Chapter 32 Married to Mafia Boss Chapter 32 Arta's POV Marco stopped walking and turned to face me. Tell me, he insisted, his tone gentle. I shrugged. 'I've always dreamed of opening a small boutique design shop after graduation. "That's actually a wonderful dream. Your imagination is one of your most valuable assets, Aria. Don't give it up so easily. Marco's voice carried that familiar instructive tone. 1 blinked, surprised by his seriousness. It was as if I wasn't speaking to my husband, but to the cold, shrewd CEO of Cortese Tech. "Well," his encouragement boosted my spirits, and I continued, "I want to specialize in authentic Italian crafts-handmade jewelry, ceramics from Amalfi. leather goods from Florence." I added, "I could even offer some of my own designs, having them crafted by Italian artisans." "What about funding?" Marco asked, immediately identifying the key issue. "That's the problem. The startup costs... would be substantial. Commercial space in Portano isn't cheap, and importing quality merchandise requires significant capital." I sighed. "So for now, it remains just a dream." Marco was silent for a moment, making me nervous. "I notice the biggest problem with your plan, Aria." "What's that?" "When you talk about your dream, you keep emphasizing how you'd do it all alone. There's no mention of me in the process." He studied me intently. I felt my cheeks flush. He was right-I hadn't included him in my future plans. Not because he wasn't in my heart, but because depending on others wasn't in my nature. "I... I'm not used to relying too much on others," I admitted softly. A cool breeze blew in from the water, making me shiver. The Sicilian wine from dinner was making me increasingly drowsy, and I stifled a yawn with my free hand. My other hand remained firmly clasped in Marco's palm. 'Shall we head home?" Marco asked, his voice filled with concern. "Yes," I nodded, yawning again, then leaned tightly against Marco's chest. $ "Better? Once in the car, Marco pulled me close until I was nestled against him, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist. I nodded, feeling the warmth of his coat around me and an unprecedented sense of security in Marco's embrace. The next day. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. When I woke up, the feel of silk sheets momentarily disoriented me. I blinked away the sleep, realizing I was in the bedroom of the Casa Nova apartment, wearing a silk nightgown I didn't remember changing into. 1/3 Chapter 32 I remember walking with Marco at Star Bay, but when ill we got home? I propped myself up to find Marco sitting in a leather armchair by the window, dressed in an inmarula!, chategal sub, reading the Paltano Botines Journal. What truly surprised me, though, was my Italian greyhound, Lola, lying obediently at Mayers feet. This little dog, usually hostile toward my husband, was now looking up at him with something resembling respect. "Good morning," I said, my voice husky from sleep. Marco lowered his paper, his eyes meeting mine. "It's almost nine." I glanced at the clock on the nightstand and frowned. "God, I overslept." 'The Sicilian wine was probably stronger than you expected," he said. Noticing I was awake, Lola trotted over to the bed, jumped up beside me, and nuzzled my hand. I scratched behind her ears, curiously eyeing Marco. "You two seem... friendlier today." Marco folded his newspaper neatly and set it aside. "I'm your husband. Did you think I couldn't handle a small dog?" He stood up and gently lifted Lola from the bed. "Come on, Lola. Let's let your mom shower before breakfast." I watched in amazement as Lola allowed herself to be carried away docilely. After a quick shower, I dressed in my Cortese Tech internship suit-a well-tailored black pantsuit paired with a cream silk blouse. When I emerged from the bedroom, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries greeted me. Marco sat at the dining table with Lola lounging lazily on a nearby cushion/Before him was an artfully arranged Italian breakfast-cornetti filled with jam, fresh fruit, and an assortment of cheeses. His eyes swept over my outfit with clear approval. "The suit suits you," he said with a hint of pride in his voice. His compliment warmed me as I sat across from him. "Thank you. I wanted to look more professional for today's meetings." Marco nodded, pouring me a cup of espresso. "I need to travel to Altoria today on business. I have a few matters to attend to." "Oh. I tried to hide my disappointment. "When will you be back?" 'Probably tomorrow evening. He handed me the cup. "Will you be alright alone?" I smiled, reaching over to pat Lola's head. "With this little guardian by my side, we'll be fine." After breakfast, Marco left for his trip, and I headed to Cortese Tech. Today was important-I needed to present a new proposal to Mr. Roberto of the Scorpione Rosso Group. He had specifically requested that I handle this project, and I was determined to do it well. After a busy morning and a hurried lunch, I reported to my direct supervisor, Manager Berti, then headed alone to the Scorpione Rosso Group. When I arrived at Roberto's office, I noticed his secretary had been waiting for me. "Mr. Roberto has been expecting you," she told me with a smile, visibly relieved to see me. I took a deep breath, straightened my jacket, and knocked on the heavy wooden door. 2/3 Chapter 32 "Come in,' came a soft male voice from inside. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. Despite facing obstacles, she achieves remarkable success. 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