“Samantha!”Alison growled in annoyance as she scribbled on her draft.
Samantha noticing her mother’s glare gave her her signature cheeky smile, her eyes dancing in pure mischief.
“Baby! What have you done?” Alison came forward to her work desk surveying the degree of the mess. She gave Sam her toughest glare but the little girl’s expression was indifferent.
She noticed the tug at her gown looking down Samantha looked at her Mom in a needy manner.
“Mom, Sam is hungry,” she said rubbing her tummy.
Her anger reduced a whole lot as she could not punish Sam for ruining her work. Samantha was not aware she ruined mommy’s work.
“Come.” She ordered softly and Samantha followed. Entering the kitchen she collected the bread slices and rubbed a generous amount of peanut butter on them.
Pouring Sam’s favorite apple juice in her juice cup, she placed her on her desk and was about to feed her.
“Stop Mommy, Sam would feed herself.” She said proudly.
“Don’t make a mess Okay?” Alison said and went to her work desk and cleared the mess Samantha made cleaning the red dots on her polished wooden surface.
The scribble ruined the drawing for the model of the hotel she was designing. Putting the remaining wastes in the trash can beside her desk. She sighted her scissors she gasped in horror, relief washed through her as she was happy that Sam did not play with it. She needs to be more careful next time.
Scrolling across her phone, she dialed a familiar name.
“Hi, Paige.”
“It’s Alis, please I need you to send the draft of Mr. Wilson’s hotel project.”
“I sent you the draft last week and I can’t give you any paper draft now. What happened?” the voice from the other line said.
“Sam happened.”
“Oh no, what did she do this time?” Paige’s voice was filled with curiosity. This wasn’t the first time Sam would ruin Alison’s work.
“She scribbled on it. Please send it.” Alison pleaded.
“Okay I will, for Sam’s sake”
“Thanks, send it to my email.” Alison reminded.
“I will,” Paige assured.
*
The next morning Alison hurriedly dressed Sam.
“Here, no…Yes your arm should go this way”
She directed as she helped Sam with her flowery princessy dress.
Brushing her caramel hair with the hairbrush, she made it lush and silky by rubbing her hair cream on it.
Placing Sam’s favorite squeaky shoes on her feet, Alison smiled as she managed to get Sam prepared in time.
Leading her downstairs, “Mommy are we visiting Gran Karen?” Sam asked.
“Yes, Love,” Allison replied.
“Yay!” Sam’s bright blue orbs brightened, she talked with her favorite doll Doris about how excited she was about seeing Gran Karen.
Her cute chubby face is flustered. Packing Sam’s things in her bags. She led Sam to the driveway, opening the boot she placed the bags in it.
Buckling Sam with the seat belt she entered and drove away.
Living in western New York helped her to be punctual to work but Gran Karen’s home laid further west away from the urban town into a small quiet town. So it took about an hour to drive there.
Gran Karen was Alison’s grandmother and only surviving relative. She took care of Alison when her parents died from a ghastly car accident, money was never the issue for Gran Karen when she raised Alison. Her late husband Adams was very rich before he died and left most of his wealth for her. He bought the little mansion she lived in now and had different other properties scattered all over the country. Alison faced no real hardship except the fact she missed her parents dearly.
She promised herself that the child she will bore will have all the emotional love in the world from her and her husband.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for her as Richard her ex-husband divorced her just when Samantha was about to be born and got married to his mistress.
Feeling devasted and devoid of any hope, she could not get over the feeling of loneliness and the overwhelming thoughts of taking care of Sam on her own, Gran Karen told her to get used to being a single mom and supported her in raising Sam.
She had to shuffle between her job and taking care of Sam to make ends meet. She hated being dependent on Gran Karen during the first year of Sam’s birth even though she was grateful. She used her architectural degree to get suitable work.
She got one in a very popular architectural company and rose the ranks gradually due to hard work and sincerity. She was highly respected but she found it hard to balance her work life and personal life.
She always finds herself feeling guilty about neglecting Sam even though her little girl acts so independent.
It was at these times Alison would love to have a partner and companion to help her and to love her.
Remembering Richard, she believes that one can only dream but can’t turn it into reality. Richard’s actions tore through her thick skin and left a scar on her heart.
With the wrought-iron gate opening slowly at the detection of a car, Alison drove through and packed in the Garage.
Sam bounced excitedly on her seat, “Yay! Mommy we are here.”
Smiling briefly at her, she got down from the driver’s seat and opened the passengers’ door, and helped Sam to remove the seat straps.
Finally, Sam got down clutching hard to Doris and watched as her mother removed her little utility bag that contained all the things and clothes she needs for the weekend.
“C’mon Doris let’s go tell Gran Karen that Sam and Mommy are around.” Running off to ring the familiar doorbell.
Each time Alison dropped Sam here she felt nostalgic, she lived here too all her life, and seeing Sam blend in with the surroundings makes her happy.
Walking to the door where Sam stood to her tippy toes and attempted to ring the bell, she frowned at her failed attempt to ring the bell. With her shoulders slumping a bit, she watched as Alison walked to her climbing the porch.
“Mom, Sam is not tall enough.” She complained, her blue eyes glistening in tears.
“Aww, Baby, don’t cry, Sam just needs to eat more proteins.”
“Proteins?” Sam muttered.
“Yes, you know omelette and Salmon.”
“No Mom, Sam hates eggs” her face turned in disgust.
In the time they discussed, Alison rang the bell twice.
She saw the gleam on Sam’s face as she saw her great grandmother.
“Gran Karen!” Hugging the old woman tightly at her knees.
Gran Karen was tall, age did not disturb her straight posture as she still looked elegant and beautiful.
Her gray color hair with streaks of dark in them was braided in a French braid. Her green eyes creasing as she spoke, “My sweet, sweet Samie. How are you?” she cooed lightly fondling her softly.
After checking on Sam, she smiled at Alison lovingly. Engulfing her in a hug,
“Allie, sweetheart how are you?”
Alison muttered, “Fine grandma, how are you too?”
" I feel great!”
“Come in,” Gran Karen offered to hold the door open for them. Samantha rushed inside talking to Doris about all the games they would play in the house.
Alison handed Gran Karen Samantha’s bag.
“How long would you be gone for?” Gran Karen asked concerned.
“Two days,” Alison said.
“Please take care of her. I feel so guilty leaving her.”
“Ah… you worry too much she is in safe hands.” They glanced back at Sam who made herself at home already digging into Gran’s pie noticing their stare at her, she blushed at being caught.
“See, she made herself home already. Take care of yourself okay?!”
Alison nodded feeling content.
“Samie dear come kiss your mother, goodbye!” Gran called tucking her hands in her back Jean pocket.
Sam ran to her mother, “Will mommy pick Sam up today?” she asked.
Alison squatted to Sam’s height, “Mom would be traveling for her work so, mom won’t pick Samantha today,” she said softly coaxing her hair.
Sam’s eyes were glistening, “Sweetheart, don’t cry. You are a big girl, right? Big girls don’t cry.” She consoled Sam.
“Yes, Sam is a big girl.” She wiped her little teary eyes.
“Sam dear be good to Gran Okay? Don’t trouble her, take care of her.” Samantha nodded, coming closer she whispered some words to Alison’s ears.
“Samantha!” Alison exclaims, shaking her head in disapproval. She made her eyes water again.
“Okay, I will tell her and promise I will buy the box of caramel chocolate. Can mommy go now?”
“Yes, Mommy can go. Gran Karen! Mom asked you to bake Strawberry cake, Doris and Sam would help.” Her tears dried instantly.
She constantly blackmailed her mom into doing things for her, this wasn’t her first. Pecking her mom’s two cheeks she went upstairs with Doris.
“Typical Samantha,” Gran commented.
“Come, let me walk you out, be fast about it so you can catch your ride”
*
Hugging Gran Karen for the last time she handed her car keys since they won’t be useful.
She waved and got into the car she rented with the driver sitting in the front.
He greeted her cheerfully responding to his greetings she wondered what Miss Rebecca wanted from her that seemed so important.
It was an honour for Fort Arch And Designs, to receive a client such as Mr Wilson.He was well known and was a ticket for bringing more affluent clients if he gives a good recommendation. That is why Alison was given the job to take care of his demands and expectations. She was the best architect the company has and this was her first global client. She has to make sure all comes out well for her reputation and the company's reputation.She sank further into the tube and relished the hot steam penetrating her skin it relieved her pour sore muscles from sitting so long on the plane.After a good fifteen minutes, she had to get out of the shower even though she doesn't want to, knowing she might be late if she did not prepare on time.She dried herself up with a towel and picked out her professional wear, splaying it on the bed to avoid rumpling.She then layered the cream on her skin and hurriedly combed the long mane of her brunette hair.Applying a little mascara to bring out the lig
Opposite Alison was the man she bumped into yesterday. He requested to sit at the vacant seat opposite her and she allowed him.He wore a simple T-shirt and light jean trousers. His hair hung low and seemed heavy, it looked damped but towel dried.He looked dashing nonetheless with the light enhancing his grey irises.Now she thought about it she was reconsidering her decision to let him sit here.For one, it was oddly quiet and the tension was very much thick. She wanted a quiet and relaxing dinner, not this.Secondly, she was afraid to look at him he might think she was swooned by his beauty like the waitress writing her number on the napkin she handed to him.She stared at the food in front of her, and for some unknown reason, her appetite went out the window.Her spoon roamed the plates thoughtfully."That is getting cold" His voice broke through her.Startled a bit, she sat upright and gave him a quick awkward smile.She ate her food slowly, "Tell me do I make you uncomfortable?"
The silence in the room did unnerve her but Alison held her ground to the finish. Glancing at the expressionless faces of Ms Rebecca and Leonardo, she could not comprehend their thoughts about the presentation she just carried out. The presentation was simply the overall idea she came up with of how the new diner should look like. Earlier she asked Mr Adriano to give his suggestions or his thoughts about how his new diner project should look like but he declined. He said he was eager to see what she came up with. Ms Rebecca, therefore, pushed her forward to carry out a little presentation to summarize the ideas for the restaurant. Yesterday she went to the site and instantaneously fell in love with the scene and the calm environment. Ideas kept throwing themselves at her. Looking at the land environment, she could feel the need for the diner to have a simple but elegant structure extending a bit into the river. Envisioning the outlook, the dining area should be outdoors to view
His breath hitched as he stared into her eyes, even if he tries he wasn't sure he could look away. Taking a sniff, he loves the way she smells like fresh spring flowers. Her presence carried vibrance and left him exhilarated. "And drop the formal tone. Just call me by my name." He said coolly. "This is business. We are bound to be formal and I don't appreciate the proximity, Mr. Leonardo." Her heart was beating faster than normal. "Leonardo not Mr. Leonardo. I promise you that I won't leave you easily if you call me Mr. title. You are still my friend for a day so drop all formalities." She kept quiet and she stepped backward she saw his smirk and smacked herself in her head seven times. Now he thinks she was affected by him, "You should blush more. It suits you," He admitted causing her to be thoroughly flushed. Leaving, they walked to the door Alison saw her driver and went to meet him. "Mr. you can take the car by to the hotel. I don't need your services now." "Also, go for
Alison had Leonardo tailing her as she surveyed the area. Her notepad settling on her arm she walked around the whole land area, her legs ached endlessly. "The land measurements?" Stopping in her steps, Leonardo almost bumped into her. "Two acres" he replied casually. "No wonder my legs ache so much." She forcefully jerked her legs to and fro to get back the feeling. "You have been here before, so why are you complaining?" He said walking to her side, he stood beside her awaiting her response. She turned slowly towards him, "I've been here before doesn't mean I necessarily walked around and surveyed the land." He sensed a bit of assertiveness in her voice. Turning her attention to her notepad, she jotted down eagerly taking a glance again at the surroundings, and jotted more. He felt utterly useless at that moment. So much for having a private time with her, he stood in a place as she walked forward taking in more notes. She went towards the Riverside and observed, her gears
"Tying your hair into a bun won't stop me." he said matter-of-factly. "Yes I agree but I can. Stop teasing me Mr. Adriano, I have no time for such silly games, I kept myself reserved earlier because Mr. Johnson appeared. I would have given you an earful," She retorted crossing her elbow. He loved how fiery she can be. "What if he caught us if such compromising position? What would people say? And given that you are famous or popular. So I have heard, to what degree I am not aware of. I would not want to be entangled in your complicated life with my name tainted with tabloids gossips" Her voice came out very worried. She had all to lose but he had nothing. He came closer despite all her ranting, "Don't worry about proximity Alison. I won't cross my boundary until I make you mine completely." he thought to himself staring at her in an indecipherable way. She moved her body backward until it was at the end of the bank close to water. Mr. Johnson stood from afar making a phone call,
Why were they having this conversation?Food was the one thing she doesn't have an intensive knowledge of. Any food quiz she is bound to fail.Most of the food at home was prepared by Gran Karen other times, she mostly took takeouts and prepared the only thing she was good at for Sam.Either making a salad or sandwich would do until Gran Karen brought the food she home-cooked. Samantha loved Gran Karen food and besides, she doesn't have time to cook.The last time she stood by the stove, things got burnt and wasted.Wait, he called her Aly, she almost missed that."Hmm, I don't know why I don't believe you." She raised her eyebrows at that statement and snorted. She was grateful he suspects her, that way he would drop the topic."Tell me, Aly, what is your favorite food?""I love all food... And quit calling me Aly," She sighed sipping her glass of water."What do you take regularly?" He furthered and she felt agitated, she wasn't here for a question and answer session.Just answer hi
Removing her little luggage from the car, Alison strolled her way into Gran Karen's gate after pressing the security code on the electronic gate. Wanting to surprise both her grandmother and Sam she came two hours earlier than expected boarding a plane, on her other hand was a plastic bag containing Samantha's favorite caramel chocolate, she also brought some airport souvenirs.Finally, reaching the door she dropped her bags and rang the doorbell.Waiting, she thought back at her exclusive night with Leonardo, it brought goosebumps afresh on her naked arms. For a moment she wanted to be engulfed back into his jacket, inhaling his sweet smell embedded in the jacket. She wanted his hands back on hers and that reassuring smile he throws at regular intervals.Did he forget she was another plain woman? She was nothing compared to the women he might have dated. He scared her by thinking he might have feelings other than friendship for her. She was not sure of how to accommodate that.Who ta
Alison wondered where they are as the car they rode in drove around little streets away from the major roads. Leonardo busied himself with some magazine, while she sat unsettled by the change of environment. This was their fourth day in Italy he persuaded her to come out with him without giving a particular destination.She snatched the magazine he read drawing his attention towards her, "Where are we going to? "She peered out the dark window glasses looking at the streets the driver drove through.Every where was rowdy and loud with stalls around.Is this a market? She wondered.Suddenly the car came to a halt, "You will soon find out, "Leonardo said taking hold of her hands, trudging out of the car with her into the open streetsIt was loud here and smelled funky, with different items from flashy to dull displayed in the stalls that stood at the sides of the road.She looked at him expecting some kind of explanation "This is a market, " he explained."Figured, what are we doing in a
Back in the penthouse, Alison could not face Leonardo without turning a full shade of red, she can't believe how wild they were yesterday. They had sex under an open sky and in a glass house, all she could think about was how she shamelessly gave herself to him, no regrets though.But this is how shameless she has become, doing crazy things like having sex in a transparent house what if someone caught them on camera or saw them.Leonardo came out of the bathroom looking wet, his lower body tied in a towel, revealing his hard ridges made by lean muscles, the sight of him alone had her hormones dancing, she look away feeling shy for having such dirty thoughts."Don't look away my sweet Alison, you own all of me now, " he teased, capturing her lips in his.She felt his bulge forming on her stomach, "I am addicted to you, see even he has the same opinion." He gestured to his erection, her eyes widened to that effect and she slid away from him feeling shy, and a bit overwhelmed by their s
Warning: Mature scenesHe brought her to an open artificial lawn in the greenhouse on the floor was a blanket, he took her to it and instructed her to lie on her back with her eyes shut.She found the request weird but she did as she was told, wondering what the surprise was all about.Leonardo moved to the automatic roof button and pressed it, it slid to opposite directions as it opens up to a now darkened sky with stars littered like grains of sand on it.After waiting a few minutes, Alison felt some lying beside her, his hand slid into her as he grasped it tightly, "You can open your eyes now." His deep masculine broke through her piqued mind.She fluttered her eyes open meeting the most beautiful sky she has ever seen, the stars were bright and contrasted perfectly with the dark sky. "It is beautiful," she muttered."Not as beautiful as you though"You never stop flattering me, I feel slightly embarrassed when you do that, " she said feeling her cheeks getting hotter. He always
The grasp on her hand tightened as Leonardo led her to the vineyard pen. She felt apprehensive going there due to yesterday's incident, but Leonardo won't let her be, and he cancelled all his meetings just to be with her today.After yesterday's night incident and his plea for her to come back to the penthouse she agreed, hoping this time the trust surrounding their relationship would grow stronger and Leonardo was eagerly on track with her, ready to open himself up to her, she tried to explain she doesn't want the process of getting all his pain out of his chest to feel forced in any way or fir him to feel like he was being pressured. She wanted him to have the urge to tell her willingly and hopes he would when he feels ready. With a touch on the rusted Pen's door, it clicked open, the musky smell of the animals residing there hitting her on the nose. She followed him behind as he led the way, a familiar bark was directed to her as they walked, it was from the puppy from the other d
Alison dragged her feet to the porch, her skin dripping with rainwater parts of her hair smeared and smothered to her body while some clung to her face. She could hardly feel her skin or breathe properly, her body trembling at the same time and her lips could not stop quivering as she moved forward her steps faltering with every step. She moves an inch closer to the door using her last strength to push the bell and resigned to squat on the porch steps resting her head on the pillar, a sharp pain struck across the sides of her head, her eyes strained and weak under the rain, she fluttered them close hoping the aches all over her body might subside, instead, she felt weaker and slowly succumbed to the darkness billowing around her.Edward heard the doorbell from his study room and wondered if the lousy helpers has responded to it, it was raining heavily and the buzzer might not be audible enough.He stood heading to the front door and twisted it open surprised to see the last person hi
Leonardo could not contain the rage he felt inside, all the hurt he had to nurture in the past came rolling back to him, this time twice the force.He rolled his hand into a fist, and walked towards Alison, trying to keep his pain out of her view, before he could make half of the journey, Edward came closer to Alison and stretched out his hand to her hair removing a leaf from it.Alison smiled at him in gratitude, all he could see were images of that night he wants to erase forever in his head, falling in love with the wrong woman. The woman, who destroyed his capability to reason and delved him into depression.He closed his eyes once more, images of Alison being happy when she noticed that ring on her finger, the moment she raised her toes to kiss him to express how content he made her feel.Alison is not Felicity, he muttered to himself trying so hard to believe it. He trusts Alison with his life, she won't give him the pain that would be twice what he felt during his low times aft
Stirring her eyes wide open, she felt herself cradled in someone's chest, she fluttered her eyes open and is met with Leonardo's face. He looked so adorable when he slept, she drew lines on his face with her fingers and gently dug her hands into his hair raking it a bit.He stirred fluttering his eyes open to reveal his grey orbs staring at her. Feeling slightly embarrassed at being caught, she tried to move away but Leonardo was faster, he drew her back into his arm, she fell on him her finger holding on to his chest.His gaze was intense, and indecipherable using his left hand to hold her in place he gently tucked the hair falling on her face behind her ears. Slowly he said, "Don't you know you can't run from me."She felt a familiar heat rushing from the nook of her neck up to her face. She was blushing, this position was so intimate and he isn't ready to let her go."I wasn't running from you. I felt shy," she admitted truthfully.A slow grin appeared on his face, he leaned forw
All that resonated in Alison's head was the defeated glistening look in Aunt Rosalina eyes, Isabella losing all the cheerfulness she once possessed. As glum replaced the once cheerful feeling they all shared now ruined by the Adriano brothers.Leonardo dragged her still, his anger blinding the fact he was mishandling her. She could see the constraints in his jaw as he gritted them, his teeth clenching representing the degree of his anger. They are now in the open sky, the night fully on with the moon disappearing under the light night clouds.She was exhausted by today's event both emotionally and physically, it drained her off of all the reserved energy she has."Leonardo, you are rough with me, " she called out softly, and immediately he stops an apologetic look on his face, some part of his anger dissipating gradually. "I am sorry," he muttered still faced forward, while she stayed behind, hiding his face from her, hiding his emotions.She could hear the regrets his tone carried.
He was surprised by her scream and was taken aback when she jumped on him, hugging him like he was a lost toy or something like that. Alison could not help the frown forming at her face, or the jealousy burning deep within her bones.She is his cousin, a part of her justified, even so, cousins shouldn't be that close to her Leonardo.Possessive.She twitched her mouth to the side, disliking Isabella, with her hug being unnecessarily long.She finally drew away from him, "I missed you," she muttered, leading him to the dining area, totally ignoring she was present."You saw me in Spain, I spent time with you and went shopping at your request.""That was two months ago," she exclaimed, still maintaining her stance."I wish you would come back to Italy, you are the better brother. You know how Edward is like." she protested, a fake pout etching on her lips, but Alison can't deny her puppy eyes was good, almost as good as Sam's. She noticed the disinterested look on Leonardo's face at the