Chapter 20
1310 Words
My phone dragged me out of sleep at 9:17 a.m.
"Auntie?" I was still feeling sleepy and could barely open my eyes. My aunt laughed softly.
"Now it's hard to hear from you, eh?" I sat up, pulling the silk blanket to my chest
"I'm so sorry, Auntie. You should understand"
"Oh yes, I do" she murmured " It's love in the air season. Be careful with his heart this time, and with yours"
"Sure Auntie. How's Leo?"
"He's doing very well. He's been looking forward to seeing you"
"I'll see you both tomorrow. Tonight I have dinner with him"
"Dinner?" My aunt's voice softened "Wow! This is moving faster than I thought"
The call ended with lots of things said and a warning not to get pregnant yet. I sent the funds to her, then lay back for a moment, letting the thought of tonight settle in my chest like a secret. Dante called twenty minutes later.
"Heyy there. How was your night?"
"Short but ....good" He chuckled
"Sorry Allie, just wanted to let you know that I won't pick you up tonight. I'll be at the hall early handling the last details. A car will come for you at eight"
I was disappointed but I understood. This night mattered to him.
"Send me the driver's details"
"Already done" He paused. "Uhmm... I sent something for you. Don't refuse it. Tonight you're mine to show off"
A message popped before he hung up. I frowned. The amount was too much. He didn't have to send that much.
"I'll just leave it" I thought.
I slept after. That kind of deep, dreamless sleep that left my skin glowing and my heart light when I woke up around 5p.m.
Getting ready felt like a ritual. I laid my frontal to perfection and wore a diamond neck piece. My makeup looked soft, and glowing like I'd just been kissed. The emerald dress hugged my waist, split high at the thigh, and flowed when I moved.
At 7:00 p.m, I was ready and when I stood in front of the mirror, I looked like a goddess. While I was still lost in admiration, my phone buzzed. I picked up without looking at it.
"Are you still alive, Alessia?"
Nikolai.
"You are talking to me. What does that tell you?"
"Good enough. Your pictures are everywhere. So it's official then?"
"Maybe"
"Once again, I apologize for last time. I wish there was something I could have done"
"It's fine Nic. There was absolutely nothing you could have done"
"I hope we can hang out, one of these days" I heard the honesty in his voice.
We talked for about ten minutes, laughing about old clients, and I asked about my friend. I promised to come visit them soon.
The car came at 7:50. And, before I stepped out, I did one last fit check.
"Perfect" I muttered before leaving my apartment. I made sure to lock it.
I slid into the car. My heart beat tripled as we got closer to the venue. By 8:45, the venue glowed ahead with glass, ivy, and soft music blaring out of the speakers.
I stepped out slowly, letting the night air kiss my skin. Heads turned in admiration and I heard someone whisper.
"She's stunning"
I lifted my chin and walked graciously down the aisle leading to the doors which opened before I even reached them.
The room was filled with light, warmth, laughter and expensive people and there he was.
Dante.
His arms around a woman in red.
I almost lost my balance but the guard caught me and I quickly adjusted before it got noticed. Jealously gripped me. They were close, too close to be business associates. Her hand was on his back and his hand low on her waist. For three seconds, my chest tightened and my old fear whispered
“What if I'm not enough?"
Then his gaze met mine. The moment our eyes met, his laughter faded and everything in his face softened. He smiled as he moved in my direction.
My heels clicked against the marble as I walked forward to meet him.
"Darling, you came” he said it like he couldn’t believe I actually came.
He leaned forward to kiss my cheeks. His lips lingered on my cheek and he whispered.
"Are you trying to kill me?” I smirked. Maybe that was my plan. The sound of someone clearing their throat made Dante to pull back.
I turned to the woman, held out my hand and smiled.
“Hi, I'm Alessia Aquila” Dante nodded.
"Yeah, she is my wife”
“Wife?” The woman blinked in surprise.
“Yes” Dante answered. The woman blinked and gave a fake smile.
“It's my pleasure to meet you”
“Same here” I whispered.
She looked at Dante, if looks could kill Dante would be six feet under. Dante held my hand, caressing my palm. I could sense the woman's anger as she walked away till she disappeared into the crowd.
"Dance with me” he whispered.
I let him take control as his hands settled at the small of my back. My hand rested on his shoulder and we started moving to the music. It felt like we were the only people in the room.
"You look really beautiful” he said against my ear.
"Thank you. You look good too” I replied, smiling.
“ I couldn't come pick you because I was making sure everything was perfect for you” I pulled back just enough to look at him.
"Or you had to be here on time so you could meet with her before I came?"
His thumb brushed against my waist, slow and deliberate.
“Her? She's a long time friend. You saw how I dismissed her earlier”
“A friend who looks at you with desire? Why do I have a feeling you were leading her on?”
“You think I slept with her?” I shrugged.
“I’m not the one saying it” he sighed.
We danced for about two minutes more and I didn’t bring up the conversation about the woman again. The song ended soon. He didn't let go right away. He pressed a kiss to my forehead.
"I hope you enjoy the night, my love” he said.
We left the floor and my eyes met with the woman from before, she glared at me and I smiled at her.
Some minutes later, the lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the small stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a word from the host” the MC said.
Dante stepped up, took the mic and his eyes found mine in the crowd.
“Tonight is a special night for me, it’s not just about my business but also about my family. Most of you may not have known but I’m married” I heard gasps and whispers in the crowd.
"I'm ashamed to admit it but my wife and I lived separately for a few years but now we are back together. So that’s why I’m dedicating this toast to her” he stretched out his hand.
"Come here, babe"
I walked up, my heart beating fast as I walked to the stage.When I reached him, he took both my hands.
"I love you” he whispered.”I know you may not believe me but that’s the truth”
I was too stunned to speak and then he kissed me passionately in front of everyone. The room erupted in applause, but I didn't hear it. All I could think about was Dante’s lips on mine.
"I'm never losing you again, Alessia" he whispered after he pulled away.
And in that moment, with his arms around me and the whole room watching, I knew he was being honest.
- Writer
