Five
1294 Words
I could barely catch my breath as I looked at myself in the mirror after they finished dressing me up.
I couldn’t believe the reflection staring back at me—from my styled hair, to the elegant night gown, down to the stiletto heels. Everything shimmered with the touch of expensive diamonds that sparkled under the light.
I looked like Cinderella… given a chance to be a princess for one night.
“You're ready, beautiful. Signorina Dane,” Steffi said with admiration.
“I agree,” Charlotte chimed in.
“No wonder Signore Dark is so overly protective of you,” Steffi added.
Is that really why Dark couldn't let go of Dianna, even after she tried to escape him multiple times? Or is there something deeper?
After giving their compliments, the two women soon left, leaving me alone in the room.
I stared at my reflection again, unable to stop myself from wondering—is this the life my twin sister wanted? Why did she choose to live in misery instead?
Just then, the door opened, and Dark stepped in. He was already dressed—a luxurious black tuxedo and polished shoes. His mask had changed, now adorned with tiny diamonds along the edges.
Even with half his face covered, his striking features couldn’t be hidden.
He walked toward me and stopped behind me. He towered over my five-foot frame by several inches.
“Sei bellissima, Cara mia,” he whispered in another language.
“I—I don’t understand…”
He raised both hands and gently placed them on my arms.
“I don’t know why I chose you to be my wife, Cara mia. But seeing you now, I think I finally understand.”
“Why?” I asked, staring at him through the mirror.
“Because of your eyes. So clueless… and unpredictable.”
“W-What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say—I used to be able to read your every move and thought. But now I can’t. I don’t know what’s going through your mind anymore.”
I turned to face him—and instantly regretted it. Our faces were so close.
“You want to know what's on my mind right now?”
“Tell me.”
“I want to know more about you. And why you’re doing this to me.”
He froze for a moment, his gaze locked on mine. Then finally, he spoke.
“You won’t like who I am, Cara mia. The more you know, the more you’ll want to stay away.”
“But—”
"This isn’t a fairy tale, Cara mia.” He gently brushed my cheek. “You’re not a damsel in distress, and I’m not the prince who’s here to save you. Just fulfill the agreement you signed, and you’ll be free from me.”
Agreement? What agreement? I had to find out.
“After the marriage, I’ll let you do whatever you want,” he added, which brought me a bit of relief.
"Will you let me return to the Philippines?”
He frowned.
“What’s in the Philippines that makes you want to go back? A man?”
I quickly shook my head.
“I just want a simple life. That’s all.”
“Okay. If that’s what you want.”
I gave him a small smile, happy he would allow me to return to the Philippines after the wedding. I’d still get the peaceful life I’d always wanted.
“It’s getting late. I don’t want to be late for the party,” he said before walking out of the room.
I looked at myself one last time in the mirror before following him out.
---
I stood quietly in a corner of the grand hall, just watching the guests enjoy themselves. I couldn’t bring myself to join in the fun. I didn’t belong in their world—not even with the extravagant gown I wore. I didn’t know how to socialize, how to blend in.
Across the room, I saw two women laughing. When I looked their way, they looked straight at me.
“The social climber is here,” one of them muttered.
Were they talking about… me?
“Did you hear? A congressman got her pregnant and she had an abortion,” said the blonde.
"Oh my god, really?”
“Any man can have her—for the right price. She’s a gold digger,” said another.
“I wonder what she did to get Dark De’Longhi to marry her. She doesn’t deserve him.”
My fists clenched. I knew they were talking about my twin, but I couldn’t stomach the way they insulted her. I wanted to be angry, but I didn’t even know what kind of life my sister had lived here. Still, they had no right to say those things.
Unable to endure any more, I stepped out of the hall for fresh air.
I found myself on the wide veranda, choosing to stay there and admire the stunning view of Sicily. The colorful lights from the towering buildings were calming.
Dianna and I once dreamed of coming here. Now that I was finally here, I didn’t want to stay.
“Dane?”
I turned toward the voice behind me.
“Is that really you?” the man asked, frowning slightly.
Who was this guy?
“I didn’t think I’d see you here. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” he said.
“I’m sorry… I don’t know you.”
He laughed bitterly.
How can you forget the man you spent a few nights with? Didn’t I satisfy you?”
I froze.
Could what he said be true?
“I’m sorry, I really don’t know you. Excuse me.”
As I tried to walk past, he grabbed my arm and yanked me back.
“Am I that easy to forget? Want me to satisfy you again tonight so you’ll remember? How much do you want? Just name your price—”
SLAP!
I slapped him hard across the face. Both of us were momentarily stunned.
His eyes widened in anger.
“How dare you! After everything I gave you, this is how you repay me?! You b***h!”
He gripped my wrist and dragged me away from the veranda.
“I’ll f*ck you tonight until you beg me for more!” he shouted as he forcefully pulled me along.
I struggled to break free.
“No! Let me go! Someone help me!” I screamed, hoping someone would hear.
“No one will help you! Not with your reputation! You're a disgrace—just a w***e!” he hissed, still dragging me.
“I said let me go! Dark, help me!” I cried out instinctively.
Only he could help me now. He was the only one I could count on.
“Dark, help me!”
A fist came out of nowhere, slamming into the man’s face, sending him crashing to the pavement.
“What the—” he gasped, eyes wide as he looked at the man now standing in front of me.
He looked like he had seen a ghost. His face went pale.
“D-De’Longhi… Dark De’Longhi,” he whispered in terror.
Then came the flashes—camera lights, one after another. Onlookers had gathered, curious about the commotion.
“My gosh… she caused trouble again,” I heard one of the women from earlier mutter.
Dark removed his coat and placed it over my head, shielding me from the flashing cameras.
“Let’s go,” he said as he took my hand and led me to his car.
A heavy silence fell between us.
“I—”
“I don’t want to hear any explanation from you,” he said coldly.
- Writer
