Rosetta tapped her car keys against her palm, tapping her foot impatiently. She wanted to get home and rid herself of the suffocating clothes she had on and have a good long bath. However did Aryanna survive?
“Finally.” She sighed when she sighted Marino walking towards her.
“You do know I’m a busy woman, right? I don’t like being kept waiting.” She said when he was stood in front of her.
He eyed her down and she eyed him feeling invaded.
“Eyes up here, Mr.” she snapped her fingers in his face.
He chuckled, finally looking her in the eye.
“Domenico is one lucky man.” He said amusedly. She glared at him, why were the men she related with animals? Domenico would never ogle her so boldly.
“Result?” she demanded.
“A big no.” he told her, coming to lean against her car.
Her heart dropped.
“I thought you said he needed a cook? Why…”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Marino cut in mischievously, “Because it’s you.”
He laughed loudly, in spite of himself, ushering her into his house, thankful that he had cleaned it already early that morning. “Wow” she breathed out, looking around his home, “splendido. I love that rug.” “Everybody loves it.” He said confidently, his smirk still on, his hands in his pants pocket. She shot him a glare. “Really Domenico, your look scared me. I would never have rambled so much if I wasn’t in doubt of myself and I am almost never in doubt of myself. I hate you.” He chuckled, “it seems like that phrase is being used a lot these days.” “What? I hate you?” she asked distractedly, walking around the small sitting room. “Yeah.” He answered, watching her. “No surprise, you're so annoying. I hate you.” She said with a little more venom than expected. “My pleasure, il mio amore.” He spoke. She wagged a finger, her back still turned to him. “No way, Domenico. I have a boy friend. That ton
He stood, paralyzed to his spot. His heartbeat pounded wildly in his chest as the cold chill of terror washed over him and all he could hear was the frenzied beating of his heart. He saw her lips move but didn’t hear what she spoke out until she opened her mouth wide and a sharp piercing scream shattered his immobilization. He was on his knees in an instant, his eyes frantically searching her body, his hands unable to even touch her. “Come on, help me up!” she shouted, looking at him with wide eyes. He hastily placed his hands under her legs and at her back and then carried her to the living room, setting her comfortably on one of the sofas. “Are you hurt?” he asked worriedly while she looked at him with… was it amusement? “Ugggggh, I hate you” she grimaced, “My butt hurts.” She had landed on her buttocks. “I'm sorry, I’m really sorry.” He apologized profusely, running a hand through his hair as he peered down at her, his body hunched
"A very good starter, I must admit. You are ahead of the class in just a week of your arrival, splendido!" He nodded curtly at the academic head of the civil engineering department. He was standing in the office of the short pudgy man despite the fact that he had offered him a seat. He stood just so he didn't seem too far from the academic's desk and hence seem rude but also quite close to the door so he could make his escape quickly. He had been standing for over 20 minutes now while the academic wowed over the result of the test that was conducted three days before, on Friday. "This is squisito! I can't believe it! A 25!" The academic announced, peering over the rim of his glasses at the sheet of papers that was his. "Thank you sir but can I leave now? I have other classes to..." "Yes, Mr. Cerintti. Of course." "Goodbye Signore." He turned quickly, his eyes catching something on the academic's desk. He shook his head and
"Domenico de Cerintti." He recognized that voice, the voice that was once his nightmare. Leonardo. He was just out of his last lecture for the day, it was past 5pm and he was really hungry. He had not eaten anything throughout that day, Mr. Academic and Rosetta's fault and now in his cranky mood, Leonardo thought it best to confront him. Typical Leonardo to confront him in the presence of a crowd. The crowd in this case were his fellow mates who were heading out also. He turned around, hands in pocket to behold the almighty smirking Leonardo. "So nice to see you." Leonardo spoke, stretching his hand out for a handshake. "Nice to see you too, Leonardo." He responded but kept his hands in his pockets. He never liked shows especially one where he was the main actor but that was in the past. They wanted shows? He'd give them shows. Leonardo seeing he would not take his hand dropped it back to his side, nodding like an agama lizard,
Domenico lounged outside the solid mechanics lecture room. Clemente was still packing his books inside, that boy was too slow, he had been standing for over 10 minutes now. He let out an exasperated sigh and turned back to match into the class just as Clemente walked out of it, or rather... He raised a bewildered brow, tiptoed out of it. "What are you doing?" He asked, staring at Clemente who had a stricken look on his face, his back still hunched in the posture of a stalking thief. Clemente straightened up, clearing his throat, "I... I'm sorry. I didn't... uhm..." Clemente itched his head. His mouth formed into an O as he realized what happened. Clemente had wanted to avoid him. Hence, the delayed stay in class and tip-toeing. He really scared him that much? He cleared his throat, adjusting his hold on his bag as he remembered why he had been waiting. "Are you still interested in getting tutored?" He asked. His voice didn't exactly co
He hadn't seen Luna in four days. He suspected she was purposely avoiding him. She had insisted he attend Mass at the St. Lucy's cathedral on Sunday after he told her he didn't go to church but on Sunday, he had not bothered to go and he had not called her either. He wasn't sure if he had expected her to call him but she hadn't. He shrugged, so much for friendship. He should have just let her go. "Domenico." He huffed, stopping in his tracks. He had taken his car to school so he was just heading out of the car park to the library where he would study before he had to go for his first class of the day. Had he not been clear the day before that she should stay away? His frown turned into a smirk, she was playing right into his trap. "Signorina." He greeted upon turning around. He was caught off guard for a second. Her smile was brighter than usual, confident and... Suspicious. "I thought about your words yesterday." She started, folding
He didn't think his present self was much different from his past self before the bullying, except for the effects the bullying cost him, but after the abuse started, he slowly became complacent, giving in to people's will to get in their good books, to get the slightest ounce of sympathy and kindness. He was done with that now, that life, that part of him was long buried. 6 months was what it took him and even if he was still damaged, so damaged that he derived joy from watching those who had suppressed him be suppressed themselves, he was determined to rise above all, he was determined to show them that he was far better than they imagined, far better than any of them would ever be. And he would have to teach Clemente that... In the hardest way possible. "My rules" he started, facing startled Clemente, "When I teach, you listen... Attentively. Two, no questions asked until I'm done. Three, no unnecessary words; apologies, requests, whatever. Four, no lateness. That
He jogged through the semi-dark streets, his legs pounding furiously on the granite covered ground. His chest burned but he did not stop, the muscles on his legs ached but he did not slow down, sweat ran down in fast beads from his face and arms down his body but he did not take a breather. He did not deserve happiness. Her words rang in his head, crystal clear and fresh like she just said them to him. So just because she smiled a lot and she was friendly, she thought she deserved happiness; because she had a loving boyfriend and she had things going well for her, she thought she deserved happiness! He would guess correctly that she almost always had things going well for her, that she had almost never encountered a bad period in her life and she had the guts to come to the conclusion that he didn't deserve happiness. What did she even know about happiness? He was sure that her so dear boyfriend was the center of her so called happiness; she was the kind that depende
"Rosetta...""Alright, alright, I'll let it go," She grumbled and pulled away."You are angry," He turned to her.She switched off the gas before the pancake on it could get burnt."We'll shop later, together, I promise," He said."I am not angry," She said casually, "Can we eat now?"She watched the muscles on his back flex as he took off the pancake from the pan and made coffee for them. He was a good man and he seemed too sincere for her, perhaps that was why she gave in to her want to sleep with him but there was just something... off?*Rosetta laughed at a joke Antonio made as she filled two glasses with cherry juice."That was not funny," She rolled her eyes as she handed him his glass."But you laughed," He teased, pulling her close by the waist."Antonio, we are at work," She giggled, biting her lip."I decide when we work and when we don't," He nuzzled her cheek.The door to his lunch room suddenly flew open and she jumped. He held her down. It was the guard that always stoo
Rosetta did indeed believe that she could fall for Antonio Galdo but watching it happen over the weeks they spent brooding over architectural plans and planning the building structure over lunches and late-night dinners, she felt easy. How could a man, no matter how rich and handsome and well-mannered he was, just admit his attraction to her and she was head over heels for him? It was too easy, too too easy. Everything was going too smoothly, he was too good to be true. She brushed off the thought as she walked out the doors of her firm. The more she thought about him, the more she grew attracted to him. She instead filled her mind with thoughts of the cool bubble bath and the N*****x movies she planned to binge watch all night long. It was the weekend and she really wanted to spoil herself rotten. Preparations for Nico and Luna's wedding were also ongoing and she was one of the bridesmaids. She smiled, unlocking her car. There was nothing that forgiveness could not accomplish.She ha
"Luna?"Her eyes widened as they met with Domenico's blue ones. When did he get into the garden?Alessandro turned around. "Ah," He smiled, "Your date," He glanced at her and winked, "I'll leave you two alone."She waited until Alessandro was out of hearing range before she faced Nico "Can I help you?""I love you," He blurted out and she gasped. He closed the space between them and grabbed her by the waist, "I love you, Luna. We are not mere friends."Her heart leaped high in her chest as he slammed his lips to hers.*Her arms moved of their own accord and entangled themselves around his neck. She was high, high on love, high on happiness.They came up for air and he peppered kisses all over her face, their breathing rough and hot."What took you so long?" She breathed out, "Why did you take so long?""I'm sorry," He kissed her again and again and again until they had to pull apart for more air."I love you too, since Colland maybe."He grinned and pulled her into his arms. There wa
How far gone was he? Too far, too too far, or else he wouldn't be chasing her all over the place. He accused her of not admitting her feelings for him at the hospital but he was the real hypocrite; he was the one holding them back from crossing the friendship stage because he was scared she'd reject him. After all, she was a rich heiress, she could get any man she wanted."Quite far," He admitted, glancing at Pietro."And?"He looked at him now. "And?""And what are your intentions towards her? You didn't come with her all the way here for fun, did you?"*He blew out a breath, "I want her to be my girlfriend... first. We have never tested that terrain, never given into our attraction. Then... then I'll like to marry her if she's willing."Pietro nodded his head and he seemed to be gauging his words."But I want to get stable first," He added, holding his ground, "She is used to a good life, the best life, I don't want to give her less."Pietro smiled, "You better don't."*"What was h
She decided then that he was worth having as an acquaintance."Your food is getting cold," She commented and picked up her fork."When will I see you again?" He asked when they had finished eating and he had paid the bills."You gave me your card, remember?" She rose."And you gave me no assurance of your visit." He rose also."I can't pass on some billionaire's money," She winked, "You'll see me when you see me."She strode out of the diner with her head held high. She, Rosetta Verona D'Armani, attracted the attention of a tycoon. Wasn't she too elegant?*Luna breathed a sigh of relief when she walked out of the station. The night had been hell. She hadn't been able to sleep a wink. All she could think of was if the stalker found Domenico's house and if they were in danger, and she panicked at even the slightest sound. Even worse, she was critically aware of the man that was sleeping in the bedroom.She got into the passenger seat of her car. Since Nico had volunteered to take care o
"Looks like we were destined to meet again," He smiled."It is rude to sit without invitation," She said harshly."Sorry, but I had a feeling you'd say no and I don't take no for an answer, especially when it comes to getting what I want."She raised a brow, "Your pride stinks."He shrugged, "I want to get to know you. What is prideful about that?"She stared at him. He was rich, attractive, classy, and exuded manly confidence. It wouldn't be so bad to indulge him.She relaxed and watched him over the rim of her glass."I am Antonio Galdo," He introduced, stretching his hand.*She eyed it, "I still haven't approved your intrusion."He chuckled and called on a waiter. "Do you want anything to eat or you are just here to drink?""I'll have the peppered chicken barbeque and the pasta to go with it," She answered.His lips twitched. "Same, please," He said to the waiter."Is that a flirting trick? Order the same with the lady so she thinks you are interested in her."He chuckled, "I guess
He laughed. A nice one, she noticed, admiring his pearly white teeth."I am not looking for any of those," he spoke, amused, "neither am I married. Can we just chat and try to be friends?"She rolled her eyes, finishing off her glass."Not interested."She rose, dropped her bills, and sashayed out. She sighed when she was safely in her car."Men," she shook her head and drove off.Antonio Galdo watched the silver Benz drive away."A real one," he laughed to himself, rising and adjusting his suit, "let's see if we are destined to meet again."*"Gently," Sebastian spoke when Luna stumbled. He guided her out of the hospital and into her car."Do you feel worse or better?" He asked, starting the car."Both," she answered with a grimace, leaning back in her seat."It will get better in a while," he assured her."You know this is the second time you're helping me out in this way. Don't you ever fall sick? Let me repay the kindness."He laughed."You shouldn't have called in late at work. I
"Who's trying to kill you?" He asked after they broke apart."I don't know," she shrugged, "you just told me the same thing the nurse said but I truly don't remember setting up the fireplace or burning old clothes. I came home and I called you immediately and afterward, I slept off on the couch only to wake up and find my house filled with smoke and the neighbours hitting my door."Domenico placed his palms on her pale cheek."Maybe I did but I really can't remember," she added quickly, "I'm probably worrying for nothing."*Luna leaned against the pillow, waiting for Domenico to return from getting food for them.'Do whatever you wish but trust me, you're no longer safe'The words of the blonde-haired girl kept echoing in her head. She breathed out shakily. Did she mean it?"Your body is already stressed as it is, don't overthink," Domenico said upon entering."I'm sick of this place," she pouted, "I imagined cooling off with you in some fancy diner and staring at your beautiful eyes,
Percy was still Percy; mature, smart, well behaved and well, Gabriella was a new face. The wedding went well and the couple definitely looked good together. Rosetta was past caring about the past. She just wanted her life free of any feuds or competition so she smiled all the way through and let herself be sincerely happy. "Did he meet with you?" Domenico asked Luna quietly as they applauded the leaving married pair amidst showers of flowers and glitters. "Yeah. He apologized, explained everything. We're good." The reception took place later on. The day ended on a happy note.*Luna walked to her car in the parking lot, forcing herself not to smile or get lost in thoughts. It was already enough that she had been daydreaming all day about him.The weekend was the best she had in a while. From Percy's wedding to watching a movie with him to spending the entire Sunday at her home with one of her girlfriends."Hey! Watch your steps!"She bumped into someone."I'm sorry, so sorry, I was