He Played Dead, I Played the Headlines Chapter 07
I stood by the window, still thinking about the birthday party, when a message from Matteo popped up. His profile picture was a star against a black background.
“The meaning behind that doesn’t need explaining.”
“Let’s applaud the man who’s been stalking Annie’s Instagram on encrypted apps and finally worked up the nerve to message her today.”
I scrolled through his Instagram feed. It was almost all official family updates, with the occasional photo of him working out, skydiving, or flying a helicopter over fjords.
Back in high school, William had far more admirers than Matteo. As the heir to the Valente family, William had always been the center of attention. He reminded me of my philandering father-never far from a scandal or danger.
After Matteo confessed his feelings to me, William basically disappeared from campus. I later heard he’d been sent to Erowe early to take over part of the family business. At the time, I actually felt relieved.
As my relationship with Matteo deepened, the arrangement between my family and the Valentes was quietly dropped.
But now, the live comments were saying that if I didn’t reply to William, he would turn evil. They even said he wanted to lock me away somewhere. And that last night…
I couldn’t bring myself to associate those words with the young man I once knew.
My parents had invited prominent figures from every industry to my birthday party.
After I finished playing a piece on the piano, applause erupted, along with whispers.
“So, that’s Annie? She’s even more beautiful than the rumors. She looks better than many celebrities.”
“Didn’t her fiance just die? How is she holding up so well?”
Comments came in on the live chat.
“The background character dialogue in this story feels outdated.”
“I agree. Do people really talk like this?”
“Am I the only one who thinks Annie is way out of Matteo’s league? How did she even fall for him in the first place?”
After stepping off the stage, I spotted Tony in the crowd. I was certain that my parents wouldn’t have invited him. I had no idea how he got in.
He waved at me. “Mrs. Cassimo.”
I walked over. “You don’t have to call me that. I haven’t married Matteo yet.”
“Alright,” Tony replied helplessly. “Yesterday, while sorting through Don Cassimo’s belongings, I realized that he had prepared a birthday gift for you in advance. I thought you should have it.”
He handed me an elegant gift box, with a card that read, “To the one I love the most.”
I knew Matteo well enough to tell immediately that he hadn’t written that.
More comments appeared.
“Geez! Matteo is pulling this, too? Annie’s not going to fall for it and forgive him, is she?”
“Sorting belongings? Please! What belongings does Matteo have? He gave everything to his mistress. He must’ve bought that last minute.”
I looked away indifferently, gesturing toward the pile of gifts stacked in the corner, and said, “Got it,/Leave it over there.”
Tony froze. “It’s a gift from Don Cassimo. Aren’t you going to open it, Ms. Morello?”
“There are too many gifts. I can’t open them all right now. The housekeeper will make a list later. Don’t worry.
As I walked away, he reported everything to Matteo. “Don Cassimo, Ms. Morello doesn’t seem interested in your gift.”
Matteo replied, “How is that possible? Annie loves me so much. She probably didn’t open it because she didn’t want to get emotional and cry. It would be too embarrassing in front of everyone.”
“You understand Ms. Morello so well, Don Cassimo. But there’s something else. I found out that this party may look like a birthday party, but Ms. Morello’s father is actually looking for a marriage alliance. Should you come back earlier? If someone else gets her first, it might be too late for you.”
“That won’t happen,” Matteo said. “Annie hates arranged marriages. She despises the kind of relationship her parents have. She won’t agree to an arranged marriage. Help me keep an eye on things. I’ll be back early next month.”
Looking at the hung-up phone call, Tony sighed.
Mom came over and took my hand. “You’re our only daughter. One day, you’ll have to manage the family affairs.”
Then, she glanced at William. “Annie, I understand you don’t want to marry someone you don’t love. But your father and I trust William’s character. If you married him, it would also greatly benefit our family.”
I didn’t refuse this time. “Mom, I don’t have any objections. It depends on what William thinks.”
Mom was taken aback by how easily I agreed.
I used to believe in love, and I wanted to marry for love. But I had forgotten that even though love exists, it also changes in an instant.
Because of my family, I had enjoyed a life of luxury for many years, and I had also had many opportunities. And now, with rising forces threatening our position, the Valente family was the best possible choice.
As for love, it didn’t seem that important anymore.
I sighed and looked at the live chat.
“I’ll be damned. Annie has finally snapped out of her love-addled brain.”
“Does she have to get married? Can’t she just stay single?”
“Marriage isn’t so bad. Men are all the same. She might as well pick one with wealth and power. Plus, William is hot and has abs. In the original story, he’s obsessed with Annie. Getting married to him and sharing a bed with him won’t be the worst thing.”
Across the room, William stood in a sharp suit, looking every bit like a refined heir. His father spoke to him briefly
before the two of them walked over. “I haven’t wished you a happy birthday yet, Annie.”
I smiled and clinked glasses with him. “Thank you.”
After the formalities between the families, Mr. Valente nudged William forward. “The future is in the hands of your generation. You two should talk.”
In the hotel garden, William and I walked to a quieter spot. As we chatted, the conversation eventually turned to marriage.
He said, “If you don’t like me, you don’t have to agree to this arrangement.”
A comment came in on the live chat.
“Who is he trying to kid? ‘You don’t have to agree?’ He’s probably already thinking about locking her up if she
refuses.”
I paused, then smiled and held out my hand. “I don’t dislike you. If the arranged marriage is with you, I’m willing to accept it.”
William lowered his gaze and took my hand. The next second, he gently pulled me into his arms.
Behind us, camera shutters clicked rapidly.
Close to my ear, his voice sounded, “Ms. Morello, since we’re partnering up, consider this a show of good faith.”
