ROSE“Hey…you okay?” He asked again as I feigned a smile. “Yeah sure. I am.” I said quickly, looking to brush off further conversation.“You were talking about the pregnancy.” Marco asked still driving as I bit my lips.“It’s nothing. Just kinda scared since it’s my first and Stuff.” I shrugged as he nodded slowly.“Don’t worry. The chairman won’t let anything happen to you. To the chairman, it’s like you are carrying Valentino in your womb. He will make sure you get the best treatment in the world.” He said as I nodded with a tight smile as I rested back on the chair. What I need is Valentino to wake up. I thought painfully as I unconsciously rubbed my body, as if there were invisible shivers.Few minutes later, we got home and it hasn’t changed a bit, my room was still the same. As I sat on the bed and rubbed the soft mattress….I just couldn’t help but reminisce about Valentino. That night when we had laid….“Hey….”The door opened abruptly as I raised my head to find Valerio stand
ROSE“Why are you here?” He asked still crouching down, while regarding me with that ever gentle look.“Ah….”I quickly looked away and stood up, having how breathless I became that moment.Why was I feeling this way? Yeah, I know how crazy Valerio drove me. But I came back to this house for Valentino, right?Or else I would have just eloped with him, instead of meeting him around in the night like two teenagers who are crazy over each other but are forbidden to meet. “Your grandfather….,”I started to say but hesitated for a while as I watched him stand his gaze intent on me. The old man has been clashing with them too much lately, and everything seemed to be my fault. And all for nothing. It nagged me to some extent. “What did he do?” He asked with a frown perched on his face.I watched him for while, as if is face would tell me exactly what to say. But I realized something, I felt a burning need within me. During dinner when he placed a held me, and few minutes earlier when I was
ROSE“What games are you playing, Rose.” He asked as my heart went out to him at that moment.None of this was his fault, his attraction towards me.“Stay away from me, Valerio.” I said with a straight face as started to walk away but he held my arms in time, his face more like a frustrated person who was desperate.I turned to look at him, trying to hard the fact that I am struggling with my decision too. “Why?” He swallowed as he stared at me, giving me the expression that made me want to go back to my words.“Like I said…..”I said slowly. “I am pregnant for you brother.” I completed with a defiant look.Some had to stop the madness that the two of us were involved in. No matter what, we would find ourselves involved in each other and I too, would be always filled with guilt.This time, as I walked away, he didn’t bother to go after me. I felt the sting of tears in my eyes. Was this similar to a breakup scene in a melodrama. It hurt more than the Tv series detect it to be. I sniffe
ROSE“Valerio?” I called as he approached me causally as if he got the whole time in the world to get to me.“What’s with the face? Aren’t I allowed to come here?” He said with an irritated look and walked up Valentino’s side, his hands tucked in his pocket as he looked causally at his brother without showing any sign of emotion.I watched him careful, trying to decipher what was going on in his head but nothing. Just nothing.“I thought you didn’t care.” I loved slightly away from Valentino, while avoiding his gaze.I felt his gaze on me, but I didn’t shift my attention to him, just on Valentino, hating this scenario as the minute went by.“Didn’t care?” He chuckled bitterly. “What do you take me for?” His eyes was still intent on me, I could feel it.I finally raised my gaze to him. “Are you mad at me?” I asked finally, hating the kind of energy he was giving. I could only feel toxicity and it hurts.His eyes darkened as he watched me for a moment and exhaled deeply.“No.” He shook
ROSEI wasn’t sure why I felt grateful for the interruption when the door opened to reveal the doctor in charge of Valentino. Trailing behind him were two nurses, and Valerio walked in later, wearing an expression I couldn’t decipher.“Can you excuse us, miss?” the doctor asked with a polite smile. I glanced at Valentino, hesitating to leave him, and walked a considerable distance away, giving the doctors space to work.My eyes remained fixed on Valentino as the doctor began his check-up, engaging in a small conversation while Valentino still appeared weak.“Are you happy?” Valerio's unexpected voice interrupted my thoughts.I glanced at him briefly, then shifted away, creating a small distance between us. I wasn’t sure what had influenced that behavior. Perhaps I was afraid of being seen around him, not wanting to upset Valentino. Even though he had made it clear numerous times that he was pleased to see her with his brother.“Of course,” I forced myself not to look at him again, war
ROSE“Why….”Came the first word from Valentino’s lips as I stared at both of them, desperate to know what was going on.Have we being caught? I wanted to know badly.I quickly walked towards him with an almost shaky body, guilt washing over me as my gaze was intent on Valentino, completely ignoring the look the chairman was giving me. I didn’t care, that was the truth.“Valentino. I-“ I wasn’t sure of how to start. When Valerio started this charade, I didn’t think much of how we were going to solve this.Fuck! I should have just figured it out on my way when Marco had asked.“I’m so sorry, Valentino. I didn’t know….”His head has been raised slightly upward, it only meant one thing. He could move slightly and talk. It was a big leap in his recovery for real.Then the confused look on his face slowly shifted to a smile. “What are you on abiut, Rose.” His brilliant handsome eyes regarded me in amusement.“She still can’t take a joke. I can’t seem to get the look of your face when you’re
VALERIO I stared at Valentino who was totally stunned.I should stop. But this was the only way.“Didn’t you want the two of us to be together, ugh?” I asked him as I watched as he raised his hand to his head and groaned in pain.“Valerio! Stop it! He’s in pain!” Rose fired at me with a sharp glare as I clenched my fist, watched her rush towards him, holding his hand with an extremely worried look.I held myself bask, forcing myself to be unmoved by the sight but it was extremely painful to watch.“Valentino. Are you okay? Ugh? Should I get the doctor?” She said almost in a pleading voice, her voice hinting she wanted to cry.“I’m fine.” He said in a weak tone and closed his eyes tightly. One could see he was in pain and he was just lying.“Hey…” Rose started to say again as Valentino opened his eyes again and turned by his side to shift his gaze at me.“Why did grandfather said she was carrying my child then?” He asked as I swallowed, hating than while charade.“There is no child.”
VALERIO “What?” Valentino asked, trying to sound neutral. There was a rush of emotion at that point between the two of us.Both of us were trying so hard to find a balance which we were failing woefully at.“Grandfather. He believes she is carrying a child. Your child.” I said as he rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to the ceiling looking away from me. “We managed to keep up till you woke up.“And I hadn’t woke up?” He turned to look at me again but I didn’t seem to want to reply.“You went far, Valerio. Don’t you think?” He asked as I shrugged. “Maybe.” I said Curtly.“You would do worse if you were in my position.” I said with a calm voice but it seemed the conversation was draining me as the thought of what will come next made me almost cringe.“Let’s just tell him the bloody truth.”“And risk Rose going to jail again? Never. No one will be able to stop him this time. He already sees her as a cheat. Everything will be ruined.” I said, almost in a pissed tone.“Then what should
ROSE"What’s with the face?” Renata turned to the passenger side to look at me.“Marco said to come in now,” she said as I sighed, nervously tucking my fingernails into my mouth.“How will he react when he sees me?” I turned to look at her; she smiled. “I mean, I just left like that without a real goodbye, like a selfish….” The words hung in my mouth as she placed a hand on mine.“Don’t… this is for your happiness. These past few days have been hell for you. I won’t let you leave here without meeting him at least once,” she said. When I still seemed hesitant, she continued.“I heard he has been combing the whole world trying to find you. Imagine how he is going to feel,” she said with a reassuring smile, and I gave her a tight smile.I would fool myself if I said that served as any comfort. “Well… I guess I have to go now,” I said as Renata nodded.“Yeah… Go on, don’t keep your man waiting,” she teased, and I returned a tight smile.Now in front of Valentino’s office, the door suddenl
VALENTINO“What the hell is this?” I raised up the file the head of strategy department in the New York just brought in, as I stared at the blonde with a pissed expression.“Sir, it’s the….”“Fuck this.” I muttered under my breath as I stood up, the other man’s head slightly bowed in fear.For the past three days here in New York, I have been on the edge. Every single thing got me pissed. And this was bad, it got worse everyday as the project we are working on was being hindered due to lack of progress.“Leave now.” I cupped my face in my palm. “Until you find a better plan.” I raised up my head to look at him, so he could understand the gravity of the situation from my expression.“Alright sir.” His American accent came out calmly. They were used to it. Or maybe they forced themselves to just bear with my cranky attitude.I rested back on the leather chair following the sound of the door closing and closed my eyes, took in a deep breath and her image mirrored in my head.My eyelid fl
VICENTEFew months later….“Calling out of the blue to pick you up , eh? Do I look like your manager or driver?” Marco asked Vicente who occupied the back seat, while he drove, his eyes on the road.“Must you complain about everything, Marco? I just called this once and you can let it slip.” I replied, my eyes out in the window as I take in the afternoon view of Venice, it wasn’t like there was anything fascinating about it, I just wanted to be distracted.“Plus my Manager is on a break….”“A break you let him have. And now you’re being all grumpy towards me. I still think it’s unfair.” He looked at me through the rear mirror but I didn’t spare him a glance.“You don’t look good, Vicente .” He said again after a moment do silence.“It’s feels so empty.” I mumbled to myself as I reminisce on how the recent days felt like hell….all because of the absence of one person.“What?” Marco asked, completely confused.“I wonder if they feel it too.” I said again. “My brothers.” I looked throug
“Vicente.” I called slowly, the smile on my face fading away as I watched me intently. As we both stared at each in silence, he suddenly burst into a smile while I watched in confusion.“What’s with the look?” He asked with a chuckle, while I stared in confusion.“Ugh?” I asked, blinking.“I should be asking you that.” I licked my lips nervously, desperate to understand what was going through that head of his.“I pulled a little joke and you fell for it immediately? How cute.” He played with my cheeks as I let out a sigh and forced a slight chuckle….while throwing my face to the other side.The feeling of guilt overwhelming me again.Like hell I would believe that, it was a mere joke. I caught a sign of it. A sign of pain.I stood up abruptly as he followed me up too and stared at me with careful gaze.“I need to go.” I said, looking at him.“Ugh?” He raised his gaze in confusion, and for a minute I got lost in that curious wide eyes of his. As he watched me, it felt like he was sendi
ROSE“What were you trying to do?” I forced my gaze away from Valentino to Valerio who scoffed in disbelief.He stared at me in the disapproving glare that he as trying to moderate. But his emotions won’t let him.“I heard everything. The conversation between you and Vicente.” I said as he raised his brow in a knowing stare while I pressed my lips.“It doesn’t give any right to act out, Valerio.” I said again, everything coming out of my mouth with so much difficulty because the difficult part was yet to come. The reason I was here.“You can’t keep supporting him in this bloody time!” He seethed angrily as he watched me, his expression a mixture of anger and denial.From the corner of my eyes, I could see Valentino watching us. I bowed my head slightly as I played with my fingers, my whole body tensed.I couldn’t back down. I can’t go back on my word just because of the kind of emotion that was flowing through me at that point.“It doesn’t matter anymore.” I said and raised my head t
“What is it?” I watched him,a little scared of what to expect.I wasn’t sure why. But when it concerns Rose. It was good enough to get me nervous.He sighed heavily and shoved his hand through his hair. “I shouldn’t be telling you this but….”“Go on Vicente.” I chimed in smoothly as he watched me with a nervous expression.“It was a setup.” He said as I raised my brow. “What is?” I asked.“The whole thing.” He said again.“Ugh?” I prompted, now feeling uneasy at the way he was breaking the words, mounting my fears.“When I visited Valentino the other day, I….”He started to shake his head as if trying to remember.“I overheard him and the doctor talking. About his blood pressure.” He said but I still couldn’t understand where he was heading to.“Isn’t it normal for a doctor to discuss the patient’s condition with him?” I asked with a slight chuckle, as I tried to cover my fears with a feigned smile.“Yeah. I think he told him to disclose it to your guys intentionally to….”“To get Ros
VALERIO “Fuck!” I muttered under my breath as I turned to see my brother staring at me and Rose as if he couldn’t comprehend what was right in front of him.Vicente closed the door as quickly as he opened it and walked away.“He looks pissed.” I turned to Rose who had her hand stuck in her head as if thinking of what to do, but was obviously stuck.“I’ll go talk to him.” I said and licked my lips in exasperation and stood up, watched as she crouched up her legs and folded her arms around him, her gaze away from mine.“Hey.” I started to move close to her but she moves slightly away from me as if she was tasked to stay away.“Go to Vicente.” She looked up to me quickly.“He would get things wrong.” She said with a worried expression.I sighed and nodded then moved away from the bed. “Tell him what?” I asked, my voice starting to sound irritated as she raised up her head to look at me in disbelief.“Anything!” She retorted angrily. “What if he goes blabbering to Valentino about this?”
VALERIO I moved closer and deepened the kiss, as if scared that she might change her mind at the last minute. I didn’t need any more confirmation from her as she held my head to her.Closely, as if I might withdraw.As we deepened the kiss as the minute passes, flashes of her rejecting me after all of this ends starts to come to my mind but I blocked out those thoughts as I led her instinctively to the bed.As we kissed, I placed her hastily on the bed, our panting breath, the only thing that filled my head as the urgency of the situation seized me.“Valerio.” She pushed me back as I stared at her flushed face, and maybe a hint of guilt starting to show.“This is the last time.” The words came out of her mouth and I didn’t even know how to react to it.She was looking at my lips like a snack that she has always wanted and has now gotten the chance.“Last time?” I asked, my voice choked with emotion as she causally shifted her gaze to my eyes.“I chose Valentino.” She said as if even
ROSE“Thank you, doctor.” I managed to say despite the huge lump of pain I was feeling in my chest at that point. But Valerio stood up abruptly and walked out of the room without saying a word as I shifted my gaze to gus retreating figure, watched as he banged the door following his exiting.“I’m sorry about that.” I turned to apologize to the doctor who just managed a tight smile. Obviously, that didn’t settle well with him. And Valerio obviously wasn’t feeling what he said. I stood up and walked away, dragging my feet down the hallway.“Follow him or him….”Arya asked through the mind linked in my head.I knew who she was referring to as him or him.I didn’t reply that, just made my way out of the hospital, and if I was mistaken, I saw Valerio’s car pass in front of me, speeding up without a care in the world.I clenched my fist and swallowed, as I tried not to stagger due to how weak I suddenly became.This is extremely tiresome. And what’s worse, I can’t leave everything and leave