Mismatched Billionaires

Country Heart

The Stones Farm stretched beyond Darya's eyes as they walked through the aligning estates controlled by the Stones. The sun was mild that morning and Claudia complained of mud sticking to her heels and soon retired under the canopy. Darya was staring in amazement at one of the horses in the stable.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?", Antonio regarded his favourite horse. Darya nodded happily. She had a phobia for horses but the stern hair and firm hind legs of Majesty intrigued her.

"She's beautiful, "Darya repeated to herself, grinning from ear to ear. Antonio watched her steady eyes glow in admiration. He entered the stable and was soon out with Majesty, slowly treading behind him. Darya gasped and chuckled, moving backward.

"Steady girl, steady", Antonio cooed, pacifying the horse. He adjusted the saddle and climbed easily. Majesty stood on her hind legs and balanced steadily on the grass. Antonio rode off smartly to a distance and soon returned. Darya was clapping already. Antonio was certainly a good with horses. He reached for her hand and Darya shook her head profusely.

"I fell from a horse when I was younger. I don't have the heart to climb one now", she exclaimed, still bathing in the magnificence of the horse. Antonio smiled and motioned the horse to her side. She was clad in cowboy trouser, a shirt tied into a knot and boots, the attire fit for the occasion.

"I won't let you fall", he affirmed, reaching down for her hand. He watched her inhale and exhale loudly before grabbing his arm, sitting gingerly behind him. Antonio directed Majesty's pace slowly and moved across the far stretched lands before breaking into a run. He could feel Darya's arms tighten around his heavy frame. She was soft and her touch sent something peculiar flying within him. They were far off from the others when Antonio decided to take a short rest at the staff quarters. Darya seemed flushed as she alighted, trying to steady her feet after the long run.

"Hey", he rushed to her, holding her hands. Darya smiled and held up her head.

"I'm fine", she said, retreating her hands slowly. Antonio brushed his hair back with his palms and settled on the hay stacks. Darya sat opposite him.

Antonio watched her brilliant eyes lighten up with amazement. There was something about this plain woman that intrigued him. Perhaps it was her adventurous personality and love for Estova that made him feel more connected with her. Claudia was simply filled with excellent narratives, almost too perfect to interest him while Darya talked different. She argued with him on how best to milk cows and had been mouthing praises on his horse after the ride.

"Do you ever feel discontented about your position in Estova", he asked Darya as she sipped the milk offered her by the attendant. He watched her thoughtful smile and reclined on the haystack.

"No, I don't. I'm happy as I am."

"Don't you feel cheated?"

Darya thought of Jessica's hold over her birthright and decided that it was unworthy to fight such a battle where she would loose. She had surendered to the supreme order of things. Zaza had constantly told her to lay low. Darya thought differently, immediately wishing she had her mother's audacity. Perhaps her father was disappointed in her. Her Father's will stated the opposite and for the first time in her twenty years of existence, Darya felt cheated.

"I think what matters is enjoying whatever comes your way and making the most of it", She posited and gulped the remaining milk quickly. Antonio nodded slowly, thinking of his position as an heir when all he wanted was a life of his own without having to be accountable to society. He watched Darya with renewed interest.

"You've got something on your lips", he pointed at a small patch of milk melting on Darya's upper lips. She tried in vain to find the actual spot and Antonio, laughing at her childish vigour moved closer to her, bending his tall frame over her to clean off the patch. He paused, fascinated by the Darya's long braids which he was seeing closely for the first time. The faint tiny marks on the side of her face and full dark lips sent his heart racing as he crept closer until his lips briefly touched hers. Darya immediately recoiled, muttering something about time far spent and urging their return to the mansion.

It was drizzling when Darya retired into her room after dinner. Claudia had confronted her unavailability to her needs and Darya, trying to avoid another quarrel apologized. It was better to pacify Claudia than allow her rant and rave over her failing connection with Antonio. She was about to relapse into a sound sleep when a maid tapped at her door, announcing that Darya's presence was needed. Darya walked leisurely into the living room and stood before Amy who was staring at the windows smeared with rain splashes.

"You called for me, ma'am"

Amy was calm as she stared at the raging sky. Her hand massaged her bulgy stomach. She turned and frowned at Darya. She was the female version of Antonio, tall with exquisite features which included her long brown hair, pointed nose and grey eyes.

"Who are you?"

Darya watched Amy, confused at the question. The latter stood before Darya and gazed inquisitively.

"I'm attending Miss Claudia."

"We both know that's not true," she continued, her gape more intense than usual. "I know who you are. I remember my father visiting the Mills when I was younger to pay his condolences over the death of Anderson's wife. You look just like him."

Darya stepped back, suddenly intimidated by Amy's conviction.

Amy covered the gap between them." Zaza...that was her name. She brought in a baby girl with dark eyes and dark lips to us and your father put you in my arms. I was 10."

Darya gasped in awe at how much Amy knew about her. All was revealed.