Chapter Four

                   AURELIO

What was I doing watching her sleep peacefully? I thought of how my treacherous body navigated toward Her. I envisioned her exquisite body curled up against my body rather than the seat she lay on. I couldn't deny how beautiful and gracious she looked when I saw her standing close to her father and Mamma.

The spaghetti Strap Button sundress she was dressed in really accentuated her beauty, and her subtle floral and vanilla scent intoxicated me, urging me to breathe in her scent. I'm still shocked and couldn't believe she woke up to me staring down at her mouth and wondering what it would be like to kiss her again. 

"You know, I don't understand you"  her voice, drew me out of my thought. 

"What don't you understand," I asked carefully, trying to understand what she is driving at.

She turned to face me, "why do you act cold to me every time", stopping to drink from the glass of water, she had requested before carrying on, "I don't get it. You act nice to everyone else but I get the cold side of you." 

So she's pretending not to know, I'm tired of her acting all innocent like Aria. I made a promise to myself, never to think of that despicable woman again. I once let down my guard with Aria, but what did it earn me? I'm never going to let any woman deceive me again. After all, once beaten twice shy. "What can I say, I bet you just bring out the worst in me," I said coldly.

"You can't be serious. You were civil to me for years, but suddenly turned against me after Maria's will was read." She pointed out sharply.

I raked my hands through my glossy black hair, then asserted "since you've had it all figured out, why are we having this conversation?" I said cynically.

"You know what, forget I asked you anything. I just want us to coexist for the two years we will remain married.  We don't even need to talk to each other unless it's necessary. I am tired of you treating me like some criminal. Judging me based on your previous experience is fucked up you know." She said frowningly, turning away from me as though that would block me out.

How am I going to survive two years with this woman? 

My wife! The concept sounded strange to me.

I tried to go back to work, but after a couple of minutes of trying to concentrate, I gave up. Finally, I decided to catch some sleep, hoping desperately that when I woke up, I would be rid of this tensed-up feeling and be able to carry on working. I threw one last look at her after settling into my seat, before drifting off.

A couple of hours later after a restful sleep, I resumed working tirelessly on the paperwork I'd asked my assistant to pack for my trip. We carried on our journey without uttering a word to each other. Thank God, we decided to use a public plane rather than my private jet. I can't imagine my flying staff spreading weird rumors about our estranged behavior toward each other.

I ate, but she didn't, rather she opted for coffee. Soon the "fastened seat belt" sign came on coupled with the captain's landing announcement. I fastened my seat belt tightly and watched as she did the same. I felt a tiny tingle in my chest and at the same chuckled as I admire her determination not to talk to me. We were soon out of the airport and settled inside a powerful black four-wheel drive car which had an ultra-impressive road presence, parked outside the terminal building. 

 I was too tired to appreciate the beautiful surrounding as we drove to the resort, we would be staying in. I watched as our driver, Pierre, who is also in charge of our tour here, happily and dutifully indulge Lucie's curiosity. It was impossible to not notice that she was full to the brim with joy. After her conversation with Pierre had died down, she looked out the window and studied the sky which was bright sky blue. I studied her as she catch a glimpse of the city's cultural heritage, as we drove through. 

As soon as we arrived at the resorts, an army of bellboys handled our luggage, and before we knew it, we were checked in. On our way to the suite, I studied the beach resort and love what I saw. The scale and volume of the resort were extremely big, with different allocated spaces and sections that had their distinctive air. The resort encompasses a modern bohemian setting that delivered an eclectic retro style, that is effortlessly sophisticated, and delightfully simple all at once. It provided a bewitching air of relaxed opulence, with eccentric details and homey vibes. The huge space accented the white wooden rafters and thatched ceiling, making the resort look eclectic and comfortable at the same time. 

Less than an hour later, we were settled in a two people grand king suite with a master area and a living space with a strong emphasis on grand in-room decoration, high-quality amenities and supplies, and tailor-made services. The space also features jaw-dropping sea views and an airy balcony with beachfront access.