Giovanni POV
I opened my eyes the next morning, and Gray was still beside me, his hand wrapped around my waist like he had no intention of letting go. I smiled as I stared at him, and the memory of his words from last night made my heart flutter. How could someone be so genuine?
And honestly… I enjoyed everything we shared last night. It was the first time something felt this real. I had never experienced this kind of connection before.
I was about to get up when he suddenly pulled me back into his arms.
“Are you done staring at me?” he asked, his voice low. “Can you do it a little more?”
I was stunned. So he’d been awake the whole time, letting me admire him in silence. I smiled shyly, and he kissed my forehead.
“Did you enjoy it?” he asked, his tone softer now.
I didn’t know what to say. No one had ever asked me that before. I just nodded, feeling my face heat up.
“I should go to the bathroom and wash up,” I said quickly, trying to use it as an excuse to escape the moment.
He held me tighter. “Are you trying to run away from me now?” he teased, his voice husky and playful. It sounded so good on him, I swear.
“I’m not running,” I said, lying through my teeth. “I just need to take a bath.”
He finally let me go, smiling.
“I have a dinner meeting with some business associates today,” he said. “Will you come with me?”
I hesitated, thinking it over.
“Isn’t that a little fast? Meeting your friends already?” I asked, trying to be logical.
“I’m going to marry you soon,” he replied without missing a beat. “I can’t wait to show you off to everyone.”
He said it so naturally, like he meant every word. I couldn’t help but wonder—why now? Why is he just showing up and making everything feel brand new?
"Okay," I murmured, forcing myself off the bed and dragging my tired body toward the bathroom.
******
We sat at the dining table for breakfast when Mitchell walked in.
“Mitchell,” I called, surprised to see her back. How could I forget to ask about her this morning after she tried her best to protect me with her life yesterday.
“Good morning, Madam Giovanni. Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” she greeted with a slight bow.
I responded, but Gray said nothing. I glanced at him, wondering what was going on.
“I’m sorry, sir. I couldn’t protect her. I was knocked out,” she apologized.
“Okay,” he said, like the word burnt his tongue.
She nodded, then turned to me. “Madam Giovanni, the phone you said you were looking for—it was found inside the car.” She handed it to me.
My eyes lit up. Finally—my phone. I had so much on it. Notes, contacts… and my songs recording.
“Thank you so much, Mitchell. I love you,” I said, almost breathless.
When I unlocked it, I saw dozens of missed calls and messages—especially from my mother.
"I had to go and see my mother. She must be dead worried," I said, scrolling through my messages.
"It's okay. I should come with you," he offered.
I shook my head quickly. "Nope, you don't have to. I’ll be fine on my own. Taking you to my mum this early sounds somehow? I just got divorced a few days ago."
"Alright," he said, but his eyes didn’t agree. "Just make sure to go with enough men."
"I'll be alright. I’m just going to see my mummy," I smiled faintly.
"You can’t go alone. I don’t trust too many people—especially not my dad. Take my men with you," he said, then turned to Mitchell.
"If anything happens and you don’t call me, you’ll be in big trouble." His tone was sharp and cold.
Why is he so protective of me… but so dismissive of everyone else?
"Alright, sir," Mitchell replied quietly.
****
When we arrived at the house, the men spread out. One of them quickly stepped forward and opened the door for me. I wanted to say no—but I knew Gray might not take it lightly with them, so I let them do their job.
I walked in, with Mitchell right beside me.
Inside, I saw my mother reading the newspaper while Eric was focused on his phone.
“Giovanni,” my mother called out the moment she saw me. I could tell she had missed me. Her face held worry—probably because of all the messages she sent that I hadn’t replied to.
Eric stood up as well the moment his eyes met mine. I walked toward my mother, expecting a hug.
But instead of hugging me… she slapped me.
The sting hit my cheek instantly, and I held it in shock. My chest tightened. I didn’t understand what I had done to deserve that.
“So you asked for a divorce because you already have someone else?” she said, her voice rushed and sharp. “And not only that—he barged into the house, beat up Mark, and took him away! Eric told me everything. You signed the divorce, fine—but did you really have to go that far?”
I looked at Eric. The hate in his eyes cut deep.
“Why would I take Mark?” I asked, voice shaking. “I didn’t even know—”
But she grabbed my clothes, furious.
Mitchell moved, ready to defend me, but I stopped her. No matter what, she was still my mother.
Then she turned to Mitchell.
“Mitchell,” she said coldly.
I stiffened. How did she know her name?
Then her gaze shot back to me.
“Is it Gray Blackwood?”
