"God," I breathe once I can feel my body again. "That was a hell of a way to wake up."
I catch Cesare's grin, and my stomach flips. He's so handsome. Even at forty-two, he's still one of the most gorgeous men I've ever seen.
"What are your plans today?" he asks, and thankfully the anger from last night is gone.
"Having lunch with Mam," I tell him. "Unless you need me?"
He shakes his head. "No, I have back-to-back meetings. You'll take your guards, and they stay with you at all times."
I nod, knowing better than to argue.
"Tonight, we're all having dinner together," he says, rising from the bed.
I inwardly groan. That's the last thing I want, dinner with his children who fucking hate me. There's only so much bullshit I can take from them before I snap, and no one will like what happens when I do.
Including Cesare.
He seems to understand my internal struggle. "I'll be speaking with my children, Vittoria."
I sigh. "Please," I whisper. "Call me Tori. Vittoria is what my parents call me."
Cesare pauses, studying me. "Tori," he says, like he's testing the name. A small smile tugs at his lips. "I like it. It suits you."
I feel a flutter in my chest at his words, surprised by how much his approval means to me. "Thank you."
He nods, expression turning serious again. "About dinner tonight, I know my children haven't been... welcoming. But you're part of this family now, Tori. It's time they accepted that."
I sit up, pulling the sheet around me. "I understand their reluctance, Cesare. I'm not trying to replace their mother."
His jaw tightens at the mention of Beatrice. "No one could replace Beatrice," he says, voice low. "But that doesn't excuse their behavior toward you. You're my wife now, and they will respect that."
I nod, not sure what else to say. The weight of my position in this family, the expectations placed on me, suddenly feels overwhelming.
Cesare must sense my unease because his expression softens slightly. He reaches out, cupping my cheek. "You've surprised me, Tori," he says, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "You're stronger than I gave you credit for. Don't let anyone, including my children, make you doubt your place here."
His words, combined with the gentleness of his touch, bring tears to my eyes. I blink them back, determined not to show weakness.
"Thank you, Cesare."
He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before pulling away. "I have to get ready for meetings. Enjoy lunch with your mother, and remember what I said about your guards."
As he disappears into the bathroom, I fall back against the pillows, mind whirling. So much has changed in such a short time. I came into this marriage expecting cold indifference at best, cruelty at worst.
Instead, I've found... what? Not love, certainly. But something more complex, more intriguing than I anticipated.
I shake off these thoughts as I rise to prepare for my day. Whatever is developing between Cesare and me, whatever challenges lie ahead with his children, I'll face them head-on.
I'm Vittoria Mariano now. Time to truly embrace that role.
The restaurant is bustling with the lunch crowd as I'm led to a private booth in the back. My mother is already there, rising to greet me with a warm embrace.
"Oh, my darling," she says, words thick with emotion. "It's so good to see you."
I sink into her arms, allowing myself a moment of vulnerability. "I've missed you, Mam."
As we settle into our seats, I feel her eyes scanning me, searching for any signs of distress or unhappiness.
"How are you, love?" she asks softly. "Truly?"
