Chpater-67

Chpater-67

Riccardo's POV:

Sometime later,

I abandoned the cigar, throwing it down on the ground. Nothing brings me peace, nothing.... I feel like I have been in constant pain since forever.

How is she?

Where is she?

How is she ok without me?

I sighed, thinking of me 6 or 7 months pregnant, yea... around that time. I 6 for her for the last 3 months, but.... I don't get whereas is she?

I will find her, I have no other way. I cannot let my children come in this world in the absence of their father.

My mind got bitter thinking, she wants to punish me like this, she can be this cruel to take my kids away from me. I feel like I am just allowed to breathe, I deserve nothing else.

I walked into the room, I switched the lights on of this empty room, still too awful. Isaac Derosa is tied there on the chair. He looks at me as the light disturbs him.

He has been locked for 2 months.

I don't give a damn, I just know he knows something. He is hiding it, that's gives me enough reason to torture him. Relations with Derosa family are going downhill, but my recent outburst made them stay in control.

I sat in front of Isaac, lighting another cigar. He kept glaring at me, angry.

I smirked, "You know... It's been a routine, I ask Where is Cherish and you not tell me..." I smiled at him, hiding my anger.

I said, "Let's change this... because I am getting sick of it."

Isaac smirked back. He said, "I can't.... I don't know anything....."

He is so resistant.

But ⁵ I have his weakness..... a big weakness.....

I said, "I knew... you were an ass....But..."

I looked directly at him, I blew out the smoke as I said, "Sofia is pregnant....around 3 months...she just got to know..."

Isaac looked at me shocked, his face went still for a second. He looked down closing

his eyes, a smile appeared on his face, like his tied arms didn't bother him, this flighty room didn't mattered to him.

I hated it..... I realized what I lost, and it reminded me of my failure.....

Yet again, I said, "That the same time when Cherish left.... she was also, 3 months pregnant.... You took it from me, I know you were the last person she was seen with.... I know it very well...."

Isaac's face turned stern again, I offered, "You know...How tempted I am too give you the same fate?.... That you will spend eternity here, thinking how your child is? How your wife is? Will you fail as a father? Did you already failed? Or you will miss their birth?....Or... they will never recognize you if it's too late to get back to them? You should get the same faith...."

Isaac looked at me hateful, the next second he mocked with a smirk, "Glad to know you are suffering Riccardo... I am glad to know that....... I happy for you, that you feel something closer to what my sister felt by your actions....."

I hated how he turned my worlds against me, like he was having fun tearing my wounds to fresh again. I am starting to hate this man.

I can't kill him, just because I have to answer her when I find her. I would have no explanation why I killed her brother?....I am just tolerating him for her.

He seems to know it very well.

Isaac said, "She had to see you with another women!! she had to be the another women there!!.... What she felt!!!..."

He screamed at me, "She...She always got what she wanted, she was the Queen of our family.... Maids lined to her wishes!! she had to serve you all as a maid!!!.... What that did to her!!! .... but she choose to do so for your wellbeing, but you acted it all!!...You deserve this...."

I knew... I knew very well.....

That's why I wanted her to live at her parents for few days... but she left instead, all alone in grief.

I pulled another stern expression, I offered, "It doesn't matter what you think of me... When I can change your faith..... I will let you out as soon you tell me where my wife is....You can go to your women and enjoy the happiness you got....."

And let me reach my heaven too...

He looked at me studying my words, I said, "You can get whatever you lost....everything you want.... Just tell me where my wife is..."

Isaac smiled, "I would love to embrace Sofia, and tell her how thankful I am...."

I smirked. He is ready to give me information.

Finally....

Isaac turned to cold the next second, he said, "But...Isaac Derosa.. will not trade his sister for his kids.......I am not that lowly...If I can choose my child instead of my sister right now.... then... What kind of father do I WILL BE?...Not a good one.... neither a decent brother...."

He pulled his back, looking at the sealing, as if he ignored me. He said, "It's a lose-lose situation for me.....I reject your kind offer, Mr. Valentine....I am taking liking to this flighty room, at least... I feel complete...." I kept glaring at him.

A few hours later,

I returned to the mansion and aimlessly staring at the wedding picture of us.

I was so patient to get her that I felt so fulfilled to have that moment with her... and I can't believe everything is lost....

Like this....

I know...I can not lose like this.... I can't lose my wife and kids....

This is not me....

This new mansion has everything but her... I will bring her back....

I walked to the room next of mine, I walked in, but my heart felt as rest but heavy at the same time. I looked around the room, and I created it for them.... The Twins..

I can't wait to have them both right here.

I touched one of the cribs, looking around the room. I can't believe I have everything but nothing....

From the toys to cribs, everything this room has is especially made for them. I feel pain at the same time... I want them here....

I want them to have it here. Is it selfish or instinct?

Cherish' POV:

I picked the shirt as I whispered, "So cute!!...."

Aunty Stella said, "Baby clothes give you baby fever?..... I just love them..."

I smiled as I said, "I am going to need many of them.... let's choose? this one is so pretty, though!"

Aunty said, "But these are for 12 months plus old...... I think you don't need them...."

I turned to her as I said, "So, there are smaller than these?.. Oh!!! It's going to be cuter!!!... I will still get a few of these..." She chucked.

I spent some more time shopping there, Aunty Stella made sure I didn't over shop. But I was really getting excited seeing those cute things. Smaller clothes are the cutest!!

Aunty Stella was matching my pace since I got slower since this massive baby bump. I think it's too big for a 6 months pregnant lady, but Doctor said, since I am carrying twins.. it's quite usual.

It got harder to breathe, walk, and eat... Even doing day to day life thing, you will not believe how much I hate this size of clothes.

I was never meant to be fat.

But this brings me joy, I can't stop being happy, they're are growing great. That's all I need right now...

And Yea.... Him.... That's what I don't have...

But it's my choice, it's better for them. I touched my belly as I reminded myself, it's better for them.

Aunty Stella said, "Get in the car.... we need to go home.... and it's almost dinner time. Your uncle is going to be head ache...."

I chuckled, I said, "he will cook for me tonight.... Right? I miss that apple cake..... and that roasted meat..."

Aunty said opening the door for me, "Sweety, he is doing that since afternoon...."

She got in the car herself as she said, "So...let's go......" I nod.

Uncle Maxwell is my father's youngest cousin. He is a normal man. I to got know some secrets too, like he hated that our family was always involved in bad things. And his brother's were inhuman, he refers to them as Animals.... He wanted to change...

He didn't wanted this to pass to the next generation or his kids. He separated himself from them, then married Aunty.

Uncle Maxwell, moved to another country, started fresh.... he didn't wanted Derosa's in his life... He tried to distance himself and live a normal life. He did, until I was born.

Uncle Maxwell didn't had kids, They had given hope. But I was born few years later, the only girl in Derosa family and all our relatives.

My father were 5 brother's and lots of cousins, none of them had a daughter. I was born, the only female child in between everyone's sons, plus I am the youngest.

Even the broken pieces of family rejoined to look at that miracle. Since, Uncle and Aunty came to see me once in a while...I mean not so often....But they tried.

Now, I a was little hesitant when Isaac dropped me here one day. He told that my husband is busy so he wants them to look after me a for few months, he also lied, mom is really sick so I can't be saying there since I am pregnant.... While other Uncle's house environment is not suitable for having a child there, the dark work never leaves them alone.

Aunty Stella and Uncle Maxwell where overjoyed, they are talking care of me little too well. Isaac didn't told them about my situation, neither Riccardo. They didn't get to see my wedding since it a was bit sudden and problematic.

I had to lie a lot...I think That the only thing I could do. I didn't wanted to hurt them or worry them.

At last they are helping me a lot.

Dinner time,

Uncle plated my food, still having the apron on him. He said, "Cherish... I am ready for compliments....."

Aunty said helping him, "Compliments?...It took you forever... and that minuses the points..."

Uncle looked at her as he said, "You are getting sassy... Wifey..."

My smile frozen, at it reminded me of him. He loved to tease me and call me, 'Wife'. I know it sounded so old style but... I liked it over the time.

Now I miss it....

Uncle looked at me as he said, "What are you waiting for?...Eat it..."

I smiled again taking a bite of the food.

My mind melted, I smiled more as this is so tasty! I would trade the world for this!!!

I said, "Maxy!!! It's too good..." We shared a clap as he was really proud of himself.

I love how they all come to nurture me, no matter how troublesome I am.

The dinner was going well, when I saw Uncle and Aunty were having their small bickering sessions, it never lasts for long though. They end up joking on something else.

Aunty said, "I talked with the doctor, she said everything is good... But since they are twins, we need to be supper careful..."

Uncle looked at me as he warned, "Remember this and try to walk slower.... You still run like you are 4 year old..."

I said little annoyed, "I know.. I know.... and I am really slower right now... I have to crawl if you want me to go any slower..."

Aunty chuckled, Uncle just sighed.

Uncle said, "Still sharp with words... I wonder how your husband deals with it... By the way, is he going to come for the birth.... Isaac told me that there is some important business deal Your husband is working on, he is abroad..... But he is supposed to be here with you..."

I looked down, Uncle said, "Family is important than money...."

I said looked back at him, "I called him... He said the other party is not that cooperative... it will take him some more time..." I hate it...

I hate these questions, I have to lie every time....

After few more minutes I got up, I couldn't eat anything.

Aunty Stella said, "Cherish...Where you are going? you barely ate....."

I said again, "I am feeling nauseous... I think I need to sleep.... good night..."

I walking upstairs, when I heard Aunty Stella scolding Uncle, "Are you stupid?... she is pregnant... Her husband is busy, she is sad in his absence.... and You are making it harder for her... You will not talk about it again!"

Uncle said apologetic, "I just thought... she will be happier with her husband...But, You are right... I shouldn't have said that..."

Aunty said further in whispering screams, "We are her family... we will fill up the space, she shouldn't feel alone in her pregnancy!..." My eyes flooded as I heard that.

I miss him.... but I am so lucky to have this people.

Uncle said, "I will apologize..."

Aunty warned, "Not right now.... later... Let her rest for tonight...."

Next morning,

I screamed silently looking in the mirror, the dress won't fit!!!

I bought it like 1 month ago!!!

I am so frustrated!!!

I feel so fat, I am fat right now. I hate looking at myself in the mirror. But not the baby bump, I feel nice. Even though I know meeting them will be painful. I want to hold them and feel them.

Is this motherhood?

I don't know, but right now I am so lonely but I know I must take care of myself. There is no time for anger or tears.

I wore one of the maternity dress I got yesterday. It's stylish but I know I look huge. I mean I am at ending of my 6 months, but I look so huge, there are 3 more months to go.

I fixed my hair a little but, then went to wear a pair of nice shoes, but right now nothing fits my feet. I need new pair of shoes, I forgot to get it while shopping yesterday.

No one told me shoe size changes in pregnancy, I can't wear my collection of nice shoes anymore...What a waste?

It only made me annoyed, I wore the bunny slipper I wear indoor in anger. They are comfortable though!

I walked down stairs, I saw Uncle placing a cake on the table, he said, "Cherish! You are up early... here, Your Aunty baked a cake for you..."

I felt relaxed as the smell filled my mind, something else is also delicious around here.

I noticed Aunty making French toast.

I said, "I am little tired right now.... but I think some flower from the garden will make our breakfast perfect..."

Aunty smiled saying, "You stole my words, honey..."

Uncle said, "I get it... I will get some flowers for you both...."

I stopped, him saying, "No.. I will... I need a walk too..."

Uncle Maxwell said, "Ok... but be careful...."

Author's POV:

Cherish carefully picked few flowers for the breakfast table, she tried to distract her mind as much as she could.

Soon enough, her hand was fill with a big bouquet, She saw the tulip patch and a got little more greedy for beauty. She collected few of them in each color.

She smiled as she whispered to herself, "Aren't they pretty?...."

She walked back to the house, only then she saw a car standing in the drive way. Her eyes went to the front door, where she saw him.

He was so far away yet it didn't took her long to recognize him.

She stood there frozen looking at him, he was facing his back to, her talking with her Uncle.

Her shock and silence was beyond description, her lips shivered. The bouquet got clutched in her hand.

Aunty Stella waved to her calling her to come there, she walked to the house silently, there were not much choices left for her.

As she crossed the distance, he was looking at her silently. He appeared so cold and unfamiliar at the same time. She could see the new scar on his eyebrow, his messy look, it bothered her.

Riccardo's world stopped seeing her again, he was fighting every second to have her in his embrace, yet the complains he had stopped him.

He was still admiring her, her hair flowing with the wind, her hand filled with flowers, while she stood mesmerizing there, the flowers got fainted out in front of her beauty. His eyes roamed to the belly she was trying to hide underneath that oversize dress. She failed to hide the belly.

He couldn't take his eyes off the baby bump, he gulped knowing, he have them back. He wanted to feel them growing in her. He wanted to kiss her belly admiring her.

But he couldn't for the sake of the eyes on them, and for sake of her response to him finding her after 3 months.

He heard Cherish's Aunty, "She will be so excited to see you... You surprised her for sure..." She chuckled.

Cherish smiled as looked at him, he got surprised. He thought of her screaming at him, but she looked nothing but happy.

She touched her belly, still holding the flowers trying to get through few steps to him. He stretched his hand to support her, she took it happily saying, "Hi.... Riccardo..."

She said to him, "I didn't you will return this early.... How is your work going?..."

She was smiling as the bright sun, Aunty Stella said, "See...she can't stop smiling.... Good that you are here for her.... Our baby got her sweet smile back...."

Her Uncle said, "It's nice to see you together, Mr?"

Riccardo stretched his hand as he said, "Riccardo Valentine..."

Her Uncle said, "yea... Riccardo... I heard you are a big business man from Isaac... Actually I don't know much, since I left that country..."

Riccardo said, "I understand.... I didn't wanted to show up like this, but I came here to take her back . home"

Cherish looked at, him having a light smile, Riccardo grabbed her hand as he said, "I am thankful you took care of her...." He wanted to be rude, he wanted to punish them for hiding her, but he realized they didn't knew.

And her acceptance to his return made him a act little more human.

Uncle Maxwell said, "Now are you happy, you can't stop smiling?"

Cherish said, "MAXY!!... STOP IT..." She whined as she had no other way than getting shy on it.

Riccardo's hands had a nice hold on her hand, like he was afraid she will slip out of his hand again.

Aunty Stella said, "Ok.... Ok...stop you two...Cherish give me the flowers.. you are not allowed to hold anything heavy...."

She said, "They are not heavy.. I like them..."

⁹

Aunty Stella took the flowers from her as she said, "Oh! they are heavy.... This girl!... Now get your husband and come for breakfast..." The old couple walked in the house.

While Riccardo stood there looking at her as if he was still in dream, Her smile frozen, she yanked her hand out of his grip.

He a was little stunned, Cherish's moved away from him not looking at him.

Riccardo noticed her anger, her behavior was completely different than before.

He saw her tuning to him while he stood cold. Cherish said glaring at him, "Behave like a human in front of them..... I don't want them to get hurt...."

She walked in leaving him there, standing alone, recalculating.

Riccardo's fist got tighter, he knew what was going on. She behaved like nothing was wrong, all happy in front of the old couple, for their happiness. While hiding her anger in her smile.

He whispered, "She was pretending...."