3.

Crystal

"Crystal."

"Crystal."

A profound voice gently knocks the door of darkness which was trapping me and showed me conscious. I quailed feeling someone shaking my shoulder.

"Wake up. We are here. We are at home." My eyes instantly popped open and I sat straight in my seat bubbling with excitement.

"We are here?" I asked rubbing my sleepy eyes and yawned behind my palm. Valentine chuckles and combed the hairs which were falling on my eyes. They were messy due to sleeping for hours. I was knocked out all the way back while Valentine worked on his laptop.

"Yeah, we are about to land. Let's go." He said holding my hand lead us out of the small cabin. I found that the air hostess was already buckled. I smiled at her and sat with Valentine.

After some fifteen minutes, we landed safely on our homeland. I quickly unbuckled myself and tried to jump out to take fresh air but a hand shot up, wrapping itself around my wrist.

"Where are you going?" Valentine asked and I smiled in embarrassment. I was eager to leave the plane. 

"Uh... I feel sick. I need to have some fresh air. My head hurts." I replied hesitantly and he immediately stood up cupping my cheeks.

"Why didn't you tell me before? That's why you slept all the way. But the doctor said it was safe to travel. We are going to see him once we reach home." He declared and I sighed.

"Calm down Valentine, it's not that bad. Let's go."

"Wait. Not yet. You just stay here until I come back for you." He said cautiously pushing me back on the seat.

"What? Why? Where are you going?" I asked nervously.

"I am going out to check if all the arrangements are done. You can watch me from the window. Alright?" He asked kissing my forehead and I nodded dejectedly. Soon, he disappeared from my sight and the hostess smiled politely.

"Ma'am, would you like to have something?" She asked and I smiled.

"Water please."

In no time a glass of water was handed to me. My eyes immediately skipped to the window looking for Valentine. He was now wearing dark sunglasses as he made his way towards five black cars. Three men of equal built, wearing black Armani greeted him with a bow. They talked for a while when all of a sudden, Valentine looked back and waved at me making me chuckle. I waved back while finishing my water. They chatted for few more minutes until Valentine started walking back to me and the guys accompanied him. I stood up ready to join them. Valentine draped a scarf around my head.

"Why a scarf?" I asked confused as he adjusted it hiding my copper hairs.

"Paparazzi. You know how difficult they get sometimes. Moreover, it's very hot outside. Don't want you to get a sunstroke." I agreed in understanding and walk by his side as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder protectively. The three men from earlier walked like a shield around us. Maybe they were bodyguards. But why Valentine needs so much security? Maybe because he is not some normal business tycoon and had enemies.

Once settled in the car, we drove straight towards home. Two black cars were following us while the other two were ahead. Tension lingered thickly in the air. It worried me. Something is wrong.

"Valentine," I said and his head whipped in my direction. His eyes were scanning our surroundings all the time.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Everything is fine, right?" I asked in concern and he smiled before wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me to his chest.

"Everything is fine. We will be home in twenty minutes." He assured and I sighed laying my head on his shoulder.

Italy was really beautiful. My eyes scanned the surroundings hungrily, catching calming greenery all around. Even under the scorching sun, the place stood like heaven. The cars were going faster than normal making me dizzy. I immediately looked away from the window and closed my eyes.

"We are here." He announced after some time and cars came to an abrupt halt, in front of enormous iron gates. A swarm of guards greeted us as they opened the gates to let the cars in. We passed through a breath-taking garden. The green grass was getting nourished by sprinklers. Soon, a mansion came in view. My eyes sparkled in amazement. I think it's the most beautiful thing I ever saw. The mansion isn't the right word to describe such a grand palace. The milky shade ran across strong walls and pillars. A lawn full of colorful flowers and green plants spreads heavenly fragrance gulping all the bad odor of outside. Buzz of bees and chirping of the birds could be heard clearly. The door to my side opened and Valentine offers me his hand to step out. I held it tightly feeling nervous all of a sudden. His hand rested on my waist as we moved forward. The heads of guards bowed like he was some king. It amused me a little and I suppressed my smile.

"This is our home. From generations, this mansion has passed to the eldest son, the next heir of Romero throne. It was built in 1890 by my ancestors." He explained while I stared at the fountain in front of the entrance. The water was so fresh. Reaching in front of the wooden double doors, Valentine knocked twice. I jumped startled not expecting the thumping voice to echo loud. He chuckles from beside me and I couldn't help but glare silently. In no time, the doors opened and a vibrant face greeted us. Brown eyes shined in amazement as sun rays strike against them. A mane of grey hairs was tied in an elegant bun. The woman's wrinkled face broke into a beautiful smile. She looked in her early 50's.

"Master Valentine," She squealed stepping forward and engulfing the 6ft man in her 5ft figure for a hug. Valentine laughed and hugged the old woman back before kissing her hairs.

"Oh Lola, I missed you so much. Crystal, this is Lola, our caretaker." He said introducing me to her. I smiled politely in greeting and the woman immediately burst into tears scanning my face. She threw her arms around me, pulling me to her chest. Valentine told me a lot about her. She used to babysit him and his sister when they were kids. When their parents died, she was the one who raised them.

"Oh, my child. How are you? I missed you a lot. This house looked so empty without you." She said caressing my cheek and kissed my forehead. I gulped the heavy lump down my throat and blinked back the stinging sensation behind my eyes, consoling the old lady. We must have shared a strong bond in the past. "I am warning you, Master Valentine, if you ever dared to upset my baby, you are going to face my wrath." She declared pulling me closer and glared at the tall man with furious eyes. Her courage was plausible in front of such an intimidating person. He just nodded with a sad smile and lowered his head.

"Come on in. We have so much to catch up. I am seeing my Queen after 9 months." She said pulling me inside and that's when I gasped at the interior. The light coming from giant chandeliers flooded my vision. A feminine screech broke my trance. Our heads whipped in the direction of a teenage blond running in our direction. Her curly hairs bounced in the air and maroon sundress flows behind her as she ran towards Valentine with open arms. In no time, she jumped on him with her legs locking around his waist and arms around his neck. He laughed hugging her back.

"Valerie," He breathed and I smiled collecting who she was. Valerie Romero, Valentine's younger and only sister.

"Oh my God! You are at home. I can't believe it." She screamed in excitement making me and Lola laugh.

"Yes tigru, I am back. Now get down, you are destroying my suite." He ordered and she immediately scooted away following his command. A permanent grin was plastered on her heart-shaped face. Her blue eyes moistened and she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.

"I... I missed you." She whispered staring at her fatherly figure with respect who smiled back. Then her eyes jumped to me and they widened like saucers.

"Crystal," She said and lunged at me, chocking me to death with a bone-crushing hug. I stood awkwardly and winced at the pressure on my bones.

"Easy there, tigru. You are suffocating her. She hasn't recovered fully yet." Valentine warned pulling her back. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she smiled at me.

"How are you?" She asked and I nodded.

"Better." My answer made her sigh and she covered her eyes.

"I am so happy. Let me show you around." She declared holding my hand and drags me behind her. Valentine winked at me and turned to Lola. We crossed the living room and took a right. A giant kitchen welcomed us.

"This is the kitchen. I spend most of my time experimenting here. I am training as a chef." Valerie said gesturing towards the silverware and the large counter where at least five cooks were working. There was a door at the end of the aisle. It led to the back of the mansion where most of the garbage was dumped. Leaving the kitchen, Valerie led me towards the stairs. Something dark caught my eye in the way. Under the stairs, two guards were standing in front of a black door. It was hidden from normal view well. I wouldn't have noticed it if Valerie didn't choose these stairs.

"What's there?" I asked pointing at them making Valerie freeze. She followed the line of my sight and paled before threw me an incredulous look.

"Um... That... That is the basement. We keep all the outdated and unimportant things there." She said avoiding the topic but I was adamant.

"Really? Then why guards are standing there?" I asked not buying her excuses. She was lying, any sane person could tell that.

"Listen, Crystal. You got me. It's a secret door where Valentine hides all his stuff." She said with a sigh.

"Stuff?" I questioned raising an eyebrow and she gulped.

"I don't know exactly. But no one is allowed to venture down there. Promise me that you will not think about that place ever." She pleads holding my hands. The desperation and fear in her eyes made me nod.

"I will not."

"Thanks. Now, let's go. I need to show you study and your bedroom." She sang.

*****

I woke up with a slight nudge on my shoulder. A yawn escaped my lips and I stretched on the bed. Lola's smiling face came into view.

"Sorry to disturb you, sweetheart, but it's time for dinner." She said helping me to sit because my back was aching. I was too tired from the flight that passed out when my head collided with the pillow. "Freshen up while I set the table." She said eyeing my same clothes from the journey and left. I marched towards the closet and pulled out PJ's ignoring a row of silky lacy gowns. They were too revealing for my taste. I will never buy such things. Once showered, I rushed to the dining room feeling my stomach roaring in hunger. Lola passed me a kind smile whereas Valerie was busy in chatting with some guy. He had dark hairs and brown eyes just like Lola. He appeared of the same age as Valentine.

"Hi." I greeted taking my seat and the duo stopped diverting their attention towards me.

"Hey, sister- in -law." The man said grinning like a Cheshire cat. I smiled politely trying not to be rude. Suddenly a memory surged in my mind. He was there when I woke up back in Ireland after coma.

"Hey, Crystal. Meet Harman Marino. He is Lola's son, also Valentine's good friend. They are like brothers." Valerie introduced smirking at the man. Oh, so that's why he was there. I nodded in acknowledgment and looked around. Harman has a crooked nose and scar on chin. I noticed tattoos covering his arms as the shirt he wore was folded till his biceps. He looked intimidating oppose to his kind and friendly behavior.

"Where is Valentine?" The question slipped from my lips before I could stop it.

"Missing him already, Crystal. I didn't know that you were so addicted to him." Valerie teased and Lola slapped her shoulder playfully, watching my now heated cheeks.

"No. I was just asking." I said averting my eyes to plate.

"It's alright, sis. He is out with Victor for some business. Don't worry, he will come home once finished. Let's get started, I am starving." Harman interjected digging in. I nodded half-heartedly and started my meal. The entire time my mind was wandering around Valentine. It was the first time in these two weeks, I ate without him.

"Who is Victor?" I questioned again and Valerie answered.

"Victor is the son of our father's personal bodyguard. He is also Valentine's best friend."

"Everything is fine, right? Valentine looked stressed during the flight." I asked Harman who froze in mid-bite and looked at me with a small smile.

"No, sis. We are facing a crisis from some time, but now when the boss has returned, I am sure everything will be alright. You don't have to worry." He assured and I nodded still worrying.

After dinner, I decided to spend time in Valentine's study, since there was a library in there. Most of the books were related to corporate world and laws, but there were novels as well. I chose Hunger's game and settled on the brown leather couch near the empty fireplace. Valerie was already off to bed. Lola also called it night while Harman took the liberty of exploring the night outside the mansion with his friends. The security was tight, even inside the mansion. Guards were flooded in every corner and corridor. Valentine seems an important man.

Too engrossed in the book, soon my eyelids closed in exhaustion and I fell asleep waiting for my husband.

*****

Conscious strokes me feeling a tingling sensation on my cheeks and neck. A moan left my throat feeling soft caresses. My eyes fluttered open meeting vibrant dark ones.

"Hey." He smiled and I looked at the grandfather clock in the corner. It was 4 in the morning. My back ached more due to sleeping on the couch all night.

"Hey yourself. Is it time to come home? Why even bother to come back if your work is so important?" I spat trying to sit but he lifted me up bridal style and walks towards our room. His chest rumbles in silent laughter.

"Oh love, if I knew that you'd be so mad, then I wouldn't have dared to stay longer. I am sorry. But why were you sleeping on that small couch when we have a bed?" He asked and I sighed leaning my head on his shoulder.

"I was waiting for you," I mumbled and he froze. An unrecognizable emotion crossed his features and he took a shaky breath before resuming the walk.

"Really?" He asked in disbelief and I hummed. "Why?"

"What means why? Of course, I will wait for you. Aren't you a husband?" I asked and he passed me a grin.

"One and only."

"Good. By the way, you reek of cigarette. Please stop smoking. The smell disgusts me. I don't like it." I said deeply upset with the situation all of sudden. He looked down at me surprised and then nodded.

"I will try to avoid it from now. Will that make you happy?" He asked and I hummed.

"Very. Thank you." I said and kissed his cheek. We entered the bedroom and he laid me under the covers.

"Wait for me. I will be out in a second." He said rushing to the bathroom and soon shower was heard. He came out wearing a boxer and snuggled beside me.

"Have you eaten dinner?" I asked feeling my eyes dropping and he hummed kissing my neck and wrapped an arm around my waist.  "Valentine, I will always wait for you," I mumbled sleepily before darkness engulfed me.

***

Third Person

"I love you, Crystal." The magical words laced with a deep longing echoes in darkness as Crystal snores softly already lost in the dream world. Tears stung Valentine's eyes watching the girl he came to love saying the words he wanted to hear from so long. 

"Valentine, I will always wait for you."

The past was too painful and dark that every time it crossed his mind, he found himself drowning in shame and guilt. Only if he hadn't done those sinister deeds. Only if he understood this sweet girl before. Only if he didn't fight with his feelings for her, the future could have been more beautiful.