Chapter 11: The Misunderstanding

"When nails grow long, we cut nails, not fingers. Similarly, when misunderstanding grows up, cut your ego, not your relationship." - Unknown

Alessandra's POV

After like a decade, the car finally pulled into an endless driveway. Finally, a big house stood in a big lawn looking very classy. It was made out of bricks walls, finished in white, mated with tempered glass windows and doors, bordered with laminate wood, finished in black touch.

On the facade, there are some wall lights, that make his house look brighter. The building is also completed with a garage. It is located on the left side of the main building. It is quite wide and large to park four cars. To get to the main road, which is far from the house, the pathways was made of cobblestones.

I was standing there in awe. I just love it. "I just bought this couple years ago," he proclaimed, looking proud.

I am so surprised why a bachelor like him lives in a house? I know, most bachelors lived in a penthouse or condos, not a house.

The house looks newly built.

He led me to the front door. As we entered the door, into a large foyer, I looked around the awesome living room. With gray sofa, red armchair above the gray and white furry carpet. On your right, a stunning wooden staircase with glass fence leading upstairs. It was marvelous, so beautifully designed. I'm in awe.

We are greeted by a lady that looks about her mid 50s. "Ali this is Luciana, and she's from Spain too," he introduced briefly, smiling at both of us as he shifted his gaze back and forth at us.

She smiled at me shyly. I pulled her for a hug. I felt so happy to see another Spanish that live in a foreign country that I couldn't help, but hug her. She was surprised, but she hugs me back, and smiled shyly.

"I'm a Spanish too," I smiled.

"Ohh.." She murmured, and her smiles brightens. Maybe that explains why I hug her.

After our pleasantries, "I'll serve the dinner, Sir, and Maam, any time you're ready," She announced happily.

"Thanks, Luciana," Stavros said as I followed him. We walked past the staircase, and behind was another spacious living room, with a blue L-shape sofa, and a table lamp.

Across, was a dining room that fitted with sets of a dining table. The first, is a square wooden dining table, mated with some white chairs. The table is in a high gloss finished. Another round white painted table, which surrounded with some modern white painted table. This dining room is located in one room with the kitchen.

The kitchen is equipped with high-quality furniture like a kitchen cabinet, kitchen island, cutlery sets, and cooking utensils.

Mostly the furniture here is finished in white touch. It is perfectly mated with the interior design of this room. The walls and the roof are also painted in white. However, the floor was finished with laminate wood with a black touch.

"Anything to drink? White, red wine?" He asked, and I reverted my eyes to him.

"White wine please," I said as I walked towards the seating area, and settled myself on the sofa facing the enormous clear glass window. 

He walked to a small bar on the right side of the living room, which I didn't notice, because my eyes were glued with the beautiful interior design. After few minutes, he hands me a glass of white wine. I sip and it tastes better than all the wine I had before.

"What kind of wine is this?" I asked curiously.

"Do you like it?" He asked looking worried.

"Yes," I replied. "It's good. Actually it's the best white wine I've ever tasted" I said, taking another sip.

"It's called Stonestreet 2007 "Broken Road" Chardonnay. It supposed to give you a taste of fresh lemon blossoms. A touch of butterscotch followed by spicy apple pie. Finish it with full of orange zest and minerals," he explained as he heaved a relieved sighed. He sat beside me, leaning back while his hands rested above the back support.

"Who were you texting while ago" he inquired as he sips his wine. His eyes never left my face.

"Its Lucy. I forgot to tell her I will be home late. She's a bit upset. Why?" I asked as I turned my body slightly, facing him, still holding my glass.

"Nothing. Just curious. You were too engrossed, and you're laughing..." he remarked as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh, she was just being crazy. Typical Lucy" I nonchalantly explained.

"How long have you known each other?"

"Grade school, we were in the same class, and we sat next to each other. Until then, we are inseparable," I said chuckling as I recalled all the stupid things we did.

"How about you?" I countered. "I know you have three best friends and you always get into trouble. Why?"

"I don't know. I guess, we are just like those young ones, who doesn't care about anything?" he shrugged his shoulders, chuckling slightly. "Are you ready for dinner?" he asked, changing the subject. And as if on cue, my tummy growled.

"Just as I guessed," he laughed as he stood up. He proffered one hand, and I took it. He pulled me up, grinning mischievously. I just shook my head, but can't help grinning too. He lead me to the dining room. The table is ready. Luciana started to serve the sumptuous dinner.

Gazpacho for soup. Luciana is a good cook. We devoured her beef bourguignon, mashed potatoes, and garlic bread. After dinner, we settled back on the sofa still drinking wine as we talk. Then, I felt my phone vibrating in my purse on my side. I fished out my phone from my purse and check, it's Lucy. I looked at Stavros who's staring at me.

"Go ahead, I don't mind," he said reassuringly. I accepted the call, and placed it closer to my ear.

"Al, where are you?"

"Still at Stavros house. I'm sorry," I replied in a soft apologetic voice.

"Is everything ok?" I asked as I'm watching Stavros who's now busy flicking the remote control.

"Carlos is out there looking for you. He is really mad," she exclaimed worriedly.

I remember he can't call me because I didn't give them my number here. Well, the main reason is none of them asked for it.

"Oh, crap! Ok, I'll go home soon. See you shortly. Thanks, Lu!" I quickly reassured her.

I think Stavros heard what I said because he turned off the TV as soon as I hung up the phone, and rose up on his feet.

"I can drive you now," he consented, looking impassively quiet.

"I'm sorry," I apologized. I know he wants me to stay longer since he just got back here.

"I understand, Ali" he nodded, giving me a small smile. 

"I promise, I'll make it up to you, whenever," I promised him, just trying to diminish the guilty feeling.

"This weekend, stay overnight, and you have no reason," he suggested grinning wolfishly. I realized I compromised. It's too late to get it back.

"Ok. But I'll sleep in another room," I bargained.

"Deal!" He agreed, smiling broadly this time. Like a kid who got his favorite sweets. 

The silence was deafening inside the car. Stavros looks pre-occupied so I didn't bother to make a conversation. Suddenly I felt so tired thinking my brother is out there looking for me. I unconsciously let out a loud sighed.

"Is everything ok, babe?" Stavros queried as he gave me a glance and then back to the road.

"Yeah," I replied. "Lucy was just worried," I said not wanting to explain more.

With one hand, he took my hand that was sitting on my lap, and gave it a little squeeze, while his other hand on the steering wheel. He glances at me and back to the road once in a while. His other hand still holding my hand. I was staring at him adoringly. I could do this all day. He looks really breathtaking. How could a man's face so perfect. He looked at me and smiled, then he looked back to the road.

"I love you," I said softly.

"And I love you too, babe," he responded as he looked at me, and back to the road, lifting my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. I closed my eyes as I felt that familiar feeling again. It's like an electricity rapidly surging through my body, and in an instant it's gone. And that fluttery in my stomach. 

"Are you ok?" Stavros asked again looking very worried.

I opened my eyes instantly, and blushed profusely. How can I lose myself in just a kiss?

"You're blushing, babe?" He observed, chuckling. I don't know how did he notice it. It's dark in the car except the lights that's coming from the streetlights. "Care to share what were you thinking?" he added, teasingly.

If my face can get any redder than tomato, then that's how my cheeks look right now. "Nothing" I denied sheepishly.

"I love it when you're blushing," he admitted playfully. I raise my eyebrows as I pulled my hand away from his hands, and he burst into guffaws. I gave him a glare, but can't help admired how he look when he laughs like that. It soften all of his hard lines, and he look even more lovely.

We arrived at my place before I get more embarrassed, thank goodness. I quickly stepped out of the car without waiting for Stavros to open it for me.

"Thanks for the dinner and company, Stav," I uttered.

"You're welcome, babe." Then he pulled me for a kiss. I kissed him back, as quickly as possible, not wanting my brother to see me with him intimately.

"I love you," he whispered, as he pulled away. I love you too, I replied, and kissed him again quickly.

"Get inside," he ordered as he stood beside his car, watching me walked to the entrance door. I looked back and wave, and I turned back to the door and walked in. I decided to check on him if he left, and he's just driving back to the road.

I dialed my brother's number as I walked to the elevator. "Where are you, Alessandra?" He began as soon as it gets connected.

"I'm in the elevator right now. I thought you're coming next week?" I inquired using the same tone he used me.

"That's what I thought too, but I had some other things to deal here," he elucidate. "I went to your workplace and the guard said you already left. Where did you go?" He berated, displeased.

"Just had dinner with a friend," I responded casually. I'm at the door now, I notified him as soon as I reached our door. I hung up the phone and the door opened, showing my dear brother, scowling at me.

"You shouldn't be out there alone at this hour, lady!" he growled, glaring at me.

"How are you, brother? I'm fine, thanks for asking," I said sarcastically. Then, I glared at him defiantly, "I'm not alone Carlos," I snapped, as I walked past him and plop down on the couch. I didn't see Lucy around. He closes the door behind him. Still standing there watching me looking mad as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Where's Lucy?" I asked out of curiosity.

"She's in her room" he replied, his tone softened. He sounded hurt. I felt like there's something fishy, by the looks of my brother as I mentioned Lucy. My curiosity gets the better of me.

I got up and quickly walk to him, and grab his hand pulling him to the couch. "Sit" I ordered. As soon as we both settled, I face him.

"What did you do to Lucy?" I fired out, still watching him closely. His reactions became wary, and he let out a loud sighed. "Oh, my, my, my brother has some feelings for my best friend!!!.." I proclaimed smiling like crazy. He ignored my excitement as he leaned on his back and closed his eyes.

"Nothing" he murmured long after. I just raised my eyebrows.

"Do you have feelings for her Carlos?" I insisted. I'm desperate to know it.

"No!" He replied in a hard tone, but no emotions at all.

"Really? That's good coz Alexander really likes her. They looked perfect together" I exclaimed. Still not giving up in knowing. Maybe if I said that he will confess. And, yes just after I said that he sat up straight, and he looked at me curiously before he realized his abrupt reactions.

"Who is Alexander?" He frowned, now looking at me intently with eyes burning with curiosity.

"He's just Alexander Russo. A dashing Italian billionaire, who owns chains of bars and restaurants," I chanted with an overly sweet tone. I sounded a bit giddy to make it even more believable, but still watching him closely. His hands are clenched, but his expressions are emotionless.

"You're jealous!" I exclaimed. My tone turning serious.

He suddenly stood up and look at me still with a blank expression. "I have to go back to my hotel, I need to sleep. I came straight here from the airport." He just said in a weary tone. "Goodnight Ali!" he added and planted me a kiss on my cheeks, and left like someone is chasing his ass.

I let out a deep sigh. His reactions are confusing, but I'm pretty sure he's jealous. Man are so hard to explain. Or am I just too naive?

Stavros' POV.

It's been three days since I was back from Greece. And, all I did was working, though Alessandra was working in my office except today, because Mr. Hernandez needs her, according to her. Although Mr. Hernandez was ok without her, but she insisted and argued with me. So, I let her work in her office today before she gets mad at me and that's the last thing I wanted her to feel about me.

I had to find a way to make her work with me. I was thinking about hiring her as my Personal Secretary, but what am I gonna do with Andrea?

I won't be able to see her tonight. She said she will make it up to Lucy. I can't wait for the weekend to have her in my house. I was so happy when I saw that look in her eyes as she looked around my house. Definitely she loved what she had seen. She's the very first girl I brought in my house, of course except Luciana.

There's a knock in the door. "Come in!" I called out.

Andrea walks in with a magazine in her hand. "What is it, Andrea?" I asked frowning. Another gossip I guess about me. And, what is it again this time? Usually are false accusations and my connection, usually works all the time.

She put the magazines on the table facing me. The first thing that caught my interest was the big picture as the front line picture with me and Alessandra eating at Indochine that french-Vietnamese restaurant. Someone must have taken it from afar coz it is a little bit blurry another photo of me and her kissing and that's when I dropped her off from my house.

"When did this came out?" I frowned.

"Just today Sir." She replied.

BILLIONAIRE STAVROS DEMAKIS FINALLY SET HIS EYES ON ONE CERTAIN GIRL.

Our source said that the dashing most sought after bachelor was spotted not just once, but many times on different occasions with this beautiful brunette. One when they had dinner at Indochine. And another source said they spotted them looking very intimate just in front of Murray Hill East Suits. Yes, kissing right on the side of the road, along Murray Hill. According to our research team, the mystery girl is from Madrid, Spain. Her name is Maria Alessandra De La Vega. She finished Business Management. And, she is the daughter of the Famous Model Charlize Thompson and heiress of the Great tycoon businessman Javier De La Vega.

Is the question? Is she the right girl or just another girl?

They got it right this time, I thought. Then, I thought about Alessandra if she read this, she's not going to be pleased with.

Shit!!

I should have been more careful. This is the problem when I'm with her. Every little ounce of sanity left in me was clouded.

"What do you want to do about it, Sir?" Andrea inquired, and I realized she's still there.

I've been not myself lately. Forgetting everything whenever I'm with Alessandra.

"Talk to Bryan and tell him to do something about it or ask Mike," I ordered.

"Right Away Mr. Demakis. Andrea" she replied and spun on her heel and left the room.

That News had to stop spreading before Alessandra read it. She'll not goning to forgive me.

And she's the only daughter of Javier De La Vega, the Spanish Owner of the DLV Tobacco Corp. And, of course, Charlize Thompson was married to Javier. How did I miss all this information?

Why did she move here in New York and work here instead of working or running their own company? Is she running away on something? I had to find that out.

All this question gives me a headache.

"Arghh... Crap!" I groaned. I have been so not myself lately. I can't get her out of my system. I've been too careful on her feelings, which is not so me, I was known as cold. I have never bedded her yet and it's almost a month, which is a new record for me. It never gets to my head about getting her to bed when we are together. I'm happy and contented whatever she wants to do. Since when I enjoyed watching TV with a girl? But with her, it's always fun. But of course with a make-out. But I never remember myself being satisfied with just a make-out! Yes, I guess this is what Love really is. I let out a loud sighed.

Alessandra's POV.

I was so tired today, but happy that Stavros let me work in my office. He argued at first, but gave in after. I know Mr. Hernandez was happy today because the meeting with the client went well. And, he had left home early today because it's his wife birthday. Another reason why I insisted on working in my office to help my boss more so he can get off early.

Tonight I'll be spending with Lucy and my beloved brother. It's going to be fun. I mean it sarcastically. My brother is always brooding. He's no fun at all. I don't understand why and how my best friend falls for him.

I started putting the files in the filing cabinet and be done for the day. I was done and walk back to my desk when I saw Lucy at the door. I took my purse and walked to the door.

"How's your day?" I queried not mindful enough of her.

"I was fine while ago, but now, I'm feeling lightheaded," she replied in a coarse voice.

My head suddenly whipped to her, she does look pale. My motherly instinct suddenly kicked in. "Let's go home," I said. "Can you manage to walk until outside the building," I asked worriedly. She looks likely to collapse any time.

"Yeah," she said in a hoarse voice. I took her purse and held her hand. As soon as we got out of the building, I saw Carlos waiting, his leaning against his car, his hands are on his pockets. He looks absolutely handsome. Girls who passed by swooned at the sight of him, but he seems like he doesn't notice every eye undressing him.

Wait? I didn't know he owned a top down Audi. Is that how bad sister I am? I know nothing about him and his life?

He approached us as soon as he saw us. "Al, Lu" he greeted as he kissed my cheeks and stared at Lucy. He looks like he doesn't know if he will kiss or hug her.

"Hi," Lucy answered with a hoarse voice.

"You're sick?" He stated the obvious. He became so worried. He quickly held her on the waist and led her to the car.

Ok, my brother had already forgotten me. "tsk tsk tsk.. Oh my brother is in denial!" I thought.

I followed them as I watched them closely. I hope my brother will acknowledge that feelings before she's gone. They look so perfect together. They will surely make cute babies. My nieces and nephews.

How does my baby with Stavros will look like? Wait? Why am I thinking about babies with Stavros? I'm not even sure if he wants babies nor he wants me as his wife.

I climbed in the back of the car through the front passenger seat since it's two doors car. Lucy sat in the front. My brother was very attentive to her on the way to our place. He looks so worried. He pulled over right in front of the building and hurriedly got out of the car and walked briskly around to Lucy's side, opening the door and quickly hold her waist and led her to the building. I was just following them. Then, I heard that alarm sound which says the car is locked.

When we got to our floor, I quickly unlocked the door, and let Lucy and my brother in first and I locked the door behind me. I put mine and Lucy's purse on top of the island counter.

I was leaning against the counter watching my brother and Lucy, I can't believe I didn't see this before. He was very attentive and his eyes look really worried, and I see an adoration in his eyes staring at her attentively. Unbelievable! My brother adored her!

"Is there anything I could help?" I asked raising my brow.

Just wanting to let my brother know that I'm existing.

"If you have some Tylenol Lu, that would help her a bit."

I looked at Lucy, she looks really tired. I ran up to my room and took Tylenol and ran back to the living room.

"Here" as I handed him the medicine. He already got a glass of water and assists her to drink the water as she put the pill in her mouth.

"I'll carry you to your room, we don't need to go out tonight. You need to rest," my brother ordered.

"I can walk Carlos," Lucy stated weakly.

"No! Don't be ridiculous, you look not well," Carlos asserted and he scooped Lucy in his arms and made his way to her room upstairs.

I was left alone so I decided to go to my room and change and prepare the dinner. So many things happened today, I thought.

Krystina's POV.

Shit! Shit!!!!!

I slammed the magazines on the coffee table and got up walking back and forth in my living room at my penthouse in New York. I know Stavros is back here in New York.

Shit!

"This is not true. It can't be right. She can't fall in love because Stavros doesn't do love!" I screamed.

I need to make a move or else I'll lose him forever. I've waited long enough. I can't be just a toy to him forever. I deserve a title. Krystina Demakis. Yes, it sounds right! I said grinning foolishly.

I took my laptop and turned on. I type in Maria Alessandra De La Vega on the searched engine. There's not much of a picture of her. A few with her father and her mom. Her mom is breathtakingly beautiful. A famous model on her time, beauty, and brain.

I groaned in frustrations. I turned my laptop off. "If you want to know something about someone, call a detective," I murmured. And, I know someone just perfect for this job. He already worked for me.

That's when I needed a background check on someone that Stavros links into, a French girl. But they only lasted for barely a week.

"Time to do some action Krystina," I said to myself.

My phone beeped. When I checked it, it's Andrew. I ignored it. Andrew has been my fuck-buddy since high school. I met him first before Stavros. And, we became friends. He's a nice guy, a successful lawyer now running his own law firm. But then I met Stavros a year after. I fell head over heals for him. I did everything to get his attention. I became very popular in our school as the cheerleader. But Stavros sees me nothing but a toy. I didn't demand or anything as long as his eyes don't set on any girl. I believe he will fall for me one day.

He openly told me that he doesn't do relationship, but sex which I agreed. But as the days go by, it's getting harder. He is avoiding me. And, I always end up having sex with my friend Andrew, which he gladly sated. Andrew then confessed his feelings for me. I told him I love someone, but I can offer sex. Since then we became sex buddy, but I know just like me he believes I will fall in love with him one day.

I arrived in Greece, a month before that party at Mailov's Villa. I stayed at Andrew's penthouse, sleeping in the same room for almost two weeks.

We go to bars, hang out with old friends, with my best friend Angela Smith. Most nights we are drunk and have wild sex. We didn't realize he's not using condoms. Just a few weeks ago I found out I'm pregnant. I called Andrew and cut everything with him. Until now he's bugging me. I am two weeks pregnant when I attended that party. Nobody knew even Andrew. He doesn't need to know. Stavros thought we had sex. He could be the father of my baby.

"I'm sorry baby," I muttered rubbing my flat belly. I'm just four weeks pregnant.

I laughed like crazy. Mentally celebrating my plan.

Stavros' POV.

I was still pre-occupied about what happened today. The New York Times Magazines had finally agreed to stop publishing the story. But they can't retrieve those that already sold out, which is just fine, it will definitely die down.

"Knock. Knock.."

"Come in," I said.

Andrea opened the door and walked in a few steps. "Is there anything you need Sir, if nothing, may I leave?"

"Yes, you may leave Andrea." I consented dismissively.

"Thank you and enjoy the rest of the night Mr. Demakis," then she left closing the door behind her.

I decided to just go home and do the rest of my work. I stuffed all the documents, bunch of folders in my suitcase then stood up and head out.

I was walking to the door when I saw Ali holding on Lucy's hand. I got worried, As I was about to push the door open, I saw a very tall, very handsome guy with lightly tanned skin, blue eyes smiling as he approaches them, looking at Alessandra adoringly and kissed her on the cheeks. I froze then quickly turned around and marched back into the elevator, not wanting to see more.

As soon as the elevator closes, I punched garage button really hard. I felt a pain enveloping my heart.

"Dammit!.." Is it why she moves here in New York? Because of that guy?

"Shit!."

I'm fuming. I need a drink. I thought.

I called Pancho.

"Pick me up at the Garage!" And hung up.

Within two minutes, the car park in front of me. I quickly got in.

"Home," I said gritting my teeth and my hands clenched. I could feel a blood tickled because of my nails digging into my palms. But I care less. I'm enraged. I don't know exactly how I feel right now.

My heart was awfully ripped out as I remember how that guy look at her, and kissed her?

"She's mine!" I mentally screamed. "How did you do this to me, Alessandra," I mumbled in agony. Still can't believe I was being betrayed.

Now it's all clear to me. The reason why she left Spain. She must have been married to that guy. I should have known.

Argh.... I groaned..

Just the thought of her married makes me sick in my stomach. And, my heart is slowly tearing it apart, feeling stabbed and while bleeding, poured with alcohol.

That's how it felt like. It pained like hell. And, I don't like it a bit. I need alcohol to numb this feeling. I felt the tears welled in my eyes. I closed my eyes. Trying to compose me. I don't want Pancho to see me like this!

"Can you go faster than this Pancho," I asked brusquely

"Yes Sir," he confirmed. Then, in seconds I felt the car speeds up. In no time we are home.

As soon as the car stops, I quickly opened the car door and jumped out, walk briskly to the door. Luciana was approaching me, but I just walk past her to the big living room.

I threw my suitcase on the sofa, walked to the bar and pour a whiskey into a small and quickly slugged it straight back. Then, I poured some more and gulped. I don't know how much I drank. My head is spinning.

I drag myself upstairs holding tightly on the stairs fence as I slowly go up, and finally to my bedroom. Not long, I reached my room. I felt my head spinning really hard and my body slowly dropping on my bed not caring if I'm still wearing my office suit. And as soon as my body touch the bed I drifted to darkness.

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