by Serena Light
And then she never spoke.
Not a single word until he would get up to leave for work.
That would be the time she would stand up with him, regardless of having eaten or finished breakfast and she'd hand him all his necessary things, helped him put on his blazer before wishing him a good day at work.
According to the guards and maids, Nicole cleaned their room when he was at his company: Armamentarium Incorporate. But not only did she clean their room from top to bottom, but she also did his laundry and would put out an outfit for him in case he wanted to change before handling the Mafia dealings.
She was always waiting downstairs for him to get home from his company, and bid him a "welcome back" before taking his things to their bedroom and asking him if he needed anything. Be it lunch, drinks, clothes, shoes, anything. Rarely would he tell her a glass of water, but other than that, nothing more.
While he dealt with the Mafia, Nicole did her errands, going shopping, getting groceries, taking the dogs out to the park or a spa, sometimes even met with old friends, none of whom knew she had gotten married. Then she would get home and personally make dinner herself, effectively leaving the maids useless.
And no matter how late he would come back into the room after a day of working, she was always awake. Be it 10 p.m., or 12 a.m., or 2 a.m. she was awake. She would try to massage his feet when he would settle down in bed, and he always stopped her, not particularly enjoying that gesture.
It took Salvatore less than two days to realize, she was there for his every beck and call, and he hated it. He even noticed that she hated it, too, yet he couldn't understand why she did it.
He had let it go on for one and a half-week, not sure how to bring it up to her, but now he had enough.
"Nicole," He called out to her in the morning when she stood in her walk-in closet, dressed in a vintage cream dress with a round neckline and a form-fitted bodice, fixing her make up before the mirror.
"You're done with your work-out early," She noted, pulling away from the reflection. "I'll have breakfast ready in 5 minutes," His wife smiled at him complacently before beginning to make her way towards the door, Salvatore halting her by grabbing her forearm.
"Do you enjoy this?" He asked her calmly, letting her go.
"Enjoy what?" Nicole feigned ignorance.
"This...trophy wife persona, because you don't seem the type of person who would want to be there for her husband's every beck and call,"
"Why would I? You're my husband, it's my duty to be there to take care of you, no matter what you need," She spoke the words as if though they had been rehearsed, something which caused Salvatore to feel even more disturbed. "Is there something you need?"
"Yes,"
"What can I get for you?"
"Stop this,"
"Pardon?"
"Stop this." Salvatore took a step away from her. "Stop trying to be someone you're not. You're not meant to stay at home and massage my feet after a long day. I don't want you trying to be a dutiful obedient wife to me because that not what I want, I want an individual person. There are maids here to make my breakfast and dinner and lunch, and clean the room and do the laundry. You don't have to do them, so stop forcing yourself to," He began making his way to the bath, ready to shower and get dressed for the day, leaving Nicole to stand stunned.
When he stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist, he wasn't even remotely taken aback to see Nicole seated on the bench in his closet, seemingly having been waiting for him.
"If I don't do this," She spoke, keeping her gaze on his face and watched him walk over to his closet, pulling open the glass door to pick out his suit. "What do you expect me to do?"
"I expect you to make good use of your degree," He stated, momentarily looking over his shoulder at her, as she diverted her gaze, hearing the towel drop followed by the rustling of fabric after a minute. "You're an MIT graduate, are you not?"
"Yes,"
"Computer sciences, was it?"
"Software engineering,"
"Ah, why don't you find something to do in that field?"
"Like...a job?" She questioned, watching him shrug on the white button-up.
"Exactly like a job," He buttoned his shirt before tucking it into his open black dress pants. "It will give you something to do from nine to six, and then most of your time at home will be spent dealing with things that are pending. Or make friends, go out with them, just stop trying to force yourself to do something you don't want to,"
"What makes you think I don't want to do this?" Nicole raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest as she watched him fix his black tie before the mirror.
Looking at her from over his shoulder, he walked towards her, leaning down so that his hands rested on either side of her on the bench, effectively caging her as she inconspicuously leaned back.
"If you've forgotten, this was an arranged marriage which took place just one and a half month ago." He spoke slowly. "You can't possibly develop feelings for me in that time which compel you to do all this for me. So stop acting and do what makes you feel like you. Rhea's not here to scold you or put you in time out," He stepped away, Nicole looking at him with wide eyes as to how he knows.
Shrugging on the grey waistcoat, he buttoned it before pulling on his gun holster, settling his guns in before wearing the black blazer, fixing the collar. Running a hand through his hair, he settled his damp tresses and slipped his feet into the black polished shoes.
"You're not your mother, Nicole," He sprayed on his cologne. "Best not to be someone you're not,"
Not only three days after having him told her to stop being someone she's not, Nicole set out to find a job.
Salvatore had slept amazingly when he woke up at 5:30 and stretched before stepping out of bed, making his way towards the washroom before catching sight of the walk-in-closet lights on. Making his way there, he rubbed his eyes sleepily before looking in, finding Nicole seated on the floor with her laptop open before her and files littering the floor around her with a blanket draped over her shoulders.
"Pulled an all-nighter?" He asked, his voice huskier than usual. The suddenness of his voice having Nicole jump up in surprise before looking up to see her husband leaning against the doorway, his black hair an unruly mess with her eyes hooded with sleep and his posture relaxed.
"Oh, no, not really," Nicole looked away, mentally realizing how cute he looked all ruffled up. "I woke up very early and decided to just do some research into my job offers,"
"Mhmm," He nodded with a yawn before going to the washroom to freshen up.
When he left to work out, and when he came back, even when he showered and got dressed, Nicole had still been in the same position he had left her. Having changed into a two-piece grey suit with a dark purple button-up and black paisley silk tie, Salvatore had been looking down at his phone as he began walking away, ready to go down for breakfast, but stopped mid-step, blankly staring at his phone before biting his lower lip in thought.
Retracing his steps, he stood before her walk-in-closet.
"Nicole?" He stepped forward, watching her rub her eyes before typing away on her laptop.
"Yeah?" She inquired, still typing.
"Come on," He cocked his head towards the door, his wife looking up at him before rubbing her eyes.
"Where?" She inquired, taking hold of the hand he held out to her, standing up and allowing the blanket to fall off, exposing the blue cookie monster jersey tank top she had on with matching shorts.
"Breakfast,"
Just as he said it, her stomach grumbled loudly, forcing Nicole to blush as her husband shook his head with a soft chuckle. Walking out of the closet with her hand in his, she had to marvel how firm his hands were, calloused, hard but gently holding hers. She was brought out of her reverie when he pulled away, opening the door for her before she stepped out, waiting to follow after him.
"So where did you apply for a job?" Salvatore inquired as they walked down the stairs
, his hands slipped into his slacks pockets while she fiddled with her fingers.
"Multiple places actually," Nicole informed, telling him about the companies that agreed to meet with her today and tomorrow. While she spoke, it momentarily occurred to her what a sight it must be, both of them walking down the stairs; him dressed in an immaculate suit and polished dress shoes with her in blue shorts and tank-top paired with a pair of flax home slippers, the realization having her freeze for a moment as he stopped just a step ahead of her.
"What?"
"Uh...Armamentarium," She covered up her faltering. "That's yours right?"
"Yes." Her husband nodded, beckoning for her to keep walking. "That is my company, why do you ask?"
"I got an interview offer from there," Nicole revealed as they made their way to the sunroom.
"It's best that you reject," He walked ahead of her, the sunlight momentarily blinding her before she followed and sat across him.
"Why?"
"Because it's a weapons manufacturing company, Nicole," Salvatore bit into his pastry. "Not much of software designing going on there,"
"I'm no stranger to weapons,"
"I'm not saying you are,"
She wanted to ask if this was his 'don't interfere in my work' policy, but thought better of it. Instead, she opted to eat her breakfast in silence, not having realized how hungry she had been. He finished before her, granted that he ate much less, and stood up from his place, dusting his hand before buttoning his blazer.
"Best of luck with your interviews," He spoke in farewell, giving her a curt nod as she had her mouth full of pastry.
"Go beat some ass!" Nicole swallowed and shouted after him as he was about to walk out the door. His step faltered as he looked at his guard to his right, silently asking him if she had just said that; and by the smile the man was trying to hide, he knew he wasn't hearing things.
"Will...do?" He responded uncertainly, turning to look over his shoulder at the self-satisfied smile she had sported on her lips.
Nicole ended up getting the managerial position in the building opposite his, their working places were actually so close that Salvatore could see her office from the corner of his tenth floor. She had been so excited to get the job, that the moment they accepted her, she had thanked them before rushing across the street and into his building, startling a few people as she took the elevator up. Barging into his office, she found him talking on the phone before ending the call to see her. Nicole tackled him in a hug, squealing and telling him how she got a job and how happy she is about it, leaving the building's security and Salvatore's personal assistant to stand in the doorway with gaping mouths. Dismissing them with a wave of his hand, Salvatore had smiled and ruffled her hair, congratulating her.
She was quick to make friends and even quicker to become occupied during the day.
Salvatore didn't mind as long as he was informed of where she was, something which mostly her guards did. Her social escapades had begun to drag on later and later into the night, and for some odd reason, Salvatore found himself checking in on her almost every hour after nine.
Today was different.
He had been in their room at ten and got dressed for bed, realizing that Nicole hadn't returned as of yet. He messaged her, asking about her whereabouts before settling down to read a book. When he checked his phone one chapter later, his eyebrows furrowed to see she hadn't responded. Texting her two more times, he waited before finally calling her, waiting for her to pick up, but when she didn't he called her guards, receiving the same radio silence. He tried to assure himself that he was just overreacting and that she was alright and that maybe they were in a basement.
He tried calling again after half an hour of pacing, groaning when she didn't pick up, and neither did her guards. Gritting his teeth, Salvatore pulled on a random pair of shoes before grabbing his car keys, checking the GPS locator of her car before typing in the directions.
Arriving at the apartment complex, the Mafia Boss stepped out with his jaw clenched, his teeth audibly gritted when he found the guards smoking by the car. Walking over to them, the two choked on the smoke at his sight before they threw away the cigarettes.
"Boss," One of them coughed behind his hand.
"Where is she," He asked calmly.
"Apartment 203, floor 3." He informed, lowering his head in shame. "Arlo's apartment, sir,"
Stalking into the apartment building, he took the elevator up, his guards taking the second elevator before they arrived at the third floor. Making his way down the hallway, he found the apartment he was looking for, banging his fist onto the wooden structure as he heard laughter ring from inside, a young man in his mid-twenties with curly brown hair and bright eyes opened it, smiling widely at him.
"Can I help you?" He chuckled.
Pushing him to the side, the guy cried out in indignation, being grabbed by the guards when he tried to stop Salvatore from walking inside.
Following the sound of laughter, he found himself standing in the lounge where there were three more boys, each of them with a bottle of beer in their hands and laughing with two girls sitting on the couch, Nicole being one of them with a wine glass in her hand.
"Arlo-" Nicole started to speak, looking up before her words froze in her throat at the sight of her husband standing before her as her face paled at the poker face he greeted her with.
"Where is your phone?" He asked her calmly, the entire congregation falling silent at the new voice, all of them looking up at the stranger standing before them. "Where is your phone, Nicole?" He asked again causing her to wince.
"It's...uh...here," She spoke meekly, rummaging in her bag and cursing when she couldn't find it. "Oh! It's charging in Arlo's room!" She recalled.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"I-"
"Hey, buddy," One of the guys stood up as Nicole held her breath when he placed a hand on Salvatore's chest. "What are you bugging Arlo's lady for?"
"Arlo's lady?" Salvatore inquired with a raised eyebrow, looking back at the shocked expression on his wife's face. "You have no idea who I am, do you?"
"Does it matter, leave her alone," He began to say, ready to push him out but froze upon his next words.
"I'm Nicole's husband," He stated, the man freezing before him and staring up at him. "Now get your hand off me before I break it off," Instantly he stumbled back, cowering away from the glare he was giving him.
"Grab your things, we're leaving," Salvatore redirected his words to his wife who winced at the dirty look he passed the rest of the people seated around the lounge before walking out.
Embarrassed and angry at his actions, Nicole gathered her things before falling after him, giving Arlo an apologetic look when he pulled away from her guards, the men holding him back when he tried to approach her.
Rushing after Salvatore, she slipped into the elevator before it could close, momentarily standing silently beside him.
"You had no right to do that," Nicole found herself saying, knowing that it was the amount of alcohol she had consumed. "You embarrassed me,"
"Oh! And how about how worried sick you had me?" He demanded from her calmly. "You weren't responding to your texts or calls, nor were your guards, it's midnight, and what was I supposed to think, huh?"
"You didn't have to create a scene!"
"I did not create a scene,"
"Please! You had Manuel and Thomas restrain the owner of that apartment, then threatened Carlo! You embarrassed me in front of all my friends-!" She exclaimed as they stepped out of the elevator and made their way across the street.
"Are you in love with either one of them?" He stopped in the middle of the road and looked at her with ice blue eyes as her words froze in her throat. "Or any of the other two boys in that room?"
"No! Don't be stupid!"
"Then stop being so greedy for social acceptance," Salvatore pulled open the car door for her. "You're not a child, so stop acting like one," He gestured for her to
get in.
Gritting her teeth, she shook her head.
"No, I don't want to go back with you," Nicole stated, and resisted from wincing when he slammed the car door shut.
"Manuel," He called across the street, the guard stopping by the car and looking up. "Get her in the car," The Mafia Boss pointed to Nicole, watching him walk over to her before he got behind the wheel of his black BMW I8 and drove off, leaving her to stand there.
Her guard gestured for her to get in the car as she settled in the back of the Range Rover, staring out at the scenery, not understanding what she should feel at this moment. Angry at Salvatore for what he did or guilty for having pushed him to that place.
When the car pulled up in the porch, Salvatore's BMW was standing there.
Sighing, Nicole made her way inside, the interior of the estate dimly lit. Pulling off her heels, she made her way up the stairs before entering their bedroom, finding it vacant of her husband's presence with the bed ruffled. Deciding to take a shower to calm down, she closed the door behind her. Getting changed into a black oversized sleeping shirt and shorts, she stepped out, expecting to see Salvatore in the room but was confused when he wasn't.
Picking up her phone, she dialed his number and held it to her ear, hearing his ringtone coming from the balcony before he declined the call. Making her way to the balcony, she pushed back the curtains, seeing him leaning against the railing and looking down.
Stepping out, she came to stand beside him, both of them silent for a while.
"I will let you do whatever you want, go out wherever you want to, with whomever as long as you follow two simple rules," Salvatore held up two fingers. "One, your guards will be there with you at all times, and two, you keep your phone on you. That is all I ask,"
"Okay," She nodded, rubbing her arms and watched him pull away from the railing, exhaling heavily before making his way back into the room. Taking a moment to compose herself, Nicole followed after him, finding him lying in bed, his gaze turned away from her side and his lamp turned off.