I think I forgot how to blink.
There she stood- a vision in red. When I'd told her to wear that dress, I didn't expect that she would take my breath away like this. I was vaguely aware of the paparazzi lurking around as I watched my fiancée approach me with a shy smile on her face.
"You're looking at me funny Raphael," she blushed.
"Funny? Tesoro, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on," I smirked as I wrapped my arms around her waist. I was glad that she didn't shy away from me, despite the evident darkened blush on her cheeks.
"Really? Here? In front of everyone?" she asked, her hands linking behind my neck as she played with my hair.
"I don't see anyone complaining," I chuckled.
"Shut up and kiss me already! I've missed you," she pouted, making me laugh more before granting her request.
Like I'd deny her in the first place.
This time, the distinct sound of cameras clicking was heard, and I was sure that we would make the front pages of the papers. We pulled away and we both had smiles on our faces. I reached down to link our hands. Luigi had already driven away.
"Are they here yet?" she asked.
"Nope! They'll be here soon though. Do you want to come see my office?" I smiled.
"Yes please!" she beamed, making me chuckle.
She really does have dorky moments.
We headed into the building with my hand still laced with hers. I could see the disbelief on my employees' eyes as they watched our every move to the elevator. Being the kind of woman she is, Aretha just smiled at them. It wasn't until we were alone in the elevator that she let out a huge breath of relief.
"That nervous?" I chuckled.
"I don't know how you do it," she giggled.
"I pretend that they're not there," I shrugged.
"With all those eyes?" she scowled.
"I've had years of practice Ari," I smiled.
"True! It will take time for me though," she sighed.
"Take all the time in the world cara mia," I winked, making her blush.
"What's with the sudden terms of endearment?" she smiled.
"It's my nature to speak Italian, and it is my wish to caress my fiancée with it," I smirked.
"Sei così pieno di esso!" she raised an amused eyebrow.
"You speak Italian?" I asked wide-eyed as the elevator door opened on my floor.
"I don't know. Do I?" she winked before sashaying out of the elevator.
I'm pretty sure I stood there with my mouth wide open as I watched her walk towards Bianca. The employees on this floor were staring at her in curiosity. I finally snapped out of it when I realized that one of the guys was actually holding the door for me. The people standing outside the elevator looked amused by me and I couldn't very well fault them since I must've looked like an idiot.
I walked after my minx of a fiancée and caught up to her giggling with Bianca.
"What did you even do to have him so speechless?" Bianca asked her.
"Like I know," the evil woman looked my way with an innocent smile. I sent her a look of my own.
I will get you back.
She only giggled and added another sultry wink.
DEATH OF ME!
"Please arrange some grape juice for us," I requested from Bianca. I know its Aretha's favourite.
"Certainly Sir," Bianca sent me an amused look before heading towards the kitchen.
I didn't have any grape juice in my office, hence sending her that way.
"Would you like to see the office now? Or would you like to tease me some more?" I raised an eyebrow at my fiancée. She stepped up to me with her lip tugged between her teeth.
Dio!
"I'm sorry. You never asked," she said, clearly fighting her giggles.
"True! You just never cease to amaze me," I wrapped an arm around her waist. I heard a gasp and turned to see my surprised employees.
"I think we should head inside now," I advised.
"Good plan!" Aretha nodded. I grabbed her hand and lead her towards the huge mahogany door. I opened it and let her in.
I heard her sharp intake of breath at the sight and view of my office. It's a huge modern office with my desk, my chair, two chairs opposite my side of the table, a couch, a TV and a refrigerator. The windows have a magnificent view of the city, which seemed to have enthralled her most.
"I think I understand why you wouldn't want to leave this place," she said lowly as she walked over to the window.
"I live in here," I joked.
"What's behind the doors?" she asked. There were three conjoining doors in my office.
"The one leads to the storage, the one leads to my closet, and the other leads to my bathroom," I informed her.
"You really do live here," she said wide-eyed.
"The couch is a sleeper couch," I nodded with a sheepish smile. I expected her to laugh, but her eyes were instantly filled with sadness.
"That's not a healthy life Rafe, especially when you have the girls," she said sadly.
"I know that now," I admitted.
"Good, because your days of spending your nights here are over. I expect my fiancé and husband home with me in our bed every night," she said seriously.
"So you have a fiancé and a husband? And here I thought I was the only one," I joked.
"Rafe!" she scolded, though the smile was evident on her face.
"I know, I know! I'm going to try Ari, but I can't guarantee that I'll always succeed," I sighed as I wrapped my arms around her. She leaned in and gave me a short kiss.
"As long you're trying," she smiled before there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" I called, not letting go of Aretha. Bianca walked in with two bottles of grape juice.
"It was all I could find," she shrugged.
"It's fine," Aretha giggled.
"They're here! I already had Gene send them to Boardroom 3," Bianca informed me.
"Are they all here?" I asked.
"All twelve of them," Bianca nodded.
"Twelve?" Aretha's eyes widened.
"I'll be there the whole way," I smiled. She seemed to find comfort in my smile because she nodded and smiled back.
"Well then, I'll leave you to it! Good luck!" Bianca said before leaving the office.
"Let's go then!" Aretha said as she took her grape juice with her. I could only chuckle at her sudden enthusiasm.
We walked together to the boardroom, the curious eyes in the building following our every move. It was the first time ever that anyone was seeing me with a woman, let alone holding her hand. We didn't look the least bit platonic. It was clear as day that we're a couple.
We reached the boardroom and you could feel the tension, anxiety and excitement in the room. The heads in the room snapped up to us the moment we walked in and awe and surprise filled the eyes of the men and women in the room.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for giving up your time to do this," Aretha surprised them by being the one to speak.
"Like we'd miss the opportunity to meet the mystery woman in thee Raphael Maestri's life! Hell, it's a miracle we're even seeing him like this!" the one man chuckled, causing laughter all around.
"I'm a very private man," I argued.
"You're the King of Privacy," the one woman teased, causing laughter around once more.
"Well, he's not going to suddenly be open to the public, but he is opening himself up the public this once," Aretha smiled.
"Why now?" one of the other women asked.
"Have you seen my fiancée? Does she look like someone who should be hidden from the world?" I smirked. Aretha blushed while the ladies in the room cooed.
"Let's get to this," she mumbled as we sat down.
The meeting wasn't all that long. The editors and journalists were all from different magazines and different types of magazines. I could see the gears working in my fiancée's head as she listened to everyone, asking them questions every now and then. She was fully invested in this, while I sat back and watched her do her thing.
PR Management is definitely her thing.
By the time the meeting was over, Aretha had even managed to make notes after borrowing paper and a pen from one of the journalists. They all looked impressed by her, and she said she would get back to them about everything. We walked back to my office and sat on the couch while I gave her the moment to collect her thoughts.
"I'm a genius," she giggled to herself.
"You're also slightly insane, but I'll roll with it," I teased.
"Oh whatever! I've got the perfect solution for a full-on publicity thing," she beamed.
"Let's hear it," I chuckled.
"Well, instead of picking just one magazine, we can pick a couple," she said.
"What do you mean?" I frowned.
"While we were in there, I realized from what the guys were saying, that people are actually extremely curious about who you really are, so we might as well give them everything," she explained.
"I still don't understand cara mia," I admitted.
"I mean we'll do different interviews with different types of magazines. We can have two magazines that cover the wedding, one that covers you as the business man, one that interviews us as a family, one that interviews me for a bridal magazine, one that interviews you for health and your body, one that interviews you for your gadgets and lifestyle and one that interviews you as the man in general," she elaborated.
I was stunned.
"You've really thought about this huh?" I asked.
"It hit me in the boardroom," she blushed.
"Well, colour me impressed tesoro. I would've never thought of that myself," I smiled.
"Thank you mio caro," she winked.
This woman!
"So what now?" I asked.
"I'll have to work on everything when I get home," she said thoughtfully. I looked at my watch and pouted when I realized that Luigi would be calling any time now.
"And that pout?" she giggled.
"You're leaving soon," I mumbled.
"You are too adorable!" she smiled.
"Only you could find me adorable when I'm sad," I shook my head.
"Well, you're still adorable either way. Besides, you'll be home by seven thirty," she reminded.
"You don't forget, do you?" I chuckled.
"Nope! This gives me enough time to cook and get some ideas down for the magazines," she said, once again lost to her own thoughts. I was about to say something when Luigi barged into my office.
"Thank the gods you're not christening the office!" he teased. Aretha went beet red while I glared at him.
"And since when do you just walk into my office like you own the place?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Since I knew you wouldn't kill me in front of Rita," he smirked.
Asshole!
"That's not nice Lui. I might just let him on you," my fiancée said with a devilish smile. I was proud of her.
"What have you done to her you evil man?" he turned to me, making Aretha and I laugh.
"Have you fetched the girls yet?" I asked him.
"Yeah! They're sitting in the car since I wasn't sure about the whole image thing as yet," he replied.
"Makes sense! Let me walk you guys out and let's give the press something to gush over," I smiled.
"Look at you," Aretha teased.
"I blame you," I shrugged as we walked out.
"I'll more than take the blame," she returned the shrug.
"Are you leaving already?" Bianca asked as she came down the hall.
"Yep! Please make sure that this man leaves the office at seven. He needs to be home by seven thirty," Aretha told her.
"Curfew huh?" Bianca laughed.
"You know it!" my fiancée giggled before we headed into the elevator.
When we got outside, I wasn't surprised to see the press still lurking around. They must've been waiting for Aretha to walk back out. Lui opened the door for the girls and they were actually super excited to see me.
"DADDY!" they squealed as they hugged my legs.
"Gee, I don't get any love?" Aretha mock sniffed. They giggled before hugging her too. The press seemed to have a field day with the new scoop for them.
"I guess I'll see you guys tonight. You'll tell me all about your day then ok?" I told the girls.
"Ok daddy!" they smiled. I bent down so that they could all give me kisses before Lui buckled them into the SUV again.
"I'll see you tonight as well cara signora," I smiled as I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"I look forward to it mio caro," she winked.
"Dio! You will be the death of me woman," I grumbled.
"Don't use God's name in vain caro," she scolded. She kissed me before I could even say anything else.
"See you at home Signor Maestri," she purred before nipping at my lip.
Leaving me completely and utterly speechless!
I shook my head with a smile before heading back into the building. I think the people were actually shocked to see me smiling. I never used to smile in public, but that was only because I didn't have a reason to. Now, just thinking about my girls is enough to get me going.
"You're already causing a stir on social media," Bianca informed me as soon as I'd sat down.
"Is it looking good?" I sighed.
"The mystery element is there alright! Nice touch hiding her from the press," she smirked as she handed me her tablet to look over. There were pictures alright, but none with a clear view of Aretha. The ones with the girls were clearer.
"I don't think she even noticed," I commented.
"I highly doubt she did. How did the meeting go?" she asked.
"It went well if I understood Ari. She's got a million ideas buzzing in her head, so we'll know when she's got something concrete I guess," I replied.
"Is she going to be the one to call the magazines and all?" she asked.
"Probably! It sounds to me like not only are her plans being properly thought out, but they'll be very specific as well," I responded.
"Well, it sounds to me like everything is under control that side. How about we get to the presentations for the competition?" she suggested.
"We might as well," I sighed, even though I was lazy.
We went to the boardroom and Bianca set up the tapes with all the presentations we'd watched. Out of the fifty, we each had twenty of the people who had impressed us, so we were watching those tapes again.
"There you are!"
I turned to the door to find my little brother standing there with the most mischievous grin on his face. He was impeccably dressed as always, but there was something different this time. I paused and narrowed my eyes at him.
"Fabius," I said.
"Ambrosi," he mocked.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Oh hey Bee!" he ignored me, turning to my amused PA.
"Hey Fabs!" she giggled.
"So, imagine how thrilled I was today after landing, to find out that my brother is creating a buzz on social media. I drove straight here from the airport despite my jetlag! They're talking engagements brother, and you don't tell me this?!?" he asked, feigning hurt.
"And when was I supposed to tell you again?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He's been out of the country for a month and he's been unreachable.
I would only know because my mother actually called me to find out where he was.
"Ok, I'll give you that! Tell me more!" he said as he took a seat. Well then.
"There's nothing to tell," I shrugged. Bianca rolled her eyes at me.
"Her name is Aretha Washington. It was love at first sight, and he proposed after two weeks," she informed him.
"And the girls?" he raised an eyebrow.
"They accepted her first. She loves them as if they're her own," I replied.
"She doesn't mind being a mother to four devils? Are you sure she's not after your money?" he frowned.
"I had to beg her to come to Florence with me Fabius. She couldn't give a damn about my money or title," I told him, the warning clear in my voice.
"Alright, I believe you! You're smart so I know you wouldn't let yourself open up to her if she wasn't the real deal. Does she know about everything?" he asked.
"No," I replied.
"Does she at least know about our twisted family?" he sighed. I knew then that this was the serious side of him speaking.
"Partly! She knows that we can't meet mum and dad until after our wedding," I explained.
"Smart! What about Lina and Marcy?" he asked.
"I told her that Marcia would ignore her and Salina would chase her away," I replied. He looked confused.
"Does she know that you have a dark past?" he cocked his head to the side.
"Yep!" I nodded.
"And she's still staying?" he asked wide-eyed.
"Wait until you meet her. You'll understand why after you do," Bianca jumped in.
"I think I like that idea! Can I come over tonight?" he asked.
"If you promise to behave," I told him the condition.
"Don't worry bro! I'm too tired to cause trouble! I just care about your well being right now. You deserve happiness and I want to meet the woman who could give you just that. Right now though, I think I'll just head over to my house and nap before coming over," he smiled.
"Alright! Dinner's at seven thirty last I checked," I informed him.
"Can you get her to do eight?" he asked.
"I'll see what I can do," I nodded.
"Alright! I'll see you then," he smirked before leaving.
I was surprised by the visit, but at the same time, I wasn't. Fabius is the only one who really knows everything that went down all those years ago. He's the only one who doesn't hate me because of that day. Our relationship has been strong since my twin was killed. We stuck together as brothers while I was blamed for something I didn't do. He didn't give up on me though.
He's only three years younger than me, but he's always been smarter beyond his age. My father still refuses to hand over the family business to him though. The Maestri Empire is MY company, while Maestri Industries is the family company.
I lost out on gaining it when Ralph died.
And I'm glad.
Building my own company up from the ground with no help from my parents whatsoever makes me proud because it's MY achievement. My company is more established, makes more money and is growing more every year. It makes me laugh to think that I could've done that for Maestri Industries- I could've taken it to new heights.
"Well boss, I think that's enough for today! You should be getting ready to head home," Bianca smiled. The time was 18:53.
"I guess I have to get used to this new life huh?" I chuckled.
"Yep! You should start by getting rid of the fridge and sleeper couch in your office. Get a normal couch so that you're not tempted to stay here," she advised.
"Can you arrange all of that?" I pouted.
"Already done you big baby!" she laughed.
"Hey! Ari called me that this morning," I scowled.
"That's because you're a big baby disguised as a fearful Italian CEO," she teased.
"That's a mean thing to say BIANCA!" I scrunched up my nose.
"See if I care AMBROSI!" she stuck her tongue out at me.
"I don't like that name!" I groaned.
"I know," she giggled as we left the boardroom.
There were still people working, which surprised me honestly. I'd thought people would rush to get home, but that didn't seem like the case. I packed up my belongings after calling Sven to come around.
As I predicted, there was no traffic when we headed back home. Sven dropped me off at 19:21. I was a whole nine minutes early, and even if I may say so myself, I was proud of that fact. I walked into the house to find my grandmother, Anita and Yvette sitting in the lounge. The girls were setting the dining room table, and I was met with the heavenly smell of chicken.
"Hello ladies," I greeted the elder women quietly. They smiled in return as I put my laptop bag down. I then quietly headed to the dining room.
"I could definitely get used to this!" I beamed.
"DADDY!" the girls squealed like they hadn't seen me just hours before.
"Hello devils!" I teased.
"Daddy, we're not devils! Mummy said we're angels!" Calinda huffed.
"Mummy's blind!" I chuckled.
"You're mean daddy! No dessert for you! We made it, so we get the say over who eats it!" Caprice smirked before they disappeared.
"You chose the wrong opponents," my favourite voice reached my ears.
"Yeah well you live and you learn," I chuckled. She laughed before coming to kiss me.
"Hey," she smiled.
"Hey back at you," I said before pecking her lips.
"I'm proud of you for making it on time," she giggled.
"Yeah well I was threatened," I said dramatically.
"You're a wise man for avoiding consequences," she winked.
"Speaking of consequences, I hope to avoid one with my next request," I said nervously.
"What is it?" she narrowed her eyes.
"Well, Fabius came to see me at the office a few hours ago. He'd driven to the company straight from the airport when he heard the buzz about us. Anyway, he really wants to meet you, and he's put in a request that we have dinner at eight. He wanted to take a nap first," I explained.
"Oh, well, that's ok with me I guess!" she said nervously.
"You're nervous," I commented.
"No I'm not," she quickly denied.
"Yes you are," I smirked.
"Ok, maybe I am! You said your brother will like me though right?" she bit her lip.
"I can guarantee it," I nodded.
"Then I have nothing to worry about. Good thing too since the girl's dessert is still baking," she smiled.
"What did they make?" I asked as we headed into the kitchen.
"You'll just have to wait and see," she shrugged with a smile.
"Meanie!" I pouted.
"How was your day?" she giggled.
"It was great! Yours?" I asked.
"Productive," she replied.
"Uh tesoro, where's your best friend?" I frowned.
"Like I know," she shrugged.
"She just got to Italy today and you've already lost her?" I raised an amused eyebrow.
"She's a grown woman. If she wants to gallivant without me, then so be it," she huffed.
"She's with Lui, isn't she?" I chuckled knowingly. It sounds like something my cousin would do- kidnap someone on their first day in a country.
"He just stole her from me! It's not fair Rafe! She's MY best friend!" she whined, making me laugh harder.
"I'm glad you love me so much girlie," a new voice joined us. I traced it back to the woman I'd spoken to at the hotel.
"Hello Rhonda," I smiled at her.
"Mr Maestri," she returned the smile.
"Please, call me Raphael," I offered.
"Thank you girlie for snatching the boss," Rhonda teased, making us laugh before Luigi made his entrance.
"I thought we were supposed to be eating now," was the first thing he said.
"In that case, you would've been late," Aretha quirked an eyebrow.
"Pssh, says you!" he scoffed.
"Fabs is coming," I notified him. If anyone would be happy to know that, it would be Luigi. He and Fabius are again, closer than Fabius and I are.
"My twin!" Luigi beamed as I expected.
"That was so girly!" Rhonda teased.
"Shut up!" Luigi glared at her, making us laugh.
"That's no way to treat a lady Lui. I thought I taught you better than that!" my brother mock sniffed.
Idiots!
"Fabs!" Luigi beamed, going over to hug him.
"So girly," Rhonda, Aretha and Bianca giggled, earning themselves glares from the guys.
"Hey you! What are you doing here?" I asked Bianca.
"Apparently your brother thinks I should be with my family, so he kidnapped Gio and I and brought us here," she sighed.
"Well, he's right!" Aretha smiled.
"I like her already!" Fabius chuckled. Luigi and I rolled our eyes at him.
Of course he would like someone who thinks he's right.
"Fabs, this is my beautiful fiancée Aretha Washington, and her just as beautiful best friend Rhonda Riviera. Guys, this is my little brother Fabius Maestri," I introduced.
"Yep! I definitely owe you for snagging the boss," Rhonda winked at Aretha, making my fiancée laugh.
"It's great to finally meet you Fabius," she smiled at him.
"The honour is mine Miss Washington. It takes a lot to deal with my brother, and the fact that you know that he's got secrets and you're still willing to make him happy, means you're safe in my books," Fabius told her sincerely.
"We all have things that we wish we could change about ourselves, but we can't. That doesn't mean that we have to be punished for our pasts by being denied a happy future," my fiancée wisely put. I was impressed by her insight.
"Definitely a keeper! Welcome to the family sis," Fabius surprised her with a hug. She laughed and hugged him back.
"Thank you," she smiled.
"Well, now that we're all here, can we eat?" Luigi asked impatiently.
"I think we could do with another thirty minute wait," Aretha teased.
"No!" Luigi groaned, making us laugh.
"Call the girls," my fiancée told him.
"Yes!" he said excitedly before going to call them.
"He's such a dork!" Bianca shook her head.
"It's Lui," Aretha, Rhonda, Fabius and I surprised each other by saying before the kitchen was filled with laughter.
When I bought a sixteen seater table under my mother's instructions, I never once imagined that it would come to good use, and yet as we all sat at the long table, I was grateful for it. We were a family, something I didn't think I would ever have.
The table was alive with chatter as the girls told us about their day. Apparently they'd progressed even more, and I was beginning to rethink Aretha and I's decision about sending them to school. Ari had said that we should just send them to the Maestri School of Advanced Learning since I'd built it in their honour anyway. They may not be allowed to skip grades at other schools, but that's the whole point of my school to begin with.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked me. She was sitting next to me since we put Yvette and my grandmother at the ends of the table.
"Sending the girls to school. I think you were right about sending them to MSAL," I replied.
"Seriously? That will make their day!" she beamed.
"I'll arrange it first and then we can tell them," I chuckled.
"What are you too whispering about?" Fabius asked us.
"Nothing!" we smiled.
"Uh huh," he narrowed his eyes at us.
"So Rita, how are the wedding plans coming along?"
**********
ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
So, the cast is up! Remember that you don't have to go by who I envision. You can envision your own cast and all.
Anyway, we're getting closer to the wedding. What would you guys like to see happen at the wedding? I'm looking forward to it!
Please keep voting, commenting, sharing, adding to your libraries and fanning. Let's keep it on the ranks and let it go higher!
I love you guys!
Katee (^^,)