CHIARA
In the morning, I wore a knee-length floral dress, turning and twirling to see if it was modest enough. The plan was to opt for anything extravagant, but since it had long sleeves, I chose a Reverso, a slim silver wrist watch, and coupled it with a pearl necklace and a matching ring. I tied my hair in a voluminous messy ponytail, with two strands loose on either side. I added an ivory-black veil. I had a headache picking shoes and finally ended up with black-patent leather pumps.
I was glad it was Viva who filled my wardrobe because she knew my taste more than my own mother. I looked at myself in the mirror and covered my mouth, gasping. "Oh, God. Did I do too much?" I was supposed to wear as little as possible. But the image before me gave off a rich wife heading to some soirée. Was it my fault that I couldn't dress without being extra? "Should I change?" I murmured.
Before I could do anything, a knock came at my door. "Come in," I said. Picking up my black clutch, and tucked my phone in. Marina walked in and gasped dramatically, "Oh dear heaven. Madam, you look gorgeous." She complimented. I smiled back. "But where are you going? Boss said to accompany you for the day." She said, her eyes showcasing her curiosity. I was touched, but I had some other plans for the day. There was no way he was leaving me alone in this whole mansion with this chirpy bird. No offense. I liked Marina.
"Where is your boss?" I asked. "He is preparing himself for the mass." She said, "So he is still in his room then?" I asked further. "Yes, but why—" I hurried out of the room. "See you later, Marina."
I walked out of the mansion and found the car prepared already. Even better. I ignored Storm, who was in a black suit playing with the silver snake shaped ring on her index finger, and reached for the door.
She shut it back. "What are you doing?" she asked, two lines forming on her forehead. Seriously? "I need to get in the car, are you blind?" I replied. "Where are you going?" she asked, getting on my nerves. My grip tightened around the door handle. "To the Church, now move." I shot her a glare. She looked at me from head to toe in a judgmental way letting out a sound of disapproval, but then moved away. I clicked my tongue, opened the door, and sat in. "Fucking prick," I murmured. "I heard that." Came her tight reply.
I peeked outside the open window, grinning. "Great. It was intentional." I blew out and relaxed back in the chair, refusing to let Storm ruin my morning any further. I couldn't see a day I'd ever get along with her again. She was too annoying.
A second later, the man walked out the front doors with long strides, busy adjusting his pocket square. He wore a black fitted suit and brown leather shoes. I found myself smiling as I watched his hair spill to his forehead and blind his eyes, and he frowned. Probably cursing as his lips moved. I chuckled when he gave up and let go of the pocket square. His eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened when he noticed me inside his Aston Martin, sitting relaxed as though it belonged to me.
"Tesoro? Good morning." He said, curiosity dancing on his face. "Good morning," I replied, pursing my lips. Storm told him something, and I saw him getting shocked before he walked around to his side and stepped into the back with me.
"Tell me I heard wrong. Are you coming to the mass with me?" he asked. Storm got in the driver's seat, and the car moved. "Yes," I replied. He shook his head. "Do you know what this means? You are going to meet with my family." He said, as though he was trying to convince me otherwise. I could hear the concern in his voice and his eyes, but… too late. "I wouldn't be in this car if I didn't," I said.
A wide smile formed on his kissable lips. Kissable? Jeez, Chiara. He took my hands in his and kissed them. "Thank you." He kissed them again. Wouldn't he ever ask where else I'd love to be kissed? I was planning on wearing gloves from now on and see where he'd kiss next time.
"God, I think my heart is growing in size." He said, relaxing back. "You sound pathetic," Storm uttered, speeding off the driveway. "I don't mind. I love being pathetic." He said, looking deep into my eyes. I cleared my throat and retracted my hands. He was getting out of control again. It was just a damn meet at the church for God's sake.
"Face the front," I bit out when I felt the weight of his gaze on me without even turning. "I can't," he replied. "Why?" I frowned. "You look—" he paused, so I turned when the rest of his sentence didn't come. "I look what?" I pressed. "You look like you belong to me," He said. My eyes rolled, "That's a stupid pickup line. And I belong to no one," A weird sound came from the front, but Storm cleared her throat and kept her cool. Had she chuckled just now, or was I helucinating?
"I know, but just the thought of it warmed my heart," He replied, smiling as he looked outside the window, making my cheeks heat from the intensity of it. Maybe it was a wrong idea to go to the mass with him. Was this how he was going to act all day? Maybe I should turn back before we passed the gates.
Behind us was a line of cars, and without being told, I knew that they were his family. My heart started to race. Our families were rivals; his mother didn't even know who the woman was, and we were about to meet. Did I need to say anything more to send my pulse on an overdrive? I exhaled through my nose.