Chapter 16 Alia POV I followed Luca Ferrari down the winding path , the private villa area was like something from a luxury travel magazine - the kind I'd flip through during breaks , imagining places I'd never be able to afford . I walked through a meticulously maintained Mediterranean garden , where olive trees and cypress created perfect shadows on the stone pathway . Ornate marble fountains bubbled softly , the water catching golden afternoon light . The Italian - style colonnades were draped with flowering vines , their sweet scent hanging in the warm air . Finally , we reached a three - story building that could only be described as elegantly intimidating - a perfect example of architecture with its symmetrical façade and classical details . I felt distinctly out of place carrying my modest weekend bag . " This is incredible , " I said , unable to contain myself . " Living in a place like this , you'd feel miles away from the city's noise and stress every day . " Luca smiled politely . " The Vittorio family values their privacy . This section of Bellavista is reserved exclusively for family and special guests . " She led me to the entrance , where two discreet security personnel nodded respectfully . " Your luggage , Mrs. Vittorio ? " Luca asked , reaching for my bag . Mrs. Vittorio . My cheeks flushed instantly , heart rate kicking up . The name still felt foreign - like borrowed designer clothes that didn't quite fit . ' I can carry it , " I insisted , clutching my bag tighter . " It's not heavy . " " As you wish , Mrs. Vittorio , Luca replied , that knowing smile still playing on his lips . " This villa has a comprehensive security system . No outsiders can enter without authorization . You may feel completely at ease here . " I nodded , wondering if my discomfort was that obvious . The thought of being completely isolated with Marco in this palatial villa sent contradictory waves of excitement through me . Inside , the villa was even more impressive - vaulted ceilings , marble floors , and antique furniture that probably cost more than my entire college education . Before I could take it all in , Marco appeared at the top of a sweeping staircase , his tall frame commanding attention even in casual linen pants and a simple white shirt . " You're here , " he said , his deep voice echoing slightly in the grand entryway . He descended the stairs with that effortless grace that still fascinated me , then reached for my bag . " Let me show you to our suite . " Our suite . Not room . Suite , i wanted to talk to you about something , " I said as we climbed the stairs . Marco glanced at me , his expression unreadable , " Is there a problem with the accommodations ? " " No ! No , thats not it , I hurried to clarify . " The villa is beautiful . It's about … something else . " He nodded but didn't press further as we reached the second floor . Marco pushed open double doors to reveal a breathtaking master suite with floor - to - ceiling windows overlooking the Mediterranean . I moved to the windows , momentarily forgetting what I wanted to discuss . The view was spectacular - the azure blue of Portano Bay seamlessly blending with the sky , creating an infinite canvas of blue . " It's beautiful , " I whispered , placing my palm against the cool glass . Marco walks up to me and embraces my waist from behind . His presence is warm and steady . " If you like the scenery here , we can come here aten on weekends , " The casual offer caught me off guard , Weekend getaways to a private Mediterranean villa ? This was so far removed from my student life of instant noodles and shared apartments . Chapter 16 " I appreciate the offer , " I said carefully , " but I feel that where we're living now is quite nice . " I don't want to depend on your wealth . I need to maintain my independence , especially financially . Marco studied me with those penetrating eyes that always made me feel transparent . Before he could respond , he gestured toward a door on the far side of the suite . " There's a private thermal pool through there , " he said . " I suggest you use it rather than the common facilities . " His tone shifted from suggestion to command , making me bristle slightly . " Why ? The resort pools looked amazing from the brochure . " Marco's jaw tightened . " No husband wants his wife wearing next to nothing where other men can see . " sound Two hours later , I joined my colleagues in the main activity area , where tables had been set up under a canopy of string lights . The human resources team had organized team - building games , dividing us into red , blue , yellow , and green teams based on departments . Tina spotted me immediately , her eyes widening as she took in my appearance . " You look stunning ! " she exclaimed , then leaned closer . " And where have you been hiding ? Everyone else is in the main building , but rumor has it you're staying in the private villa section ! " I shifted uncomfortably . " Oh , it's just where they put the administrative staff . " " Administrative staff ? Please ! " Tina rolled her eyes . " You're the only assistant staying there . Must be nice being the boss's favorite . " " It's not like that , I protested . " Actually , it's kind of stressful living so close to the boss . I feel like I'm always on duty . " Thankfully , before Tina could interrogate me further , the first game was announced - an Italian wine tasting speed challenge . Our red team huddled together , strategizing . The game was simple but challenging -identify different Italian wines by region and grape variety as quickly as possible . When my turn came , I correctly identified a Barolo , a Chianti Classico , and a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in record time , earning surprised looks from my colleagues and securing our team's victory . " Where did you learn to do that ? " Tina asked , impressed . " I spent a semester in Tuscany , " I shrugged . Actually , my wine knowledge comes from my past experiences . Our celebration was cut short when a hush fell over the crowd . I turned to see Marco approaching ,. Everyone straightened , conversations died mid - sentence , and several women discreetly checked their makeup . Marco , however , simply nodded acknowledgment and gestured for the activities to continue . For our second game , the HR director announced , ' we'll be playing the traditional ' spaghetti game ' The spaghetti game was a classic party activity where pairs of players ate the same strand of pasta from opposite ends until they met in the middle - essentially guaranteeing an awkward kiss . " Each team , select your best player ! " the host called out . Before I could protest , Tina pushed me forward . " Red team nominates Alia ! " " What ? No ! " I hissed , but it was too late . I stood awkwardly at the front as representatives from the other teams joined me . I glanced nervously at Marco , who was watching with an unreadable expression . Antonio Ricci , stepped forward with a charming smile . 1.05 AM Chapter 16 * I volunteer to be Alia's partner , " Antonio announced , earning whoops and whistles from the crowd . My cheeks burned as I contemplated the mortification of having to nearly kiss a colleague while my husband watched . Luca , with a mischievous glint in his eye , loudly suggested , " Why not ask Mr. Vittorio to participate ? " The crowd quiets down , just when they thought Marco would refuse . However , to everyone's shock , Marco walks up to me amid cheers and applause .