>>>ARETHA'S DRESS
I hate this.
As its probably public knowledge by now, I've never cared about people's feelings or emotions, but that was until I met my wife. Through her, I was able to open myself up to caring about, and letting in the important people in my life.
So you can imagine how frustrating it is when your always bubbly wife is suddenly off and wont tell you anything about it.It may only be two months since we've known each other, but I'm pretty confident that I know her well enough by now; or at least well enough to know that she's lying to me every time she tells me that she's fine.
Do you want to know what my biggest indicators were? One, she asked to drive herself to work- she's obviously avoiding having to encounter my badgering. Two, I stayed out late at work for no reason whatsoever for three nights, and she didn't even bat an eyelash. Three, she gives us all generic responses.
"Daddy, what's wrong with mummy?" the girls barged into my office. I looked up, not expecting them there before pushing my glasses up.
"What do you mean?" I feigned innocence.
"She's not herself," Calinda huffed, crossing her arms.
"She's under a lot of pressure with everything she's busy with," I invented.
"And you're also lying to a bunch of really smart kids," Caterina said, bemused.
I should've known that wouldn't work.
"Look, I'm as clueless as you are. This is new territory for all of us. We're all used to her being the happy one and now she isn't. I don't know what to do about it," I honestly admitted.
"Obviously! If you did, the problem would've been solved long ago," Caprice rolled her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me young lady," I warned.
"Sorry," she said sincerely.
"I can only promise you guys that I'll try and get it out of her one more time," I offered.
"How are you going to do that?" Camilla asked.
And so I told them.
I shared my big idea with them, and through their excitement, they shared some fantastic ideas as well, and we came up with the ultimate plan. We sat for a good hour strategizing and discussing how the whole thing would go down. We were really hoping it would go well.
"Who brought you here anyway?" I asked them as I walked them out.
"Uncle Joel," they replied just as the man of the hour was coming out of my wife's office. He had a scowl on his face and he shot Bianca a look before looking at the girls.
"Hey girls, please come and help me with something," Bianca told them. They agreed before she dragged them away.
"Ambrosi, what's wrong with Rita?" he asked me seriously.
"You're looking at me like I have something to do with it," I commented as I turned back into my office. He followed, closing the door behind him, before sitting before me.
"Well, do you?" he crossed his arms.
"As overwhelming as your faith in me is, I have nothing to do with her mood. She's been like this for six days now. We were fine until she went back to get something she'd forgotten in the restaurant as we were about to leave. She came back to the car looking as emotionless as she does now," I defended.
"So you really had nothing to do with this?" he asked.
"No Joel, I had nothing to do with it," I deadpanned.
"Then you need to find a way to fix this. A depressed Aretha is depressing for all of us. Even your employees look like they're just living," he pointed out.
It was true.
It took the turnaround in my wife's emotions to see just how much of an impact she's made on everyone, both in my personal and professional life. She brings her sunshine and love to everyone she meets, and right now, it's like we're all blanketed by a cloud of coldness and emptiness.
"I've devised a plan with the girls. They'll tell you all about it since you'll be playing a part in it," I told him.
"I'll do anything for her to stop being so depressed," he sighed.
"Don't worry so much Joel. We're going to get her back, even though I'm pretty sure what's bothering her is one of her demons," I said, running a hand through my hair.
"Well, if anyone can get it out of her, it's you, so don't disappoint us," he chuckled softly.
"I wont," I said determinedly.
We caught up a little and I was surprised to find out that Rhonda still hadn't forgiven him. I wonder what on earth he did to her, because this sure as hell has nothing to do with the name calling incident. There's something more going on here.
Not that I'm willing to investigate since it's not my forte or my business.
"Alright man! I'll see you later," he said as he got up.
"Take care of my children Barclay," I warned.
"Would I ever let harm come to them?" he feigned hurt.
"Just make sure my babies are ok at all times," I narrowed my eyes.
"I'm your best friend Ambrosi. Would you have a little faith?" he rolled his eyes.
"It's not so nice when I don't have any faith in you, is it?" I smirked.
"You're hanging out with your kids too much. You're starting to act like one," he returned the smirk.
"Get out," I scowled.
"Always a pleasure Maestri," he chuckled as he left the office.
The girls returned to hug me goodbye again. I watched from my chair as they looked longingly towards their mother's office, but decided against going towards it. That didn't sit well with me, so I got up and headed there when they were gone.
"I really don't care what has to happen, but I want those paintings in Italy by next week Monday, so you'd better make a plan," she said on the phone.
She did not even registering my presence. She looked frustrated, and her hair was a sure sign that she'd run her hand through it a couple of times already. She didn't notice me walking all the way until I was standing behind her. She was still on the phone and she jumped when I started massaging her shoulders.
"Just get it all done Reece," she groaned before hanging up the phone.
I didn't say anything.
I just kept massaging the knots out of her shoulders. It was clear as day that she was enjoying it. Her eyes were closed, and the noises she was making were enough to make me want to christen her desk.
"Cara mia, you're going to crash and burn soon," I commented.
"Says the man who works fourteen hours a day," she mumbled.
"So you noticed?" I stopped, walking around to face her.
"Was I not supposed to?" she asked, not opening her eyes.
"Well, you're not exactly showing any signs of existence as of late," I pointed out.
"Meaning?" she finally opened her eyes, exhaustion facing me.
"Ever since you went back to the restaurant to get whatever you'd gone to get, you've been off. Everyone can feel it, and even your own children are afraid to approach you," I replied.
That got her attention.
"They are?" she whispered, sitting up.
"They were here a few minutes ago, demanding to know what's wrong with you. I didn't know what to tell them since I've been shut out too. They wouldn't even come to hug you, despite how heartbroken they looked from making that decision," I explained.She looked so guilty that my own heart broke for her.
"I, I can't..." she trailed off.
"I don't know what it is that's got you so shaken, but you can come to me when you're ready to. I just wanted you to know what you bottling up your emotions and shutting us out is doing to us," I said before turning to leave.
"Rafe," she said so softly, I almost didn't hear it. I stopped and turned to look at her, only to have her jump into my arms.I hadn't realized she'd moved that fast.
"Hey, it's ok," I held her as she cried onto my chest.
Thank the heavens I wore a black shirt today.
She didn't say anything, and neither did I. I just let her cry until she couldn't cry anymore. When she'd calmed down, I called Malia in and requested that she call Sven to come and fetch my wife. I didn't want her driving home, and I still had work to do.
"Rafe, I'm fine. I need to-" she started off before I cut her off with a soft kiss.
"You're going home mia moglie, and we're not arguing about this. You're exhausted and clearly emotionally drained. You're going to go home and rest, and I'll attend to you myself when I come home. I love you and I refuse to let you go down this path," I said sternly. She looked up at me with glossy eyes.
"Ok," she nodded with a whisper.
I held her until Sven arrived. He waited for her to make herself presentable again (her wish by the way), before kissing me and then leaving. I asked Malia to handle and rearrange all that she could, and I wasn't all that shocked to learn that my wife wasn't really all that busy.
She was just creating more and more work for herself to distract her from whatever is eating away at her.
I sat in my office for a while, just thinking about when I was like that. I used to drown myself in my work to distract myself from my miserable personal life, and yet now, I find myself wanting to abandon my professional life for my personal one.
I'm not thinking of abandoning my company altogether, but I am looking to spreading some of the major responsibilities that I have. I want to be able to spend time with my family. I've just connected my kids and married the most amazing woman I know.What man wouldn't want to surround himself with such happiness?
"They're ready for you," Bianca's head popped into my office.
"Who is?" I scowled, fixing my glasses.
"The candidates for the competition," she reminded.
"Right!" I said, getting up.
I put my blazer on before following her out.Because of the excellence from this year's candidates, Luigi, Fabius, Joel, Bianca, my wife and I couldn't pick only five candidates for the last round, so we agreed on eight. I was meeting with them to let them know that they'd been chosen to showcase what they can bring to the table.
They were waiting nervously in the boardroom, probably wondering why there were eight of them and not five. As always, I got straight to business, despite the awed looks I received from them. The one candidate, Marielle Galavis, was particularly interested in me more than the company.
"I will see you all back here in three months' time. Miss Agostini will attend to you and give you further information," I told them dismissively. I stood up and walked out of the boardroom, only to have that irritating scent follow me behind.
"Mr Maestri, may I please have a moment with you?" Marielle requested as she barely kept up with my strides.
"You have two minutes," I told her as I walked into my office.
"Sir, I just wanted to personally thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am not only grateful for it, but I am in complete awe of you. You are my idol," she gushed.
"Thank you Miss Galavis. You earned the opportunity. Now, if you'd please see yourself out. I have lots of work to do," I looked up her.
"Right! Uh, thank you once again," she fumbled before basically bolting out of my office.
Strange woman.
She was long forgotten though as I dived back into my work. I wanted to do as much as I could since I had intentions of leaving early. As demanding as my job is, my wife comes first, and she needs me right now, so I had every intention of getting to her as quickly as I could.
"Uh Ambrosi, there's someone here to see you, and she insists she wont leave until she does," Bianca said through the phone.
"Who is she?" I asked.
"She says her name is Katherine Hartley," she replied.
"Any relation to Gerard?" I asked.
"She says she's his daughter," she responded.
"Send her in," I said before hanging up.
I waited before the woman entered my office. She was dressed as elegantly as someone who knows who they are in life and what they want out of it. It wasn't that hard to see that she came from wealth. She's a beautiful woman, but I was more interested in her presence here.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me Raphael," she smiled.
Raphael?
"We're on a first name basis?" I raised an eyebrow at her.
"I'm not here on a business meeting, so I see why not," she shrugged.
Ok then...
"Please be seated Miss Hartley," I gestured to the seat before me.
"Oh no, please call me Kat," she smiled. Her smile reminds me of someone, but I can't put my finger on it.
"What can I do for you Katherine?" I asked.
"They weren't kidding when they said you're stubborn," she laughed. I just shrugged.
"I don't want anything from you Raphael, but I do need to tell you something," she said, her entire expression changing.
"What is it?" I cocked my head to the side.
"It's about my father. He wont tell the truth, so I see fit to do it for him. I'm hoping that you'll be able to better handle the information I have to tell you," she replied.
"What's it pertaining to?" I scowled. She was making it sound like it was some huge thing.
And boy was I right to think so.
By the time she was finished telling me what she'd come to tell me, I was stunned. I mean, I always had my suspicions and all, but I would've never in my wildest dreams come up with what she ended up telling me.
"So, you'll help?" she asked.
"I'll see what I can do. You and I both know that he probably already knows, but it's always safest to confirm these things. I'll see what I find out and then share the information with you. Where can I reach you?" I questioned.
"Oh, I'll be around. I've just bought a house here and I'd like to stick around for some business," she smiled.
"His business?" I frowned.
"Come on now Raphael, I already know that my father intends to hand you his company. That's only possible because I couldn't be bothered with it. I'm more of a creative person than anything. I love baking," she laughed.
"Just like my wife," the smile made its way to my face.
"Just like your wife," she smiled too.
"She's opening up a bakery soon. Do you think you'd be interested in working with her?" I offered. Her whole face lit up.
"I would love that more than anything!" she nodded.
"Alright! I'll get you in touch with her as soon as I can," I informed.
"Thank you Raphael, for this and for everything else that you're going to do," she said sincerely.
"It's my pleasure Katherine. We are, after all, family," I smiled as I got up.
"We're family," she laughed in agreement.I walked her out and returned the hug that she gave me. I could see the questioning looks around, Bianca's included, but I ignored them all. I went back into my office to do some more work before deciding to call it a day.
I have never before left the office before six, so leaving at four had a lot of people puzzled, but I needed to get to my wife. She'd been gone for four hours already. Her car was gone from the parking lot since I'd requested that Sven have it driven back to the house.
I was home in minutes since I'd managed to dodge the beginnings of evening traffic. When I arrived, the girls weren't back yet. They have quite the social life for seven year olds. Anita was sitting in the kitchen by herself when I arrived.
"I need to tell you something," she sighed before I could question anything.
"I already know," I replied. Her eyes widened.
It wasn't that hard to figure out honestly. Ralph and I had already figured it out when we were six already. It's the reason why I have never really questioned why my 'parents' hate me. It was as clear as day.
"You know what exactly?" she asked quietly.
"That you're my biological mother," I said, taking out a glass.
I would need some whiskey if we were finally confronting this truth.
"How?" she scowled.
"Give me a little credit. The girls didn't just get their smarts from thin air. Ralph and I have your eyes and my father's hair. You're the person who named Ralph and I. Mariya hates me because I am not her child. Raoul hates me because he believes Ralph and I are the reasons that his marriage is the way that it is," I explained. She was silent for the longest time.
"I'm sorry," she finally said, tears in her eyes.
"I already forgave you because you didn't abandon us or me for that matter. You've been my mother my entire life. I am however, old enough for you to explain why you had to raise me as my nanny," I turned to face her.
"There was a time when your father wasn't the man he is right now, but Mariya ruined him. Marcia was an unplanned child since Mariya got pregnant with her when she was seventeen. At the time, Raoul and I had just started dating when she came to tell him that she's pregnant. He agreed to raise his child, but not together with her as he wanted to be with me. Mariya wasn't happy with that arrangement, but she didn't do anything about it for the longest time. Your father proposed to me and I said yes. I was pregnant with you and Ralph at the time. Before I got to tell him, Mariya had set her plan into action. To this day, I still don't know what she has over him, but he left me because of it. I was only allowed to stay in your lives as your nanny because Mariya got to be my boss and it was the only way she would allow me to see you both," she explained.
I was furious.
I have hated Mariya for as long as I can remember. Ralph used to say that she has an evil vibe about her, and to find out that his words are so true had me wanting to kill the woman. She's high up there with the already dead Gabi Hart.
"You're wrong, you know?" she broke me out of my angered thoughts.
"What about?" I murmured.
"About Raoul hating you. He's angry Ambrosi, and you of all people should know what it's like to behave the way he does because of his anger. You were exactly the same before you met Aretha. He loves you, and I know you wont ever believe that, but he truly does. Whatever Mariya has over him, she probably still does. I'm not saying that you should forgive him, but I do think that you should at least try and see things from his perspective," she pleaded.
"You're still in love with him," I scowled.
"He was and will always be my only true love. I just lost him to the devil is all," she said sadly. I walked over to hug her.
"Would it make you happy if I talked to him?" I asked.
At this point in time, I'll do anything for her. She's already suffered so much, and yet she never failed me as my mother. She's always been there for me, and if this one thing will make her happy, then I will most definitely do it, my dislike for my father aside.
"It would please me more than getting him back. I just want you to not hate him Ambrosi. He's not a bad man, just like Aretha saw that about you," she caressed my cheek.
"I'll talk to him and see what I can get out of that, but I'm only doing it for you," I added.
"As long as you're doing it," she smiled, fresh tears in her eyes. I kissed her forehead.
"Amo te mamma," I told her for the first time. (I love you mum)
"Ti amo troppo figlio, tanto," she sobbed. (I love you too son, so much)
I had to wait for her to calm down from crying (that's two women today), before I suggested that she head up to sleep in one of the guestrooms. I could tell that she was exhausted. The need to finally tell me the truth must've been weighing on her for a couple of days now.
I headed to my room to find my wife fast asleep. She looked at peace for the first time in a long while. I didn't even have it in me to wake her up, so I didn't. Instead, I headed to my office to make the arrangements I needed to for the following day.
The girls came home that night, and they brought me dinner as well. I'd already cooked for my mother, but I hadn't been hungry until I saw what they'd brought me. I ate while they gave me a report of everything they managed to get done. They were really enjoying their holiday, and they were most definitely looking forward to their birthday.
"Good morning sunshine," I said to my wife the next morning.
I was laying next to her as she slowly got up.It was eight in the morning and she'd been asleep since she came home. She hadn't even stirred when I changed her out of her dress into her nightdress. She just murmured something, rolled over, and continued to sleep on.
"What time is it?" she yawned.
"A little after eight," I replied. She nodded before my words truly dawned on her.
"WHAT?" she shouted, suddenly very awake.
"We're both not going to work today and we're not arguing about it," I replied.
"You're so bossy Raphael," she mumbled.
"True, but I also love you," I said with an innocent smile.
"The chivalry lives on," she giggled.
"I've missed that sound," I admitted. She hadn't laughed since that night.
"I know, so have I," she sighed. I pulled her into me and she rested her head on my chest.
"Ari, what's going on?" I asked.
"I saw someone I wasn't expecting to see in a long time," she said lowly.
"Who is it? Or are you not ready to tell me as yet?" I asked, tilting her head so that I could look into her eyes. The turmoil there gave me my answer.
"It's a demon Rafe," she whispered.
"Then you don't have to say anything. We just want you to be happy. Your dark cloud is over all of us. Whatever it is, I will help you if you need me to, but please try to not let it get to you like this. I miss your smile and your laugh. I miss you mi amore," I smiled before kissing her.
I was surprised when she deepened the kiss. That's another thing that's had me so frustrated' the fact that she hadn't let me touch her since that night. She's just been incredibly distant. The fact that she was initiating this was relieving for me in more ways than one.
We made it downstairs a little after eleven and I made her a late breakfast. I had no intentions of going anywhere and Joel had the girls again, so we had the whole day to ourselves. I was beginning to see my wife again as she laughed while telling me some of the things that she'd gone through in her dark days.
"I can't believe we're not doing anything today. I didn't think we'd have a day like this anytime soon," she smiled as we cuddled on the couch. I had just put in a movie.
"I know, but we both needed this, you more than me though. You've been working yourself to the bone for no reason and you need to just step back into reality," I said, putting her hair behind her hair.
"How did I get so lucky? I have to be the luckiest woman in the world, considering the fact that I have the best husband in the world," she beamed. I leaned in to kiss her.
"I love you," she said breathlessly.
"Not more than I love you," I smiled before kissing her again.
It's safe to say that we didn't watch the movie.
We spent the day just being together. We didn't need to force the peace. I know for a fact that she's still dealing with whatever's bothering her, but she had taken my words into consideration, and I had my wife back.
"Where are the girls?" she asked in the late afternoon.
"Here we are," Caterina said as they walked into the lounge.
"Where have you been?" she asked them.
"That's not relevant right now. You need to come with us," Calinda told her.
"I do?" she scowled.
"Daddy, Uncle Joel said everything is ready," Caprice told me.
"And who's taking you there?" I asked.
"Aunt Salina and Aunt Marcia," they replied.
"Alright! And who's bringing her?" I asked.
"Uncle Lui," they smiled.
"Thank you my princesses," I smiled.
"Anything for you," they beamed.
"I am very confused right now," my gorgeous wife scowled. She looked flawless, even in her simple track pants and plain t-shirt.
"You just need to follow the girls," I told her.
She was about to say something else, but they dragged her away before she could.I went upstairs to get ready for the evening. I had a special evening planned for my wife and I, and our daughters helped to put the whole thing together. I put on my suit before making the calls I needed to make.
By the time I left the house, everything had been arranged.I arrived at our restaurant, and it was closed off for the evening. I parked the car and headed inside to find the whole place set up perfectly for the romantic dinner I had in mind. My stomach actually got excited at the scent of the food coming from the kitchen.
"Cugino! How are you?" Giuseppe beamed when I walked into the kitchen.
"I am excited about this," I chuckled.
"Where is your beautiful wife?" he asked.
"She'll be here in a few minutes," I replied.
We caught up on the restaurant issues. In general, the restaurant is doing good. It's been a big hit since the opening, and we're fully booked for the next three months. I know my wife will love knowing that people are crazy about her menus.
"Rafe?" I heard her calling.I excused myself and left the kitchen to find her.
Before I could say anything, I was tongue tied by the magnificence before me. She was dressed in a pure white dress with a lace overlay and silver heels. I couldn't find the words to say, and I was simply startled by the fact that she could still stun me.
"Why are we here Raphael?" she asked softly.
"I, uh, I- wow. You look amazing," I managed to say.
"Thank you," she blushed.
"We're here because we're on a date," I smiled.
"A date?" she scowled.
"Yep! I realized that we've been together for almost three months, got married in three weeks of knowing each other, and yet I've never taken you out on a date," I explained.
"What about when we went to the glass house?" she asked.
"That wasn't a date, it was an apology dinner. We're having a proper date," I countered.
"And you chose today?" she beamed.
"Yes, and for a couple of reasons. One, we needed to do this, two, we've never been on a real date, and three happy second month anniversary," I said, walking over to hand her a box. I'd bought her a diamond necklace.
"That's today?" her eyes widened.
"Yes, it is," I chuckled. She opened the box and her eyes filled with tears.
"I forgot," she whispered.
"I don't blame you cara mia. You've been dealing with things," I caressed her cheek.
"And I neglected my family. It's not right," she turned away.
"Hey, it's in the past right now. You've agreed to look past it, and that's all that matters right now," I turned her around. She looked guilty, but managed to smile.
"Will you put it on?" she asked. I nodded and took the necklace from her, before putting it on her.
"I love it. Thank you caro. Happy second month anniversary. I promise to make it up to you," she said in a rush. I pulled her in for a kiss.
"You don't need to make it up to me cara mia. You being here is all I need," I said before pecking her lips.
"I still feel bad," she admitted.
"Then you can make it up to me on our next anniversary," I offered.
"Deal," she nodded.
I led her to sit down and Giuseppe served us himself. I let her in on the restaurant's success and she couldn't have been happier. It was relieving to see her truly herself once more. I was starting to feel confident in her ability to handle whatever's bothering her.
We had dinner before leaving for the second part of our evening. A carriage was awaiting to take us on a tour of Florence in the night. My wife has been in her new home for two months but she's never really seen it.
"Rafe, this place is beautiful," she said in awe.
"It's your home cara mia," I smiled before kissing her. She was about to say something when my phone rang.
"Maestri," I answered it.
"Ambrosi, you need to come into the office right now," Luigi said urgently.
"I'm busy. What is it?" I asked.
"Everything is off," he replied.
"What the hell does that mean?" I asked.
"It means the empire has shutdown," he replied.
Fuck my life!
**********
FINAL-FREAKING-LY!!!
ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
AAAAAAH! THE EMPIRE HAS SHUTDOWN!!!
School has started for me and well, that means this story is my only focus since I want it published. I will TRY to update my other books every now and then, but I'm not making any promises. School WILL be hectic this semester as it is my last semester for this degree.
Anyway, how are we feeling about this? I love where it's going, and to answer your most asked question, THIS BOOK IS FAAAAAR FROM THE END.
Please continue to vote, comment, add to you libraries, follow and share. Let's get this story passed #7 in the category. I love you guys.
Katee (^^,)