Page 48 of Twisted Marcello

Romeo sighed, knowing that speaking out against our father in front of everyone always caused him to lash out. “No, sir. I was just wondering.”

“Well,” he said, pushing out his chair from the table. “The girls will get married. I want you girls to take care of yourselves until I choose someone for each of you. It’s important that you look the part. Makes it easier.”

Both Alessandra and Chiara tried to hide their distaste at my father’s words. Of course, he always focused on looks. He believed that there wasn’t much more to a woman than her family’s standing and their attractiveness. I knew, however, that it might be enough to give me the opportunity to give Chiara what I’d been holding onto for over a month. She had no idea of my thoughts towards it, and it had been difficult keeping the ring a secret. I had considered opportunities. When we laid in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms, I’d wondered if she would say yes if I asked.

Still, she wasn’t vocal about her feelings. We had a lack of communication in that sense, and it always led to us wondering what the other was thinking of the way things were progressing. I was too nervous to ask her what she thought of marriage.

I pushed my chair out the moment that he walked out of the room. I could tell that Lucia and Romeo were just waiting to talk to everyone about my father’s bomb, but I didn’t have time for it. I had to confront him about Chiara before he changed his mind.

I followed him out of the dining room and closed the white glass doors behind me so that no one could hear. I reached out for his arm and grazed it lightly, readying myself for the conversation we were about to have. It was one I had practiced alone a few times but, even then, I still didn’t feel as though I’d be able to deliver it. My father was not an easy man to talk to about those kinds of matters.

“Why’re you grabbing me like that?”

I stood up straight, knowing that my height bothered him at times. It also made him take me more seriously. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“And? Fucking spit it out.”

“It’s about one of the twins. Chiara.”

“Did you knock her up or something?” he asked, crossing his arms. “You know you’ll have to marry her if that’s the case. None of my grandchildren will be bastards.”

“No. She’s not pregnant. But I do want to marry her.”

My father considered my words for a moment, and the time between was straining. I just wanted the yes. I needed the blessing, otherwise, it wouldn’t happen. We could elope, but that would cause both of our worlds to come crashing down.

“Fine, but get her with child soon. We need more of us, and the Bonifacio family name is still in good standing. It’ll be nice to have grandchildren with a legacy already made for them.”

My chest felt as though it had expanded, nearly doubling in size as I took in a deep breath and released it in relief. “Thank you.”

He waved me off and turned back towards the stairs. He was unfazed by what he’d just done, but he had no idea just how happy he’d made me. Now, I just had to do the preparations for the proposal. I knew that Chiara was someone who liked things done intimately—I would make sure that it would be something just between the two of us.

* * *

I had everything prepared,and hopefully, she would appreciate it. I didn’t want to go all out, so I made sure it was small. Just a few flowers, her favorite ice cream, and a few art supplies. It was a small gift, but it was enough to make me feel a little more at ease. They were all things she loved, and I knew she would get use out of it.

Chiara was never the kind of person to like to be embarrassed in front of a large group of people so I had to choose a private moment and place.

I waited on the bed, feeling the weight of the box in my pocket. My foot was tapping along the ground, nervous about the moment that was about to happen. My hands were shaking as I sat on the bed and inhaled deeply. My heart skipped a beat when I heard the footsteps approaching. There was no doubt that it was her returning to her room.

I pushed myself up from the bed and lowered myself to one knee. The lights were off, and the petals from the flowers were strewn along the ground in a heart shape. Lame? Yes. But I couldn’t wait for her reaction.

I remained as still as I could as my stomach filled with butterflies the moment I heard the doorknob begin to turn. I pulled the box from my pocket and held it in my hand. She turned on the lights and immediately took a step back, bringing her hands to her mouth.

She stared at the ground and the art supplies along her desk and dropped her hands to her chest. I slowly dropped to one knee, holding the box in my hand. She walked towards me slowly, tears filling her eyes as she met mine, unable to hold back the emotion building inside of her. I was overjoyed to see that she was excited by the prospect of what was about to happen.

I inhaled deeply and opened the ring box. “Chiara, you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I didn’t think that anyone would ever come along that I would fall in love with as much as I have with you. For a while, I thought it was impossible. You’ve proved that even I am worthy of a miracle,” I said and lifted the box towards her. “Will you marry me?”

She nodded, unable to speak. I took her into my arms and held her closely, never wanting to let go. It was enough just to have her, and spend the rest of our lives together.