Chapter 2: The First Night

The grand gates of the Moretti estate opened as a convoy of black luxury cars disappeared into the sprawling driveway. Rain drummed softly against the windows, while towering stone walls and armed guards reminded everyone that this was less a home and more a fortress.

Waytt Moretti stepped out first.

Ignoring the rain soaking his suit, he walked to the other side of the car and opened the door himself.

For a brief second, every guard froze.

No one had ever seen the feared mafia boss open a car door for anyone.

Kate stepped out gracefully, her wedding gown brushing against the wet stone.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Waytt gave a single nod.

"Come."

The massive front doors opened before them.

Inside, dozens of servants stood in two perfectly straight lines.

"Welcome home, Boss."

Then they turned toward Kate.

"Welcome home, Madam."

Kate offered a polite smile. "You don't have to be so formal."

The servants exchanged nervous glances but remained silent. Before anyone could respond, Waytt spoke in his usual calm, commanding tone.

"You'll address her with the same respect you show me."

The room instantly fell silent.

"Yes, Boss."

Kate looked at him, surprised. She had expected indifference from the man she had been forced to marry, not quiet respect.

Moments later, the elderly butler stepped forward.

"Boss, shall Madam's luggage be moved to the master suite?"

Kate answered before Waytt could.

"Is there another room available?"

The question hung in the air.

Several servants lowered their eyes. No woman had ever refused to share Waytt Moretti's room.

Without hesitation, he replied, "Yes."

The butler looked stunned.

"Prepare the room beside mine."

"Immediately, Boss."

Kate frowned slightly. "We're... not sharing a room?"

Waytt finally looked directly at her.

"I won't force you."

His voice remained steady, free of anger or disappointment.

"When you're comfortable making your own decision, that's different."

Kate blinked before giving a quiet nod.

"Thank you."

For the first time since the wedding, she felt she could breathe.

---

The mansion fell silent after midnight.

Kate changed into comfortable clothes and sat beside the bedroom window, staring at the bottle of sleeping pills resting in her hand.

Another sleepless night.

Nothing unusual.

She swallowed one tablet with a sip of water and waited for sleep that never seemed to arrive.

Across the hallway, Waytt stood inside his office surrounded by reports that no longer held his attention.

A guard knocked softly.

"Boss."

"What is it?"

"Madam is awake."

"I know."

"She left her room."

Waytt closed the file in front of him.

"Where?"

"The kitchen."

His response came without hesitation.

"Make sure no one disturbs her."

The guard nodded.

"And tell the others to stop following her."

"They're protecting Madam."

"I know."

Waytt's expression remained unreadable.

"But she values her independence."

---

The kitchen was warm and quiet.

Kate searched the cupboards until she found tea leaves.

Just as she reached for the kettle, a familiar deep voice broke the silence.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

She turned.

Waytt stood in the doorway, his suit jacket gone, the sleeves of his white shirt neatly rolled to his forearms. Without the formal attire, he looked slightly less intimidating, though the air around him remained commanding.

"I didn't mean to disturb anyone," she said.

"You didn't."

She reached for the kettle again, but he picked it up first.

"I'll do it."

"I can make tea."

"I know."

"Then why?"

He filled the kettle calmly.

"Because you're my guest tonight."

Kate looked at him in confusion.

"I'm your wife."

"You haven't accepted this place as your home yet."

His words carried no accusation—only quiet honesty.

Minutes later, he placed a steaming cup before her.

"No sugar."

She looked up in surprise.

"How did you know?"

"You don't take sugar."

"You investigated me that thoroughly?"

"I investigate everything."

Kate took a sip.

It was exactly how she liked it.

A faint smile escaped her lips before she could stop it.

Waytt noticed.

For the first time in years, he found himself wanting to smile back.

Instead, they sat together in comfortable silence, two strangers sharing tea in the middle of the night, unaware that the first fragile thread connecting their hearts had already begun to form.

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