Chapter 5.The casino
1145 Words
Alessandro didn’t come home that night.
Rosé had sat on the edge of the bed until the moon had fully risen and cast silver streaks across the marble floor. Then, realizing he wasn’t coming back, she curled into herself under the plush covers and tried to quiet her thoughts.
Was this going to be a pattern?
Was this what it meant to be Alessandro De Luca’s wife—married in name, but left alone in a mansion like an abandoned wife.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the massive windows, and Rosé wandered through the grand halls, aimless and restless. The silence of the estate pressed against her chest like a weight. She had no one to talk to. No one to confide in. No one even to argue with.
She needed something, anything to feel a little less invisible.
Eventually, with a breath drawn from deep inside her ribs, she approached one of the guards.
“Can you take me somewhere?” she asked, her voice softer than usual. “An animal shelter.”
The guard blinked, surprised, but nodded.
Less than an hour later, they arrived at a small animal shelter tucked between tall buildings and bustling city traffic. The place smelled faintly of straw and something floral. Rows of cages lined the walls, and behind them—creatures of all kinds, from dogs and rabbits to sleepy-eyed cats.
That was when she saw her.
A Ragdoll cat with piercing blue eyes and a snow-white coat mottled with soft gray. She blinked slowly at Rosé, regal and calm, as though waiting to be claimed.
Rosé knelt beside the cage, and their eyes locked.
Minutes later, the adoption papers were signed.
They bonded instantly in the car ride back. The cat curled on her lap like she’d lived there her whole life. Rosé smiled for the first time in days, her fingers gently stroking the feline’s soft fur. “You’re not just a cat,” she whispered. “You’re my first friend here.”
She named her Luna.
By the time they arrived back at the mansion, it was already afternoon. Rosé carried Luna in her arms as the guards brought in bags—litter box, toys, food, a soft bed—even though Luna already claimed her lap as home.
She was just settling down in the grand sitting room when the sound of tires crunching gravel reached her ears. A sleek black car pulled into the estate’s circular driveway.
Moments later, the front doors opened and three unfamiliar women stepped inside.
Rosé stood up immediately, her heart picking up pace. She didn’t recognize them. Their heels clicked on the marble floor as they approached her, smiling like old friends.
“You must be Rosé,” one of them said with a bright grin. “You’re even more beautiful than we expected.”
“Hello,” Rosé replied politely, still confused.
“We’ve been sent by Mr. De Luca,” another chimed in, “to do your hair and makeup, and help you dress.”
Rosé blinked. “Excuse me?”
The third woman explained, “Mr. De Luca changed his mind about attending his uncle’s casino opening tonight. He wants to bring his wife with him. That would be you.”
Rosé's lips parted in surprise. This man never even came home last night and now he wanted her to play arm candy in public?
Still, something stirred in her. Maybe it was the thought of finally getting out. Or maybe it was curiosity about how it would feel to look like she belonged in Alessandro’s world.
She nodded. “Alright.”
They got to work immediately.
Her dirty-blonde hair was curled, twisted, and pinned in elegant waves that framed her face like something out of a painting. Her skin was brushed and polished with skillful hands. Soft shadows, bold lashes, a hint of red on her lips.
Then came the dress.
One of the women unzipped a long garment bag to reveal a breathtaking red gown. Silky, with a slit high enough to hint at danger and elegance all at once. The color made her tan skin glow. It cinched at her waist and cascaded over her hips in flowing waves.
She’d never worn anything like it in her life.
By the time they finished, night had fallen.
A sleek black limousine glided into the driveway. The front doors opened again, and Alessandro stepped inside with his bodyguards behind him.
Rosé turned slowly to face him.
The moment his eyes landed on her, he froze mid step.
He didn’t speak at first, just stared. His usually cold expression faltered for a split second, jaw tightening, brows twitching.
One of the women smirked. “Mr. De Luca, by the look on your face, I’d say we did a great job.”
He blinked, nodded once, but never took his eyes off Rosé.
The women excused themselves politely, leaving the couple alone in the high ceilinged room.
Rosé shifted slightly under his gaze. “You’re staring,” she murmured.
“You look…” He cleared his throat, tugging at the cuff of his tuxedo. “Dashing.”
She smiled softly. “Thank you.”
His eyes dragged over her again, slower this time, as though he was committing every inch of her to memory. Then he extended his arm toward the door.
“Shall we?”
It was then she noticed how polished he looked. The tailored tuxedo fit him like it was stitched directly onto his body. His dark hair was styled back, his jaw freshly shaved. Clean. Ruthless. Powerful.
She nodded, slipping her arm into his.
The limousine waited with its door already open. Inside, the seats were like velvet clouds. Alessandro sat beside her, his body close, the scent of expensive cologne drifting through the air between them.
He stole glances at her. Not subtle ones. Full, lingering looks that made her pulse quicken. She felt like she was being studied, like he was reading her without touching her.
When their eyes met, neither of them looked away.
“You clean up well,” she teased.
He smirked faintly, eyes still hot on her legs. “You’ll be the only one in that room worth looking at.”
They didn’t speak again.
The drive was smooth and quiet, winding through narrow streets. Lights flickered outside as they neared their destination.
Then, like something out of a dream, the limousine pulled to a stop.
Before them stood the glowing lights of Casinò di Venezia, Now the most exclusive casino in Italy, built into a glittering palace of power, money, and secrets.
As Alessandro stepped out and extended a hand toward her, Rosé took it—her heart pounding.
This was no longer just a marriage on paper.
Tonight, they would walk into the lion’s den together.
And everyone would be watching.
- Writer
