Chapter 9: TMA || 9

“So, he just left his card with you?” Rhonda asked.

“Yep!” I nodded as I moved around my drawing board.

“Wait, and this is your new credit card to keep?” she continued.

“Yep!” I nodded once more.

“And you do realize it’s a black card right?” she pointed out.

“Yep!” I replied absentmindedly.

“Girlie, would you focus on something else other than that drawing board for once!” she sighed.

“I’m sorry! It’s just that my mind is buzzing,” I admitted.

“That’s lovely and all, but you flew me down here to help you plan a wedding, and now you’re ignoring me. I feel very neglected,” she pouted.

“You’re such a drama queen, but I’ll stop for now nonetheless. What do you want to do now?” I asked.

“I want to shop until I drop dead,” she smirked.

“What kind of shopping exactly?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Well, you obviously need a new wardrobe, and I guess it wouldn’t hurt to throw in some wedding shopping here and there,” she smiled.

“You’re absolutely unbelievable,” I mumbled.

“You love me anyway! Now, go and dress up like the future Mrs Maestri while I call Lui over,” she shooed me out of the room.

“Your new best friend,” I sighed dramatically.

“And I’m the dramatic one?” she scoffed, rolling her eyes at me.

I laughed before heading to Raphael and I’s room to have a quick shower. This time, I chose to wear a tan dress with chocolate gladiator heels. I accessorized with gold and rustic jewellery before attending to my hair. I straightened it before tying it up into a tight ponytail. I packed everything I would need into a chocolate handbag before leaving the room.

I got downstairs to find Rhonda sitting with Luigi, Anita, Florencia and my grandmother. My grandmother was looking healthier by the day now that Raphael had put her in the care of some of the best cancer doctors out there. She was tired from the chemo, but the doctors said her cancer was responding well to it. Hopefully she makes a full recovery.

“Good morning,” I greeted everyone.

“Good morning child,” the three elder women greeted. It’s so weird how they all call me the same thing.

“Damn Rita! You are really out to put Raphael in jail,” Luigi whistled lowly.

“What are you talking about?” I asked in confusion.

“He’s going to murder some men with the way you look right now,” Rhonda elaborated.

“You’re being dramatic,” I rolled my eyes.

“And you’re being modest,” Florencia pointed out.

“Is it that bad?” I asked, suddenly unsure about it.

“It wouldn’t matter what you put on child. You would still look gorgeous, and Raphael will just have to get used to the fact that his wife to be is one hell of a catch,” Anita smiled, making me blush.

“You reckon?” I bit my lip.

“Without a doubt!” they nodded.

“Well thanks guys,” I smiled.

“It’s a pleasure! Now, let’s go! You already denied me breakfast, so now you must feed me,” Rhonda announced as she stood up. She looked just as breathtaking in a light blue dress with navy heels.

“And I’m the lucky man who gets to travel with two beautiful ladies. Let the men of Italy envy me,” Luigi smirked.

“We’ll barely be seen by the whole of Florence Lui,” I rolled my eyes at him.

“That means nothing! You’ll probably still make it in the papers anyway. I get to be the dashing bodyguard in the background,” he shrugged.

“Can we leave now before Lui spews some more nonsense?” Rhonda pleaded, making the elder women laugh.

“Call it what you will, but it’s the truth!” Luigi defended as he stood up.

“Enjoy your day girls,” my grandmother smiled.

“We’ll try,” Rhonda and I sighed, probably thinking the same thing.

Dealing with Lui will be tedious.

We headed over to the SUV, and like the gentleman he is, Luigi opened the doors for us before we entered. We headed on our way out and for the first few minutes of the trip, nothing was said. I think we were all lost in thought, which actually made me think of something.

“Do you guys think Rafe would ever allow me to get a car?” I asked them.

“No,” they both laughed.

“Seriously? You have that much faith in him?” I giggled.

“We just know facts Rita. That man would probably think of you driving yourself around as a safety hazard,” Rhonda commented.

“He’s not that bad,” I scowled.

“He is,” they argued.

“So what you’re saying is that I should give up on ever getting my own car?” I sighed.

“Pretty much girlie,” Rhonda said with a sympathetic smile.

“Why do you want a car anyway?” Luigi asked me.

“I’ve never owned one,” I admitted.

“Ever?” Luigi asked incredulously. My best friend already knew this.

“Nope,” I shook my head.

“Wow, that’s just, wow! I didn’t think that would be the reason,” he admitted.

“Yeah well it is,” I sighed.

“Do you even know how to drive?” he asked.

“Yeah! My friend Toby taught me how to. I even have a license,” I smiled.

“Well, I’m pretty sure if you ask him nicely, he might get you a car. I doubt he can deny you anything,” Luigi smiled.

“I agree with Lui. You are Raphael’s weakness and he’d do anything to make you happy,” Rhonda added.

“Nah, I wont bother him,” I decided as we pulled up to the mall.

“Whatever you wish,” Luigi smiled before coming around to open the door for us.

My slightly bigger than necessary engagement ring glimmered as it caught some sunlight. I adjusted my dress as Rhonda stepped out of the SUV with Luigi’s help, before we were both standing outside. There was some considerable attention on us, and a part of me wondered if anyone recognized me.

I’d already seen the photos that had appeared in the papers from yesterday, and it amazed me when I found out that Raphael had managed to shield me from the press. In most of the pictures, you could either see only my backside, or a little bit of my profile, but you couldn’t make me out in any of the photos.

Not that there weren’t observant people who could.

“So, do you want to have breakfast in one of the restaurants in the mall, or would you like to have it down the strip?” Luigi asked. I didn’t even notice the strip of restaurants opposite the mall till then.

“The strip,” Rhonda and I replied.

“I thought you might say that,” he chuckled.

He led us to a three star restaurant that he claimed makes the best pancakes. We weren’t complaining since Rhonda and I aren’t used to lavish eating in any case. We were seated and Luigi ordered for us.

“So, what exactly is the plan for today? The girls only need to be fetched at four once again,” Luigi asked. It was currently 10:21.

“Well, we need to shop for Rita’s closet, and then we’ll probably just look for things pertaining to the wedding,” Rhonda replied.

“Shouldn’t you be sending out the wedding invitations by now?” he raised an amused eyebrow.

“I didn’t even think about wedding invitations!” I face palmed myself.

“Do you at least know who your fiancé would like in attendance?” Rhonda asked amusedly.

They are having too much fun at my expense.

“I know his immediate family isn’t invited, save for Fabius,” I commented.

“Why?” Rhonda asked in confusion.

“Too much family drama and they’d all hate Rita,” Luigi told her.

“She’s one of the nicest people around. Who could hate her?” Rhonda’s scowl deepened.

“My aunt is racist. My uncle and my cousins would only hate her because she makes Raphael happy and they’d rather see him miserable and alone,” Luigi explained.

“That is so twisted!” Rhonda gasped.

“It’s the sad truth,” he shrugged.

“Ok, so no immediate family. Do you know of anyone else he would want to invite?” I asked him.

“Isn’t it your job to ask him?” he chuckled.

“Lui,” I whined.

“No Rita. As much as I love Raphael, my cousin is the pickiest person I know. For all I know, I’ll tell you that he wants someone at the wedding, only to learn that he hates that person’s guts. I’m not putting myself on the chopping block for you. You ask him,” he refused.

“You’re so dramatic! He’s not that picky,” I rolled my eyes.

“We’ll talk again once you have the guest list,” he smirked.

“Well, let me call him now and ask him about it,” I said, just to prove him wrong as I took out my phone.

“I look forward to the results,” he chuckled just as Raphael answered the phone.

“Cara mia,” his deep voice reached my ears, making me certifiably blush.

“Caro, how are you?” I asked.

“I’m in the middle of a very boring meeting,” he sighed.

“And you picked up your phone? Wait, did the people you’re with actually hear you say that you’re bored?” I gasped.

“Yes they did,” he replied.

“Apologize Raphael!” I scolded.

“I will do no such thing! You tell the girls never to lie and me apologizing wouldn’t be sincere. I am bored and that’s fact,” he stated.

Ah darn!

“Alright then, I’ll call you later,” I sighed.

“You might as well talk to me now. I wont be free the entire day, and since I’m bored right now, I’m pretty sure you have something better to say to me,” he responded.

“You’re being rude signor,” I told him. I heard him sigh heavily.

“Alright fine! I’ll call you back when I leave the meeting,” he mumbled.

“It’s not even that important,” I tried to argue.

“I’m calling you after this meeting cara signora, and I hope you answer the phone,” he said before hanging up.

“He’s having a bad morning,” Luigi stated.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“Just from the little bits I heard, and the fact that you had to scold him over the phone. Let me guess, he’s going to call you back and expects that you answer the phone?” he asked.

“You hit it right on the spot,” I nodded.

“I figured! Please do the world a favour and answer the phone when he does call. It will actually help to talk to the one and only person who has the power to calm him down,” he pleaded.

“Doesn’t Bianca calm him down?” I asked curiously.

“No! When he’s in this mood, not even she bothers. She normally just makes sure the rest of his day runs smoothly, so that he avoids actually killing anyone for any mistakes,” he explained.

“And you’ve had to deal with that throughout the years?” Rhonda asked.

“Pretty much! I’m not saying that it’s right, but it’s who he is, and at this point in time, we’ve learnt to accept it and work around it. We know that he’s a good man, but he’s also human, and because of his past, he deals with situations much differently than other people do. Again, it’s not an excuse, but there is no perfect person,” he replied.

“Wow, I had no idea,” I admitted.

“It’s not just his past that you’re going to have to deal with Rita, but it’s his present too. He’s not going to be an easy man to deal with, and having you in his life is going to be the biggest change for him since having the girls. I know that he’s been a different man since you’ve met him, but sooner or later, you’re going to meet the man that everyone is afraid of, and I can only hope for both your sakes that you’re strong enough to handle it,” he said with a small, sad smile.

I realized then that I had every reason to be worried about Raphael, and for the first time since he’d come into my life, I was worried for myself as well. Did I really think this through? Am I really ready to take on Raphael and all his baggage?

But then again, it’s not just about him.

I love my girls, and I would honestly do anything for them, even if it means putting up with their father. I don’t want to look at it that way though. I want to be able to say I stayed with Raphael out of love for who he is. I want to be able to say that I have a unified family and that the girls can look to Raphael and I to be an exemplary illustration of what love is.

“I will try my hardest with him Lui. I’m not planning on giving up on him any time soon,” I smiled.

“Good! That’s a relief. For a moment there, I was sure I’d said enough to drive you away,” he chuckled, the nerves clear in his voice.

“It’s going to take a lot for her to give up on him. Rita sees the good in people, even through their bad. She will want to help him before abandoning him,” Rhonda smiled.

“What she said,” I blushed.

“Then I can only love you more for being an addition to the family,” Luigi gave me a heart warming smile. Before any of us could say anything, our waiter arrived, as well as a very hyper brunette.

“Lui?” she beamed. He froze before turning to face her with a smile.

I wasn’t sure whether or not the smile was real.

“Marci!” he got up to hug her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked. I realized that she has an English accent.

Wait a minute!

Marci?

As in Raphael’s SISTER?!?

“I’m here to eat Marcia. What do people do at restaurants?” Luigi teased her. She blushed.

“You know what I meant! Oh my God, look at me being rude! Who are these beautiful ladies?” she asked, turning to us with a genuine smile as she took the free seat at our table.

So she’s not racist then...

“These beautiful ladies as you put it are Rhonda Riviera, and Aretha Washington, your brother’s fiancée,” Luigi replied. I paled.

WHY WOULD HE TELL HER?!?

“Fabs is getting married?” her eyes widened.

“Not Fabs Marci,” he shook his head.

I honestly held my breath in as I watched the shock settle on her face. I was so afraid of her reaction, but at the same time I wasn’t. Raphael said she would ignore me at best, so you can imagine my surprise when she broke out into a smile.

“Ambrosi actually found a woman who loves his damaged self?” she smiled.

“Wait, why are you happy about this?” Luigi asked her while Rhonda and I watched on.

“You thought I would be upset about my younger brother getting married?” she asked in confusion.

“Well, yes! You haven’t been a fan of him since Ralph,” Luigi pointed out.

“That’s where you’re wrong Lui. I’ve always been like this, and you all chose to believe that I’m stuck up. I only moved to London to get away from this twisted family. I don’t blame Ambrosi for what happened to Ralph, but because my brother is so emotionally shut off, he wouldn’t let me reach out to him and just assumed that I hate him like everyone else. This isn’t true. I miss Ambrosi more than anyone understands, but I can’t force him to let me in. I don’t hate him at all, and I wish I could tell him that,” she said sadly, a lone tear escaping. I felt the truth behind her words.

“I could get him to talk to you,” I offered.

“You know who I am?” she asked in shock since she hadn’t exactly been introduced.

“If I’m right, then you’re Marcia, his older sister,” I smiled.

“You’re right. You say you can help me?” she asked.

“I can! Raphael knows that he has to face his past so that he and I can move forward. From what I’ve gathered, you truly don’t hate him, and it would do him some good to know that,” I held her hand.

“I see he still hates the name Ambrosi,” she smiled sadly.

“It reminds him too much of the past Marci,” Luigi sighed.

“I understand. I would love it if you could help me,” she turned to me.

“Are you doing anything today?” Rhonda asked her.

“I landed yesterday and I was just going to laze around until the press heard I was back. I would then be summoned to my parent’s house, so the answer is no I guess,” she shrugged.

“Summoned? They actually do that?” Rhonda scowled.

“My parents are very traditional,” Marcia laughed.

“And yet they let you go to London?” I asked.

“Oh no! I ran away and got married. My husband is only flying in next week,” she smiled.

“Well, we’d love for you to join us today,” Rhonda offered.

“What’s the plan?” she asked.

“We’re shopping for Rita here who needs a new wardrobe that’s fit for the future Mrs Maestri, as well as some wedding things,” Rhonda informed her.

“You’d have me, even though you don’t know me all that well?” Marcia asked me.

“I would be honoured. Besides, not only are you going to be my sister in law, but how will I get to know you if I don’t spend time with you?” I winked.

“Touché!” she laughed.

“I’m surprised about something,” Luigi commented.

“What?” the three of us asked him.

“How come you haven’t questioned whether or not Rita is out for Raphael’s wealth and name?” Luigi asked Marcia.

“Simple! Firstly, my brother isn’t stupid, and after Gabi, he would be highly cautious of the woman he lets into his heart. Secondly, she’s too humble. It’s a natural aura that she gives off. I can tell that she’s a good woman just from the little time I’ve spent with her,” Marcia replied confidently.

“Just as well! I think Raphael wouldn’t let you in if you hated her. As it is, they’re getting married without your parent’s and Salina’s knowledge,” Luigi smirked.

“That’s brilliant! I wish I could be there when they find out,” Marcia laughed.

“You people are weird,” Rhonda shook her head.

“You’ll understand once you meet them. As a kid, I used to think that it was ok to let them be because at the end of the day, they’re still my parents, but when I was old enough to realize how demented they truly are, I disowned them. The next time I see them will be the first time since I left for London five years ago,” Marcia explained.

“Well, even I want to suddenly be there when they get find out,” Rhonda cheered, making us laugh.

“They threw a fit when they found out about my marriage. They read it online with the rest of the world,” Marcia smirked.

“Oh, this one will be even more priceless. Miss Washington here is in charge of a huge expose on her fiancé. There’s going to be interviews for his business side, the wedding, his life as the family man, his lifestyle, and her as the bride. It’s going to be huge, and it’s all going to be printed in one go,” Luigi chuckled.

“That is brilliant! No-one really knows anything about my brother. This sounds like a perfect opportunity. You really are good for him,” she gushed.

“Barely! I just want the world to know who he is you know? He’s such a mystery, but he’s also such a great man apart from his reputation. I think people deserve to know that, and he deserves to have people see the good in him rather than draw their own conclusions of who he is,” I explained.

“When’s the wedding?” she asked.

“In a little over three week’s time,” I replied.

“Can we keep her?” she excitedly asked Luigi, making us laugh.

“Not that Raphael has any intentions of letting her go,” he winked.

“Good! I wont allow him to,” she smiled.

I definitely like her.

Our food had gone cold from being ignored, so Luigi reordered for us, placing in an order for Marcia as well. She told us all about what she’s been up to in London. I wasn’t surprised to learn that she’s a model since she has the looks for it. She’s a part-time model though. Her major job is running her very own modelling agency.

Breakfast was lovely, and soon enough, I found myself in fitting rooms as different outfits were handed to me by the two crazy women. They were having so much fun getting to dress me up. I wont lie and say I wasn’t enjoying it either. Expensive clothes aren’t expensive for nothing. They feel good.

“Caro,” I answered my phone while giggling.

“Someone sounds like they having a great time,” he commented.

“I am! The girls are something else,” I sighed.

“The girls?” I could hear his confusion. I froze before recovering.

“Never mind that! How are you?” I asked.

“Highly irritated,” he mumbled.

“I figured, but why?” I asked as Marcia stood before me. She mouthed Raphael’s name and I nodded.

“I hate when people don’t do things the way I want them done, and I hate arrogant people even more!” he complained.

“You’re being a hypocrite, you realize this right?” I pointed out.

“You’re saying I’m arrogant?” he asked in disbelief.

“I’m saying exactly that,” I agreed.

“I’m not arrogant Ari,” he denied.

“You are very arrogant Rafe, and I don’t expect you to think that of yourself, but it’s true. You can’t expect people to not be arrogant when you display the same amount of arrogance, if not more. You’ve built up your mysterious and scary image, and it’s understandable, but that doesn’t mean it should be tolerated. You have no emotion towards anyone else except the people close to your heart. People fear you, but I can’t say I’m sure that they respect you. You need to think about that,” I told him honestly.

“I called you so that you could make me feel better,” he snapped.

“That’s wonderful and all, but I will not lie to you. It’s not one of the reasons why you want me to marry you,” I pointed out.

“You’re being incredibly bitchy,” he mumbled. I wont lie and say that his statement didn’t hurt me, but I had to be strong.

“I’m being honest, and last I checked, it’s one of the things you like about me. I’m sorry if you can’t handle the truth, but like I said, I will not lie to you. So, while you’re being mean and while you want to be angry with me, arrange your list of people you’d like to invite to the wedding. The invitations need to go out by Thursday,” I said before hanging up. Marcia immediately engulfed me in a hug and I didn’t even realize that I’d started crying.

“What did he say to you?” she whispered.

“He said I’m being the b word basically,” I told her as I wiped away my tears.

“He’s being a jerk Rita, but I’m proud of the way you handled him. I know he’s definitely going to regret what he said,” she hugged me.

“I would hope so,” I sighed. I didn’t want to be fighting with him.

“Don’t worry about it Rita. My brother needs you to be tough with him. I’m only sorry that you have to suffer his language diarrhoea,” she said furiously, effectively making me laugh. She looked so adorable.

“I know he’s being a jerk, but at this point, he’s my jerk you know? I’m obviously not going to let him think that he can say whatever he wants to me and get away with it, but I understand that he also has to slowly transition into being a better and more open person,” I pointed out.

“I’m going to fight for you Rita. My brother deserves needs you, and I hope no-one stands in the way of that because I will kill them,” she smirked.

She looked pretty scary doing that.

“I don’t doubt that for a minute for some reason,” I scowled.

“Great! Now wipe those tears away and let’s go wedding dress shopping!” she clapped her hands.

My sister in law to be is pretty scary, but I love her already!

I got dressed in my own clothes before stepping out to pay for everything else I’d already tried on. Luigi was a great sport as he carried the bags to the car after every store we’d gone to. This time though, we went back to the car with him because Marcia had a bridal store she wanted us to go to for my wedding dress.

We reached the place and it wasn’t even a little boutique like I’d originally thought. Oh no, this was a bride-to-be’s haven. There was everything a bride could want in terms of looks. It was almost like a warehouse. There were different colours of dresses on the racks, as well as a department for shoes, crowns, veils and accessories.

“What is this place?” Rhonda and I asked in wonder.

“Ladies, welcome to The Maestri Bridal Company warehouse,” Marcia smiled.

“The what?” I asked wide-eyed.

“Apart from my modelling agency, I also run a company called The Maestri Bridal Company. My little brother doesn’t know that I know that he’s the mysterious investor that decided to back up my idea when I started the company six years ago. It started out as a small store, and slowly grew to be the company it is now. We have twenty three branches all over the world,” Marcia informed us proudly.

“Wow! You people just don’t cease to amaze,” Rhonda commented.

“I figured it would be great publicity for you and the company if your wedding dress you wore was from the company,” Marcia told me.

“It’s a brilliant idea! That way, I’m supporting my future family,” I beamed.

“Exactly! There’s only one dress of each design, and this is new, untouched stock, so go wild,” she smiled. Before I could say anything, a young woman rushed to us.

“Mrs Kennedy! We weren’t expecting you!” she panicked.

“Calm down Priya. I didn’t schedule a visit. This is Aretha Washington, my little brother’s fiancée. She’s here to get stuff for her wedding, and I expect that she be given the absolute royal treatment,” Marcia instructed.

“Oh, Mr Fabius is getting married?” Priya smiled.

“Why does everyone just assume it’s Fabius getting married?” Rhonda giggled.

“Because of who Raphael is,” Luigi and I said simultaneously.

“Mr Raphael is the one getting married?” Priya asked wide-eyed.

“Yep!” I smiled at her.

“You’re a very lucky woman Ms Washington. He is a wonderful man, even if he’s misunderstood,” Priya told me.

“You speak as though you’ve encountered him before,” Marcia noted.

“I have Mrs Kennedy. He comes around every now and then to check up on things,” Priya informed her.

“How did he expect me to now know that he’s the major investor in my company though?” Marcia laughed to herself.

“Thank you for everything Priya,” I thanked her.

“I haven’t done anything yet,” she scowled.

“I’m thanking you in advance I guess,” I giggled.

“Oh, then you’re welcome in advance,” she laughed.

Marcia and Priya let us go wild. It was agreed that we should all pick one dress that we like. With the five choices in hand, I headed into the changing rooms. I tried on Luigi’s selection first, and I laughed when I saw myself.

“No,” the woman said once I stepped out.

“Lui, what were you thinking?” I giggled.

“Do I look like someone who knows what wedding dress to pick for a woman?” he deadpanned.

“Touché,” we replied before I went back into the changing room.

I tried on the three dresses chosen by the others, and they weren’t quite it. Sighing, I put on the dress that I’d picked for myself. When I turned to face the mirror, I gasped a little as the tears rushed to my eyes.

It was perfect.

“Well then, come out and let’s see,” Rhonda called out. I nervously stepped out and was met by four pairs of amazed eyes.

“You clearly know yourself girlie. You look breathtaking!” Rhonda was the first to break from the trance.

“And that’s without the make-up and all,” Priya added.

“My brother wont know what hit him once he sees you like this. Hell, he’s going to be tongue-tied when you walk down the aisle,” Marcia smiled, her eyes shining with tears. They probably reflected my own.

“He’s going to have a hard time deciding whether he likes you with the dress on or off,” Luigi wiggled his eyebrows.

“LUI!” the four of us shouted as we laughed.

“What? I’m being honest here,” Luigi chuckled.

“You guys really think it’s the one?” I asked them.

“We know it’s the one,” they replied.

“Ok, I’ll take it!” I smiled.

“Fantastic! Now let’s get you everything else. I believe the girls need to be fetched in the next hour,” Marcia commented.

I moved off and managed to find the perfect shoes to go with the dress. Marcia told me that the rest of the things would come from ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’. I was actually pretty excited now that I had a dress, and Marcia said she’d fetch it for me closer to the time of the wedding.

Luigi drove us home before going to fetch the girls. Marcia was actually nervous about seeing the girls. She’d last seen them when they were three, and they’d been afraid of her because of her then cold exterior. She wanted to be a better aunt to them, but she wasn’t sure that they would accept her.

“They’ll love you if you’re not hostile towards them this time round,” Rhonda offered.

“I know! I’m still nervous about it,” she admitted.

“Marcia? I thought that was you!” Florencia beamed at the sight of her granddaughter. Marcia told us that she was unsure about the relationship between her and her grandmother, but I guess Florencia still loved her through everything.

“Grandma,” Marcia said lowly, not looking up to meet her eyes.

“Oh come here you silly girl! You’re just like your brother! I forgive you!” Florencia smiled as she opened her arms up.

“Really?” Marcia’s head shot up.

“I’m too old for grudges child. I’m also too old to hold up my arms like this forever,” Florencia joked, making Marcia laugh before she stepped in for the hug.

“Do your parents know that you’re back?” Florencia asked.

“No, but I will be summoned once they know that I am,” Marcia sighed.

“Whatever happens, only go after the wedding,” Florencia told her.

“I wasn’t planning on going at all, but if you insist,” Marcia giggled.

“I wish I could be there to see their faces when they learn that Raphael got married without them,” Florencia laughed. At the mention of Rafe’s name, my heart did a painful summersault.

“We all wish! Maybe we could coax the house staff into taking videos,” Marcia smirked.

“I like the way you think! Rita child, what’s wrong? You look like you’re a million miles away,” Florencia asked me.

“Raphael was an asshole to her earlier today,” Marcia said angrily.

“Language!” I scolded Marcia, making her blush.

“That boy ought to be smacked,” Florencia sighed.

“Oh, I will smack him! You can guarantee that,” Marcia said confidently.

“No-one will be doing any smacking of any sort! Just let him be,” I sighed.

“You can’t let him get away with treating you badly,” Rhonda commented.

“I’m not going to. I’ll deal with him my own way,” I replied.

“As long as you deal with him child. I agree that he can’t carry on thinking that he can treat you whichever way he likes,” Florencia commented.

“I wont! I think I’m going to take a nap now. I can feel a faint headache coming on. Rhonda, when Rafe gets here and looks for me, please tell him I’m in his study and then follow him and lock him in there once he gets in there. Marci, make sure that you’re in the study as soon as Raphael arrives. Locking him in the same room as you will ensure that you guys get to talk. He can’t be stubborn forever,” I explained the plan to them.

“Genius! Thank you again Rita,” Marcia hugged me.

“Anything for my future sister in law,” I smiled.

“Well, the one who likes you at least,” she winked, making us laugh.

I headed up to our room and was engulfed by Raphael’s scent as soon as I stepped into the room. It was overwhelming, and it only made me think about how mean he’d been to me. I sound like a sissy with the way I’m going on about this, but when someone you care about, hurts you like that, you can’t help but be upset.

I changed into a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt before grabbing a blanket and leaving the room. I couldn’t be in that room, so I decided to take my nap in one of the guest bedrooms. A big part of me hoped the girls wouldn’t come looking for me when they arrived.

I just needed to be one with my thoughts for a while.