The Reluctant Husband
[Chapter 1]
Late Afternoon | Chat Between Valentina & Alex
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
💬 Hey. Can we meet? It’s important.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💬 Sure, is everything okay? You’re making me nervous 😕
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
💬 Just meet me at Café Verona. 4 PM. Please.
Valentina Collins (FL)
💬 Okay, I will be there on time. See you.
Valentina Collins (FL)
📞 I’m here. Where are you?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
📞 By the corner table.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*hangs up & walk towards him* What’s going on? You sounded serious.
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*avoiding eye contact* Yeah, uh... there’s something we need to talk about.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*sits down, worried* Okay... what is it?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*sighs heavily* Look, I don’t know how to say this... but I’ve been thinking a lot. About us.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*blinks, surprised* Okay... and?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*deep breath* I can’t marry you, Valentina.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*pauses* What did you just say?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
I don’t think this is going to work.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*leans forward, her voice unsteady*
Valentina Collins (FL)
The wedding is in a week, Alex. Our families have spent months planning this. How can you say this now?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*frustrated* I know the timing is terrible, but it’s better to call it off now than later.
Valentina Collins (FL)
...
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
I can’t marry someone I don’t feel a connection with.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*stunned* A connection? We’ve been engaged for over a year, Alex.
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*leans back, defensive* I thought I could make it work, but I’ve realized... we’re just different, Valentina.
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
You’re... nice. Too nice. But I need someone who challenges me, someone who—
Valentina Collins (FL)
*interrupts sharply* Someone who what, Alex? Who isn’t me?
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*firmly* Yes. I’m sorry, but I can’t lie to myself—or to you.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*stares at him, her voice trembling* Do you have any idea what this will do to me?
Valentina Collins (FL)
To my family? Everyone will be asking questions. Everyone will know you—
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*cuts her off* I’m not trying to embarrass you, Valentina.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*looks at him in disbelief*
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
I just need to be honest with myself. It’s better this way.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*silent for a moment, breathing hard* Wow. I didn’t think you were this cruel.
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
*coldly* I’m not being cruel. I’m saving both of us from something that doesn’t feel right.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*stands abruptly, gripping the edge of the table for support* You’ve done enough, Alex.
Alex Salvatore (ML Younger Brother)
...
Valentina Collins (FL)
I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Goodbye.
She doesn’t wait for his response. Her legs feel like they might give out, but she forces herself to leave the café without looking back.
Early Evening | The Collins Family Home
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
You’re home early. How was the meeting with Alex?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*quietly* He called off the wedding.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
*drops the tray she was holding* What?!
James Collins (FL Dad)
*walking in from the next room* Called off the wedding? What is she talking about?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*sits down slowly, staring at her hands* He said he doesn’t feel a connection. That we’re not... compatible.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*voice rising* That spoiled brat thinks he can humiliate us like this?
James Collins (FL Dad)
After everything we’ve done for his family?!
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
*sits beside Valentina, taking her hand* Honey, are you okay? Did he say why?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*softly* He doesn’t think I’m enough for him.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*angrily pacing* This is ridiculous. I’ll call the Salvatores right now. This can’t end like this!
Valentina Collins (FL)
*shakes her head* Dad, please... don’t make it worse.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*ignores her* Worse? He’s already humiliated you and this family. Someone has to put him in his place.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
*calmly, but firmly* Stop shouting, James. You’re scaring her.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*presses her hand to her chest, struggling to keep calm* I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Please.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*sighs, lowering his voice* I’m sorry, sweetheart. I just... I can’t let this slide. His family will hear from me.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
Let her rest for now. We’ll deal with this tomorrow.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*stands, her voice faint* I think I just need to be alone.
She walks to her room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
The sound of her parents’ muffled voices fades as she leans against the door, her knees buckling beneath her.
Tears stream down her face as she sinks to the floor, her chest aching with betrayal and humiliation.
I sealed my fate with a man who doesn’t want me. I should feel regret… but all I feel is fear. Fear of the life.
- Valentina Collins
Stay tuned for the next chapter! 📜✨
[Chapter 2]
Next Morning | The Collins Family Home
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
Val, sweetheart, are you awake?
Valentina groaned softly from under the covers. Her eyes were swollen from crying most of the night.
She had fallen asleep at some point on the floor, still in yesterday’s clothes, and had dragged herself to bed in the early hours of the morning.
Hearing her mother’s voice now, she turned away from the door, wishing she could just disappear.
Valentina Collins (FL)
Not yet, Mom.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
I know you’re upset, but your father’s not letting this go. The Salvatore family called. They want to meet us today.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*wide-eyed* What? Why?
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
They want to... apologize.
Valentina Collins (FL)
...
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
Yes. They think it’s their responsibility to smooth things over after Alex’s... mistake.
Valentina Collins (FL)
I can’t face them, Mom. Not today.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
I understand, honey. But your father already agreed to the meeting. It’s at noon.
Noon | The Collins Family Home
James Collins (FL Dad)
*grumbling* Typical. Making us wait when they’re the ones in the wrong.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
James, please.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*growling* Unbelievable. That boy doesn’t even have the decency to show up and explain himself?
James Collins (FL Dad)
He calls off the wedding and sends his family instead?
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
They’re trying to make amends. Let’s just hear them out.
The doorbell rang, breaking the tense silence. Valentina’s stomach churned as her father stormed to the door and opened it.
Standing there were Alessandro Salvatore, tall and composed in a charcoal suit, and his parents, who looked equally dignified but far more anxious.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*cordially* James, Marissa. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*coldly* I didn’t do this for you.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
*forcing a smile* We understand. Please, come in.
Valentina’s father stepped aside reluctantly, and the Salvatores entered.
Alessandro’s gaze briefly flicked to Valentina, his expression unreadable, before he returned his focus to her father.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*sitting down* We came here to apologize for Alex’s behavior. What he’s done is unacceptable, and as his family, we take full responsibility.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*sit beside his dad*
James Collins (FL Dad)
*sitting across from them* Responsibility?
James Collins (FL Dad)
That’s easy to say after my daughter’s reputation has been dragged through the mud.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
*gently, trying to ease the tension* Let’s keep this civil, James.
Valentina stared at the floor, her chest tightening with every word exchanged.
She felt exposed, like the walls were closing in on her. Finally, she stood abruptly, drawing everyone’s attention.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*quietly* Excuse me.
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
Valentina—
Valentina Collins (FL)
*shaking her head* I just need a moment.
Without waiting for a response, she walked out of the room and into the hallway, needing to escape the weight of their stares.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*to Alessandro, in a quiet tone* Go talk to her.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*sharply* What?
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
You heard me.
Alessandro’s jaw tightened, but he stood, his expression stoic as he walked out of the room. He found Valentina standing near the window in the hallway, her back to him.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* Are you okay?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*startled, turning to face him* I... didn’t expect you to follow me.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*shrugs* My father insisted.
She frowned, her composure cracking for the first time since they’d arrived. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Valentina Collins (FL)
Your brother humiliated me. He’s ruined everything—for me, for my family.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*flatly* I’m aware.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*hesitates, then blurts out* Then marry me.
Alessandro froze. For a moment, he thought he had misheard her. But the look in her eyes—a desperate mixture of anger and hurt—told him otherwise.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
What?
Valentina Collins (FL)
*desperate* Marry me. For the sake of my family’s reputation.
Valentina Collins (FL)
For my parents. They don’t deserve this humiliation.
Alessandro’s father stood in the doorway, his face unreadable.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*calmly* Interesting.
Valentina Collins (FL)
*panicking* I didn’t mean—
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*interrupting* Don’t apologize. It’s an intriguing idea.
Valentina’s heart sank as Alessandro shot her a withering glare before stepping past her back into the living room.
She followed him, her pulse pounding, only to hear the tail end of a conversation that made her stomach drop.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
I believe Alessandro would make a suitable match for your daughter.
James Collins (FL Dad)
*startled* Are you serious?
Marissa Collins (FL Mom)
What about...
Valentina Collins (FL)
*interrupting, panicked* This isn’t necessary!
All eyes turned to Alessandro, who stood rigidly by the fireplace. His voice was low, clipped, and seething with anger.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* I’m not marrying her.
James Collins (FL Dad)
Then why are we even having this conversation?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
If this is your idea of fixing things, it’s pathetic.
Without another word, he stormed out of the room, his shoes echoing against the marble floor as he left.
Alessandro’s Girlfriend’s Apartment
Alessandro knocked on the door once before it swung open. His girlfriend, a stunning woman with sleek hair and a casual smile, leaned against the frame.
(ML Girlfriend)
Finally, you came.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*gritting his teeth* I need a drink.
(ML Girlfriend)
*poured him a whiskey without asking and handed it over* Rough day?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
My father just tried to marry me off.
(ML Girlfriend)
Oh? To who?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
Valentina Collins. The girl Alex dumped.
(ML Girlfriend)
*laughing lightly* So what? Go marry her.
Her casual response was like gasoline on a fire. Alessandro slammed the glass down on the counter, the sound ringing through the apartment.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*furious* That’s your reaction?
(ML Girlfriend)
*smirking* It’s just a marriage proposal, Alessandro. What’s the big deal?
Evening | The Salvatore Estate
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*parked his car in the long driveway of his father’s mansion, his mind swirling with rage*
As Alessandro stepped inside, the grandeur of the house did nothing to soothe his temper.
His father was waiting for him in the study, as though expecting him.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
I take it you’re here to discuss the proposal.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* You crossed the line, Dad.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*smirking* Did I? Or are you just afraid of doing what’s necessary for the family?
Alessandro’s fists clenched, but he didn’t respond. The storm brewing inside him was only just beginning.
She begged me to marry her, and now she wants my name. But that’s all she will ever have. If she thinks she can force her way into my life, she’s mistaken.
– Alessandro Salvatore
Stay tuned for the next chapter! 📜✨
[Chapter 3]
The air in the study was thick with tension. Alessandro stood by the fireplace, his jaw clenched as he stared at his father, who sat behind his desk with a glass of bourbon in hand.
The room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the wooden floor, amplifying the weight of their conversation.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*coldly* You blindsided me today.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*calmly swirling his drink* And you acted like a child, storming out like that.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*snapping* You suggested I marry someone who was my brother's fiance. You had no right to involve me in this.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
I had every right. Do you think the Salvatore name carries itself?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*hand tightened around the edge of the mantle*
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
When your brother humiliated that girl and her family, he dragged all of us down with him.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*getting frustrated*
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
It’s my job to protect our reputation, and that includes taking decisive action.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*gritted teeth* So your solution is to throw me into a marriage I never agreed to?
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
You’re the head of the company, Alessandro. The responsible one.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
Unlike Alex, you understand the importance of family, legacy, and appearances.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*bitterly* This has nothing to do with family. This is about control.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*smirking* Call it what you want, but you know I’m right.
The two men stared each other down, the tension palpable. Alessandro finally turned away, pacing the length of the room as he ran a hand through his hair.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*muttering* I’m not doing it.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*raising an eyebrow* No? Then explain to me how we’ll fix this mess.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
Because right now, the Collins family is a breath away from dragging us through the mud, and if that happens, it won’t just be Alex’s reputation that suffers.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*turning back, glaring* You think marrying Valentina is the answer? She’s not some pawn you can use to fix this.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
Maybe not. But she’s willing, and you’re the only one who can make this right.
The words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding. Alessandro clenched his fists, his mind racing.
The memory of Valentina’s desperate plea earlier flashed in his head—Marry me. For the sake of my family’s reputation.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*quietly, almost to himself* She actually asked me to marry her.
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
Then what’s the problem? She knows what’s at stake.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
The problem is I don’t want to marry her!
Mr. Salvatore (ML Dad)
*firmly* You don’t have to want it. You just have to do it.
At Night | Alessandro’s Penthouse
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*slammed the door shut behind him*
The city lights shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but he barely noticed. His mind was a storm of anger, confusion, and frustration.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*poured himself a drink, downing it in one gulp before slamming the glass onto the counter*
The audacity of his father’s suggestion replayed in his head, mixing with the memory of Valentina’s expression—hurt, desperate, but somehow still composed.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
How could she ask me that?
He shook his head, running a hand down his face. His father’s words echoed again, taunting him. “You’re the responsible one.”
He gritted his teeth, his mind spinning out of control until his phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen—his girlfriend name.
(ML Girlfriend)
💬 Hey, you left so fast earlier. Are you okay?
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💬 Not really. And I already told you my father wants me to marry someone. To fix Alex’s mess.
(ML Girlfriend)
💬 Seriously? That’s ridiculous.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💬 It's not a joke.
(ML Girlfriend)
💬 So what? Just do it if it’ll make him happy. It’s not like marriage means anything anyway.
Alessandro froze, rereading her words. His jaw tightened, and his grip on the phone turned white-knuckled.
He stared at the screen, her casual dismissal of the situation igniting a fire in his chest.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
💬 I can’t believe you just said that.
(ML Girlfriend)
💬 Why not? It’s just a business deal, right? That’s how these things work for people like you.
Alessandro Salvatore (ML)
*didn’t respond*
He needed to think. To process. And most importantly, to figure out how to take back control of a situation that seemed hellbent on spinning out of his hands.
One thing was clear, though—he wasn’t going to let anyone, not his father, not Valentina, and definitely not Alex, decide his future for him.
His silence is louder than any words he could say. If hatred had a voice, it would sound like the way he looks at me.
– Valentina Collins
Stay tuned for the next chapter! 📜✨
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