IF YOU'RE GOING TO SAY "Please update", ESPECIALLY JUST AFTER AN UPDATE, THEN PLEASE DON'T BOTHER COMMENTING! MY LIFE IS VERY BUSY RIGHT NOW AND I'LL UPDATE WHEN I AM READY TO DO SO!
Apologies for my rant. You may proceed.
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It had been a week since the funeral and since I'd shared the most horrific part of my life with my husband, and he'd been the most loving husband I could ever ask for. I've been spoiled and pampered the entire week, but I was honestly getting a little overwhelmed by it.
"Rafe, I want to go to work. The girls have gone back to the island, everyone is back to their own businesses and you're borderline drowning me in affection," I whined.
"How many times am I supposed to tell you mi amore? I'm making up for not having found you sooner," he sighed, rubbing my shoulders.
Here's something I'll never understand about this man.
I know for a fact that he's beyond furious about what happened to me, except he hasn't acted on his fury yet, and it's got me worried. Instead, he's been blaming himself for 'not getting to me sooner'. At first I found the whole thing to be insanely sweet, but now it's just scary.
I mean, can I really be blamed here? This is the same man that was arrested for beating up Daniel after only finding out that I was engaged to him and that he beat me. I would've imagined him to have gone to D.C to finish him off after learning the full story.
Instead he's here pampering me.
"Rafe?" I called after a while.
"Hmm?" he replied, humming onto my skin. I giggled at the ticklish feeling.
Focus Aretha!
"Why are you still in Italy?" I came out with it.
"As opposed to killing my mortal enemy?" he asked knowingly.
"Well yeah!" I nodded as I turned to face him.
"Whatever do you take me for you silly wife!" he gasped dramatically.
"Raphael, I'm serious," I giggled at the look on his face.
"Because saying you're serious while giggling totally sells it," he smirked.
"You're just saying anything to run away from my question," I pointed out.
"What? Why would I do such a ghastly thing? Honestly woman, what do you take me for?" he scowled.
"You're still doing it," I whined.
"What are you? Four?" he teased.
"AMBROSI!" I shouted, earning myself one heck of a glare.
"Alright Ruby! Don't bring out such guns," he mumbled.
"Just tell me what I want to know, and I wont have to," I shrugged. He took a heavy dramatic sigh before beginning.
"You have to promise me that you will not interrupt me until I am done," he warned.
"I promise," I nodded.
"Mia moglie, your grandmother was murdered by Eva. I didn't intend on hiding this from you forever, but at least until I felt you were emotionally strong enough to handle it. I've employed the help of our male family and friends to find Eva and a way to take Daniel down. Lui figures that the two of them have actually gotten together to work against us, and it sounds like a reasonable theory at the moment, so that's what we're going on. I'm still in Italy because I want to be with the love of my life, especially if other people are doing what can be done without me having to leave your side," he explained.
I already knew that my grandmother had been murdered. The last time I spoke to her, she was feeling better, and her doctor had confirmed that her treatments were working, despite her age, so her sudden death was a shock at first, but I figured it out later.
"And who's on babysitting duty with me?" I asked.
"That's what you ask? And what do you mean babysitting duty?" he scowled.
"I already came to the conclusion that my grandmother was murdered, but thank you for trying to spare my emotions. I love you all the more for that. By babysitter, I mean who has been employed with the task of keeping me away from your investigations on Eva and Daniel?" I elaborated.
"Rhonda and Katherine," he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Well, you can tell them not to worry. I'm not going to interfere," I smiled.
"You're not?" he asked in confusion.
"Eva and Daniel put me through hell and so I'd like to avoid them if I can. I'd prefer not to bring myself closer to them. Besides, for the first time in my life, I have people trying to protect me and not the other way round. I think I'd like to enjoy that," I admitted with a blush.
"You are so precious cara mia. I will work to protect you and our children for the rest of our lives," he whispered as he caressed my cheek.
"I'm going to hold you to that," I smiled before taking his hand and kissing the inside of his palm.
"I guess there's no harm in going back to work tomorrow," he sighed.
"Really?" I beamed.
"The look on your face is making me want to reconsider my words. Why are you so eager to go back?" he raised an eyebrow.
"I need something to keep busy," I lied.
"Ari," he said in warning.
"Iwanttogetstartedonthebakery," I rambled.
"What was that?" he asked. I sighed heavily.
"I said I want to get started on the bakery," I mumbled.
"No," he shook his head.
"Hear me out first. You got me a star to remember my grandmother by, but it isn't really the way I want her memory to live on. I'm not saying that I don't appreciate the star, because I do, but I want to launch the bakery in her honour. She's the one who taught me how to bake and cook the way that I do, and I want people to experience that, whether it's from the menu at the restaurant, or the treats sold at the bakery. I want to name the bakery after her, and I just feel like the quicker I do it, the better it will be for my emotional peace," I explained.
"Only you could persuade me into changing my mind this fast," he complained, making me laugh.
"Is that a yes?" I asked in hope.
"It is, but I have my conditions," he replied.
"Let's hear them," I beckoned him to continue.
"I'm the only person allowed to help you, and if I feel that you're doing too much, we stop," he responded.
"First of all, what about your own work? Secondly, where does that leave Malia and Kat?" I frowned.
"This is going to sound heartless, but I don't care about where that leaves Malia and Katherine, and the same goes for my work. I've spent so much time away from you, and if we can bond over this the way that we did when we were on our honeymoon, then it's worth it," he smiled.
Ladies and gentlemen, the world's sweetest husband.
"I want to agree to your conditions, but I have my own," I bit my lip.
"I don't think you can counter conditions with conditions, but the floor is yours," he chuckled.
"I need to know that your work seriously wont be affected by you spending time with me on this because I love the idea. I want to spend time with you as well, especially with everything else going on, but the company cannot suffer because of that," I said.
"Alright, fair enough. I'll spend my morning tomorrow sorting out my work and allocating it where I can and then I'll join you when I'm done. How does that sound?" he asked. I leaned in and kissed him.
"It sounds perfect," I smiled before kissing him again.
For the first time since the night of the gala, my husband made love to me. I don't know how Raphael's mind works, but I'm pretty sure he thought I was too fragile to be touched by him. I love my husband, but sometimes he can be a bit slow.
His touch always makes me feel better.
We were up and ready for the day by six the following morning. I was dressed in a beige skirt with a tangerine blouse and a big brown waist belt. I accessorized with a tangerine handbag, gold accessories and matching heels, together with a beige coat.
My husband looked as stylish as ever in his beige suit with a dark brown shirt and light brown belt and matching shoes. His gold Rolex watch from his father was resting comfortably in place, and his cologne was only adding to the alluring vision before me.
He was sporting his brand new gold cufflinks, a gift from me. I heard him complaining about how he doesn't have a set that encompasses all of us, so I designed one, and sent it through to be put on gold and platinum cufflinks so that he matches every time.
My husband can be a problem.
A loving problem.
But a problem nonetheless.
"ARI!" he shouted.
"I'm right behind you," I giggled, making him jump.
"Don't do that to a person woman," he groaned.
"What did you think I was? The big bad orangutan?" I deadpanned. He burst out laughing.
"Seriously? An orangutan? Of all the things?" he asked in between wheezes.
"Well, I'm dressed in tangerine. I highly doubt tangerine wolves exist, so I went for the next best thing," I shrugged.
"There are so many things wrong with what you just said, but I can't fault you because you're so adorable," he chuckled.
"Whatever! Let's go," I mumbled. He laughed once more before kissing my forehead.
We headed out in one of his cars, one that I didn't bother asking about. All I know is that it's black, it's shiny, it's fancy, and it smells like fresh Italian leather. I also know that it makes my husband very happy to drive it. It's obvious that it appeals to his inner speed monster.
We were at the office by seven since we stopped on the way to get some breakfast, which we then proceeded to have in my office. He was reluctant to leave, until I reminded him of our deal, which was motivation on its own.
"I didn't expect you guys to be back so soon," Malia said from the door.
"It was an impromptu decision," I shrugged.
"And how are you?" she asked.
"I'm okay. I'm at peace. In fact, I'm happy," I smiled.
"You look happy as well. Raphael must be doing something right," she winked.
"That he is," I blushed.
"So, what's the way forward from here?" she laughed.
"Well, we're opening up the bakery. We're looking at launching it by the weekend," I replied.
"That's really soon," she commented.
"I know, but we're doing it in honour of my grandmother, so it makes sense to do it while her death is still so fresh," I explained.
"Oh, that makes sense. So I guess there's a long week ahead for us huh?" she smiled.
"Actually, Raphael wants this to be a project for the two of us. He wants us to bond over it since we haven't had time to be together in a while, and I've agreed to it," I confessed.
"That's sweet, but what do I then do for the whole week?" she frowned.
"You are flying to Cuba with my sister to facilitate and pick up some art work for the gallery, as well as some spices and food for my cousin for the restaurant. You leave tonight and these are your travel arrangements," my husband replied for me as he walked into my office with the said documents.
"Cuba? I've never been there before!" Malia said excitedly.
"Well, now you're headed there. Salina will meet you at the airport, and Giuseppe has requested that you pass by the restaurant before you leave so that he can give you all the information you need to have. You will be flying back on Friday evening, so you should be back in time for the bakery opening," my husband added.
"Do you still need me for the day?" Malia turned to me.
"Nope! I've got everything covered," I replied.
"Great! I might as well go and see Giuseppe now and then go and get ready for my trip. See you guys when I come back," she said giddily before skipping out of the office, making Rafe and I laugh.
"Thank you for that," I smiled as he sat on my desk.
"You asked for me to handle it and I did. Before you ask, Katherine has a mission of her own and we've gone through everything. All my meetings have been postponed to next week and I've handled everything else that needed my attention. You, my beautiful wife, have my undivided attention for the rest of the week," he smirked.
"Aren't I just the luckiest woman?" I giggled.
"That you are mi amore! What's first on the to-do list?" he asked.
"Well, we already have a location and all the necessary licenses, but nothing else. We're going to have to pull together the impossible in the next four days. We need to get the kitchen sorted out, we need to get the flooring done, we need to get the place painted and tiled, we need to get chairs and tables, we need to get other decor, we need to set up the front so we need cash tills and display cases, we need to get baking equipment, we need to-" I listed before I was interrupted.
"Alright, so we have a million things to do. That doesn't answer my question though," he chuckled.
"Let's start with getting the place painted and tiled so that the kitchen can be sorted out," I blushed.
"There we go! Alright, I'll talk to the painters, the tiling company, the flooring company, the plumbers and the electrician. I take it the whole place needs new tiling, the bathrooms included?" he asked.
"That sounds right," I nodded.
"Alright, I'll arrange for the electrician and the tiling and flooring company to come in tomorrow, and then the painters and plumbers to come in on Wednesday. That will leave us with cleaning up after them and setting up everything on Thursday, and then baking goods on Friday. Katherine will be done with her mission by then," he said thoughtfully.
He's more into this than I am.
"You're baking with me?" I giggled.
"You can bet that I am. My wife has made me better at everything, cooking and baking included. So whatever you say, goes," he smiled.
"How did I get so lucky?" I sighed dreamily.
"I ask myself the same question every day. I mean, you got the world's best husband, and I got you," he taunted.
"Ambrosi," I said with narrowed eyes.
"Is that what this is becoming now? You're going to resort to my second name every time you want to insult me?" he murmured.
"If you weren't teasing me, we'd have no problems," I winked.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, RUBY," he smirked.
"Oh I hate you," I glared at him.
"Too bad your hatred isn't what's going to get this bakery off the ground, so I'd get to loving me if I were you," he shrugged with a smirk.
"Get out of my office Raphael," I sighed.
"We'll leave when I come back," he chuckled.
"Leave? Where are we going?" I frowned.
"The decor, tables and chairs aren't going to pick themselves out," he winked before leaving my office.
I could only smile to myself once I was alone. Raphael can be such a goof, and yet he was making me forget about all my worries, while simultaneously bonding with me. It gave me a sliver of hope that this is what our future could potentially look like.
I went onto my laptop and pulled up the designs and ideas I had for the bakery. I would need them if the next week is to go smoothly. I printed the pages out and got them into a folder before picking up the phone and dialling some numbers.
"Raquel's Furniture and Decor Designs, how may we help you?" the lady answered.
"Hi, I'm Aretha Maestri, and I'd like to-" I started, only to be interrupted.
"Aretha Maestri? As in Raphael Maestri's wife?" she asked, sounding quite excited.
"The very one," I laughed.
"I'm sorry! I just love you so much! My boss too. We love everything about you from your artworks to your fashion sense. You are our role model," she gushed.
"I didn't even catch your name," I reminded.
"Oh, right! My name is Teri Beruti. My sister Raquel is the owner of the store," she replied.
"Well Teri, I was wondering if you could help me," I said.
"Anything you need," she said eagerly.
"We're opening up a bakery this weekend and I need some furniture and decor for it," I explained.
"Say no more! I can't believe you want to do business with us of all the people in Italy!" she squealed.
The truth is that I'd done my research and Raquel's shop came up as a part of the top five in Italy. In fact, her store is ranked third, but there was just something about her designs that appealed to me more than the top two, so I decided to go with my gut feeling.
"Fantastic! Is it alright if we come in a bit later today to look through some stuff?" I asked.
"You and who?" she asked, sounding on the brink of a seizure.
I was almost too afraid to reply.
"My husband and I," I dared to reply. I had to move my phone away from my ear seconds later.
"Teri! Why are you screaming?" I heard someone ask in the background.
"Rocky, you wont believe who I'm on the phone with right now!" Teri told her in Italian.
"I highly doubt you'd be talking to someone important. This is you after all," Raquel teased.
"Tease me all you want sis, but I have thee Aretha Washington on the phone," Teri said. There was silence before I heard something crash in the background.
"You're lying!" Raquel said. I was patiently and amusedly waiting on the line.
"I kid you not sis! You can come and find out if you'd like," Teri replied.
"You've kept her on the line this long? What is wrong with you? Oh my God! Aretha, are you still there?" Raquel spoke into the phone.
"I'm still here," I laughed as my husband walked back into my office. He sent me a questioning eyebrow.
"I am so sorry that my sister has so rudely handled business with you," she panicked.
"Raquel, it's ok, really. I hear you're both big fans," I giggled.
"The biggest! Wait, you know who I am?" she asked.
"Your store is highly ranked in Italy, and your designs have blown me away. I've already explained the situation to your sister. My husband and I would like to come in for some major shopping if you don't mind," I said. Once more, the phone had to go away from my ear.
"OH MY GOD YES! THAT'S BEEN A DREAM OF MINE SINCE YOU STEPPED ONTO THE SCENE!" she shouted in the background.
"I'm glad you love me that much. How does two o'clock sound?" I asked.
"It sounds perfect! We'll be ready for you!" she said excitedly.
"Great! We'll see you both then," I said before hanging up.
"And who was that?" my husband chuckled.
"That was Raquel and Teri Beruti, big fans of ours. They own the furniture and decor store that we're going to get our stuff from," I giggled.
"I could hear her screaming from here. Are you sure that's a good idea?" he raised an eyebrow.
"They're harmless. Besides, her designs are the kind I'm sure will give the bakery the look I want for it," I smiled.
"Whatever mia bella moglie wants!" he smiled back.
"Did you get through to everyone you needed to?" I asked.
"Yep! They've all agreed to help. They warned that their fees would be high because of the lateness of everything, but I assured them that money isn't a problem," he replied.
"Thank you caro," I got up to hug him.
"Like I said, anything for my beautiful wife," he said before kissing my forehead.
"So what now?" I asked. It was
"Now we head to the hardware store to pick out the tiles you'd like, as well as the paint and the flooring. The electricians and plumbers said they'll come in to scope the location tomorrow so that they know what they need. The electrician said he'll still finish on time though. After that, we can go out for lunch and then head over to Raquel's store as you said. From there, we'll call it a day and head home where I will cook for you while you have a relaxing bath," he relayed.
"As wonderful as that sounds, how about we take a joint bath and cook together?" I suggested.
"Even better," he smiled before kissing me.
We left the building and once more, our employees looked happy to see us not only together, but smiling as well. Today was really going great, and I was praying that our future could be like this. Of course we have some hurdles to overcome.
And I pray we all make it out alive.
"What are you thinking about?" my husband asked me. We were on our way to the hardware store.
"I'm thinking about how perfect today has been, and how I wish every day could be like this," I sighed.
"It will be once we've taken care of Daniel and Eva. I promise you that much," he said, squeezing my thigh. I grabbed his hand and kissed it before sending him a smile.
Nothing needed to be said after that, so we enjoyed our comfortably silent ride to the store. When we arrived, the parking lot wasn't all that filled, and there were men outside loading things into trucks.
Rafe came to help me out of the car as a couple of eyes looked our way. I watched as some men stopped working, just to watch us, and I could feel my husband tense at that. I remembered Jono's words to me, so I grabbed him and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. I could hear the wolf whistles in the background, making me smile into our kiss.
"What was that for?" he asked breathlessly once we'd pulled away.
"Just letting these men know who I belong to," I winked before grabbing his hand and entwining our fingers.
"I love you," he chuckled. I pecked him.
"Ti amo ancora di più Signor Maestri," I smiled.
"I hate it when you speak Italian to me when we're not home," he groaned.
"Why?" I frowned in confusion. He trapped me between him and the car before leaning down to my ear.
"Because then I can't show you just what it does to me," he said lowly before nipping my earlobe.
"Rafe!" I smacked his chest as I flushed all over.
"I'm just being honest," he chuckled, freeing me.
"There are tiles and paint that needs our attention in there," I mumbled.
"You are too adorable when you're flustered," he teased.
"Just remember that two can play this game Signor Maestri," I purred before swaying away. I giggled when I heard him groan before he caught up with me.
An assistant was assigned to us when a very panicked manager learned that we were in his store. I learnt that Rafe and I have become an iconic couple in Italy, let alone Florence. People were basically ready to move mountains to make us happy.
"So this is what fame feels like," I giggled as my husband wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Are you ok? Do you want to leave? I know it can get overwhelming," he panicked.
Oh my sweet husband.
"I'm ok as long as you're with me. Thank you for caring though," I smiled.
"Always," he winked before the assistant returned with the designs we wanted.
It took us an hour to pick out the perfect flooring, paint and tiles. Turns out we're both really picky, but only because we want it to be perfect. We've already agreed to make the bakery a sort of cafe so you can sit and enjoy yourself while you're there.
I need to talk to someone about setting up Wi-Fi there.
We left and headed to a posh restaurant that I'd never been to. Despite having been in Italy for four months, I still don't know my new home. Rafe had taken me on that one short date, but that's as far as I've gone to actually get to know my home, as bad as that is.
The maitre d' led us to our table, and I could see eyes looking our way. On any other day, I may have felt uncomfortable, and even threatened, but today I was feeling all sorts of happy and confident. Nothing could possibly get me down.
"You are looking exceptionally radiant today, if I haven't already told you," my husband smiled once the waiter had taken our orders.
"Why thank you kind Sir. My husband is keeping me a very happy woman," I smiled.
"I want to have more children, children with you," he suddenly said.
"Rafe..." I trailed off.
"I know what we said, but I just can't wait to see you pregnant with our children," he sighed.
"And I promise we'll have as many as I can possibly birth, but when the time is right," I reached out to hold his hand.
"Promise?" he pouted.
"On our marriage," I giggled. He brought my hand up to kiss it.
"I love you," he smiled.
"I love you too!" I said before leaning in to kiss him.
We enjoyed our lunch together, talking about all the things we want to do in our future when we've dealt with Eva and Daniel. We were planning according to us making it out of this whole thing alive. We're being positive about the whole thing.
We left the restaurant for Raquel's store. It was a forty five minute drive from the restaurant, and when we arrived, we could see the commotion occurring outside. My husband came to open the door for me before we headed into the store together.
"I need you to make sure that everything is where it is meant to be. Mr and Mrs Maestri will be here any minute!" a short, red-haired woman instructed. There were people moving things everywhere.
"Raquel?" I guessed. She turned to face me and her eyes widened.
"You're here!" she squeaked.
"Hi! I'm Aretha, and this is my husband Raphael," I introduced. She was about to respond when an equally short strawberry blonde ran in.
"Have they arrived yet?" she asked, looking highly frazzled.
"Teri I take it?" my husband chuckled.
"Oh my God! Raphael Maestri knows my name!" she said in awe.
"It's lovely to meet you guys in person," I smiled.
"The honour is ours! We've laid out our best furniture, so you can pick what you want from there, and then I'll tell storage to take it wherever you want it delivered," Raquel rushed out.
"Breathe," Rafe and I said simultaneously.
"Sorry," she blushed.
"We're just really happy to have you here," Teri admitted what we already knew.
"We're happy to be here," my husband smiled at her.
I thought the poor child would pass out.
"What my husband said," I added with a smile.
They helped us, despite the ongoing fan-girling. By the time we were done, we had spent enough money in the store to make the sisters even more excited. Rafe and I left the store and headed home.
"So, what are we cooking?" I asked as I took off my shoes.
"What do you feel like having?" he asked.
"Well, pasta always goes down well," I smiled.
"Pasta it is mi amore," he winked.
We put on some soft music and got to cooking. He surprised me by pulling me into a slow dance. We swayed in the kitchen for a while, just staring into each other's eyes and not needing to say anything. It was one of our most romantic moments yet.
The rest of the evening went as planned, as well as some extra loving. The following day wasn't all that entertaining, and Wednesday proved to be a better day. He walked into my planning room at one in the afternoon, holding food with him.
"Here you go," he said after joining me on the floor.
It's safe to say that our employees were shocked when we walked into the building dressed in casual clothing. I was dressed in white shorts with a jean shirt, sandals and gold accessories. Rafe was dressed in white jeans, a light beige cashmere jersey and matching sneakers.
We confused a lot of people with our attires, but we didn't want to be formal today, especially since we had nothing formal to attend to. The bakery was coming together nicely. My husband had managed to think of everything else that I'd forgotten, like new windows and doors, which were being installed tomorrow morning.
"Thank you!" I smiled before kissing him.
"How far along is the menu?" he asked.
"It's done! What I can't decide on is which design to go with for everything," I replied.
"Well, this one ties together with the theme of the restaurant, while this one ties more with your grandmother," he analyzed.
"So what you're saying is that I need to design something that will be a mix of both of these designs?" I asked.
"That's exactly what I'm saying cara mia," he smiled.
"Ok! That shouldn't be hard! Thank you caro. What about you? How far have you gotten with marketing?" I asked.
He did the one thing that's a weakness for me- he pushed up his glasses. Raphael in his spectacles is my kryptonite and I'm pretty sure he's either unaware of that, or he doesn't let it show that he knows just what that does to me.
"ARI!" he shouted, snapping me out of my trance.
"Huh?" I replied.
"You were out of it. Are you ok?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
So he doesn't know.
"I'm fine. What did you say?" I asked.
"I said the marketing is up and running. The billboards are up, as well as the radio ads. The pamphlet people have also been deployed, as well as the press release, so I think that's enough marketing for now," he explained.
"Aren't you just hands on?" I teased.
"I would do anything if it meant you'd be happy, and this will not only make you happy, but it will give you the closure and peace of mind you need," he said seriously.
"I have to be the luckiest woman on the planet," I blushed.
"At least you know," he joked, making me smack him.
"You're so big headed Rafe," I huffed. I was met by silence, and when I looked up at him, he was smirking.
"You're so dirty minded," I rolled my eyes.
"I didn't say anything," he chuckled.
"You didn't have to and you know it very well," I mumbled.
By Friday afternoon, the bakery was ready for opening, save for the baked goods that we would be attending to that night. We headed home and got started on the baking. By nine in the evening, we were halfway through.
"This is going to take us the whole night," I complained.
"We'll sleep through the morning. The opening is only at two in the afternoon," he reminded.
"But we still had other things to do," I pointed out.
"And Katherine is back, so she can handle everything else. She is after all your other partner in this," he countered.
"Must you have an answer for everything?" I whined.
"Comes with the title of husband! Didn't you know?" he asked dramatically.
"There's something certifiably wrong with you," I giggled.
"That is a strong matter of opinion Signora Maestri. I highly doubt anyone else would agree with you," he replied.
"And that, is an even stronger matter of opinion Signor Maestri," I smirked.
"Oh, I see how it is," he mock glared at me.
We managed to finish everything off by three in the morning, and he passed out before me. I went back downstairs to makes sure everything is ready when I felt a presence behind me. When I turned, my blood ran cold.
"Hello pet," she smirked.
"What are you doing in my house?" I managed to stay calm.
"It's quite the nice house, but don't worry, I'm not here to harm you or your husband. I just need you to do something for me," she replied.
"And what do I get out of this?" I asked.
"I promise to leave your family alone," she said seriously.
"And what about me?" I asked.
"Oh pet, the sooner you accept that you're mine, the better for everyone. I cannot let you go," she sighed.
"Why are you and Daniel doing this to me?" I asked.
"Daniel? He's been in contact with you?" she frowned.
"Isn't that who you're working with? You said Dan would be happy that I still know my place," it was my turn to frown.
"Why would I work with that snake? I meant Jordan," she scoffed.
Well that makes more sense.
"So why is Daniel so set on taking my husband down? And why the hell does Jordan want to see me suffer? I've done nothing to him," I asked in confusion.
"Danny's got another thing coming if he thinks he can take you away from me again," she said, eyes blazing. I noticed that she blatantly ignored my second question.
"I'm not going back to him, so you can calm down. Where's my son Eva?" I asked.
"He's safe, and don't worry, he knows who his mummy is. If you do this one thing for me, I will give him back to you," she bargained.
"Just like that?" I scowled.
"Well no actually. You have to leave your husband as well," she added.
Yeah, that's not happening.
"What do you need me to do?" I asked.
"I'm not sure whether you and your husband have spilled each other's deepest darkest secrets yet, but he took something from Jordan years ago, and Jordan wants it back," she said.
"Raphael knows Jordan?" I asked, wide-eyed.
"Oh pet, there's still so much more that you don't know. Do you truly think that Danny and your husband were just born enemies? They all go way back," she said with a chilled laugh.
"What do you need me to get from Raphael?" I asked.
"You need to find out what he did with the black diamonds he stole from Jordan, and get them back," she instructed.
My husband owns black diamonds?
"How am I supposed to do that?" I huffed.
"Still adorable as ever! Goodnight pet. Good luck with your bakery opening tomorrow," she giggled before kissing me.
She was gone before I could react, and it was then that I realized that it shouldn't have been so easy for her to get into the house in any case. I wouldn't know who to talk to because if I talk to the security team, they'll tell Rafe, who will then find out that Eva was here to begin with.
I don't think I want him to know just as yet.
I headed up to our room and he was sound asleep, snoring away. I joined him, but I couldn't sleep. I was basically tossing and turning the whole time, and by the time the sun was up, I was sure that I looked like a zombie.
I went and took a shower. Despite Rafe saying that we would sleep in, I just couldn't. The longer I stayed in bed, the deeper I drowned in my thoughts. I took a long and hot shower before getting out and getting dressed.
I left a note for my husband, telling him that I was just going to check on something at the bakery, and that I'd be back. I got there and the place looked ready. The sign outside was covered as it would only be unveiled at the launch.
I opened the door and went inside. I smiled to myself when I was met by the black, white and red theme. It's a mix between modern and rock and roll. Believe it or not, my grandmother was a big fan of rock and roll in her time.
Everything in the store reminded me of her, and I knew that we'd done her justice. She would've loved this place, and it made me happy to know that I'd done this for her. I jumped when I heard the door open behind me.
"You scared me!" I said, a hand to my heart, but he didn't say anything. He just looked at me like he was taking me for the very first time.
And that's when I saw it.
There was something completely different about the aura of the man before me, something gentler, and when he stepped forward, the sunlight caught his chin, where a small scar rested. I know my husband well enough to know that he doesn't have a scar on his chin, and yet this man looked like a replica of him.
"Oh my God," I gasped.
"Hello Aretha," he said with a small smile.
"Ralph."
**********
ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
SUPRISE!!! So, I have an assignment due tomorrow (Monday) but I managed to get this in. Hope you like the little surprise.
YOU'RE ABOUT TO BE EVEN MORE CONFUSED!
Before you bother asking, you'll find out who Jordan is in the chapters to follow, as well as how Ralph is still alive. So, if you ask me, I can guarantee that you'll be annoying me.
Please keep voting, commenting, sharing, adding to libraries and following. It means the world to me. I love you guys!!!
Katee (^^,)