Chapter 356

Vincenzo “We should paint the walls red. I don’t like the white.” Aria walked through the halls with her notebook in her hands.

“And I was thinking, how about we make the pool bigger as well?”

“If that’s what you desire.” I behaved like a perfect gentleman. Showing Aria around the house was not what I had planned for today, but going against Serena was not something I was capable of.

If anyone, she knew the feeling of walking into a stranger’s home, but the situation with Aria felt a bit different. She felt comfortable, maybe even a bit too comfortable.

“So, where is our bedroom?” The girl raised her head so that she could meet my eyes. She had a big grin, showing nothing could ruin her day.

Our bedroom?

Just the thought of sleeping next to her made my blood boil.

As far as I was concerned, this marriage would be an open marriage-and since she had forced me into it. she couldn’t possibly expect me to remain faithful.

“I actually thought it’d be best for us to sleep separately. I spoke, drawing the line hoping she would understand. She couldn’t be that stupid, could she?

Aria pouted. “S-sep-what?”

Shit “Just for a while, until we get used to each other,” I reassured her. If she needed false hope, I would give it to her. She was the key to the Garcias fortune, so I had no choice but to keep her happy.

Uncle Bruno had made it clear.

She had to walk down that aisle by any means.

“But we’re about to be married?” Aria was almost close to tears. “Do you not want to sleep next to me, is that it? Have I done something to offend you-”

“No, of course not,” I spoke defensively. “We can sleep together if you want to!”

“Great!” Aria played with her hair. “Now, show me the way to our bedroom.”

Reluctantly, I showed her the way to the bedroom and opened the door. “So this is it.” I stepped aside so she could enter.

Aria stepped inside, smiling ear to ear before writing down a few notes in her book. She walked around the room and brushed her fingers against every interior piece, trying to find the slightest dust.

“Is this your closet?” She asked. “There’s not enough space for my stuff, so we’ll have to figure something out.

“Or you could just take any other room to store your clothes.”

“Yeah..maybe.” Aria shrugged. “Or you could just move your stuff”

I clenched my fist, bottling up my emotions. Going against her wouldn’t do any good. I needed her.

We needed her.

“Sure,” I gulped. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest.”

After going through all of the rooms, I walked downstairs, hoping to kick her out-but by the looks of 11. she had different plans.

“Where are the maids?” She asked, looking around.

Now she was really starting to get on my nerves.

I trapped her body between my hands, pushing her back against the wall. “No maids, princess.” I locked my eyes with hers.

“T-then who does the cooking and cleaning?”

The cooking and cleaning? I held back my laughter and gently moved my finger to her cheek. She was so stupid. It almost made me feel sorry for her.

“I do, princess. With the two hands God gave me.” I said. “Why? Is that a problem?”

“Am I not as capable as you expected me to be?”

Aria’s lips trembled as she grew a smile. Never!” She wouldn’t give in to her frustrations. How could someone be that desperate to be with me? What did I have to offer that another man couldn’t?

It was almost past six, meaning it was time for her to go-but she just wouldn’t budge. “I-I can clean, cook, do the laundry-all of it!” She stammered. “Won’t you look at the time? I think it’s time for me to cook.”

No, not here, please.

It’s time for you to go.

I scratched my neck, praying for her to leave at once. Aria placed her hands on her hips. “What would you like for dinner?”

Fuck “I..don’t know. I’ll have to check it with my little brother.” I tried getting rid of her in any way possible.

“He’s a picky eater.”“”

Aria walked through a door while I was forced to follow her into my own kitchen. This thing was just getting more crazy by the second. “Well, he’s not that little anymore-he’s fourteen.” She argued. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s way past the age of refusing to eat your vegetables.”

I wanted to tell her off so bad, but I couldn’t. I wanted to tell her that Luis would forever be my baby brother and that she should watch her words-but all I could do was nod and smile.

It was for the sake of the family.

“Where is he anyway?”

“In his room, playing video games,” I explained.

“He’s a really good gamer, even has a really professional looking set up and—”

“So he didn’t come out to greet me?” Aria turned the conversation back to herself. “Kids are crazy nowadays, so we’ll have to work on his manners.”

One thing I noticed about her was that she could be the most egotistical person on the planet.

Everything revolved around Aria, and we were all just pawns in her perfect little world.

Her business was with me and not with my brother.

Luit would’ve never gotten arrested over some dress brawl. If there was anyone who had to work on their manners, if was her.

“I’m sure you’ve got lots of business calls to make-so you should get back to work while I’ll go and fix us some dinner.” Aria excused me. “I expect you back at eight.”

Still flustered by her words, I turned my heel and removed myself from the situation. If I’d stayed for a few more minutes, I probably would’ve snapped.

So she didn’t only want to tell me how to raise my brother but how to lead my business as well. This was the exact thing that I was so afraid of.

Did she really think she could impress me with a meal? Serena couldn’t cook-and it didn’t make her less beautiful. Her heart was still prettier than Aria’s could ever be.

An hour had passed, and just as promised, I found myself in the dining room by eight. The large dining table, which had always been empty, had now been decorated with candles, flowers, and cutlery, It smelled nice.

It still didn’t mean I liked her “Right on time!” Aria entered the dining room, carrying a large and heavy pot. Out of instinct, I grabbed the pot from her hands and placed it on the table.

“Oh, thank you.” Aria wiped her forehead. “So where’s that not-so-little brother of yours?” She asked. “He is joining us for dinner-right?”

“He’s.” I looked around. “Ah, there he is!”

Luis entered the room with raised eyebrows and smiled until his eyes were glued to the gaming device in his hands.

As long as he managed his good grades and remained a good and kind-hearted kid, I allowed him to do whatever he desired.

Not wanting to cause any trouble, I ruffled my hand through Luis’ hair and forced him to raise his head. “Luis, say hi to Aria.”

“What’s up.” Luis hummed, dragging his feet to the chair. He took a seat without shooting Aria as much as a single glance and focused on his game.

Well, at least he acknowledged her Aria glared at my brother before her eyes met mine, almost waiting for me to give him a good scolding for his cold shoulder.

But how could I ever scold my brother when Aria was the one who had invaded our house?