CHAPTER 29

Ellis distanced herself from Vittorio, frustrated. The mafioso's words only confirmed what Antonietta had already said: a Don will always put business first, and that's what she represented to Vittorio, just business. Even though she could swear on the two occasions they kissed, Amorielle had shown more humanity. But there he was, quoting values to her, which proved it was just an illusion on his part.

"Is everything okay, Ellis?" Vittorio asked, not understanding his fiancée's behavior.

"Yes, everything's fine. Perfect," Ellis affirmed before facing the mafioso with a serious expression. "Thank you for clarifying how you see our situation."

"You're welcome," Vittorio replied, trying to approach his fiancée, but she took a step back, keeping her distance. "Are you sure everything is okay?"

"Yes," Ellis nodded, nervously. She took a deep breath and then looked at Vittorio, saying, "Well, I've done my part today, and I hope it resolves the contract situation as soon as possible."

"Of course, Rocco has already taken care of some things and will deliver them to my lawyers, and if they find that the changes won't harm me, the notary will make the necessary adjustments," Vittorio informed, fiddling with the ring on his pinky finger.

"Of course, because undoubtedly half a million dollars would make a huge difference in Don Vittorio Amorielle's assets," Ellis commented, irritated.

"I believe I explained the importance to you, Ellis."

"Whatever," Ellis sighed, raising her arms. "You're the boss, after all."

"What's happening with you?" Vittorio asked, serious.

"Nothing, I already said. If I can offer my opinion on the wedding arrangements..."

"You should, you're the bride."

"I want you to let your mother handle everything; I'll focus only on the parts specified in the contract. That would be the dress, the speech, the dance..."

"Don't forget about the lingerie, darling," Vittorio interjected.

"Don't worry, I'll strictly follow what's in the contract," Ellis affirmed, while staring at the mafioso.

"I can't wait for our kiss at the altar," Vittorio teased.

"And I can't wait for the 2,000 dollars today if the new contract is approved," Ellis informed.

"Right, so we're talking about business," Vittorio said with a hint of disappointment.

"It's the only subject we have to address, Don Vittorio."

For a moment, Vittorio thought he had managed to break Ellis's shell, but apparently, he was mistaken. To her, it was all about her brother's debt.

"Don't worry, the contract will be fair for both sides."

"I hope so. And do me a favor: ask your mother not to schedule any more events until our wedding because I want to stick to the obligations of the contract, and as far as I know, our next encounter should be at the altar."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure we won't meet again until the altar," Vittorio agreed, serious. "Anything else, or can we return to the table?"

"I won't go back," Ellis refused, proudly.

"What?" Vittorio asked, surprised.

"Seems like my kiss messed with your hearing," Ellis said before approaching the mafioso. She crossed her arms and repeated even more boldly, "I won't go back. From now on, I'll only follow what's established in the contract."

Then Barker walked past the mafioso and headed towards the exit.

"Ellis, come back here," Vittorio ordered, turning to his fiancée who was now opening the door. "Don't you dare walk out that door!"

"Goodbye, Don Vittorio Amorielle," Ellis replied before slamming the door shut with all her strength.

His instinct was to follow Ellis; after all, who did she think she was to treat him like that? He took two steps towards the exit, but then he heard the dining room door open.

"Is everything okay?" Eleonora asked, appearing in the hallway.

"Yes," Vittorio replied, adjusting his posture.

"Where is your fiancée?" the blonde asked, curious.

"She had an unexpected issue and had to leave," Vittorio lied before turning away. "But I believe that's none of your concern."

"Do you want to know what I think?" Eleonora asked, pointing to herself.

"No."

"I think..." Eleonora continued, ignoring Vittorio's response. "She saw how perfect we are together, and it made her insecure. Vittorio, believe me, no relationship will be as perfect as ours was."

"Perfect? Our relationship?" Vittorio questioned before laughing. "Oh, Eleonora, our relationship could be many things, but perfect is not one of them. And no, Ellis wasn't even slightly insecure in your presence. She knows very well the man she has by her side. Unlike you."

"I know very well the man she has by her side because he used to be mine," Eleonora said, approaching Vittorio. She touched his face, causing him to close his eyes, while she said, "And I promise he will be mine again. Whatever it takes."

"Are you willing to do anything, Eleonora?" Vittorio asked, holding the blonde's hand. Then he let go and said, "You should have thought about that before what you did."

"And I have apologized a thousand times for what I did!" Eleonora exclaimed.

"Apologizing is not enough," Vittorio insisted.

"Then tell me what is, and I'll do it," Eleonora affirmed, leaning her face close to Vittorio's. "I'm capable of anything for you, Vittorio."

"Bring Tommaso Grecco to my wedding, and I'll give you something in return," Vittorio said.

"I only want you, Vittorio."

She kissed his neck, moving up to his cheek, but when she reached his lips, he remained closed.

"Ahem," Ellis cleared her throat from behind them.

Vittorio quickly turned around, finding the brunette with her arms crossed and eyebrows raised. Then he went back to Eleonora and pushed her away.

"Ellis, it's not what it looks like," Vittorio began, wanting to explain.

"Oh no, please, don't stop on my account," Ellis requested with a big smile. "I just came back to get my purse."

"Ellis, please," Vittorio pleaded, but Ellis practically ran towards the kitchen.

"Wow, she's quite modern, isn't she?" Eleonora commented.

***

Ellis entered the kitchen with her heart pounding. She wanted to say that she was happy and relieved about the scene she witnessed between Vittorio and Eleonora because that's exactly what she had tried to talk to the mobster about. They still had feelings for each other, but they didn't want to admit it. However, she didn't feel relieved or happy at all. On the contrary, when she saw them, she felt offended. Offended because it had only

been a few minutes since Vittorio was kissing her, and now he was doing the same with his ex-fiancée.

"What can you expect from a man?" Ellis said to herself as she grabbed her purse. "Especially from a mobster, I bet they're the worst."

She turned around and found Vittorio entering the kitchen. He approached her nervously.

"Ellis, it wasn't what you're thinking... She kissed me," Vittorio said.

"Vittorio, I'm not thinking anything," Ellis lied, pointing to her purse. "Like I said, I just came back to get my purse."

"Ellis..." Vittorio called, holding the brunette's arm. "Please, don't be like this. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

"Hurt?" Ellis repeated, staring at Vittorio. "Vittorio, I couldn't care less about who you're kissing, groping, sleeping with, or whatever."

"Really?" Vittorio asked with a sad voice.

"Yes. You can take anyone you want to your bed," Ellis affirmed, looking at the mobster. "Go back there and continue what you're doing."

"If that's what you want..." Vittorio began, releasing Ellis.

"Yes, please," Ellis pleaded once again. "I'll see you at the wedding."

"Alright, Ellis," Vittorio agreed before stepping back. "Until the wedding."

He turned around, leaving Ellis alone in the kitchen. She stood there for a while, not wanting to witness another scene like that. Then she touched her face and found a tear.

***

Vittorio walked firmly towards his office. He couldn't hide the frustration he felt every time he encountered Ellis. Now she had the audacity to say that she didn't care who he slept with. Well, if that's what she wanted, so be it, thought Vittorio as he dialed his notary's number.

"Hello, Alessio, how are you?" Vittorio started. "Yes, I'm glad Rocco already gave you the document. I'm calling because I need you to do me a favor. Include the infidelity clause in the contract... Yes, and I want it to be like this..."