Rocco's POV
The denial and her expression said it all; she doesn't want the baby and it takes me back to my shell of grieving.
Hearing about the news of a baby coming made me forget my sorrows for a second and reduced the pain of losing someone who means so much to me.
I am not superstitious but it felt as if the baby was going to be a replacement for my dead Mother. Now, my hope has been shattered by Valentina's outburst and confidence about not being pregnant.
Her parents were extremely shocked too. It proved to me that I was wrong about her joking over a serious matter like that.
I didn't say a word. I just remained quiet till when it was time to discharge her and we came home.
It's been days and Valentina isn't saying anything yet about the baby. If she doesn't feel the baby, then am I supposed to wait till her belly begins to protrude before bringing this issue up and resolving it once and for all?
The baby is a blessing.&n
Valentina's POVHis lips capture mine as his hands work on my long hair while I cling to him as close as I can because I can't get enough of him.As he kisses the life out of me, a small groan leaves my mouth and suddenly, he pulls away, making me flutter my eyes open.With a smile, he caresses my face.I concentrate on his expression trying so hard to figure out what he must be thinking.I made us come here for a good reason and I know he is a little sad about it. Today is the final judgment for Mr. Lorenzo, Anita, Brenda, and Celina. Rocco was getting prepared to go to the court when I suggested we take a day trip here. I wanted to see the mountains and more of nature and coming here was the best idea.I didn't want him to go to court to be reminded about the death of his kind Mother. I didn't want to go either because I don't want to feel any iota of sympathy for any of those criminals, especially Brenda.She must
Rocco's POVNervous is an understatement of how I feel. This isn't the first time Valentina and I are doing this but it feels like the first time. It feels like this is what will determine our forever after. It feels like a dream too and I can barely think of anything else other than to get this done with."Hey, relax man", Richard chuckles as he throws a Rolex wristwatch at me. I catch it and heave a deep sigh of relief.This isn't a big deal, I remind myself. This isn't a big deal.We are renewing our vows and this is what makes it a big deal to me."Are you ready?" he shouts from outside the curtains.Still fixing the wristwatch on my wrist, I nod intermittently and exhale deeply.He claps his hand as a signal for me to come out. I take a quick step further and another until I am outside where my groomsmen are lined up waiting for me.They are all dressed in black suits while I am wearing a three piece Blue Weddi
Valentina povI often experience that nervous, fluttery feeling in my stomach. In fact, numerous things can trigger it for me, and it's not limited to just love or intimacy. Going clubbing, spending time with my closest friend, or simply feeling happy can all do the trick.However, the news in front of me is an exception. It doesn't elicit those butterflies or excitement associated with new experiences. I never saw this coming, and I never envisioned my life heading in this direction. I'm still in disbelief, with my jaw hanging open in shock."Val, we understand this is a surprise, but it's necessary," my mother starts, her hand on my thigh, snapping me back to reality. My father sits across from me, wearing a deeply concerned expression, appearing more frail than ever before."We have to save your father's failing business. We discussed it extensively, and we believed it was time for you to be informed. Now is the right moment for you two to meet and get to know each other better."I
Valentina povI'm experiencing mixed emotions about what transpired tonight, but that doesn't prevent me from smiling at the thought of seeing Fred. Clutching my jacket tightly around me, I step out of the car and make my way toward his apartment.Upon reflection, I'm not entirely sure if my mother's lack of support for my relationship with Fred stems from his lack of wealth compared to the man they want me to marry or because of his infidelity. After all, Fred cheated only twice. If it weren't for Brenda's interest in him, maybe he wouldn't have strayed again. Brenda is untrustworthy, and I'm determined to prove it to her.Fred and I love each other deeply. He's a passionate and caring partner, showering me with affection and adoration. The love that had dwindled at home due to our financial struggles, Fred rekindled. He's shown me so much love, and I fell for him.Fred never gave up on me when I thought he might. I believed he'd grow tired of me, but he didn't. He kept coming back,
Rocco pov It's already been five minutes, and I strongly dislike tardiness; it really irritates me. If she doesn't show up in the next five minutes, I'm leaving. The time I'm spending here could be put to better use at the office.As I give one last glance at the restaurant's door where I've been waiting for nearly ten minutes, I let out a heavy sigh, contemplating the significant changes that await me in the coming months. Initially, I took it the wrong way.Discovering the betrothal and the fact that I have to get married soon to inherit my grandfather's construction company bothered me. That old man knew I had no intention of getting married, and he arranged this on purpose. My father didn't inform me earlier, which is why I'm so infuriated.No one forced me to come here; I decided it might be a good idea to meet the person I'll be married to in the next few months. Although I'm not thrilled about being betrothed when I'm old enough to choose my own partner, I need her. She's my g
Valentina pov The plan was successful.I nearly burst into laughter when I first saw the expression on his face – a mix of confusion and anger.Clearly, he's an impatient man. I intentionally arrived late and dressed in this peculiar manner on purpose as well.I want to vex him. I have a specific reason for being here, and it's not because I genuinely intend to proceed with this absurd betrothal and wedding preparations.No matter how much I contemplate this, it agitates me, and I want to defy my parents for making a major decision like this on my behalf.I have every right to oppose them. I have every right to make my own choices. I'm not a child.Finding Brenda in Fred's apartment last night was a consequence of my decision to come here. It wasn't my original plan.I was betrayed by my two closest friends, and I want to take revenge on them.My mother was correct. Fred isn't suitable for me.Initially, I was giving him excuses to justify his actions, but it's now glaringly evident
Rocco pov A contract marriage? Why on earth?I burst into laughter, hoping it would irritate her, but she remains unfazed. She's wearing a determined expression that makes me quickly regain my composure."Are you finished laughing?" she leans in, her excessive makeup front and center.I don't respond, silently wishing I had never suggested this meeting. I hope it ends soon. Is this the woman I'm about to marry? Why in the world would she propose a contract marriage?As if she can read my thoughts, she chimes in. "The last time I checked, I had a boyfriend, and I was told to break up with him simply because I've been betrothed to some man. The last time I checked, we don't like each other in the slightest. So, tell me, what on earth are you thinking? Do you want us to be married for life?"I'm tempted to scream a resounding NO. I'm tempted to oppose it. I can't bear the thought of spending an eternity with this overly dramatic woman. No way. This should be temporary. We'll get divorce
Valentina povOne month laterLife involves navigating various paths and deciding whether to confront the harsh realities or not.This is the reality.These were the thoughts I penned in the dressing room before emerging to confront the situation.This wasn't what I had envisioned for myself. It was the opposite of my dreams and desires.I had always been a firm believer in love, possibly because I'd experienced it with beautiful souls. I had never believed in marrying for any reason other than love, but here I was, doing exactly what I'd never believed in or thought existed.Distracted, I let the applause blend into the background as I approached the wedding arbor where the groom of the day, Rocco, awaited me. Today, I would become his bride. Not because we loved each other, but for other reasons and goals.I wanted my father to recover his former strength and confidence, and I also sought revenge on Fred and Brenda. Not