A Bride For A Truce

   SERAFINA’S POV

      Two days later-Stamford Hospital New York.

      The first thing I noticed was that I had a headache. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, the overhead bulb burning into my eyes. The smell of antiseptic hit me and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I was in a hospital. 

      “Serafina?” Adriko called in concern. My eyes moved to the side and there he was sitting on the chair beside me. His eyes locked onto mine, brows furrowed. 

      “W-what…happened?” my voice was faint,barely above a whisper 

      “You collapsed in the bathroom, and hit your head,” he said, his voice calm but tense. “You’ve been unconscious for two days”.

      Two days! My eyes widened as memories flashed through my mind. I had gone to use the restroom after the doctor left, I remember feeling dizzy before slumping and hitting my head against the sink.

      “I felt so weak”, I murmured, my fingers brushing the bandage on my forehead .”The room was spinning. I couldn't…” 

      “You couldn't what?” his tone sharpened and I flinched. 

      “I couldn't catch myself “ I whispered.

      He let out a sharp breath, his hands running through his hair. “It’s okay, just relax,” he said in a soothing voice as he caressed my knuckles absently, a gesture so tender it unsettled me.

      The door opened and Diana stepped in, her scrubs wrinkled, a worried look in her eyes that lit up when she saw me awake. 

      “Fina!” she gasped rushing to my side. Her hands fluttered over me, checking the monitors. “Thank God you're awake. You scared us all” 

      “What happened to me?” I asked, my voice steadier. 

      “You fainted fina,” she said gently fluffing the pillows beside me. “Exhaustion and low blood sugar”. 

      “Oh,” I breathed. 

      Her gaze softened “When was the last time you ate something real? Don’t lie to me”. She questions as she proceeds to check my vitals.

      I frowned as I pondered. I couldn't remember. Nadia had brought a tray of food to me that night after the doctor left but I hadn’t taken a bite from anything.

      I bite my lips as I whisper guiltily. “Before the wedding“

      Diana sighed as she adjusted the IV “You can't keep doing this Fina. You have to take care of yourself” she scolded softly though her tone was firm.

      She glanced at Adriko who was standing stiffly beside me. “She’ll be fine, but she needs food and lots of rest, no stress” she instructed.

      He nodded and strides towards the window, his phone already to his ear. His voice was low, rapid Russian that I couldn't understand spilling from his lips. He turned back to us after getting off the call.

      “Nadia’s on her way with food”. He announced, his eyes locked on mine. His intense gaze sent shivers through me.

      “Good!” Diana smiles “I’ll leave you too then.” she responds glancing between Adriko and me. 

      After Diana left, silence settled over the room like a fog. Adriko’s gaze didn't leave mine.

      He walked closer, his presence overwhelming. I tried to look away but his eyes drew me in. Why was he affecting me this way? I hated it, I didn't like the confusing emotions warring within me.

      He spoke in a low measured tone that was laced with his Russian accent. “The doctor said you’ll be discharged once you are conscious, but you need to rest.No stressful activities” he stated.

      I stiffened at his authoritative tone “Resting isn't an option Adriko. I have a performance coming up that I need to prepare for” 

      His jaw tightened “That's not happening“ he snaps 

      I glare at him “Excuse me? I don't need your permission to do anything”. 

      His eyes narrowed, the anger in his gaze burning into me. “This isn’t a request. It’s an order” he fumed “You don't have the luxury of being reckless, not right now”. 

      “You don't get to decide that” I shot back, heat rising in my chest “You're not my keeper”. 

      “No” he leaned down, his voice dangerously low “I am your husband Serafina and that means you belong to me, every inch of you“. The air between us was thick with tension, as we stared each other down.

      A timid knock breaks the tense silence. We glance towards the door as it opens to reveal Nadia, Sergei right behind her. 

      “Hello dear” she beamed as she walked towards me, Concern evident in her eyes “I’ve been so worried, I’m happy to see you're well” 

      “Uhmm…Thank you Nadia” I muttered shyly. Her show of concern makes a warm feeling go through me. 

      From the corner of my eye, I notice Adriko and Sergei talking discreetly, heads close together, their tone too low for me to figure out what was being said.

      He straightens and strides towards my bed. His hand reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch sent a mixture of anger and unexpected shivers down my spine. How dare he be distant and cold in one moment and tender the next?

      “I’ll be back soon”, he whispered, his breath caressing my skin. “Rest for now and make sure you eat up”. 

      He didn't look back as he walked out with Sergei, but his presence lingered, a reminder of the growing, impossible tangle of emotions I couldn't control. 

      ♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

      LATER THAT NIGHT.

      Nadia had left after ensuring I ate a good portion of the food she had brought, the doctor had also stopped by and declared me fit to go home.

      There’s a sharp knock on the door 

      “come in” I call

      I glance at the door as the familiar faces of my father and Tessa appear. He smiles awkwardly as he approaches.

      “Come stai, figlia?” (how are you daughter?) he asked nervously.

      “sto bene papà” (I’m fine Dad) I respond in a clipped tone. 

      My father was the last person I wanted to see. After how he sold me off, I don't think we can ever have a normal father-daughter relationship.

      “Diana informed us that you were awake so we came to see how you were” he continued as Tessa moved closer to the bed pulling me into a bone-crushing hug, whispering in a shaky voice, her hands framing my cheeks

      “Cara Mia” she gushed. “Grazie a dio stai bene” (my dear. Thank God you are fine). 

      An affectionate smile tugs at my lips “Grazie Tessa” (Thank you )

      I chatted with Tessa for a while then my father announced that they had to leave as he had a meeting with Don Marco.

      Alone in the quiet room, my thoughts refused to settle. My conversation with Adriko played in my mind and my fists clenched as I remembered his infuriating orders. He can't stop me from performing. That was the only thing in my life right now that was still normal and I refuse to let it go. 

      My eyes drifted to the window that I had left slightly open. A figure moved in the balcony, clad in black from head to toe, a mask over the face. I blinked hard. Was I seeing things?

      My heart leaped in my throat as cold sweat broke out on my skin. I stared at the figure, hoping i was hallucinating.

      My fingers shook as I held my phone to my chest, willing my racing heart to slow down. 

      I pressed my back against the headboard, my breaths coming out in shallow pants. My gaze darted around the room, searching for something I could use to defend myself.

      My wing was a private wing, there shouldn't be anyone here.

      The doorknob rattled. The sound sent a jolt through me. I tried to move but fear paralyzed me. My thumb flew over my screen as I sent a message to Adriko

      ‘Please get here quick. There’s someone here’.

      My eyes flew to the door in alarm as it slowly creaked open…