Mismatched Billionaires

Starry Nights

Antonio was in a lively conversation with Grandma Gabriela in the Dining Room while Dianne spoke mutually with Antonio's cousin who traveled from the city to celebrate the Sun Dance with the Stones. Antonio's pregnant sister who arrived an hour earlier sat in silence, enjoying the lively chatter resounding in the hall. Claudia sauntered in with a smile plastered on her face. Darya could hear the whole room gasp in adoration. Claudia would certainly woo Antonio. Darya believed there was no odds against her sister. Who could resist such an angel?

Antonio offered his chair and Claudia balanced between him and Grandma Gabriela. Darya moved to the farthest part of the room where Mary stood with arms akimbo.

"You're such a doll", Grandma Gabriela complimented Claudia again, mildly holding her fair hands. Claudia nodded coyly. Antonio's gaze were fixated on Claudia and Darya could only conjecture the chemistry flowing between them. Antonio talked of city life and Claudia was at her eloquent best as she affirmed the open interactions and neighborliness that effused among the people.

Grandma Gabriela countered with an opposite comment."You could live your life in gloom for what the world cares in the city and no one will intrude".

Dianne cheered her mother's vindication. Amy, Antonio's sister was not as chatty with the crowd but her solemn countenance kept the atmosphere leisurely.

"The little lady over there, come forward", Grandma Gabriela motioned with her handkerchief, her voice reverberating through the dining room. Darya stood still and only moved toward the crowd when Mary nudged her forward.

"You called, Ma'am".

Grandma Gabriela's eyes traced Darya's features as she stood at the centre.

"Well you're a plain one. Who are you?"

Darya answered simply that she was attending to Claudia. The old woman stared hard at Darya. Dinner had been cleared and the family were basking in satisfaction.

"What's your name?"

"Darya."

"Darya what?"

"Mills....Darya Mills", she repeated, suddenly remembering Jessica's stern warning.

"How come you bear the same surname with Claudia's family", Grandma Gabriela piped on eagerly.

"A mere coincidence", Darya replied. Her eyes scanned the whole room and finally relaxed with a subtle smile on Grandma Gabriela.

"You prefer City life."

Darya wasn't sure if it was a question or a confirmed belief of Grandma Gabriela yet she answered with a stern No.

"Mhmm...tell me why?"

Darya smiled.

"I grew up here and everything about Estova has always fascinated me from the vast lands to the hills and steep mountains. I love the calm that resides here; the farms grazed by hefty cattle, the smell of sand after rain, the feeling of belonging and desire to celebrate every moment spent here... it's glorious", Darya chuckled, lowering her head. She could suddenly feel all eyes on her as silence pervaded the whole room.

"You've spoken like a true daughter of Estova", Grandma Gabriela exclaimed, baring her teeth which was surprisingly white and complete for her age. Darya smiled coyly and moved to retire to her intial spot when Amy's voice halted her.

"You look familiar. I've seen you somewhere before but I can't place it. I never forget a face", she continued, her friendly gaze settling Darya. Claudia's countenance had assumed an unexpected rigidity as she was no longer the centre of attraction but she calmed herself when Antonio offered to take a walk with her.

Darya couldn't bring herself to sleep. After constantly turning in bed, she tossed away the blanket and sauntered outside the mansion into the garden. The bright lights illuminated the ginormous building and Darya bathed the scene with her delightful gaze. She settled on the swing and relaxed. The night was fairly cold and the stars were luminous in their numbers. She was in a plain night gown with a scarf covering her shoulders. Her head lay gently on the swing chain. She heard an approaching footstep and immediately sat up only to find Antonio in pyjamas, settling on the edge of the swing which was wide enough to contain three people. They sat in silence, looking aslant and confused with each other's presence.

" When I was a boy, I would sit here and gaze at the stars till I surrendered to sleep", Antonio said pleasurably. "My Dad would carry me to my room afterwards. I stopped that when I realized I was the soul of this family, the heir and our survival counted on me. I became a man when I was a boy".

Darya stared at him. He had a different manifestation now. All she saw was a simple man in pyjamas and ruffled hair. The initial awkwardness between them soon melted as they delved into childhood stories and family life.

"Sometimes I feel choked. I never wanted to study Business in the University, I wanted to be a Chef,"Antonio exclaimed loudly.

"Really!", Darya sympathized with him.

"Why do you like the farms?", Antonio asked, staring straight at her.

Darya smiled widely. She couldn't explain why but she had a feeling she was bound to the lands of Estova for reasons unknown to her. "Perhaps I'm just being ambitious", Darya laughed softly. They stayed quiet for a while in the open gardens before bading eachother goodnight. Darya yawned as she entered her room, stopping abruptly to find a pair of blue eyes glaring at her.

"You made a show of yourself at dinner", Claudia remarked distastefully.

"Should I have acted dumb or what are you insinuating?", Darya retorted. "You are one of the most beautiful ladies in Estova and you can only call attention to yourself by being yourself. Antonio is yours if you believe you can have him", Darya said quickly, surprised at her audacity.

"Remember what's at stake," she continued with a supreme air that astonished Claudia, "'Jessica pays me and you'll never see me again", she concluded.

Claudia twisted her lower lip and smiled gravely. Something was different about Darya and it astounded her. She walked briskly out of the room, slamming the door behind her.