MARIA MARIA
1122 Words
“Let me go! We just had s*x, nothing more,” the brunette cried, her voice hoarse and shaky. Blood stained her skin and clothes from the earlier beating, and her wrists were raw against the ropes binding her to the chair.
“That’s exactly the problem,” Maria said coolly, her blonde curls falling perfectly into place as she crouched in front of her. “I warned you to stay away from my Leonardo, didn’t I?”
“I didn’t have a choice,” the brunette pleaded. “He summoned me. We’re all his mistresses. He calls on us when he wants, and we obey. I was just following orders.”
Maria’s hand moved so fast the girl barely saw it. The slap cracked through the air, and the brunette spat out a mouthful of blood.
“You won’t stay away,” Maria said slowly, rising to her feet. “So there’s only one thing left to do.”
“Maria, please listen to me,” the girl begged, her desperation rising. “I’m not your enemy. Leonardo’s getting married. If you really want him, go after her. Ruin the wedding. But killing me won’t change anything. I’m not a threat.”
Maria tilted her head, lips curling into a cold smile. “Oh, poor Emma. I don’t need you to tell me what must be done. And for the record, no one is a threat to me.”
She pulled the trigger without hesitation. The gunshot rang through the room, echoing off the walls like a final sentence.
Maria stared at Emma’s lifeless body, her eyes dark with fury. “No one crosses my path and lives. Get ready for war, Arya.”
*****************************************
Leonardo walked into the mansion with Rob at his side. He was exhausted from the night before, and the last thing he needed was more drama. But the thought barely crossed his mind before Maria stepped out from a shadowed corner.
Rob caught sight of her and immediately disappeared down the hallway toward his room, uninterested in the spectacle.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Don,” Maria said with a sweet smile. “Congratulations on your engagement to Arya.”
Leonardo didn’t respond. He kept walking.
Undeterred, Maria followed him into the dining room, deliberately choosing the only seat close to him. She flashed Amelia and Alberto a sugary smile.
Amelia rolled her eyes.
Alberto reached across the table, placing a hand over Amelia’s to calm her.
Moments later, Bianca entered the room. As soon as she laid eyes on Maria, her laughter rang out sharp and cold.
“What the f**k are you doing here? Are you really that shameless?”
“Shameless?” Maria scoffed. “I’ve had breakfast here before. What exactly do you mean?”
“That’s enough,” Alberto cut in firmly.
“Bianca, take your seat,” Amelia added, more composed. Bianca rolled her eyes but obeyed, sitting beside Arya’s empty chair.
“How was your night, Leonardo?” Amelia asked, her voice casual but observant.
Leonardo didn’t answer right away.
Bianca smirked. “Judging from the rat at the table, I’d say he had a very fun night while his wife-to-be slept alone in a strange house.”
“Who the f**k are you calling a rat?” Maria snapped.
Leonardo’s voice was cold and final. “Not that it’s any of your business, but if it’ll shut you both up, I spent the night working. And killing rats.”
Bianca looked away, instantly silenced. She feared no one except Leonardo. Not because he’d ever hurt her, but because she respected him. Usually.
Maria’s smile faded. She liked people thinking she’d spent the night with him.
“Everyone’s here,” Maria said, trying to redirect. “Why aren’t we eating?”
“We’re waiting for my daughter-in-law,” Amelia said, her tone clipped. Maria’s face stiffened.
Just then, Arya entered.
She wore a pale blue silk dress that flowed around her like liquid light, her wavy hair cascading down her back, giving her a soft, almost ethereal glow.
“Buongiorno,” she greeted the room, taking the seat beside Bianca.
“The princess finally arrives,” Maria muttered under her breath.
“Good morning, Arya. How was your night?” Amelia asked, ignoring Maria.
“It was quite nice,” Arya replied with a gentle smile, though her eyes flicked briefly to Leonardo. He had started eating the moment she sat down, his face unreadable.
Bianca leaned in. “You look like a Greek goddess.”
“Thank you, Bianca,” Arya replied, offering her a grateful smile before her gaze shifted to the woman sitting beside Leonardo.
Maria leaned forward, as if reading her mind. “Hi. I’m Maria.”
Arya kept her expression neutral. Her maid’s words returned to her, the whispers about this woman’s past with Leonardo. She smiled politely, but silently promised herself she’d ask Leonardo about it later.
“She’s Arya. Leonardo’s wife,” Bianca said with emphasis.
“To be,” Arya corrected quickly, her tone sharper than she intended. The idea that Leonardo had spent the night with someone else, and still arranged their wedding, tightened in her chest like a vice.
“You should give your bride a tour of the villa before the wedding tonight,” Alfredo suggested from the head of the table.
“I’d like that,” Arya said, turning toward him. “But I’d prefer if Bianca showed me around.”
“I’ll give you the tour,” Leonardo said calmly, studying her with a quiet intensity. Why was she avoiding him?
Maria saw her opportunity. “Leonardo, we still need to finish our conversation.”
“I’ll be busy,” he replied flatly, finishing the last bite of his breakfast and rising to his feet.
Arya stood as well.
They walked out of the dining hall together, their silence heavy with unspoken tension.
Maria scowled after them.
Bianca didn’t even try to hide her laughter.
***************************************
Leonardo watched intently as Arya made her way to the table. He had always been mesmerized by her beauty, and the simplicity of her dress deepened the look in his eyes. It outlined her figure perfectly, from her round, perky breasts to her narrow waist and curved hips.
He considered turning down the idea of giving her the tour, only because he was exhausted. Still, he chose to spend time with her instead of Maria. He wanted to avoid any unnecessary drama.
They walked around the villa in silence. For a moment, he forgot she was beside him, until her voice cut through the stillness.
“Did you plan our marriage?” Arya asked, her eyes filled with anger.
- Writer
