Valentina

Sébastien, James' head of security, instantly removes his glasses upon seeing me and then puts them on immediately. Why the expression? I didn't cut off a part of my head; I merely shaved a section of my hair. It's not that bad. Okay, maybe a tiny bit, but that's the least of my worries.

"Holy Mary! You look..you look .." he stammers.

"Terrible? James what are you doing here? How did you find my house address and why do you have your security men hovering all over my mother's house?"

"Good evening miss Luca." Sebastien greets.

"James? You haven't answered my question?"

"Can I come in? I'd rather avoid someone seeing us and giving the press more fodder."

"Alright," I respond, motioning for him to enter while Mother excuses us.

"Glad you are in one piece. I was beginning to lose my mind."

"That doesn't answer my question James. What are all those men doing in my house? How did you find me and what do you want?"

"Vee, a question at a time."

"And time is what I don't have!"

Mother strolls in, offering him a bottle of wine.

"Thank you Signora."

"Mom, he won't be needing that, considering he'll be leaving shortly," I utter with clenched teeth.

"Would you like a Biscotti?" She asks James ignoring me.

"Yes, please."

"You can call me Sofia." She announces smiling.

"Your mom is quite receptive of me. You on the other hand aren't." He says immediately mother walks away.

"I'm indifferent. You've likely seen the news. The least you could do as my so-called friend is to give me the respect of some space to heal before barging in with your entourage," I express, fighting back the tears about to drop.

"Vee, I'm sorry. Please don't cry. I would never disrespect you intentionally. I saw the news and wanted to see how you were holding up, which is why I made numerous calls and sent texts. When you didn't respond to any, it worried me. I had to get Sebastian to find out where you stay. As for the men outside, Sebastian insisted that the only way he would let us come down to this part of town is if Bryan and Gideon came with us. It was either that or I wouldn't get to see you. If I could leave without Seb noticing I would have gladly done. I'm so sorry you're going through this phase," he says, embracing me.

There was something about his hug, almost as if it were a shield protecting me from all of these mishaps fired at me. It felt so wrong like I was cheating on Marco but how can you cheat on someone who isn't yours anymore?

"Understand that none of this is your fault."

"I'm struggling so much to perceive it that way." I say,

"Give it time. This will pass."

"I hope I can keep my sanity in check while it does."

"You will, I promise.You’ve got me." Mother says appearing from the kitchen.

" And me too." James add.

"Food is served." Mother announces.

"Prepared to be blown away. Mother makes the best Italian dishes. Come let's go over to the dining. " I say drying my eyes.

"I try." she says blushing.

"She's just being humble."

"I can't wait then." James says smiling.

"Let me dish some for the men outside."

"Don't stress please."

"I insist." She announces strolling into the kitchen.

"Please can you tell your mom not to stress. You know how Seb can be. Security conscious and all."

"Give me a minute." I say getting up to talk to mother.

"Have you ever tried the delight of our famous risotto?" Mother inquires as she serves his meal, a touch of Italian pride in her voice.

"Oh, I haven't had the pleasure yet. There are still many Italian dishes waiting for me to discover," he replies with an air of culinary excitement.

"You’ve come to the perfect place for a culinary adventure," Mother warmly remarks.

"I'm grateful I did," James comments, looking at me with a hint of appreciation.

As James takes his first bite of risotto, both mother and I eagerly await his reaction, curious to see how he experiences this dish for the first time.

Dropping his spoon, he gazes at Mother with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"What's wrong?" she asks, a hint of concern in her voice, disturbed by his reaction.

“This is heavenly!” he divulges grabbing another spoonful.

Mother bursts out laughing, her voice echoing in the room. I smile for the first time in days.

“I'm super mad at you that as your friend, you've never offered to invite me out to your mom’s restaurant.” 

“I'm sorry.”

“That will have to change.” Mother says looking my way.

“Please can I get some of this to take home?”

“Sure.”

As they continue their little chit chats laughing all the way, I find myself remembering all the good times Marco and I had while our relationship was kept hidden.

To think I was fooled all the times that Francesca made me slave away in the kitchen while Isabella and Marco were all alone with the claims that they were talking business. Does this mean he was cheating on me all these while? Switching between my bed and hers. 

I feel even more betrayed knowing he took away my innocence and went for further satisfaction in the arms of another woman. This man I trusted so much lied to me all along. 

Many nights of waiting up for him, thinking he was working into the nights. Realising just now that he was warming the bed of another. At least they have each other all to themselves now. 

“Tina?” Mother calls tapping me.

“Sorry? You were saying?”

“James was saying some of the Italian phrases you've been teaching him.”

“Oh, that?”

“You haven't touched your food.” James says, concerned.

 “I don't feel so well neither do I have an appetite. I'll be in my room if you need me mother. James thanks for stopping by.” I say standing my food in my hands.

Just as I pick up the sponge, a hand gently takes it out of my grasp.

“I’ll do that.”

“God forbid I let you wash my dish or any other dishes.”

“It's just dishes Vee.”

“Not to Seb or your father. I'm not about to get into the bad books of another billionaire.”

“Seb’s not here neither is my father plus I do these things. Please let me help out besides you mentioned that you didn't feel too good earlier.”

“If you insist but if Seb finds you doing the dishes, I don't have a hand in it.”

“You make it sound like I'm mowing the lawn of everyone in the neighbourhood.”

“I'm just saying. It's better safe than sorry.”

He shakes his head and begins to wash the dishes.

“Thanks.” I say.

“For?”

“The embrace, for checking on me, for making my mom laugh through dinner. She hasn't done that in a while because of me.” I scoff

“I'm sorry all of that happened to you, Vee.”

“I loved him and I hate that I still do. For someone who threw me under the bus? I'm not supposed to still feel this way about him.”

“Love doesn't just disappear overnight. You'll be fine, I promise.”

He dries his hands and opens his arms and I do not hesitate to lean in. 

“Here is a therapist’s card. He's a friend who works here in Italy. You can drop by anytime you feel the need to,” he says smiling.

I slip the card into my pocket not letting go of his assuring embrace.

“I also have a hairstylist too.”

I slightly jab him in the stomach.

“ Ouch!”

“It's not as bad as you guys are making it out to be."

“Ermm… Vee, it is bad.”

“Fine! I guess I'll be needing your stylist’s contact too.