After Rihana and Salima left the lawyer's office, a new chapter of their lives began—one weighed down with unspoken tension.
Leonardo was not a man who broke promises. He wanted to ensure immediate stability for Rihana's family—as if it wasn't just a deal, but an unspoken vow.
Within two days, he bought them a charming home on the outskirts of the city and provided Salima with a generous amount of money.
He didn't speak much, but his actions spoke of determination and sincere intent.
Before leaving, he told them:
— "Your passports are ready. In two days, you'll fly with me. Be prepared."
---
That night, Salima sat beside her daughter on the bed in their new room.
Rihana was silently flipping through her diary.
Salima placed her hand over her daughter's and said:
— "Rihana... listen to me carefully."
Rihana looked up at her quietly.
— "I know this marriage wasn't the dream you had. But now, you're the wife of a man—a stranger, powerful, and with a world of his own. On your first night with him, don't be afraid, and don't pretend to be stronger than you are."
She paused, then continued with a mother's warm tone:
— "Observe him. Learn his nature. Men love a woman who respects them, who gives them calm after the storm. And on that night, don't let him see you as a victim... but as a partner choosing a new beginning."
Rihana nodded slowly, her eyes shimmering with tears.
— "And if fear creeps in, remember—you're not alone. I'm here. And your father's blessing is with you."
---
The next morning, the airport awaited them.
They arrived after quick preparations—everything felt like it was happening outside of time.
At the arrival gate in Italy, a luxurious car was waiting.
Maria opened the door and smiled at Rihana:
— "From today, this is your second home."
Rihana sat in the car, holding Matteo close to her chest—nervous and excited at once.
The road to the mansion was long, yet quiet. For a moment, she closed her eyes… as if dreaming.
Maria's voice gently woke her:
— "We've arrived."
She lifted her gaze to see a grand estate before her—lined servants at the gate, vast gardens, and silent, poised guards.
She stepped out with hesitant steps, her heart beating louder than the echo of her heels on marble.
---
At that moment, Leonardo's phone rang.
He walked a few steps away before answering.
A man's voice spoke from the other end:
— "I heard a rumor… you married a Moroccan girl and you're already back in Italy?"
Leonardo replied coldly:
— "It's no longer a rumor."
He ended the call and looked back at Rihana…
Unaware that this decision would mark the turning point of his life—or perhaps his greatest test.
---
That night, once the noise of the mansion had settled and Maria fell asleep with Matteo in her wing,
Rihana stood in her new room, wearing a simple nightgown carefully chosen by her mother.
She stood at the window, staring into the Italian night—strange and cold.
Her heart raced, her mind spinning with unanswered questions.
Would he knock on her door? Would he act like a husband?
But the hours passed… and he never came.
Near dawn, she heard soft footsteps passing by her door—but they didn't stop.
Just the quiet sound of the next door opening… then closing.
She realized then—Leonardo wasn't coming.
She didn't feel comfort… but she didn't feel rejected either.
There was something in his behavior—something she couldn't read.
A man cold in speech, firm in decisions… yet he hadn't touched her.
She lay on the wide bed, closed her eyes, and one question echoed within her:
"Who are you, Leonardo… and why did you marry me if you didn't want me?"
---
Elsewhere in the mansion, Leonardo sat in a leather chair, staring at a cold glass of water.
He remembered her father's words, her face when she signed the contract, and the scent of her hair as she passed by…
And then, he whispered to himself:
"I can't afford to make the same mistake twice…"