{ Andrea in her outfit above } { Andrea's POV }

We arrive to Ander's mansion in Greece, that use to be Artemis's. I still consider it to be home, a place I feel safe and have so many memories, so my body relaxes a little when we arrive.

Ander and Roslyn greet us at the door.

"Samuele you are the last to arrive, come with me to the study. Chan, Nicolás, and Andrei are already in there. The rest of you can follow Roslyn. It's good to see you again, Andrea." Ander says

"You too." I reply as Donte, Chelsea, and I follow Roslyn through to the dinning hall where everyone else is. Vlad is sitting beside Charlotte, then it's who I'm assuming to be Isabel, then to my surprise Isla, and Luis.

Everyone looks our way when we enter, and everyone gives funny looks directed towards Chelsea. I almost feel bad for her.. I did say almost.

"They finally arrived." Roslyn says

I feel my lip twitch up because I almost smile. I love her attitude, I'm glad Ander has her. Isla stands up, walks to me, and hugs me. I gladly hug her back, I've missed a lot her.

"Do they treat you good?" I ask in a whisper

"They are very kind, respectful, generous..and trustworthy." She answers back in a whisper

When we pull back she wears a warm smile until Chelsea comes up to us. Isla goes sit back down, and Chelsea whispers in my ear facing backwards so no one can see her lips.

"That isn't appropriate. What do you think Samuele would say about it?" She whispers in my ear while she's grabbing my arm tightly.

I make sure my face stays blank. I know Donte who is behind me heard it very clearly... I can see everyone's eyes on us but I don't pay them any mind. This is it. Maybe it's being back here or seeing Isla again but I feel as if I be myself again. This is where me getting my life back starts.

"I don't really care." I reply back to her while making eye contact as I pull my arm out of hers, and then walk away.

"I need the wives to come with me." Roslyn suddenly says

Isabel and Charlotte stand up from the table.. and Chelsea opens her mouth like the disrespectful and untrained person she is.

"Why?" Chelsea questions rudely

In that moment everyone looks at Chelsea as if she is dirt. I wouldn't call her dirt myself, but she's certainly stupid.

"I don't believe that is any of your business." Roslyn replies strongly

"I'm married to Donte." Chelsea lies

"Like hell she is." Donte says quieter but I know Roslyn heard him.

"We both know that's a lie. Now sit down and show some respect before something happens that you might regret." Roslyn commands

The roll of basically being the mafia queen fits Roslyn.

Chelsea and Donte go sit down with Isla, Vlad, and Luis. Roslyn takes me by the arm so I'm side by side with her as she leads me, Isabel, and Charlotte upstairs into my favorite room. The bar. I helped Artemis redecorate it when I lived here. It's still my favorite.

————

In the bar room Roslyn shuts the door behind us and says "This wasn't planned, but I got the feeling that it was needed."

None of us say a thing.

"Andrea, you've been married to Samuele for over a year now, and I've only seen you a couple of times. The only thing I know about you outside of who you are married to, is that you use to live here with Artemis and that Isla was your maid." Roslyn says

And I nod letting her know I'm listening..

"What is going on?" She asks

"What do you mean?" I reply with a question while trying to play coy

She sends me a 'are you serious?' look.

"Why is Isla with Nicolás?" She asks me

I'm not going to lie to her. That's not something I will ever do to her or Ander. I may hold back the truth but I won't lie to their faces.

"To protect her." I answer simply

"Who is the red head?" Roslyn asks

"Chelsea Clark, Samuele's traveling whore. She's from America, but tends to live in the mansion with us, and goes wherever he goes." I answer

Charlotte makes a slight gasp sound. "I guessed it." Isabel mumbles and Roslyn nods

"And who are you really? I've tried to find out from a million different sources and I can't find a thing." Roslyn questions

"That's a complicated question." I reply

"Uncomplicate it for me." Roslyn says

"I'd rather not. At least for right now." I reply trying to be polite

It's quiet until surprisingly shy and quiet Charlotte speaks and blows me away.

"Can I talk to her alone?" Charlotte asks them

Neither Isabel or Roslyn move but then she says "Please it's important."

Roslyn and Isabel nod then walk out standing outside the door. Leaving Charlotte and I alone. I'm not sure why though.

"Before I met and married Andrei, I was arranged to be married, only to be sex trafficked in Russia. I was raped, and abused..I only got out because Anderi found me, and saved me. I was broken, and sometimes I still feel that way. Like I'm stuck shattered on the ground in a corner somewhere, and no one can see me.. I know that look that you hold behind your eyes. It's where your on the edge of breaking down, but you're so determined to not give up the fight..I see it every morning when I look in the mirror." Charlotte says

I look at the ground and take a deep breath.

"You don't have to tell me anything, but I thought you should know that I see you, and I understand." Charlotte tells me softly

"You're right. I can't deny that. I'm broken sometimes I think beyond repair. No one outside of Isla, and myself knows just how much." I tell her

"I haven't known them for long, but I know that they are trustworthy, and that this is a safe place. Even if it doesn't seem like it." Charlotte says

I nod as Charlotte opens the door for Roslyn and Isabel to come back in. They shut the door behind them and then look at me.

"I'm not going to tell you everything, and I'm not going to apologize for that.. but I will tell you that I'm stuck in a marriage I was forced into." I say

Then I take a deep breath and continue.

"I will tell you that Samuele is a bastard. He's a liar, and a cheat ; he knows no loyalty. I'll tell you that even outside of the way he has treated me — that he doesn't deserve an ounce of respect or loyalty from anyone... and he isn't worthy of being the Don in Italy." I tell them

"Why do I feel like there is something you are holding back?" Roslyn asks me

"There's a lot but I've decided that I want to make a deal with Ander. I'll tell him some important information, if he gets me out of this marriage. He's the only one who can." I tell Roslyn

The three girls observe me for a while, and then Roslyn nods.

"I'll go find him." Roslyn says as she walks out of the room to go find Ander.

Here's the start of me fighting back for my freedom.

I have no idea what I'll do when I get it.

But I'm getting back.