Two Years Later “Madame, we’re up next,” a man in his thirties tells a drop-dead gorgeous woman. “How much time do we have on stage?” She questions, her voice demanding. “About ten minutes,” the man says checking his wristwatch. “Mhm,” she licks her lips to wet them as she puts on a beautiful pendant. She looks at herself in the mirror, her fingers tenderly tracing the pendant. “Why do you always have that on, madame?” The man asks out of curiosity. “Someone gave it to me…A long time ago. It is a promise that I hope he lives up to every single day,” she smiles. “And I believe that he does. He can love no other the way he loved me,” the air of confidence around her intimidated the man. The announcer speaks, “Here comes the gorgeous, talented and witty, Amber Bianchi.” Amber sways her hips from side to side, her long black hair which is now straight moves with her hips, and as she reaches the center of the stage, she thanks the announcer and curls her fingers around the microphone.
Alessandro’s pov: I’m well aware of what I’m doing. I am conscious, but she intoxicates me in every possible way. Her bright brown eyes, still have a fire in them, her hair is now long and straight and her neck is still decked with the jewel that I gifted her as a promise. I have lived up to it. I’ve been hers and only hers. I cannot love another the way I’ve loved her. She stomps away, but I grab her arm to face me. The cameras are flashing. No one knows about what has been going on with us. We’ve never come face to face in the past two years, not privately, not publicly. Everyone still believes that we’re a power couple. That we’ve had no downs in our relationship. Everything is like a fairytale, but they don’t know anything. “I need a minute,” she whispers freeing herself from my grip. A minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year, everything has passed by, and I’ve realized how wrong I was five months ago. Five Months Ago: “Alessandro, you’re still painting?!” Harlow scr
Amber never comes back to Alessandro. Instead, Liam comes forward. “Mr. Bianchi?” He asks. Alessandro nods. “Your wife wants the painting,” he demands. “Ask her to come and get it,” Alessandro hands over his business card. Liam walks back in vain and reports to Amber. She rolls her eyes and trashes the card. “Madam…Amber, we need the painting,” Liam adjusts his clothes as he speaks. “I know, and I will get it,” her eyes glow. “I’ve never asked, but what’s the relationship status between you and your husband?” He questions. This was something that Amber wanted to keep secret, so she says, “Your question answers your question.” Then, they go on about the schedule, days and nights come and go, and finally, Thursday arrives. “Amber, let’s leave,” Liam says, decked up in a suit. “Sure,” she says as she steps out of her stylist’s room. She puts on the necklace before setting foot out of her flat. “How’s my new flat?” Amber questions as they step into the elevator. “Artistic,” Liam say
Alessandro’s pov: “We’re at the brand launch event of Amber Bianchi, a well-established businesswoman, three-time Best Artist Award winner, successful art gallery owner with ten branches across the globe, and the wife of Alessandro Bianchi. The name, one that everyone has anticipated eagerly…It is Guns and Brushes.” I smile to myself as I turn off the TV. Not only because of how proud I am to be called her husband but also because of the brand name. Damn, this woman can stay far away from me and still make my heart flutter like never before. My phone rings. “Alessandro…My birthday is in two days, how’s the party organization coming along?” Bianca asks. “Hello to you too, my sister. And about that, everything is going very well,” I tell her. “How’s Amber?” I question. “She’s a little lonely, but she’s a strong woman, so she can live without you,” Bianca chuckles. “I know, I know,” I sigh. Bianca has been updating me about Amber, so I never slack on any detail, for the past four mon
TW: Mature Content (If you feel uncomfortable reading it, I've put the synopsis in the note section, so skip the reading and go straight to the notes) “I will beat you…” Amber whispers leaning close to Alessandro after they begin, “So, back out if you’re afraid.” Alessandro chuckles saying, “You’re a lightweight, I’m aware of that.” She rolls her eyes at him as she downs shot after shot continuously. Ken and Emma were engrossed in a conversation at the other end of the hall. Alessandro gives her tough competition. After five rounds, Amber stops, saying, “I’m done, you win.” Alessandro smirks at her as he downs his last shot. “Checkmate,” he chuckles as he drops the glass on the counter. Both of them felt drowsy. Bianca whispered to Amber, “You should head back to the flat…It’s pretty late, thanks for coming.” She leads her out to her driver. “Happy birthday, Bee,” Amber shoots two thumbs up to her. As Amber gets in the car, Bianca gestures to the driver to wait. Bianca runs b
Amber’s pov: My head hurts. I am unable to open my eyes. I trace my lips…Dried saliva and swollen. My eyes open. I see Alessandro next to me; naked. No. No. I recall a few moments from last night. No. I told him that I…I love him. I plant my palm on my face. Sheesh. My legs and my whole lower body feel sore. Ugh, I better take a shower…I’ll deal with him later. As the water flows against my body, I think about last night and a wave of satisfaction washes over me. It felt good. So good. I missed him so much. I wrap myself in a towel and walk out. I look at myself in the mirror. There are hickeys near my belly button. I quickly cover them up with foundation. After dressing up, I turn to look at him. He looks like he’s at peace. He’s sleeping like an angel. But I need to wake him up, he needs to leave. Last night was a mistake. A good mistake, but it can’t happen again. Not until he apologizes to me and changes my stubborn mind. Two years is a long time, it’s the least that I de
Saturday The day was sunny and cloudy. The waves were calm. Amber and Alessandro were engrossed in their canvas in their respective places. She painted half of an icy heart, and he painted half of one which was fiery. Their eyelids were heavy, but they didn’t care, they needed to finish what they had started. At Alessandro’s Place “Ken,” Alessandro’s sleeplessness audible from his voice, “I need you to help me with a few arrangements.” Ken listens carefully as Alessandro lists out everything in detail. “I’ll let you know when it’s done,” Ken ends the call with that. Alessandro continues with his piece of art. At Amber’s Place “Amber,” Liam says from the other end of the line, “I’ve heard that Mr. Bianchi has not only set up a new branch of his office here but rather he has also halted here in a beach house.” Amber moves the brush away from the canvas. “Good for him, business expansion I guess,” she mutters. She knew that he had come here for her. “I’m sure that’s the only reas
Alessandro’s pov: My ears take note of the sound of the waves brushing ashore before my eyes open. As beautiful as the scene in front of my eyes is, waking up to her every day would be a blessing. Last night, she told me that she wanted to take things slow, and I respect that. The last time, we did everything in the reverse order of what is considered normal but this time, we’ll do it properly. I will ask her out on a date this week. “Ken,” I ring him up, “Thank you for yesterday’s arrangement.” Then, I get on with the day’s usual regime. Thursday “Amber, that was mind-blowing. All your hard work has paid off. This will be known as your best walk,” Liam tells Amber as she enters the backstage area. “Liam’s right, that was incredible, Mrs. Bianchi,” the head of the organizers, Vera Haldez tells her. “I always save the best for the last,” Amber utters, laughing. “It hurts me to know that this is where our journey ends…I wish you’d have agreed to extend the contract,” Vera expr
Amber’s pov: I hear Alessandro hum as he walks out of the bathroom with a toothbrush in his mouth. I chuckle and that catches his attention. He rushes back into the washroom, goes on about his unfinished business, and then comes out. “Tesoro, I missed you,” he kisses me. His breath is minty and cool. “It’s just been two hours since I’ve been out of your sight,” I manage to say between his gentle pecks. “There’s something that I would like to discuss,” he says, his tone dropping from bubbly to serious. “Sure, what is it that you’d like to discuss?” I ask him. He takes a seat on the bed next to me. “The one time that we spoke about children, you told me that you didn’t know what you wanted with them. I’d like to ask you the same question now…” he doesn’t look into my eyes as he speaks. “I would like to have children, but someday in the future, as of now, the art gallery is my baby, our baby,” I tell him, my hand wrapped around his shoulder. “I’m glad to know that we’re on the sam
Two Weeks Later Alessandro’s pov: “And done!” I hear Amber exclaim behind me as she drops the last box on the floor. “Mrs. Bianchi, you sound like you did all the work,” I tease her hoping to receive a sassy response. “I did a lot of work,” she exhaled sharply. “I mean, three boxes and three steps are a lot,” I tell her. She groans and strikes a pat on my back. I chuckle. Then, I turn around and say, “I can’t believe we made it.” Amber stands next to me and intertwines our digits. "Me neither," she utters. "We certainly made the right choice," she says. I nod. My eyes roam to the kitchen counter. "I can't wait to see you on top of that counter," I utter making Amber roll her eyes, saying, "And there goes the moment." I chuckle. She picks up the box and walks up the stairs to settle things around the place. At the housewarming ceremony, when Richard mentioned Maria's house in Canoli, I knew that we had to check it out, but I never knew that it'd turn out to be such a blessing.
Amber’s pov: Alessandro pulls over and I tilt my head scanning the location. “This place looks like it was artificially created using a hologram,” I tell him as he unfastens his seatbelt. He does mine as well. “Uh-huh,” he says as he steps out of the vehicle. “Is this place yours?” I question as we walk towards a tiny cabin hidden amongst tall trees. “No,” he says, taking my hand in his. Alessandro knocks on the door. He intertwines our fingers. A middle-aged woman opens the door, greeting us with a smile. “Amber, this is Anna Solem. Anna, as promised, this is my wife, Amber Bianchi,” Alessandro says. “Anna, it’s so nice to meet you,” I smile at her, “How is everything now?” I question. “It’s fine, my sister, Maria Rosela, is doing much better,” she explains, “Now, now, this place is for sale since Maria’s planning to move out of the country. However, it seems like no one wants to live in an isolated area of the island, because despite being for sale for the past month, it hasn
One Week Later “Anna?” Alessandro asks, his phone on speaker. “Yes, Alessandro, it’s me,” she replies. “Richie and I are planning to host a party in honor of purchasing our first house together, and we would love it if you and your family could be a part of it,” Anna tells Alessandro. “Thank you for the invite, I will talk to my wife and let you know about it immediately,” Alessandro lets her know as he cleans the countertop with a cloth. “How’re you? How’s Richard?” Alessandro asks. Anna replies in the positive. They converse for a few more minutes before the call ends. “Tesoro,” Alessandro rings up Amber. “Yes, my love?” She replies. Alessandro’s lips curl into a soft smile. “Anna Solem is hosting a housewarming party and she has invited us..” Alessandro is cut off as Amber says, “Can Bee come with us?” Alessandro replies, “I’ll ask her.” Amber feels relieved and worried at the same time. “Don’t worry, Tesoro, it’ll be alright,” Alessandro assured her. Amber’s pov: Bee will un
“Harlow, regardless of all that had been going down behind the scenes, you have always been a good brother to me. I always looked up to you and learned so much from you. These twenty years have been one hell of a ride of emotions…” Alessandro lets out a sigh, “And I’d hate for you to die.” Harlow scoffs. “Even after all that I’ve done, you’re trying to make it seem like I’m not the bad guy, this is another reason why you were never a successful capo,” Harlow utters. Alessandro shakes his head, then says, “Maybe I was never meant to be one, Harlow.” Alessandro holds Harlow’s reluctant hand in his for a few seconds and then rests it back on his chest. “Goodbye, brother,” Alessandro utters and walks back to Amber. They then drive back home. On the way back, the taxi ride is filled with silence until Alessandro’s phone rings. “Ken?” Alessandro mutters. “Harlow had infiltrated your security system in every possible way, but I’ve got it back on track now, you and Amber have a great securi
“Alessandro,” Amber sniffles. “I missed you,” she mutters. Alessandro and Amber hold each other close, without a care for the world around them. Alessandro pulls her closer, but the closeness isn’t enough, not after all these days of separation. “Tesoro,” Alessandro whispers, “How’re you?” “I’m fine now, Alessandro. Now that you’re by my side…” Amber sniffles. Tears cloud Alessandro’s vision as he buries his head in the crook of Amber’s neck. “My heart nearly stopped as Harlow blurted those words, Tesoro,” Alessandro uttered. “Lucky for you, I’m still alive,” she chuckles as she pulls away from Alessandro’s embrace. He wipes her tears away and she does the same for him. “Let’s wrap this up,” she utters as she walks close to an injured Harlow. Alessandro walks close to Harlow and glares at him. Harlow, as expected, laughs, his laugh echoing through their ear walls. “Both of you are equally pathetic, emotional fools, perfect for one another, truly a match made in heaven and hell
Alessandro’s pov: I stand there in silence. Knowing that words would do nothing to add to the moment. Harlow jerks me back even further. I don’t resist, a million thoughts flow through my mind. What if he harms Amber? What if he harms Ken? What if he- My what-ifs are cut off as soon as Harlow pushes me one final time and I feel the water at my feet. “Why?” The only question that can leave my lips. Harlow scoffs and turns his back to me. He walks a few steps straight ahead. “Why?” He whispers. I could feel his smirk grow. “Why?! I should’ve asked dad that when he assigned you, the younger brother, the role of capo when I was far more capable,” Harlow utters. I remain calm as he continues, “Alessandro Bianchi, the capo of the Bianchis…Ever since father uttered those words, I was set on proving him wrong, but how unfortunate is it that he died before he could understand anything?” “Alessandro, before you stands not only the one who separated you from the love of your life for the
Thank you so much to all those readers who have made it this far. The support has been a great motivation for me to continue my writing venture. Your comments and votes are a constant source of motivation. Thank you once again. The story of Mr. & Mrs. Bianchi will be coming to an end in the next five to six chapters. Don’t miss the climax ;)And I hope that all of you cried, laughed and felt butterflies throughout the story. I’m open to suggestions, so feel free to let me know what can be implemented or improved.I hope that all of you are happy and healthy.Happy Reading!
Alessandro’s pov: “Brother, I need you. One last time, like the old times,” Harlow utters. “What for?” I question, my confusion genuine. “Let’s watch the destruction of Santino Martino, together,” Harlow says, surprising me with his words. “What do you mean?” I pretend to act a fool. “I will let you in on the details, where are you right now?” Harlow questions. “I’m at my workplace,” I lie. “Great, I’ll be there in twenty,” he ends the call with that. “What was that all about?” Ken questions me. “I’ve got no idea, but it’s time to find out,” I tell him as I adjust my tie and roll down my sleeves. “You’ve got no security with you,” Ken says. “I know, it’ll be a one-man show from my end,” I tell him. “That’s stupid, Alessandro, at least take a gun,” Ken hands me my shotgun, one that I haven’t touched since I shot Santino’s brother. “No, Ken. I’ll be fine,” I let him know. He rolls his eyes at me saying, “You’re walking into your doom.” “Maybe I am, maybe it’s what I deserve for ki