Chapter 7 I stared at the dark screen , utterly speechless . The Ritz Hotel's restaurant was opulent , with crystal chandeliers casting soft light and the air filled with the scent of expensive perfume . Standing in the lobby , I felt out of place until a familiar figure approached - Luca Ferrari , one of Marco's assistants . " Miss Aria , please follow me , " he said with a polite nod . " Thanks , " I replied dryly , though inwardly I grumbled , We're legally married , so why does this feel like some secret rendezvous ? As I entered Suite 1818 , another bodyguard , Giulio Bruno , was there . He gave me a slight nod before stepping aside , standing like a silent statue . I swallowed hard , trying to look composed . " Aria . " Março stood , taking my coat and pulling out a chair for me . His movements were smooth and natural , as if this were the most ordinary thing in the world . I stole a glance at the two assistants , my heart racing , but then Marco said , " They know about us . " I nodded , and as soon as I sat down , the assistants tactfully exited the room . The moment the door clicked shut , the space fell silent , leaving just the sound of Marco's , and my breathing . Marco personally handed me a steaming bowl of Italian minestrone , saying softly , " Over the years , I've managed some family businesses , so I always have a few people around . " " Mm . " I took the bowl , sipping cautiously . The rich tomato flavor bloomed on my tongue , involuntarily easing my tension . We ate in quiet , the atmosphere subtle and heavy with unspoken words , though my mind felt like a hundred tiny cat claws were scratching at it . Halfway through the meal , Marco set down his fork , staring straight at me . " Don't forget to eat from now on . " " I'll remember , " I nodded absentmindedly , my head aiready full of afternoon work plans . " Let's have lunch together from now on . " His tone was commanding , leaving no room for argument . " Mr. Vittorio … " I frowned , about to protest , but he cut me off with a cold smirk , his CEO aura bearing down on me . " That's an order . " I pursed my lips , ready to snap back , but my eyes accidentally drifted toward the inner part of the suite - where there was a luxurious king - sized bed ! My cheeks flared red , my heart pounding like a drum , and I quickly ducked my head to pretend I was sipping soup . " What are you looking at ? Marco clearly noticed where my gaze had gone . He leaned in close , whispering in my ear , " Want to take a nap here , mia cara ? * My face burned hot enough to fry an egg , and I bolted up , scrambling for an excuse . " Uh … I've got a meeting this afternoon . I should go ! " As I left the suite , I could still feel that burning gaze on my back , like it was trying to bore a hole through me . It wasn't until I was in a taxi that I finally let out a long breath . Meanwhile , back in Suite 1818 , Marco stared at the doorway , his expression deep and unreadable , as if hiding some secret . A middle - aged female chef entered , respectfully asking if the food was to his liking. " It's fine , " Marco nodded faintly , then instructed , " From now on , always prepare two spicy Tuscan dishes , but keep the heat moderate . " The chef nodded knowingly and left . She knew Mr. Vittorio never ate spicy food - this request must be for his wife . Luca Ferrari came in shortly after , Marco's gaze flicked to the bed in the inner room , and he said in a low voice , " Replace this bed with the same