The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 16

Emily

No, this couldn't be true.

Alessio Fanucci didn't just use me as a scapegoat.

My eyes were wide open as everyone's attention turned towards me. I was never a big fan of the spotlight, and somehow I got involved in this mess.

The whispers, the gasps, the murmurs—the attention was suffocating, and so was Alessio's grip around my waist, pulling me closer.

I was lost, caught up in Alessio's twisted game that I didn't understand, let alone wished to play. All I could do was stand there, glued to my spot as fear crashed over me.

My plan for the night was to avoid the Fanuccis and the Baldinis.

Obviously that didn't work out.

"Emily," Alessio locked his eyes onto mine, giving me a look that was enough of a warning that I couldn't fuck this up.

I gulped, wondering what kind of nonsense would be leaving his mouth next.

"The words you said to me last night, you were right," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. As far as I was concerned, I hadn't said a word to him.

This was a nightmare, it had to be.

"It isn't fair to keep two women by my side. That's why I've decided... I choose you. I will marry you, Emily," Alessio's words were loud enough to make sure no one in the crowd would miss it.

Before I could react, Alessio brushed his lips near my ear and his voice dropped to a whisper. "Play your part, or I'll kill you." The threat left his mouth so easily.

A chill ran down my spine, as he dug his fingers in my waist. "This is the part where you smile." he said through hissed teeth.

Forced by fear, and the thought of Natalie, I plastered a fake and shaky smile on my face. Alessio Fanucci wasn't someone anyone wanted to test.

"No!" The scene was interrupted by a loud voice belonging to non other than Domenico. "This is not going to happen, not on my watch!" the man lunged forward, but before he could take another step, his wife halted him with a stretched arm.

She whispered something into his ear, which made him look at the crowd and shut up. It was probably something along the lines of, 'don't Emilybarrass the family,'

Domenico's lips were pressed into a tight line.

Meanwhile, Alessio grabbed my hand and led me through the parted crowd. We had almost reached the door when we were stopped in our tracks by Leonardo Baldini.

"Ales..." His eyes burned with anger, but just like Domenico, he was trying to keep his cool.

"You're messing with the wrong family, Alessio," he warned. "It would be pitiful to start a war over this," he added, whispering the last part.

"Sir... Leonardo, you know what would be truly pitiful?" Alessio replied. "You, Emilybarrassing your daughter by not stepping aside. If it weren't for you, we could have made a clean exit by now."

Rather than feeling intimidated, Leonardo nodded with a sheepish smile on his face. In that moment, I could see true evil behind his eyes. He didn't have to say anything, just that look was enough. You didn't had to tell me that this man was nicknamed Lion, because I felt it. His dark presence.

A shiver went through me as his eyes met mine, still nodding his head, all the way until Alessio pulled me out of the ballroom.

I did not have a say in any of this, and unfortunately had to accept as he maintained his strong grip while escorting me out of the mansion.

My heart pounded against my chest, I was scared for my life, didn't know what would happen—and then I got pushed into the car with an insistent force.

Without a word, Alessio slid into the driver's seat. It took last than a second for him to bring the engine to life, and as the car sped away, I knew I couldn't escape.

I was hit by the harsh reality of my situation. I was alone in a car, with Alessio Fanucci, not knowing where the hell he would take me. Somehow I had managed to fasten my seatbelt before closing my eyes, hoping he wouldn't crash the car.

My life was dangling by the thinnest thread, and that thread was in Alessio's hands.

"W-Where are we going?" I stammered.

If I would make it out alive, there was only one thing left to do. I would take my daughter and run.

"We're going to your house. Type in your address," he dEmilyanded coldly. "Now."

With trEmilybling hands, I struggled to type in the address. It was an easy task, a simple request, but I couldn't do it. Not in this panicked state.

Why would he want to go to my place?