Chapter 3: surprised

She wanted to say something but the words were stuck in her throat and immediately a knot tightened in her stomach. She felt so suddenly hot and didn't know how to continue with the discussion. She only stared at him.

"Are you okay?" he said ."You are turning red already, what's the problem?"

It's nothing, she stuttered .

"I'm just having a mad headache. "

"Anyways, I would like you to meet me at my Mansion tomorrow so that we can discuss this further and introduce you to some of my family members ."

before she would nod or comprehend what he was saying he had already gotten up and was out of the door.

Taking a cab back to her apartment brought back memories which didn't want to have

She thought about what Raphael had said to her when she pushed the door open and got in

She was greeted by silence which she already knew was waiting for her.

She avoided dinner, climbed into bed and as soon as her head touched the pillows she fell asleep.

It was the chirping of the bird early the next morning that woke her up. At 1st she felt tired and the pounding on her head still continued.

She rolled to the other side she tried to put the covers up to her cheek when her eyes immediately flew open and she realized that she was supposed to meet Raphael Fernandez today

She jumped down to her feet and dashed into the bathroom immediately. A few minutes later she was out clutching the towel to her small frame as she picked up a light blue dress from the wardrobe .

Her stomach rumbled as she munched the last bacon in the kitchen ,as usual it was the only thing that was left for her , no coffee and no orange juice to go with it she only gulped cold water from the fridge .

She gave the apartment one last glance and hoped everything works out for the good and she leaves the trenches.

She flagged down a cab and rattled the address to him and soon they were racing to the mansion .

It was a blur of trees, people and memories. She shut her eyes momentarily as soon as the car pulled up in one of the biggest and most magnificent mansions in all of Italy.

Even before she would sound the doorbell a short stout woman quickly appeared.

"Welcome,the boss has been waiting for you." she said, trying to avoid eye contact with her.

She was led into a wide expanse of land of beautiful trees and lush green grass which had a garden at the far end.

There were three chairs and a table under a tree

"The boss will be with you shortly."

She nodded and drank in the beauty of the whole mansion, the lush ground with green wet grass which made her feel instantly at ease.

She smiled to herself and sat on one of the chairs there waiting for him when two maids approached me with expensive trays which were loaded with food and drinks.

"I'm fine." she said." I do not need anything. "

They both exchange glances "but Mr Fernandez strictly instructed us to treat you with the best. "

These were the same words the waitress at the restaurant had said to her.

They poured the wine into a wine flute and left.

The expensive wine was staring at her but not enticing her.

She was feeling so jittery and nervous already ,signing the contract was just a way of her getting out of the trenches and having the perfect revenge.

She hoped what he said wasn't true about Ethan being his nephew.

She got up and began to walk around, the fresh breeze slapping her face as she exhaled. she intertwined her fingers to stay calm when I had feet approaching me and suddenly I turned and froze.

Standing and staring at her equally shocked was Ethan and the stout maid who had brought her in.

"The boss' nephew requested you too so I brought him here," she said, bowed, and left.

For the next few minutes that followed the crazy tension leveled and they kept staring at each other and for the first time in years her tongue felt dry and limp in her mouth and she couldn't utter a single word.

"Bernice ?" Ethan said, blinking rapidly." what is going on here.?"

She kept staring at him without saying a word ,so Rafael wasn't joking after all.

"Are you here for the position of a maid or what ?"He taunted then a cynical smile came on his lips.

The pain she had felt previously gave her so much courage and she found her voice.

"And you, Why are you here ?

He scoffed. "You are not deaf are you?" The maid introduced me as Rafael Fernandez's nephew and wait ,I just hope I'm dreaming ,are you my uncle's bride to be?"

His last word immediately gave her courage and she held her head high.

"I presume you are not deaf too. "

He threw his head and laughed.

"You gold-digging slut, it hasn't been up for 3 days and you are already crawling around my uncle, is that how desperate you are?"

"I will not stand here and watch you speak to me in such rude manners. "She thundered ."I demand every bit of respect from you. "

"Really,"He smirked."Little Miss Smart ,she's trying to be boss. "He folded his arms across his chest and approached her slowly." What if I tell my uncle that we are both dating? "

She scoffed and bitter anger surged through her and she rolled her eyes ."Is that the best you can come up with?"

And how about I tell your uncle that you have been embezzling funds from his company." she threatened back and watched his eyes narrowed into a slit in fear.

He stepped back a little and she smiled ." How about you start calling me Auntie now?"

He was already turning red about to say something when Rafael came .

"I can see you both are getting to know each other?"

"Nice meeting you." Rafael said, bringing her hands to his lips and kissing it." You are looking pretty."

Ethan swallowed in pain trying to hide the jealousy and anger in him.

Then he turned to Ethan.

"How about you, get your suit ready?'

Ethan rolled his eyes in confusion ."I do not understand ."

Raphael patted him on his back .

"Tomorrow is the wedding and I have chosen you as my best man.”