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I also need to do it fast, since I'm sure Marcello will eventually figure out it was me who stole her from the church, and he'll come after me—guns blazing.

It's the reason I'd chosen this location, since it's far enough from New York to not give him any ideas, but it's also a place I know Sisi's been in love with for a long time.

Admittedly, I only know this piece of information because I've been monitoring her entire internet presence from day one, often shadowing her movements on the web to understand her better—her likes and dislikes.

When I'd seen that she'd saved multiple pictures of this location, including some of the city, I'd immediately put an offer for the place, intending to surprise her.

Alas, the surprise seems to have fallen rather flat, and she wasn't that impressed with me.

At least all my snooping has ensured I have all the knowledge to court her properly this time. She might be upset with me, but I'll do everything in my power to show her I am in earnest.

I've made extensive lists of items that she might enjoy, and with the help of some very insightful articles on the internet on how to court a woman, I'd designed the perfect plan to woo her.

Surely, at leastsomeof the surprises I have planned should chip away at her distrust.

But even that makes me a little apprehensive, since the first one had already gone so badly.

I turn to look at the desolate gaze of the broken teddy bear and my hope crashes even more in my chest.

And I still have the gigantic bear I'd gotten for her birthday…

She'd not reacted as I expected her to. I thought that since she likes teddy bears so much, an entire legion of them would make her extra happy.

It only made her extra mad.

I should have realized she wouldn't trust my intentions, since I haven't given her much to go off of. From the moment she stepped into this house I just threatened and taunted her, because going on the defensive was so much easier than opening myself to a hell lot of hurt.

But it's not a good strategy.

No, according to online articles, I should try to show her my vulnerable side, not my barbaric one. Of course, all in addition to gifts, compliments, and attention.

I certainly have my work cut out for me if I'm to believe these online gurus. But since I don't plan to give up—not until she forgives me—I have an entire list of things to do that should put her in a more forgiving mood.

Finishing my rather short wallowing session — since I can't afford to lose any precious wooing time — I take a shower and choose my clothing carefully.

One article had specified that I should put effort in my appearance, so I'd spent the entire night online shopping trendy outfits.

Since I'd ventured into the crazy world of online shopping, I'd also ended up getting her many things that women apparently like — perfume, jewelry, handbags and shoes. Andbecause I'd never realized how pricey these things are, I'd had to have a few words with my bank repeatedly throughout the night.

I guess that's what happens when you spend thousands of dollars on clothes.

And while I'm still waiting for those to be delivered, I have another surprise planned for today.

Freshly showered and with a new attire—a fashionable one—I head to the front of the house to receive the custom order I'd placed for chocolate.

After all, every single article mentioned chocolate and that women love it. I also know for sure that Sisi loves sweets, so it should definitely earn me bonus points.

Signing my name on the form, I tug inside the cart full of chocolate treats, including one rather large chocolate fountain.

I quickly install everything in front of her room—an offering to my goddess—and then I wait.

I stare at my watch anxiously, waiting for her to open her bedroom door and see the sea of chocolate I'd laid there.

Right on the dot, she swings the door open, her eyes widening as she takes in my surprise. I watch her expression carefully, hoping to see a positive reaction.

"Seriously?" she asks, rolling her eyes at me and raising her skirt to bypass the chocolate.

I watch stupefied as she leaves the hallway, making her way downstairs.