Chapter 12 Alia POV " What do you mean you didn't introduce me to Marco ? " I stared at Francesca , my heart suddenly pounding against my ribs . " At the Red Rose Restaurant … Wasn't it you who arranged the blind date for me ? " I carefully recalled the situation from the last blind date . That day when Marco saw me , he immediately stood up to offer me his seat . I shouldn't be mistaken about this . Francesca shook her head vigorously , " Alia , I swear I never arranged any blind date with a Marco Vittorio . " Tell me quickly how you met Marco ! You haven't been deceived by some con man who's after your money and body , have you ? My God , you even got your marriage certificate already ! " Francesca anxiously urged . My mind raced back to that evening . Marco walked up to me and pretended to be my blind date . Was all of this … planned by him ? Is Marco really a con man ? What does he want from me ? " This is insane , " Francesca muttered , already grabbing her tablet . Let me see who this mystery husband of yours actually is . " She typed rapidly , then turned the screen toward me . There he was Marco Vittorio , CEO of Cortese Tech , looking impossibly handsome in a professional headshot . Francesca's jaw dropped as she swiped through more photos . " Dio mio ! " She dramatically fanned herself . " Alia , this man looks like he walked straight out of a Michelangelo painting ! Those cheekbones ! Those eyes ! With such a handsome guy , even if he's after my money and body , I'd still be willing ! " She made exaggerated hand gestures , nearly knocking over her wine glass . " Alia , Just consider it my indirect introduction . You need to give me a gift as compensation . Send me a luxury villa in Tuscany , or a wine estate in Western Sicily , which one do you choose ? " I grabbed a sofa cushion and threw it at her , laughing despite myself . " You crazy girl ! So is Marco actually someone you introduced to me or not ? " Francesca dodged the cushion and suddenly pulled me into a tight hug . Her playfulness vanished , replaced by fierce protectiveness . " Alia , " she whispered , " I just want you to be happier than anyone else in this world . " I felt a lump form in my throat . " That's all behind me now , I said firmly , look her in the eyes . " I'm going to live happily , just for myself . Something flickered across Francesca's face ? But she quickly masked it with a smile . She reached for the bottle of Chianti on her coffee table . " Well then , congratulations on your marriage ! Let's drink to your mysterious wedding and incredibly handsome husband ! " We stayed up all night talking , drinking wine , and reminiscing about our college days . The next day , despite not having slept all night , I still dragged my tired body to work . My head was foggy , and I had dark circles under my eyes , After making a cup of coffee , I continued working diligently without slacking off , because this internship opportunity was hard to come by . I was arranging documents at my workstation when a shadow fell across my desk . Looking up , I found Marco standing there , his dark eyes taking in my exhausted state . " You look terrible , ' he said bluntly . " Thank you , Mr. Vittorio , " I replied dryly , trying to stifle a yawn . His expression softened slightly . You need rest . Take an hour , " I have too much work- rinta Chapter 12 " That wasn't a suggestion . " His tone left no room for argument . Before I could protest further , he was guiding me by the elbow through the office . To my surprise , he led me past his office to a private room I hadn't noticed before . It was a small but elegant space with a comfortable - looking sofa bed , subdued lighting , and heavy curtains that blocked out the midday sun .