The Deceived Heiress

Chapter 3

I placed the bag that contained my outfit for tonight on the bed and then gently moved it to the side so I could also sit on the bed and throw my shoes on the floor, not caring where they would end up.

Lightly massaging the soles of my feet, I closed my eyes to relax my head from the events today. But as I did that, I was reminded once again by his memories.

"You're silly," I said while giggling and playfully swatting his arm. He faked a cry and then laughed at me.

"I just think that a Spanish teacher is undeniably boring."

He placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes while leaning on the back seat.

My eyes then wandered off to his luscious lips. I immediately looked away, fearing that he would catch me staring and figure out I had feelings for him.

Our parents have enrolled us to learn Spanish while his other brother, Adriano, learned Russian.

"If I had to pick the next language I wanted to familiarize myself with, it would be your mother tongue," he says, and then pauses to open his eyes and look at me as if expecting to see my reaction.

My sixteen-year-old self couldn't stop the ray of hope that he had feelings for me, but immediately, I discarded it when I heard his phone beep.

My heart silently cracked when I saw him smiling.

He probably received a text from his crush, Allison. I don't know if they're in a relationship now, but they do act like that sometimes. I don't see the truth, as I'm too cowardly to ask and had too much pride to be hurt if it's indeed true.

My thoughts suddenly popped like a bubble when Blue barged into the room with a glare and angsty look on her face. I didn't mind her and proceeded to take away the shopping bag on the bed so she wouldn't have the chance to mess with my pretty outfit once more.

Even though I know that she'll like this outfit on me, of course, it doesn't include any pants.

"Devil American man, what a bastard! Ugh, so irritating!" She hit the bed with her fists and faced me, and then her eyes went to the bag I was holding.

"No way, is that what I think it is?"

I nodded at her and placed the bag inside the provided cabinet here in the hotel.

"Why did you pick a dress without me?" Blue whined as soon as I shut the cabinet doors behind me. I remained silent and headed towards bed.

"Let me see you in it, Via..." She said, pouting.

I only scoffed at her and shook my head from side to side, letting her know that I was saying 'no.'

"Come on, let's head down to the salon," I dismissively said.

She arched her brow at me, showing her 'you-have-to-show-me-your-outfit-or-else' look.

I released a sigh and mumbled, "Fine, you don't get to see it, but it's a dress."

And just like that, she squealed and then pulled me to the door.

How on earth am I related to this woman?

Sadly, you are.

"But first, let's eat lunch. I feel so hungry now," I said.

She just nodded at me, and like a woman on a mission, she pulled me out of bed and out of our shared hotel room.

Yay.

Not.

===

Reaching the lobby, I let her book the salon appointment as I headed over to the restaurant inside the hotel. It was a famous chain of restaurants known all over Europe, North and South America.

It was "Miller's Dishes."

I once met the owner. I was only older by a year, and he was handsome and business-minded. I admired that he reached success because of his mother. He used the fact that his mother was diagnosed with cancer as a way to drive him to his success, not his downfall.

But the unfortunate part is that his mother died before even getting to experience a slice of luxury. Walking inside, I continued to look down as I texted Blue, telling her that I would order for us both. I reminded myself to make an extra order of those particular Hash Browns for myself since they sell the best here.

As I continued walking with my head bent down low, I clumsily bumped into a freaking body made of muscles.

"Oof, I'm sorry—"

I dropped my phone on the ground, causing it to crack. Worried about my mobile, I immediately dropped down to pick it up.

Raising myself immediately, the air in my lungs got knocked out as I recognized the familiar blue striking eyes that I once gushed over as a teenager.

And recently, from the mall earlier.

But unlike before, my heart wasn't beating fast.

I was shocked.

The man, too, looked clueless and raised a brow at me.

Deciding to greet him, I held my hand out and opened my mouth to speak.

"H-hi, I'm Ametrine—"

Damn it.

I stuttered.

"Daddy, let's go! Mommy is probably waiting for her fries."

A cute little voice chimed in.

I looked down and saw a boy, maybe around four or five years old. He was a striking resemblance to his father, and then I thought to myself.

How funny that my thoughts were correct last night. He is genuinely married now.

What, are you hoping that he'll wait for you more than a decade?

Alejandro Romano, I can't believe you're married and with kids now.

"I'm sorry, miss, can I get your number? I know a good electronics guy who can fix your phone?" He offered and gave me a warm smile.

I nodded as I observed the cute little guy clutching at his knee as if his life depended on it.

Giving him my phone, he took the number and texted me, then picked his son up.

"Sorry for the bother. I hope to see you soon."

He gave me a simple small smile and walked away, leaving me standing by the entrance of Miller's Dishes. Though his features matured, I know for a fact that that guy was the one whom I promised to love forever when I was still a stupid and naive teenager.

How fun could fate be?

My first love fell in love with another woman.

You did too, but with a man.

Excellent sarcasm subconscious. Now shut up!

And now, I don't have any other options as the guy I was looking for back then already had a child and was probably dating around the year I was looking for him.

Losing my appetite, I sighed and ordered something for Blue while looking around deep in my thoughts.

===

"Phew, I still forget sometimes that we're famous in the business world," Blue mumbled beneath her breath, but enough for me to hear.

I gave her a warm smile and tugged her inside to avoid any more chances for the reporters to take pictures of us.

I was used to it.

Sometimes it gives me anxiety or overthinking when I think of whether I look good or stupid.

Entering the event with an aura of confidence, I made a mental note inside my head to chest out, stomach in the perfect posture for the whole evening.

My smile widened when I took a good look at Alberico Romano standing by the stage, awaiting his opening remarks.

Pulling Blue with me, I made my way over to the side of the stage to greet him. He was like an uncle to me back then, giving me and my siblings Christmas and birthday gifts.

"Ametrine! You grew up to be such a beautiful woman." He remarked and walked down from the stage. I kissed both his cheeks and smiled at him.

"You're getting older, but as they say, men age like fine wine, Italian wine it is."

I received a rich laugh from him, making me chuckle as well.

"Blue, is that you? Such a fine woman with her self-made empire, how are you?"

Blue greeted him back with a hug, withdrawing his eyes as he looked between us.

"Dimitri has failed to inform me that two of his princesses are gracing my party tonight." I shortly laughed and told him that it was short notice.

Whispering, "I am planning to notch up a major business Italian man."

He eyed me before smiling, with a slight glimmer in his eyes. But before I could figure out what his eyes were giving at, someone excused him to go back up the stage.

"It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Romano."

"Please, signora, it's Alberico for both of you."

"Ladies."

Lucifer Miller, the owner of Miller's Dishes, walked up to us with a blond bombshell in his arms.

I couldn't miss the glint in his eyes and how he stared at my beautiful silent sister beside me.

Silent Blue?

That works perfectly for me.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies' room."

Blue excused herself and tipped her head at the couple in front of us, and squeezed my arm before leaving me with the two.

"Excuse me as well, if you don't mind, sister."

Internally, I was surprised that they were siblings.

But it was also noticeable, if you observe, because of the striking resemblance of their noses and blue eyes, but no one could still beat the striking blue eyes of the Italian man I had promised my love.

Why did that married man cross my mind?

I grimaced mentally for entertaining such thoughts about a married man.

"I am Samantha Miller, his younger sister."

She gave a kind smile that gave off a chill and friendly aura around her that made me comfortable.

"Please, let me introduce you to my close friends here."

I nodded and let her guide me through the crowd while looking back to check if Blue followed.

Weird, no signs of her.

"These are my socialite friends, as well as childhood friends. Well, if you call that hellhole a neighborhood," She whispered, and then called the two women who had their backs at us.

Hellhole?

What?

"Lien Oliveros and Jhona Fernandez."

Both women turned to me and smiled at me; I was astonished by their natural beauty. Lien had those vibes of an intelligent and confident woman. Jhona has a slim waist with an aura of kindness and regal in her, like a princess maybe.

"Don't be tricked by her body. She's already a mother." Lien teased her while Jhona smiled proudly at her.

"Of course, two to be exact and maybe one on the way, considering how my husband is with me every night." She winked, making us giggle.

Just then, a man passed by, and she gripped his arm.

"Oh, I want to introduce you to someone, Ametrine."

"Meet my brother, Flavio Accardi."

He smiled at me, I smiled back at him and took his hand to shake, but as I was about to shake it, he gripped it and placed a soft kiss.

"The pleasure is all mine. Now, if you excuse me, ladies, I have somewhere to be."

Jhona slapped his butt, and we all watched him walk away.

But when I turned to look at Samantha, a smile appeared on her face unknowingly.

It seems like someone has a crush on someone.

Hmm, this is getting interesting.

"Well, I just spotted my husband over there. Goodbye, ladies!"

Jhona then waved at us before walking towards a gorgeous hunk that enveloped her in a hug.

I was slightly jealous, ugh I also wanted to be married before I turned thirty.

But it seems like fate has different plans for me.

Lien and Samantha then excused themselves, since the party was not going to start for ten minutes.

I walked out to the veranda to the side of the building and breathed in the first gush of fresh air.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.

"Drinks signora?" A waiter asked. I held my hand up and thanked him.

He nodded and left me.

Then, the people left the scene one by one, leaving me alone, allowing me to have some quiet time.

I have to save my energy, knowing that later, I have to mingle with many business magnates that could potentially be investors.

"Nice to see you again, signora."

I turned my head to see who it was, and the sight of him stole the words out of my mouth as I saw the same eyes I had seen earlier in the restaurant. His eyes held mischief in them with a smirk in his mouth.

"H-hi," I mumbled.

Why the heck am I speechless whenever he's around me?

Or even stuttering?

"Why is such a beautiful woman like you out here and alone?"

He walked towards me and stopped just a few inches away from me.

"Just saving up energy. And uhm, I want to tell you that nothing broke on my phone. The screen just cracked earlier, nothing too serious to worry about-"

"What?" He confusedly asked.

"You know when we bumped into each other earlier in Miller's Kitchen?" I reminded him, and the sudden realization hit his face, and then he suddenly laughed.

I suddenly felt embarrassed, and I don't know why. Alejandro then stopped and gave me a scanning look from head to toe.

"May I know your name?" Mischief still glinted in his eyes, and I felt like a moth drawn to the flame.

But this time, the flame was magnificent, and I wasn't a moth.

Damn it, Ametrine, remember what you said to yourself just months ago!

"Ametrine Via Holmstrom, daughter of-"

"Dimitri, I know. It rings a bell. A very, very familiar bell." He cut me off, and I showed him a small smile.

Of course, Ametrine, why are you introducing yourself to him like you, and he didn't share anything?

Because we didn't, our relationship eleven years ago was only platonic.

Then I heard the sounds of the event inside, indicating that it would start any minute now.

Excusing myself, I turned to walk away, only to be pulled back to his chest.

"Hey!"

I flushed, deeply embarrassed now.

Who does he think he is?

Then he held up my hand in his lips and kissed it softly and slowly before speaking the words,

"Pleasure to meet you and see you again, Signora Ametrine."