Mismatched Billionaires

Silent Sidewalks

Darya watched Amy earnestly, succumbing to the pregnant lady's present disposition. Thoughts raged in her mind on how the revelation would cripple Claudia's chances of aligning with the Stones family. Amy might have read the latter's conflicted countenance as she fixated her gaze on Darya.

"It's not my story to tell Darya, it's yours", she smiled, dismissing Darya with a friendly wave. Darya nodded slightly in appreciation and swiftly reached for Amy's hands, clasping them with a little squeeze before returning into her room.

Claudia and Darya returned home the next day, heaving with great expectations having completed their soujourn at the Stones family house. Darya watched her step-sister's longing eyes and could perceive a blooming passion in the cold hearted lady. The Stones household had showered Claudia with gifts and compliments before they departed. Darya's mind was suddenly at ease yet she yearned for someone. As they settled in the car, her thoughts wandered to her last days at the Stones Mansion and the kiss she had shared with Antonio. She shook her head rigorously, casting a dissatisfied scowl at the thought. It was unimaginable. Jessica welcomed her daughter home, tapping her shoulders cooly on a job done excellently.

"People have been talking, my darling", she cooed, whisking Claudia into her room. Darya proceeded into her room, swiftly changing into her work uniform before advancing outside. Her mind was engulfed with conjectured rebukes when she arrived at the supermarket. Fortunately, her Boss was not available and she briskly set to work after tieing an apron around her chest. Charlie incessantly inquired about the Sun dance and Darya repeated just one word, "Awesome", she sighed, nonchalantly. The routine was it's usual repetitive mode, selling, smiling and packaging. She could've relaxed at home having recently arrived from a long journey but Darya embraced the tedious outlook of her workplace. It was emotionally endurable than staying at home to watch two probable women spit fire at her. Soon enough, Evening descended hurriedly as if noticing Darya's impatience. She bolted out of the supermarket and sauntered along the silent sidewalks. It was cold and she regretted not preparing for the weather. She reached a usual turn, a sharp edge on the road that flowed into the general driveway and paused, musing to herself. The place was familiar and she remembered Antonio's eyes glimmering in shock when he almost hit her with his car. Darya tucked in a careless braid from her face, taking a step to cross to her usual spot when a resounding horn geared into her thoughts. Her steps withdrew to the sidewalk, hoping to balance herself before crossing again when she stopped short and stared on. It was the same car and the same eyes that shot daggers at her in the past.

Antonio couldn't bring himself to it and suddenly found himself cruising the streets of Estova for no reason particularly. He needed time to organize his thoughts and infuse his mother's expectations. She had hovered on the conclusion of labeling Claudia his match and while he nodded off, humoring her motherly enthusiasm as she hinted she would be expecting his final approval in a week's time, he had taken to the silent roads where he found peace. His mind bulged with constant thoughts and he suddenly felt anxious. He admired Claudia and her charm was pleasurable. That was all Claudia bargained on, the price of her beauty. He wasn't craving a doll. He wanted someone different, an unlikely choice he suddenly found in Darya. He had kissed her and her dismal further raged his attraction for her. He drove away from the Supermarket and stopped abruptly, acknowledging a usual figure. Her eyes were not the same fury as the first time the incidence occured. Now all he saw was surrender coating a wondering heart. He watched as she retreated to the sidewalks. Antonio stepped out of the car, taking long strides toward her. Her smile radiated through him as they exchanged pleasantries. Antonio proposed to drive her home and after much persuasion, Darya entered the car.

Silence encumbered the air, almost choking Antonio's resolve. He considered talking of how the Household workers at Stones mansion wouldn't stop talking about Darya. She chuckled and set him at ease. They talked about Majesty and Darya regarded how she missed the horse. Antonio arrived at the Mills old mansion and suddenly felt the need to reveal himself better. Darya thanked him and was about to reach for the door knob when he commented on how far her house was far from the Supermarket.

"Why don't you just take a taxi?", he coaxed, cursing his inability to say the right words.

Darya smiled and bowed her head. The action loosened a braid on her head which fell freely on her face.

"I get home late when they're all asleep for a reason. There's more peace in that", she smiled.

Antonio felt he understood her peculiar story and regarded there was more to Darya than how she painted herself. He locked eyes with her and gingerly tucked the braid back to it's usual place on her head. His heart throbbed to say more. He held Darya's hand and smiled coyly.

"I'm sorry about the kiss at the ranch...I didn't mean to impose or anything...."

Darya shook her head, laughing childishly. Antonio felt she made a mockery of his disposition and felt confused. There he was trying to find the right words in expressing his feelings and she was making a jape of it.

"Thanks for seeing me beyond Claudia's attendant.", Darya smiled shyly. Antonio kissed her hand, staring into her dark eyes.

"If we could be..."

"But we can never be", Darya intruded his thoughts, withdrawing her hand. Antonio got the emphasis. He was wealthy and eligible for every woman except Darya. Her type had no class in society.

"You made those rules", Darya nodded calmly and moved out of the car. "Goodnight Antonio", she said and walked into the mansion.