ATTENTION!!!
So, it is time for the voting for the People's Choice Award for the Wattys, and I've tweeted it already. My Twitter handle is @Katee_Believes and I would much appreciate it if you went and retweeted my tweet, so that the story can get more attention.
Voting will be starting soon as well (if it hasn't already started), and I'd really like your support on this. Writing is what I love to do, and it would be great for my work to get noticed from it's popularity amongst you readers. Please help me to achieve my life goal of getting published.
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ALSO...
If you noticed, the cover for the book has changed, and it is also now a series. For those of you who have read Timeless Midnight Devotion, I am taking it down as I have decided to make it the second book of the Amour Trilogy, and from this chapter, you will see how I link the two books. Fear not, the book will return as Book 2, and it will be even better.
Also, I changed Aretha back to Crystle Stewart, and changed Raphael to David Gandy.
THANK YOU FOR PAYING ATTENTION! ONWARDS YOU GO!!!
**********
"Ari, we're going to be late," I said as I stood at the elevator doors.
"If you could just be patient with me, then I would finish faster without the unnecessary pressure," my wife said as she walked out of our bedroom.
Watching her walk towards me, I was once again stunned by the beauty I seem to not get enough of, let alone used to. She was dressed in a navy floor length strapless dress that flowed as she walked. Her hair was in a simple up-do that had me wanting to free her hair.
She looked flawless.
"You look so dazed," she giggled.
"You just never cease to leave me breathless Signora Maestri," I chuckled.
"You're not looking too bad either Signor Maestri," she winked before getting into the elevator.
We headed down and headed out to the hotel where we were hosting the gala. Of course it's The Maestri Hotel in Florence because it only makes sense. We took the Bentley once more since my wife admitted to loving being behind the wheel of the magnificent car.
As expected, the press was already set up outside, snapping shots at the arriving guests. I know for a fact that Joel set this part of the night up from how extravagant everything looks. From where we were, I could see the man of the moment leading his date inside as the cameras tried to get a last glance of him.
"Are you ready for this mi amore?" I asked my wife as she pulled up to the valet.
"As I'll ever be mio marito," she flashed me a breathtaking smile as the car pulled to a stop.
I managed to open the door for myself, while the valet opened hers. The press, upon recognizing us, turned their lenses our way as I rounded the car to get to my wife. She smiled and took my hand in hers as soon as I was next to her, before we headed to the red carpet.
"Aretha! You look stunning! Who are you wearing?" a reporter asked my wife.
"I actually have no idea, but thank you," my beautiful wife replied with a smile.
And that's when the attention turned to me.
"Raphael! Why are you wearing a sling? What happened to your arm?"
"Is it true that your empire is under attack?"
"Is it true that you think that your arch enemy, Daniel Hugo, has it out for you?"
"Is it true that the girls really belong to Aretha and that you hid the scandal all along?"
"Is it true that you were with a mystery woman on your recent disappearance?"
"Is it true that you forced Celine White to abort your baby?"
"Is it true that your wife isn't all she seems to be?"
What on earth? It's a special event tonight, but seemingly everyone was out to get me. I could only scowl at all of them and their ridiculous questions, before my wife politely asked them to back off before leading me inside.
The hotel had really outdone themselves for this event, and I knew that my wife was just as pleased as I was by the outcome. The esteemed guests were already mingling amongst themselves, and I looked down at my wife when I felt her squeeze my hand.
"Are you ok?" she asked softly. I leaned in to kiss her.
"As long as I've got you, there's nothing I can't face," I smirked.
"Good! There's my assertive and confident husband," she winked.
I guess that's just another one of our lines.
"Girly, have I ever thanked you for snagging the boss?" a giggling Rhonda announced her presence.
"Multiple times, though I'd love to know what brought this on," my wife smiled.
"It's not a big thing. It's just that not long ago, you and I were facilitating things like this back in Washington. Who would've ever thought that we'd both be here?" Rhonda explained.
"I honestly find myself pinching my arm just to make sure I'm not living a dream," my wife giggled.
"You'd better believe it ladies," Joel joined us, handing Rhonda a glass of what looked like a smoothie.
"Thank you," she blushed.
"Pleasure," he smiled, making my wife and I roll our eyes.
It took forever, but Rhonda had finally forgiven him. Their 'misunderstanding' as Joel puts it, had everything to do with Aretha and I's wedding night. The two of them got together, but Joel didn't think it was anything more than that because he didn't think she was interested in him.
It turns out that she in fact was, but my best friend messed up by going on a date a few days later with some other woman. Three weeks down the line, that's when Rhonda found out that she was pregnant, around the same time Joel went to ask her advice on how to woo the woman he was seeing at the time.
It's safe to say that it took him a long while to realize that the woman he was crazy about actually felt the same way about him.
Which brings us back to now.
"Are your parents still coming in next week?" I asked him. He paled.
"What's wrong?" Rhonda asked him.
"Uh, you see, the thing is-" he rambled.
"Spit it out Jono!" my wife huffed.
"They'realreadyhere," he said in one go. From the way that Rhonda paled, I take it she heard him.
"What?" she whispered.
"I was going to tell you, but then I couldn't reach you the whole day. They landed this morning and thought it best to surprise me. I tried calling you the moment I found out they'd landed, but like I said, I couldn't reach you," he tried to explain.
"Rho, breathe," my wife pleaded with her best friend.
"What am I going to do? Your all religious mum is going to hate me. I'm pregnant with your child and we're not married, and I'm go-"
"Then marry me!"
Rhonda, Aretha and I all did a double take, staring at my best friend with wide eyes- not that that did anything to deter him. He got down on one knee, right before us, drawing the attention of the guests towards us as he pulled out a black velvet box. Inside, was a silver diamond ring that wasn't too big, but not too small either.
Totally something Rhonda would like.
"What are you doing?" Rhonda whispered, tears in her eyes.
"I believe they call it proposing. Now, I know it's not romantic with fireworks and all, but I'd also like to believe that I know my girlfriend pretty well by now. You're more for the sentimental value of a moment, than for everything else. I know this is probably crazy, but hey, we watched our best friends get married after knowing each other for less than a month, and look at how that turned out for them. I'm crazy about you Rhonda Riviera, and it's safe to say that I'm just as in love with you. You're the most infuriating woman I know. You are so stubborn, and God knows you hate it when things don't go your way, but you're also loving, kind, vulnerable and special. You've opened up to me and shown me sides to you that, and I quote, 'only Joel Jonathan Barclay should know'. It's funny; when I met Rita, I remember telling her on the plane that her best friend duties to me are to find me a Mrs Barclay that would want me for me, and that's exactly what she delivered. She told me that I needed to find God first, and for the first time in a long time, I prayed, but when I prayed is the interesting part. We met at our best friends' wedding, and I was taken with you from then, but you intimidated me so much that I thought that you would never in a million years feel the same way about me. I prayed the day after meeting you that somehow, I could get you. I know that I made some mistakes along the way, but by some miracle, here you are, and I have no intentions of letting you go when you're the only woman with the power to bring me down to one knee. I don't want to catch the 'Aretha and Ambrosi Lengthy Speech Syndrome', so with that being said, Rhonda Riviera, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife, despite the odds?"
The whole ballroom was basically hanging on bated breath as everyone looked to Rhonda for her reaction. She was most definitely crying, and apparently so was my wife. I will never understand that kind of chain reaction for females.
I looked around the room and my eyes found Marylyn and Geoffrey, Joel's parents. Shock was clear on their faces, and I could understand why. Joel has never brought a girl home to them, and yet here he was, proposing to a woman that they've never met.
"Yes," Rhonda finally whispered.
It was comical to watch how everyone released the breaths they'd been holding in as Joel happily slipped the ring onto her finger, before pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Marylyn and Geoffrey walked over to us just as they pulled apart.
"Rhonda?" Marylyn said to her, tears of joy in her eyes.
"Hey Marylyn," Rhonda smiled. Realization dawned on mine, Aretha and Joel's faces.
Rhonda had no clue who Joel's parents are.
"You did well son," Geoffrey turned to his son, just as Marylyn embraced Rhonda.
"SON?!?" Rhonda pulled back, wide-eyed.
"You've met my parents and you didn't even know it," Joel chuckled.
"You're his parents?" Rhonda asked lowly.
"How do you not know that?" I asked curiously.
"Unlike Aretha, we didn't meet her at the hotel initially. We met her at the mall when she decided to help us from the goodness of her heart. We introduced ourselves by name and insisted that she call us by name," Geoffrey explained.
"I never learnt your last name," Rhonda added.
"Well babe, meet my parents Marylyn and Geoffrey Barclay. Parents, meet my gorgeous fiancée Rhonda Riviera," Joel still introduced, once again making Aretha and I roll our eyes.
"I'm pregnant," Rhonda blurted.
"I could see it from across the room," Marylyn laughed.
"You're not mad?" my wife was the one to ask.
We're all aware of how religious Mrs Barclay is.
"I'm not going to judge you Rhonda, and neither am I mad. Honestly, if it were any other woman, I would probably be mad, but Geoffrey and I know you, so we know that you're in this for all the right reasons. I couldn't be more proud to give my son away to a woman I know will take care of him as much as I have," Marylyn explained.
"Thank you so much," Rhonda suddenly hugged her, making us all laugh.
"Well, I believe we have more good things to celebrate," I spoke up, and everyone agreed as they cheered for the happy couple once again.
It was announced that we should all take our seats, and I led my wife to our table before pulling out her chair for her as best as I could. Soon enough, we were seated, with Joel and Rhonda joining us, together with my cousin, my little sister and an important friend and investor of ours, Fabio Ferreira, and his best friend and business partner Savannah Winston.
"Congratulations on your engagement," Savannah smiled at Rhonda.
"That's going to take a while to get used to, but thank you," Rhonda blushed. Joel kissed her forehead.
"Are we ever this sickly?" I asked my wife, making sure I was heard by our fellow table mates, making them laugh as my best friend glared at me.
"For you information, the two of you are worse," Luigi commented.
"Can we not point any fingers please?" my wife pleaded.
"Why? Because you're afraid of the cold hard truth?" Rhonda challenged.
"Exactly," my wife shrugged.
"No faith in your husband whatsoever?" Fabio chuckled.
"He's my husband. Of course I know that we're worse," she blushed, making me smirk.
"Someone looks really proud of that," Savannah teased.
"Have you seen my wife? Who wouldn't want to shower her with all the love in the world?" I winked, making her hide in my chest while the ladies cooed and the guys groaned.
"See? And you want to call us sickly!" Joel huffed.
"Calm down baby. He was just teasing you," Rhonda cupped his cheek.
"Oh, it brings me so much joy to say this to you, but you should listen to the nice lady Joel. She has your best interests at heart," I smirked, receiving the same glare I'd sent him when he'd said those exact same words to me.
"You guys are something else. We should visit you more often," Savannah giggled.
"Speaking of which; where are Eddy and Violet?" my wife asked.
"My brother is in England, and my wife is probably putting a dent on my card somewhere in Italy," Fabio sighed.
There was something off about him.
Fabio and I met when he befriended my brother. They got a knack out of the fact that they share a name, and they very quickly became best friends. It was not long after that that we became business partners. We're currently in the middle of a deal that will ultimately put his business on the map, but it's taking a while.
"Can I steal you away for a minute?" I requested.
"Cheating on your wife already Maestri?" Joel mock gasped.
"Shut up Barclay," I murmured as I stood up. I could hear Fabio following me as we headed to one of the empty conference rooms in the hotel.
"What's going on Fabio?" I asked him as soon as we were alone in the room.
"You Maestri boys have an ugly ability of knowing when something is bothering me," he mumbled.
"You know that it's only because we care. You might as well be family to us," I pointed out.
"I know, I know! I've just got a lot to deal with right now, and having a cheating wife isn't making things any easier for me. If I leave her now, the bad press will get in the way of what I'm trying to achieve, but at the same time, she's not being discreet about her affairs, and that on its own could result in bad press. I don't know what to do about her anymore," he sighed.
I absolutely despise the woman.
The first time Fabio introduced her to my brother and I, the woman tried to seduce the both of us when Fabio had to step out of the room. The best friends got into a huge fight about her, and when Fabio announced that he was marrying her, my brother didn't attend the wedding. I did, but I could tell that it wasn't the same for Fabio to not have my brother there.
When Fabio first realized that his marriage probably wasn't the best decision, it was my brother who was there for him first. Granted that Fabio also has Savannah and his brother Eduardo, my brother was the person who first consoled him, and since then, we've all shared the same thoughts when it comes to Violet.
She's got to go!
"Well, you know where I stand on the matter," I commented.
"I know where everyone stands on the matter, but none of you are telling me how to get out of this with my reputation intact," he argued.
"There is no easy way out of this. You're going to face bad press either way, so just get it over and done with. Something tells me that the longer you hang onto her, the harder she's going to make your life," I replied.
"I guess that makes sense. I'll have to consult Blaine about the way forward from here," he said, standing up straighter.
"Does your mum know?" I asked.
"I don't think I'm ready to grant her the platform to say 'I told you so' just yet, so no," he replied.
"You should tell her before you go through with anything," I recommended, to which he nodded.
"Thanks man," he smiled.
"Anything for you, and always remember that," I told him sternly.
"Yes big brother," he rolled his eyes.
Something he and my brother absolutely love doing.
We got back to everyone and our food had arrived. My wife shot me a worried look and I told her that I'd tell her everything later. She'd also become quite attached to the Ferreira's, having met them while she was in Washington.
Yep, my wife is that well connected.
It took me a while to truly realize just how connected Aretha was. I learnt one important thing from her, and it was that you don't have to necessarily be ruthless to know a lot of powerful people, and to have them respect you. She went from being a Supervising Manager to one of the most respected women in the corporate world- and not because she has my last name, but because she earned that respect.
"What are you so deep in thought about?" she snapped me out of thought. I'd been staring at her.
"Just about how amazing you really are," I confessed.
"You're doing it again," my sister teased.
"I don't care. My wife is amazing, and I have the right to think that way for the rest of my life, just as much as I have the right to tell the whole world just how proud of her I am," I defended. Joel and Luigi gagged while Rhonda and Savannah giggled.
"I love you," my wife blushed before kissing me.
"I love you too," I smiled when we pulled away.
The rest of the night went on without a hitch. My wife gave a wonderful speech that had everyone on their feet, and we were both more than happy to end the night off on a banging note, if you catch my drift.
I was woken up by my incessantly buzzing phone at three in the morning. I checked the screen to see who was calling me, and was surprised to find that it was my brother. The last I'd heard from him, he'd left to see Bianca.
"It's three in the morning Fabio," I said as I answered the phone.
"You need to get to Washington right now," he said, sounding panicked.
"What's going on?" I asked, sitting up. My wife stirred beside me, but she didn't wake up.
"Before she was shot, Bee was coming to tell you something. Well, she just woke up and told me what it was and you need to get to Washington as soon as possible," he explained.
"Wait! She's awake?" I got up to leave the room.
"Yeah! She woke up an hour ago. The medical team is running their tests right now, but she asked me to tell you that you need to get to Washington and head straight to Takeshi. He'll tell you everything that you need to know," he replied.
"Can't this wait? I just got back to my wife," I sighed.
"The fate of your company rests on this Ambrosi. Rita will understand," he countered.
"Alright fine! I'll see what I can do," I mumbled before hanging up.
My wife will definitely kill me for this.
I went back into our room and she was still sound asleep. I took a moment to just watch her sleep peacefully. I wish we didn't have any drama in our lives, but unfortunately we do, and the only way to get around it, is for me to take steps like leaving for Washington.
I went to our closet and pulled out two of my bags before I started packing. I didn't want to wake her up until I was ready to leave. I grabbed some clothes and went to shower in one of the guest bedrooms, and when I was ready, I headed over to shake her awake.
"Ari," I said lowly. Her eyes fluttered open.
"What's going on? Why are you dressed?" she mumbled as she rubbed her eyes.
I don't want to leave her.
"I need to go to Washington. Bianca is awake and before she got shot, she was coming to tell me something. She's requested that I head there and find out what it is from Chang. Apparently the fate of the Empire rests on me going," I explained. She was quiet for a while.
"I can't come with you. I need to hold down the fort," she said, and I could hear the sheer sadness in her voice.
"I promise I'll make this up to you mia moglie," I reached out to caress her cheek, only for her to move away slightly.
"I don't know if this is the kind of life I want to live anymore Rafe," she said coldly before leaving for the bathroom before I could say anything.
There was no way that I was boarding a plane without making peace with her. The last time I left, I didn't even say anything to her, and there was no way I would be submitting myself to making the same mistake twice, so I waited for her to be done with her shower. When she came out of the bathroom, she looked surprised to find me there.
"You're still here?" she voiced her shock.
"I wasn't going to leave things the way they are. I am sorry that you have been dragged into my ugly business, that you somehow have something to do with, but I will not apologize for who I am Aretha. You, yourself, said it; I love my business. I don't only love it because it's my job, but also because through it, I am allowed to provide for my family. I know that you don't give a damn about my money, but I do, and I would be lying to the both of us if I said that I don't. The only thing I regret about our current situation is that I don't have much time to spend with you, or the girls for that matter, but if my leaving means that I get to protect my legacy, then I will do it in a heartbeat. I truly mean it when I say that I will make it up to you, and right now, I just need your support more than anything. It's all I'm asking for," I told her honestly.
The look on her face changed from surprise, to confusion, and then settled on anger.
"First of all, I have never said that I have a problem with you or your company. Secondly, I don't give a damn about your money, and honestly, I don't know if I ever will, simply because that's who I am. I understand that you care about your company and your legacy Raphael, but it sounds to me like in your pretty little world, I'm not allowed to get angry about the fact my husband always seems to choose everything over me. I understand that we've got whatever dangers facing us, but if you think that that justifies the treatment that you've shown me in the last month, then you're delusional. I have the right to be angry, and I will not apologize for that. If you want to leave for Washington to save your company, then leave, but don't you dare turn around and tell me that I don't support you, when I just told you that I couldn't come with you to Washington because I'm going to hold down the fort at your precious company headquarters. So, enjoy yourself in Washington!" she said angrily before storming back into the bathroom.
I heard the door lock as I approached it. Perhaps my approach to the situation wasn't the greatest, but I had no idea that she would react the way that she did. For the first time since I married my wife, I realized that we don't truly talk, and this is what it's coming down to.
"Ari, open the door," I demanded.
"Raphael, go away. I don't mind staying in here until you leave, so just leave," she replied.
"I'm not leaving until we sort this out," I pointed out.
"You're still leaving, so leave," she countered.
"I will break the door down Aretha," I warned.
"Why can't you just leave?" she snapped as the door swung open.
"Because, I don't want to leave with our relationship like this. If either one of us were to die while I was gone, the other would have to live with knowing that the last time we spoke, we were mad at each other. I don't ever want us to part on bad terms. We both don't deserve that," I told her seriously. Her facial expression softened.
"You're not going to die Rafe," she sighed.
"Our enemies beg to differ. Look, we've both just said some things to each other that we obviously need to deal with, so I'm not leaving until we've dealt with them, no matter how urgently I need to get to D.C. I'm putting you first," I added with a small smile. Tears appeared in her eyes before she ambushed me in a hug.
"I'm scared of losing you Rafe. What if you really do die without me there? I wouldn't be able to carry on without you," she murmured onto my chest.
"Yes you would, because you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I obviously don't want any of us dying while we're apart, but we need to face our enemies. We need to know what we're dealing with so that we can at least try and fight for our legacy," I sighed.
"I know. I'm just so afraid of all that might go wrong, that I wish we were together twenty four seven, but I obviously understand that that can't be the case. Go to Washington and find out what you can so that we can deal with this and hopefully move on with our lives," she said, looking up at me.
"I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that we're ok cara mia. I just need you to trust me," I caressed her cheek. This time she didn't pull away.
"I trust you," she whispered before getting on her toes to kiss me.
"Want to drive me to the airport?" I suggested.
"How were you planning on getting there in the first place?" she giggled.
"I was going to just ask the security guys to take me," I shrugged.
"Are they leaving with you?" she scowled as she went into the closet to get dressed.
"I'm taking one of the teams with me and leaving you with the other," I responded.
"And how many guys is that?" she asked.
"You'll have four guys watching over you all day, every day," I replied.
"That sounds a bit creepy, but ok," she giggled.
"Not in that way woman," I groaned.
"I know. I'm pretty sure they're aware that even though my husband is currently a cripple, he would kick their asses if it were 'in that way'," she smirked, leaving the closet. She was dressed in simple jeans and my high school soccer t-shirt.
"You look amazing," I smiled.
"I'm in jeans and a t-shirt Rafe. I barely look beautiful," she blushed.
"That's because you're wearing my t-shirt, and the word beautiful just doesn't match up to your true magnificence," I winked, making her blush further.
"Let's get you to the airport," she mumbled, grabbing one of my bags.
"Eager to get rid of me now?" I chuckled.
"Now more than ever," she teased, earning herself a mock glare.
On the way to the airport, with the security cars following behind us, she was telling me all about Rhonda's excitement for the wedding. It turns out that Rhonda and Joel have actually decided to wait until after the baby is born for them to get married. I wont lie and say that I wasn't surprised to find that out.
All too soon, we reached the airport. My only saving grace was that the jet wasn't ready, so I had a few more minutes to spend with my wife. By the time I really had to leave, it shattered my heart when tears left her eyes.
"Promise me that you'll be careful and stay out of trouble Rafe," she said lowly.
"Signora Maestri, I promise you, on our marriage, that I will be careful and stay out of trouble to the extent of my capabilities," I added for good measure as I wiped her tears away, making her laugh a little.
"I love you Raphael," she sighed. I leaned down and kissed her with everything in me.
"I love you too Ari, so much," I said, my forehead resting on hers.
"Sir, we have to go," one of the security guys told me.
"I'll call you as soon as I land," I promised my wife before kissing her one more time and reluctantly letting go.
The flight to Washington felt like it took forever, but only because all I could think about were my wife's words. Was she right? Could we really get to live the life we want to, while keeping the life that we live right now?
The answer is no.
As much as I hate to admit it, my marriage to the love of my life came with a price that, until that moment, I was reluctant to admit to myself- I needed to let go. I didn't need to let go completely, but I definitely needed to shed the load.
The man I was before I met my wife, is a man I never want to be again, and with this lifestyle, I risk losing my wife and becoming that very same man again. I am a married man and a changed father, which means that my priorities have to change.
My family has to come first.
It honestly bothered me that my wife felt like I put everything before her, and not because that's how she felt, but because of how true it is. She has changed my life, and yet at every turn, I have chosen the alternative over being a husband to her, and I guess that's just because I have been so damn afraid.
I am afraid of this change. The bubble we've been living in has obviously popped, and now the reality of our situation is settling in. I have known my wife for less than six months, and yet we've gone through more drama than some couples who have been together for years even.
And I now realize that I choose her.
I choose her and my daughters over everything. I know that she's already said that she would never put me in a position to choose between her and my company, but I already have. I may love my company, but it doesn't bring me the same amount of happiness that my wife does, and that means the world to me.
So I would give it all up in a heartbeat.
Lost to my thoughts, I didn't even realize that we'd already landed, until the air hostess came to alert me. I guess the flight wasn't that long once I lost myself to my thoughts. I got up and left the jet, knowing that my luggage would follow, and there was a black SUV awaiting me. I was surprised to see Sven standing outside of it.
"Miss Agostini demanded that I come and protect you. I left her with a trusted team, and your brother said to tell you that the girls miss you and Mrs Maestri, but that they are enjoying themselves," he said before I could ask anything.
"Did he go to them?" I scowled.
"He started there before heading to Miss Agostini," he confirmed.
I wasn't aware.
"Oh! So, where to now?" I asked.
"I've received intel that Mr Takeshi isn't in town. His flight got delayed, so he'll only be flying in on Sunday," he replied.
"And what on earth am I supposed to do until then?" I grumbled. I'd left my wife for nothing.
"Well Sir, there is no harm in checking on your businesses this side," he recommended.
"Fine," I huffed.
He opened the door for me and I entered before he drove me to The Maestri. I couldn't help but smile, thinking about my wife and how this hotel played a big part in our getting together. I never thought my ventures would get me wealth and love.
"Please tell me you've landed," was the first thing she said as she answered the phone.
"I'm on my way to the hotel as we speak. You sound like you've been waiting for me to call. Please tell me that you've at least slept," I chuckled.
"Pssh, of course I did," she lied.
"Ari," I sighed.
"I couldn't sleep ok? I was freaking out, and it wasn't helping that every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was you being harmed in one way or the other," she rambled.
"Well, I'm safe, and I am now requesting that you go to sleep," I told her.
"I can't just leave mio caro. I walked into the building ten minutes ago," she replied.
"And I'm pretty sure there's nothing stopping you from walking back out cara mia," I countered.
"The arrangements for the gallery opening-"
"Were handled by me," I reminded.
"Why are you such a stubborn man?" she mumbled.
"I could ask you the same question," I chuckled.
"Well, in my personal opinion, I think you just like getting your own way, hence your stubbornness, but that's just my opinion," she replied.
"Ari," I groaned, making her laugh.
"I promise I'll go home after this one meeting I have at ten," she giggled.
"Alright! I miss you," I sighed.
"I miss you too, but I love you even more," she said just as we arrived at the hotel.
"I just arrived at the hotel. Enjoy your day and get some rest. I love you too," I responded.
"Say hi to Shelby for me," she said.
"Signora Maestri!" I scolded.
"I love you," she giggled before hanging up.
I shook my head, a stupid smile on my face as I headed out of the car. It was late in the evening here, so there weren't many people around. I did spot some press around, but I paid no attention to them as I headed inside the hotel. I was walking towards the reception area when I noticed that Matilda was on duty. I'd last seen her at the wedding.
"Mr Maestri," she beamed when she saw me. Her friendship with my wife has decreased her fear of me, especially since I told her that she had nothing to fear.
"Miss Hemmingway. How are you today?" I asked politely.
My wife would be so proud of me.
"I guess I'm ok! Nothing major here. How about you Sir? Where's Aretha if I may ask?" she scowled.
"I'm not really happy to be here, especially since my wife isn't with me. She's launching her gallery on Saturday, so she couldn't come with me, and I have some urgent business that I need to attend to this side," I actually found myself explaining.
"And what about the girls? You never travel without them," she pointed out.
"They're on vacation. We figured that they should end their freedom with a bang now that they'll actually be attending a school and all," I chuckled, making her smile.
"Aaaaw, that must be so nice for them. I'm sorry I missed their birthday. Is it ok for me to give you their gifts?" she asked.
"I'm sure they'd love that," I nodded.
"Great! Are you staying in the penthouse suite?" she asked as she turned to the computer screen.
"Preferably," I replied.
"Alright! The one that you usually stay in is currently occupied, but Penthouse 4 is free. Is that okay?" she asked.
"It's perfect! Are Shelby and Adrienne around by any chance?" I asked.
"Adrienne is somewhere in the hotel, but I haven't seen Shelby in a couple of days," she replied.
"Has she filed for leave?" I scowled.
"Not that I know of. Ever since you and Rita left for the remainder of your honeymoon, I haven't actually seen her all that much. Adrienne's been doing both their jobs," she explained.
"And no-one thought to tell me this?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I called two weeks ago, and a woman by the name of Eva answered the phone. She told me that she was your temp, so I left the message with her. I thought you knew," she said, looking panicked.
My blood ran cold.
"Can you remember what time you made the call and on which day?" I asked.
"Uh, no, but I'm pretty sure that with your permission, I can get a hold of the phone records here. It's bound to show," she replied.
"Do you think you can have that list to me by tomorrow morning?" I asked.
"Certainly Sir," she nodded.
I didn't stay much after that. I instead went up to the room, and once my bellboy had dropped off my bags, I called Sven and asked him to get underway with investigating who this Eva person is. My wife and I didn't exactly get around to having that particular conversation about who the woman is to her.
By the following morning, I had the information that I'd requested from Matilda. I asked security back at the Empire to send me a copy of all footage from that entire day, and they sent it within the hour. I didn't spot anyone suspicious, and neither was there anyone at Bianca's desk the whole time.
These people have access to my Empire.
The thought honestly pissed me off, and not for the reason most would think either. I've seen the fear in my wife's eyes when I brought up Eva, and to know that this Eva person is so close to my wife was unnerving.
"Look what the cat dragged back to Washington, though I hear this place is of sentimental value to you now.
Just hearing his voice made me cringe. I was sitting outside a restaurant where I was having breakfast. The sun was out, and this was just something I didn't want to deal with, but looking up at the smirking son of a bitch actually had my blood boiling.
"What do you want Hugo?" I asked.
"From you? Nothing that I didn't already sample," he shrugged.
"What the hell are you talking about?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Well, let's see, I dated every one of your girlfriends, I worked for you, stole your company property, almost married your wife, and now I have your company in the palm of my hands," he explained nonchalantly.
For the second time in twenty four hours, my blood ran cold.
"What did you just say about my wife?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"Oh? She didn't tell you? Your darling wife was mine first, so really, you just got my seconds," he smirked.
I stared at him, first in confusion, until I remembered my honeymoon with my wife. Immediately, a naked image of her was in my mind, and not sexually either. My mind zoned in on all her scars, on the truth behind how she got every single one of them.
And that's when I lost it.
**********
ELO AGAIN!!!!
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Katee (^^,)