Chapter 36

Marabella’s POV

Luca’s mother was already walking down the walkway to meet me, before I could get out of the car. “Bella, Bella”, she called. “Ma, just know that you are the only person allowed to call me that”, I grinned. Ma smiled wide, as she grabbed my hand and started to pull me inside. “It’s time to get dressed. Everyone is already waiting for you”, she announced cheerily. “Ma, I don’t need help getting ready”, I chuckled, trying to passively approach the situation. “Nonsense, you are the Queen, might as well be treated like one”, Ma replied, waving it off as no big deal.

But, the thing is, it is a big deal, for me at least. I really don’t want a stampede of people seeing me naked, and taking note of my scars. It has taken a lot out of me, just to show Luca as much of my body as I have. I can’t show a bunch of cackling women. They will go tell everyone they know. Then horrible twisted rumors will spread about me (like they did in junior high), and even worse, they could involve Luca this time. That’s the very last thing my husband needs.

“No, really, Ma. I don’t want any help. I can do this on my own, please”, I said, my voice was stale, and I tried to hold it steady. Ma turned and looked closely at me. She took a deep breath and sighed. “As you wish, you are Queen after all”, she said with a smile, though you could tell it was not whole-heartily. I blew out a breath of relief, “Thank you”, I sighed. “The dress the selections are in your room”, she muttered, as she continued walking forward to the kitchen, when I needed to go up the stairs.

I feel really bad, I do. I know that I hurt Ma’s feelings, but I can’t let her son get wrapped up in twisted rumors about me. That’s not fair to him. And one day I’ll have the courage to show her the damage that has been afflicted upon my body. I will have the courage to be able to stand through her worries and frets that I know she will express. But, it won’t be today in front of God’s knows how many other girls.

When I stepped into my room, three other girls stood there waiting for me. “Your services are no longer required”, I stated calmly. A tall brunette stepped forward with a scowl. “Excuse me?”, she sneered. I half-smiled, “I won’t be needing your assistance in getting ready. Please leave. Don’t make me ask again”, I feigned sweetness. “Wow, you are a real fucking bitch aren’t you? Not even give us a chance?”, a smaller blonde, said incredulously.

I frowned slightly, “It’s not that I don’t believe all three of you ladies are very talented. I’m sure you are, or my husband would never have brought you here. It’s just that I don’t like to wear make-up, so I won’t be going to. I like to style my own hair in simple styles. And it’s really not that hard to pick out a dress and put it on. It really isn’t anything personal ladies”, I explained.

The girls looked taken aback by my explanation. A red head stepped forward with a chuckle, “Okay, we can’t really hate on you for that. You are very beautiful. Well, since you aren’t firing us to hire somebody else, I feel like us girls can move passed it”, she said. I smiled softly, “Thank you”. “You’re welcome. However, if you change your mind and you do need our help, we will be downstairs in the kitchen”, the blonde said, with a genuine smile.

“Thank you, ladies, very much”, I nodded, as they filed out of the room. “You’re welcome”, the brunette said, as she closed the door. I breathed a sigh of relief. That could have turned ugly super fast. I’m really glad that they understand and aren’t too upset about it. I stood there for a moment to catch my breath. My heart was beating fast in my chest. I’ve never liked conflict. I deal with it when I have to, of course, but I don’t like to.

I let my shoulders sag as I walked to the ensuite bathroom. I didn’t need to wash my hair, so I started filling up the tub. I have some time before we actually have to leave. I know that it’s only 4:30ish, so I can take a short bath. As the tub filled with hot water, I went back into the bedroom to choose a dress.

All of them were either red or silver, and floor-length hems. I browsed through them, trying to determine which one I wanted to wear. It was taking me so long, that I had to go back to the bathroom and turn the water off for the tub. Finally, I chose an open-back red dress. My thoughts drifted to Luca’s words as I looked over the cute little accents on the dress. ‘Pick the best dress for me, piccola. I want to drool over you tonight’. My face heated up, as I went to the bathroom to remove my clothes and sink into the hot tub that I had prepared.

I moaned in delight as the hot water engulfed my body. This is the first time I have actually got to use the tub since coming here, and I am absolutely loving this. My muscles started to relax, and my eye-lids began to get heavy. I tried to fight the tiredness that closed in around me. But I failed.