitch!" Amelia sneered, stepping forward, eyes blazing.

Eloise didn't even bat an eyelid. "If you are referring to your mother," she said evenly, "that's bad."

The moment the words left, Elosie's mouth, it landed like a slap.

Rose and Amelia gasped in unison, hands flying to their chest as though Eloise had struck them physically. Their faces flushed crimson, outrage spilling over and robbing them of their speech.

"What's going on here?" Camille's sharp voice cut into the silence. 

Martha also walked in, both mothers drawn by the raised voices. Camille took in the scene with a single glance and immediately fixed her glare on Eloise. Disdain was etched deeply into her face.

"Keep that foul-mouthed thing away from my daughters." Camille snapped. Her voice was cutting, filled with malice and loud enough to draw attention.

Chloe hastily stepped forward, shaking her head. "But Mama, it was Amelia and Rose who started—"

"That's enough," Camille barked, turning on Chloe. "I don't want to see you near that girl again, she'll only corrupt you."

Eloise crossed her arms, glaring at Camille, about to retort when her mother stepped forward, facing Camille head-on.

"You will not speak to my daughter that way Camille," Martha said coldly, "not while I'm here!"

Camille scoffed, "Perhaps if you raised her better—

"Enough!"

The command sounded across the room like a whip. Everyone became quiet. It was only then they realized they were no longer alone.

Matteo stood at the entrance, his expression thunderous. Beside him was his brother Frank, Camille's husband. He was quieter but watchful. And between them was Giovanni Caputo. Massimo's father. He was tall and imposing.

Matteo cleared his throat after everyone had comported themselves. The sound was heavy and weighted with embarrassment. 

"My apologies, Giovanni," he said stiffly. "Family matters. They sometimes... Can ermmm, get out of hand."

Giovanni Caputo let out a warm booming laugh. He waved his hand dismissively, as though nothing of consequence had happened.

"Ah, Matteo, please," he said cheerfully, "these things happen. Blood runs hot, it's nothing."

Camille's spine immediately straightened. The outrage on her face dissolved as if it were wiped clean. It was now replaced with a fake dazzling smile she'd practised over the years. Smoothing her dress, she reached for Rose and guided her forward with a possessive hand at her back.

Rose too smiled beautifully, her earlier anger was gone and was also replaced by a radiant, triumphant glow. She looked every inch the chosen one.

"I hope Massimo will be very happy to have her as his bride," Camille said sweetly, her eyes pointedly shifting to Eloise before returning to Giovanni.

Giovanni studied Rose with approval, nodding appreciatively. "My son would be very lucky indeed," he said. "She is very beautiful." He smiled. "She will bear him strong sons."

Laughter sounded across the room, indulgent and approving. 

Rose basked in it, cheeks flushed. Her eyes were shining and Amelia beamed beside her, practically vibrating with excitement. Camille looked vindicated, as though she'd already claimed her victory.

Eloise felt disgust. She would rather have been anywhere but in that gathering. 

Giovanni glanced toward the door. 

"Massimo should be here by now," he said mildly. "Forgive my son, he's not normally this late."

Before anyone could respond, a tall figure walked into the room.

Eloise went deathly still, her breath rushing out of her in a whoosh.

It was the man from the night before. The one who chased off her attackers and told her they would meet again.

Now he was dressed in a clean-cut suit, the tailored trim emphasised his lean build. He'd let his black hair fall all over his face like he hadn't the time to run a comb through it 

"My son," Giivanni said warmly, pride unmistakable as he gestured. "Massimo."

Massimo Caputo inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the room. His presence was dominating, like the air seemed to bend around him.

His eyes swept across their faces with indifference then came to a stop when they clamped on Eloise. For a moment, nothing else mattered. 

Eloise's pulse roared in her ears. She could not look away even if she wanted to. Recognition flashed between them and an unreadable look settled in his gaze.

Introductions were made quickly but Eloise barely heard them.

Giovanni looked at his son, smiling. "Your betrothed, Massimo," he said, gesturing toward Rose. "A very pretty one."

Rose stepped forward quickly, her movements grateful. She lowered herself into a courteous bow, lashes fluttering.

Massimo took one look at her and then took his gaze. It landed once more on Eloise standing at the back.

"Change of plans," Massimo said abruptly. Every head snapped towards him. Rose stiffened where she stood; Camille's smile faltered.

Massimo did not look away from Eloise when he spoke.

"That's who I want to marry."