MANUEL'S POV The moment I stepped into the study after Nonno, I closed the door shut. What was I supposed to expect now? He sounded really angry. To be very honest, I couldn't remember when last Nonno spoke affectionately to me. He was either indifferent, or plainly angry. Lately, he had been indifferent. I guess this was the first time he was so mad at me again after several years. I looked at the man, expecting screams and threats, but was shocked to hear him say what he said next. "On your knees." The man stated so calmly. What?! I watched in shock as he walked to the seat behind my desk, and made himself comfortable. "I wouldn't repeat myself." Knowing better than to go against him, I went on my knees, feeling so humiliated in my current position. No one could really humiliate me this much. Not even my parents! To others, I was 'The Manuel Russo'. But to my Nonno and a certain stubborn lady, I was just Manuel or the 'infuriating bastard'. I was shocked that he wasn't saying
BIANCA'S POV Oh God! This was all too much for me to take in at once. I was still dealing with the appearance of my parents, only for Anthonio to show up. When did he return? "Baby?" He called, and I shivered with fear and remorse. "Babe." He called again, and I couldn't help the fresh tears that fell from my eyes. "Ohh..." I let out an almost inaudible whimper. "Anthonio." I fell to the ground in the pretty dress that Manuel's mom had gotten for me. "What's going on?" He asked, looking into my eyes as he walked closer to me. "I just came back last night, and had to show up for my cousin's...." He trailed off, looking at everyone, before looking back at me. "Your parents are here too. We've both been trying to reach you. Where have you been? What has been going on? You got us really worried." I watched as his emotions fluctuated by the second. From suprised, to worried, to confused, and then to being curious. "What happened? You have not spoken to me or taken my calls in w
BIANCA'S POV I opened my eyes to see the space beside me on the bed, empty. That was best for us. His family had successfully forced us to share a room, and I was glad I didn't have to wake up to see his face every day. I couldn't be angry first thing in the morning. Cleaning off the sleep from my eyes, I stepped down the bed in my silky night robe, and walked into the bathroom. I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, and I was glad I looked better. I also felt better. It was the fourth day after the Russo's traditional family dinner and after party. I had not seen or heard a word from Anthonio, and to be very honest, all I could tell him was that I was sorry. I always dropped a new message for him every day, but he never replied any. It got me worried because more than any other thing, I could not bear to go ahead with this wedding, knowing I hurt another man. The day of the wedding was fast approaching and if I had what it took to delay it or make time go still, I wou
MANUEL'S POV "Manuel, hope you are ready?" "Yes Nonno." I replied the old man who poked his head through my door for the tenth time this morning. "Good. The priest should be here any time from now." He said. Yes, today was my wedding to Bianca, and so far, our relationship with each other still wasn't the best. We literally avoided each other like a plague, regardless of the fact that we shared a room. But then, I honestly loved the feeling of her warm body against mine at night. She probably didn't know, but she always snuggled into my side while she slept at night. I wasn't going to tell her though. I kinda liked the feeling, and I didn't want her to become more conscious of herself while she slept. "What has you smiling?" Alexander asked. "Nothing." I shrugged. "Or am I supposed to remain sad because I'm getting married to your assistant?" I rolled my eyes. "First of all," He started. "Bianca is no longer my assistant, but my sister in law. Secondly, you don't part
BIANCA'S POV Emilio had successfully sent Anthonio home, just after the fight ensued between he and Manuel. I couldn't believe Manuel had actually thought it cool to behave so cave manly in the presence of our guests. Where had he gone off to now? I walked towards a corner of the hall, where I could easily see everyone. "I guess you were so busy supporting the one who isn't your husband, in the presence of others. Now you can't tell where your husband is." I turned in shock, hearing the voice of the person who had just spoken in my ears. "Amara?" "Yes, Bibi." She nodded as she burped a sleepy Annalise on her waist. "I would tell you this, and as quickly as I can." She began. "I know you had a growing relationship with Anthonio, but the moment you chose to go ahead with your marriage to Manuel, that became past. Keep your eyes fixed on the one you have chosen to be with." She smiled. "You should go look for him now." "Amara." I muttered, unable to say any other word that
MANUEL'S POV It's been a while I actually sat to watch the television. It had also been a while I cooked for myself. It had also been a while I did my own laundry. "When did you say you were gonna get a help again?" Alexander asked as he walked out of the kitchen, holding a pack of juice in his hand. "Don't know." I shrugged. "Oh, so you plan on getting a help?" He asked incredulously, making me scoff at his gimmicks. "Why not?" I asked. "I can't continue to do all the work myself." "It's two weeks already. You promised you'd return home to Bianca today." "Stop saying it that way. It makes it seem like she actually anticipates my return. I know all she's thinking of right now, is Anthonio." "Just stop with all the Anthonio thing already. You are Manuel. And have you forgotten no one can take what is yours? It shouldn't be allowed. Instead of remaining here, why not go back home and fix things with your wife?" "Can it even work? I truly want to make things work w
AUDREY'S POV These past two weeks had honestly been suprising! I know Manuel and I talked about making our marriage work, but I didn't really expect things to straighten out so quickly. I guess it was all about making the decision. Once you know what you want and make the decision to get it, that's all! I had been very suprised when he had shown up at the hospital during my prenatal checkup. At first, I thought he had been joking about staying with me through check up, but he did until the very end. Even asking Doctor Luigi a few questions in relation to the short lectures he had given us. He had also shown concern about the case of my hormonal imbalance, after the doctor had mentioned it. It made me suddenly begin to feel like I wasn't alone anymore. To be very honest, more than anything, ever since I got pregnant, I felt lonely. Sometimes I just felt like I was doing this on my own. But lately, Manuel put in efforts that made me rethink that notion. I wasn't alone, I had a co~p
MANUEL'S POV Why was she acting in a confusing manner now? I felt like we were finally getting on a mutual ground, but she was making me rethink my assumptions now. I walked away from the door that I had stood by, for some minutes, even after I walked out of the room. I could still hear her crying and it only disturbed me all the more. Should I go back inside and try to make her feel better? What was I supposed to do, when she didn't even want to see my face? Was I beginning to irritate her? I wasn't the kind of guy that cared the way I was currently doing, but this woman just had a way of making me act out of line. Releasing a low sigh, I took slow but long strides to the living room. When I got there, mom was busy speaking to my father about what I wasn't sure of. When she noticed my presence, she looked up at me in suprise. What was so surprising now? "Manuel?" "Mom." I replied halfmindedly. "You aren't going on a walk with Bianca tonight?" She asked, to which I just g