One Night Mistake… Now I Carry the Mafia Heir

Chapter 56: 56/The War in the Dining Hall

Chapter 56

Stephanie’s Point of View

Golden threads of sunlight filtered through the curtains to wake me gently. I opened my eyes slowly, and the first thing I did was turn toward the sofa, but Alex wasn’t there. I sighed deeply and sat up in bed, my body covered only by my thin underwear. At that moment, the silence of the room was broken by the sound of flowing water coming from behind the bathroom door; he was in there.

I walked cautiously toward the wardrobe, pulled out my robe, and wrapped it around my body quickly. Suddenly, there were soft knocks on the door. My body stiffened, and I felt a prickle of fear in my chest... was it Cedric? I approached the door and asked in a tone I tried to keep steady: "Who is it?"

"The maid, madam," a soft female voice replied.

I breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door slightly. "Good morning," I said.

"Good morning, madam," she replied respectfully. "Breakfast is ready; Mr. Victor is waiting for you downstairs."

"Alright, we’ll be down shortly," I answered calmly.

I closed the door and turned around, only for my breath to hitch. Alex had just stepped out of the bathroom, a white towel wrapped only around his waist. Droplets of water were still clinging to his skin, sliding slowly over his prominent chest muscles, making my heart pound violently despite myself. Damn it... get a grip, Stephanie. Remember he deceived you with your sister!

"Good morning," he said in a calm, masculine voice.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I felt a wave of anger sweep over me, and I rushed toward the bathroom to escape his gaze. Once I locked the door behind me, I shed my robe and stood under the spray of cold water, trying to extinguish the heat that had surged through my body and reminding myself that I must never weaken.

A short while later, I put on my bathrobe and began drying my hair with the wall-mounted dryer. I looked around thoughtfully; the bathroom was vast, larger than my previous room, featuring a luxurious jacuzzi... Who would have thought you’d live in such luxury, Stephanie? But it is luxury without happiness.

I exited the bathroom to find Alex dressed in an elegant grey suit that highlighted his height and broad shoulders. He was sitting with dignity on the sofa. "Do you feel alright today?" he asked, his eyes following my movement.

I simply nodded without looking at him. I headed toward the wardrobe and pulled out a pristine white dress that reached my knees... Am I not a bride? Then I shall wear white. A faint, mocking smile flickered on my lips as I looked at the dress, then I grabbed clean underwear and moved to return to the bathroom.

Alexander’s voice stopped me, his tone tinged with surprise: "Are you going to get dressed inside the bathroom?"

"Certainly," I said sharply, clutching the clothes to my chest. "Don’t think I’m going to dress out here!"

He raised an eyebrow in disapproval. "Why not?"

"You’re insane!" I replied, stunned by his insolence.

"I’ve seen you naked several times, Steph," he said coldly, leaning back against the sofa.

"You saw me; that was in the past," I said, heading for the door with quick steps. "The present is entirely different."

I entered the bathroom, put on my white dress carefully, and applied a few touches of makeup. If I was to establish myself in this palace, I had to look strong and steady; I couldn’t remain a broken little girl. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and stepped out. When Alex saw me, his eyes widened in obvious shock. "You look very beautiful," he said.

I ignored his compliment and walked to the vanity. I put on my jewelry, then stood before the large mirror. Alex approached and stood directly behind me, whispering to my reflection: "All this beauty is going to give me a heart attack."

I looked into his eyes through the mirror. "Is that what you used to say to my sister too?" I asked bitterly.

His features changed instantly, his smile vanishing to be replaced by a stony gaze. "I didn’t say anything to her."

"Let’s go down," I said coldly, moving away from him. "Your grandfather is waiting for us for breakfast."

I opened the door and walked out, descending the stairs with confident steps as Alex followed me in silence. We headed to the lounge where the large table was set, and Mr. Victor sat with his usual imposing presence at the head. "Good morning," I said with dignity.

"Good morning, my daughter," he replied in a tender tone.

"Good morning, Grandfather," Alex said.

"Good morning... sit," Victor answered briefly.

Alex walked over and pulled out the chair for me politely. I sat, and he sat beside me. "Are you alright?" the grandfather asked with concern.

"I’m fine," I said.

"Eat your breakfast," he commanded.

I began eating with an appetite; my twins were making me feel an irresistible hunger, so I finished my entire plate. Suddenly, the grandfather called out: "Alexander."

"Yes," Alex replied.

Mr. Victor pulled a velvet box from his pocket and presented it to him, saying sternly: "Put this on your wife."

Alex opened the box to reveal a stunning ring with a breathtaking blue emerald. Alex froze in his place. "This is my mother’s ring!" he said in disbelief.

"Yes," his grandfather replied. "And now it will belong to your wife."

I felt a slight shiver. His mother’s ring? Where was she? But Alex didn’t give me time to think; he slowly took my hand and slipped the ring onto my finger.

At that moment, a mocking applause rang out. I raised my head to see Cedric approaching us with a provocative smile, clapping his hands. "Congratulations to the newlyweds!"

"Cedric, not again," Mr. Victor said with annoyance.

"What, Grandfather?" Cedric replied defiantly. "Do you think I’ll just accept this marriage and act as if nothing happened?"

"Cedric!" Alexander growled warningly.

But Cedric didn’t stop. He stepped closer. "You told me yesterday she’s your wife... did you really believe that? You’re only her husband because I couldn’t cancel my engagement!"

I was shocked by his words, my hand freezing on the table as he continued crazily: "Grandfather, Stephanie will be Alexander’s wife on paper (Marriage on Paper), but she won’t sleep with him in that room..."

He then added in a tone overflowing with possession, looking at me intensely:

"She will sleep in my room... because she is the mother of my children!"