Episode 9

Realizing she had been dancing for quite some time and that she was essentially monopolizing all of Bernardo's time at the party, Angelina decided it was time to enact her plan.

"Bernardo, I need to talk to you," Angelina said, anxiety coloring her voice.

"Angel, we've been dancing together for a while. Say whatever you want," Bernardo replied smoothly.

"It has to be in private." Angelina stopped dancing, her gaze filled with concern as she met Bernardo's eyes.

"Alright. Let's go to the garden..."

Before Bernardo could grasp what was happening, Angelina took his hand and hurriedly led him toward the guest suites in Don Vito's mansion. She didn't want to confess her feelings in the garden, where any drunk might come along and disrupt the moment.

"Angelina, where are we going?" Bernardo asked, surprised by her assertive demeanor as he followed along the lengthy hallway.

"Just trust me, Bernardo. I'll explain everything once we're on our own," she pleaded with an imploring look. She couldn't back down now.

Reaching the end of the corridor, where Angelina believed there would be vacant suites, she entered the first one with an unlocked door. A quick scan confirmed it was tidy, with no luggage in sight. Satisfied it was uninhabited, she closed the door behind them.

"Is this private enough for you?" Bernardo inquired, a teasing expression crossing his face as he noted Angelina's apparent nervousness.

Angelina's hands were clammy with anxiety, and she struggled to articulate her thoughts. The moment she'd been dreaming of all week had finally arrived.

"Come on, Angel..." Bernardo said, sitting down on the bed, beginning to grow slightly impatient. "You didn't bring me here to stay silent and just look at me. As beautiful as your eyes are, I need to get back to the party."

"I love you," Angelina blurted out all at once.

Like shedding a heavy burden, she felt a wave of relief after confessing and moved closer to Bernardo, who sat speechless on the bed, staring at her in disbelief.

"I know about your reputation, Angelina," Bernardo teased to lighten the mood. "You want to have every man in town at your feet. Even I, as your friend, can't escape?"

Nothing was unfolding as Angelina had imagined. Bernardo was treating her declaration as a joke, and she was dead serious.

"I'm not kidding, Bernardo. I've been in love with you ever since our first kiss," Angelina said, reaching out to touch his face, making him uneasy.

"Stop this, Angelina," he said, pushing her hands away from his face and getting up from the bed. "You were only fifteen years old, and there haven't been any kisses since. You don't even know what love is."

"I do know. I know," Angelina insisted, her voice fraught with urgency as she approached him again. "Please, talk to my father so we can formalize a commitment between our families. He's returning from his trip next week, and..."

"I don’t want to lose your friendship, Angel. Let's forget this, please," Bernardo interrupted her.

"You don't love me?" She asked, her eyes brimming with tears, her delicate hands placed tenderly on Bernardo's chest.

"I'm already engaged to Giovanna Rotolo, Angelina," Bernardo reluctantly confessed. He didn't want to hurt her. She was beautiful and lively, but he saw no other way to make her understand the situation.

A chill ran through Angelina as she stared at Bernardo in disbelief. Yes, her father had mentioned it, but she had preferred to believe he was mistaken.

"Everything was arranged between our families while I was at university. The engagement party will be planned soon. I had no idea you harbored such deep feelings for me. I always saw you as a friend. That's why I never mentioned this commitment. You've always been beautiful, with so many men after you."

As Bernardo tried to justify himself, it felt to Angelina like a dagger twisting in her heart with each word meant to cause her more pain. Tears she could no longer hold back streamed down her face, and she didn't know what to do.

"Do you like her?" Angelina asked, her voice shaking.

"Angel, you know that in these marriage agreements, feelings matter least of all. Don’t make me say things that could hurt you," he responded, a sadness in his voice.

Bernardo's look of pity only inflamed Angelina’s frustration with the whole situation. If they had been raised in a family of ordinary people, these absurd marriage agreements wouldn't exist. She could marry Bernardo and live happily ever after.

"Is she prettier than me?" Suddenly, Angelina let the silk sash that was securing her dress/kimono unravel, allowing the garment to fall to the floor, leaving her in only her underwear and high heels in front of Bernardo, pressing her body against him.

"Have you lost your mind, Angelina?!" Bernardo exclaimed, grabbing her by the wrists to keep her away from him. Despite his intent, he found it difficult to look away from her almost nude form.

Angelina's body was flawless and would drive any man mad. Her lips were naturally full and enticing, a soft rosy hue making them even more appealing. Her long neck gracefully emphasized the line of her jaw. Her breasts, small but round and perky, would fit perfectly in any man's hand. As hard as it was, Bernardo resisted the urge to touch them, knowing it would be wrong.

Her skin was impeccable, with a smooth texture and a natural glow. Her belly, subtly defined, led to a slender waist and long, toned legs. Feeling Angelina's near-naked body against his was an ultimate test of restraint for Bernardo.

"Answer me, Bernardo," Angelina pressed, aware of the desire in his gaze. "Is that bland woman prettier than me?" If she could make him lose his head and yield to desire, Bernardo would have to marry her.

Yet, she had no idea that Bernardo harbored feelings for Giovanna. He immediately gathered his composure, pushing Angelina onto the bed and leaving the room without another word, leaving her alone.

Clutching her knees to her chest, Angelina remained on the bed, crying, lost in thought. She couldn't believe everything had gone so wrong. She had declared her love to Bernardo and humiliated herself in front of him.

"I don't know this Giovanna, but I doubt there's a woman more beautiful than you," a man spoke in a deep, hoarse voice, startling Angelina, who was still nearly naked and sitting on the bed.