Chapter 10: Ended my career!
Sara had her eyes shut tightly when she felt the slap never landed on her cheek. And as she opened her eyes, she saw Luca standing right behind her.
Before she could comprehend, Luca shoved Adam away, not caring for his age. He staggered, barely caught by his secretary.
"How dare—" Adam’s words were cut short as Luca interrupted him, now standing before Sara.
"How dare you, Adam Falcone? You can’t slap my wife standing in my estate. Just because you’re my wife’s father, doesn’t mean I am going to give you respect. If you don’t want to lose your face, don’t ever show up here. I don’t give respect to those who dishonor me and the people who belong to me," Luca pronounced in a stern and intimidating tone.
"Now, leave my sight before I’ve to ask the security to throw you out," Luca said.
Adam swallowed the humiliation he faced and entered his car along with his secretary. Within seconds, the car drove off, leaving both Luca and Sara behind in silence.
He finally turned to look at Sara, who was standing with a pale expression on her face. "You haven’t even dried your hair. Let’s go in," Luca said and ascended the stairs.
"Why did you do it? You returned the company to my father after trapping me in this contract marriage with you! I can’t believe you are such a pathetic man. I not only hate you, but I just feel disgusted toward you," she muttered and ran inside.
Before she could lock the door from inside, Luca stopped her and pushed the door open.
"Leave! I don’t want to even look at your face," Sara screamed. Then, grabbing him by the collar, she continued, "Why did you marry me using my weakness? Because of you my relationship with my father ended. I was so foolish to come asking for your help. You not only trapped me with you, but ended my career too!"
Then, taking a step away, she licked her dry lips.
"You never told me your father held the chairmanship of the company secretly," Luca said with a scrutinizing gaze. "You think I profited from this deal. Instead, I made a loss thanks to you."
"You’re still talking about profit?" Sara shouted, pointing to herself. "What about my life, Luca? What about me? Why do I even expect anything else from the man who has always been cold, heartless. Just stay away from me, or I swear I’ll murder you!"
"Then be ready to rot in prison after you try!" Luca snapped, his temper flaring too. "Do you think I forgot? I should’ve let you face prison for siphoning funds under your name. Your father was right to throw you out, you’re too blinded by pride to admit you can ever be wrong."
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Sara cried, covering her ears with both hands. She turned away, her body trembling as her breath came in sharp and uneven bursts.
Sara’s vision blurred, cold sweat trickling down her temples as weakness spread through her entire body. Her hands slipped helplessly to her sides, her eyelids growing heavy until darkness consumed her.
Luca noticed the sudden falter and rushed forward, catching her just before she collapsed. "Hey, Sara! Don’t pretend to faint again," he muttered sharply, patting her cheek. In the past, she had pulled this trick whenever she wanted to escape an argument.
But when she didn’t respond, he panicked.
Without wasting another second, Luca scooped her into his arms and carried her swiftly to the bed. Gently laying her down, he pulled out his phone and called the doctor.
Shortly after, the doctor arrived.
"Luca, what happened?" Marco asked, pausing at the doorway.
"Come in, Marco. My wife fainted earlier, get her checked," Luca replied, his voice taut as he sat on the mattress beside Sara.
Marco hurried over, setting down his briefcase and pulling it open. "You should step aside," he instructed.
Luca immediately moved to give him space, watching intently as Marco examined Sara.
After lowering his stethoscope and unstrapping the blood pressure cuff, Marco straightened slightly. "Her blood pressure is low, so is the sugar, and she’s exhausted. Has she not been eating properly?"
"Well, she didn’t eat last night," Luca admitted. "She said she was full."
"You should have made sure she ate something. Don’t tell me you two are still fighting like cat and mouse," Marco remarked as he packed the instruments back into his briefcase.
"Why would we fight?" Luca muttered under his breath.
"Hey, come on! I know why you married her. It’s no secret to anyone who knows the two of you, how you always used to fight. Honestly, when I suddenly received the invitation to your wedding, I was shocked," Marco said with a shake of his head.
He reached for the glucose bottle and glanced around for the stand. Looking at the tall lamp at the far end, he said, "Pass me that. I need to hang this bottle."
"Sure." Luca brought it closer to the bed. Marco hooked the bottle securely before inserting the line into Sara’s hand.
"Make sure it finishes. Then, I’ll come back to remove it," Marco stated.
"Sure. Thanks, dude," Luca replied.
"Hey, you’re married now. Don’t treat her the way you used to in the past," Marco advised, holding the briefcase.
"What do you mean by that?" Luca arched a brow, irritation flashing across his face.
"You know exactly what I mean, Luca," Marco said firmly. "You’ve always been arrogant, and you never knew how to talk to girls. I suppose it’s the same now. But Sara is your wife now. You need to be gentle with her. And it’s written all over your face that you two fought before she fainted."
With that, Marco walked away, adding, "I’m your best friend, Luca. I know more about you than you know about yourself."
Luca chuckled under his breath and lowered himself to the bed. His gaze softened as he looked at Sara. "You still get on my nerves," he whispered.
Then, picking up his phone, he called Fabio, his secretary. "Cancel all the meetings scheduled for today. I’m not coming to the office," Luca said.