Hearts Of Betrayal

Talk to me?

"Talk to me? What do you want to talk to me about Vladislav?" Amelia asks with a confused look on her face. She scrunches her brows in confusion and wonders what Vladislav would possibly want to talk to her about. Vladislav smiles, he links arms with her and gestures her towards a table at the end corner close to the window. They settle down on the chair and a waiter scurries towards them to take their order. Vladislav places the same order as Amelia and the waiter disappears out of their sight.

Amelia raises a brow at him and says "So? What do you want to tell me that you had to buy the place for just you and I to talk? What is so secretive that you do not want anyone else hearing?" Amelia asks. Vladislav chuckles and raises his hand in mock surrender.

"Why did you not ever think of becoming a detective because Damn Amelia? Why do you look so curious to hear what I have to say?" Vladislav asks. Amelia rolls her eyes and replies him with a serious look on her face. "Maybe it is because it just hurts me how you spent so much money in buying a place when other people are desperately in need of money. It just seems like a complete waste of money to me." Amelia says. Vladislav sighs and rolls his eyes at her.

"Quit being such a boring person Doctor Amelia. You are acting like my step mother. I spent money because I wanted to and if anyone needs money, they can as well work for the money." Vladislav says nonchalantly.

Amelia opens her mouth in shock and shakes her head at his nonchalance.

"Seriously? You think they have not tried? Money is not something you easily just work for you know?" Amelia snaps at him.

"Are we talking about someone in specific because it sounds like we are. Are you in need of money Amelia?" Vladislav asks with a concerned look on his face. Amelia brushes it off and mumbles an apology. She mentally scolds herself and tries to get a grip of herself. She can not let Goran and his threats get to her.

"Nothing, sorry. I was just reminded by something and no, I do not need money, thanks for asking." Amelia says in a calm tone.

"That is a real bummer though. I wish you needed money." Vladislav mumbles taking his eyes off Amelia and towards the direction of the window.

"Excuse me?" Amelia raises a brow at him while pretending to have not heard what he just said. Vladislav waves it off and smiles at her. "Nothing darling. Food is here." He says pointing at the direction of the waiters walking towards them with trays in their hands. They place the tray on the table in front of Vladislav and Amelia. Different delicacies like spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese and other delicious meals are right in front of them.

Amelia's stomach grumbles at the sight of such delicious meals in front of her. The waiters walk out of their sight but not too far incase they might be needing anything else.

"Godere." Vladislav mumbles in an Italian accent. Amelia scrunches her brows at him and he replies the questioning look on her face "it means enjoy."

Amelia nods her head and digs into the food. The both of them eat for a few minutes in silence before Vladislav goes ahead to break the awkward smile by saying. "Roussel."

"Excuse me?" Amelia drops her spoon on the plate at the mention of her surname.

"Nothing, I am just wondering. You are Spanish not Italian right? What are you doing in Italy then?" Vladislav asks.

Amelia clears her throat and hastily comes up with a lie. "I moved to Italy with my family a year ago. We just needed a fresh start."

"Oh, family? I see." Vladislav says stroking his chin and nodding his head slowly.

"I can tell that you are not from a very wealthy home Amelia. Do you not ever feel like you are struggling? I mean I am very sure that Kennedy does not pay you well enough for the services you render." Vladislav points out. Amelia stops eating, she gulps down a bottle of water and turns to Vladislav.

"What do you want Vladislav?" She asks.

"Well if you really want to know then who am I to keep quiet. I have a deal for you Amelia. I mean you saved my life and I am more than grateful for that so I have come up with a deal for you. A way to grant you financial security." Vladislav deadpans.

Amelia scrunches her face at him and tries to think of what he has planned in mind but Vladislav is a man that is too hard to crack. You can never tell what he is thinking, not even by his expression.

"What deal?" Amelia asks.

"I want to propose a contract marriage. I am in need of a wife for a business deal. I want you to play the role of my wife for just a year, I promise to grant you and your family financial security. How does that sound?" Vladislav blurts out.

Amelia stares at him with her eyes wide open, she looks taken aback by his sudden proposal. Why would he want to marry her and most importantly, what business deal did he need a wife for? Is it something dangerous? Questions like that dwell deep in Amelia's heart. As much as this is an open opportunity for her to get her plan executed, it seems like she would be going too far.

Amelia is about to decline when her phone rings out loud, she gazes at Vladislav and he gestures her to pick the call. Amelia gazes at the screen and realizes it is a call from her neighbor which is strange because they are not that close enough to call each other out of nowhere.

Amelia picks the call and places it close to her ear.

"Hello Amelia? You need to come home right now! Your house is on fire!"

The mention of fire only leaves Amelia to one conclusion.