Chapter 7: TMA || 7

I woke up at six in the morning and silently made my way out of the bed. I managed to make it downstairs without waking anyone up.

Today would be my first day as the lady of the house.

It was Monday, which meant that Raphael was going back to work today, and the girls were heading to their tutors. Raphael and I had discussed actually getting them into the school system, but we realized that we couldn’t because of their age and advanced knowledge.

They are after all, five years smarter than the kids their age.

I kid you not!

Raphael had their IQs tested.

It was insane to find out such a thing, but hey, who am I to argue when I have talented kids? That’s one thing that’s officially changed. I fully regard them as my daughters now, much to Raphael’s happiness.

It’s been three days since I announced that the wedding would be in a month’s time and already so much had happened. Bianca is helping me plan it, and Raphael is flying Rhonda down as well. She’s been given a month’s leave.

The perks of being the boss’ wife’s best friend.

Lui and I would be fetching her from the airport since the girls have their lessons and Raphael will be at work. He wanted to get me my own driver, but I told him it’s unnecessary. I’m always with the girls, which means Lui can drive me since if they’re not with me, they’ll either be with Anita, Florencia, my grandmother or their tutors.

I took out my ingredients and got to cooking breakfast for everyone. While many women would think that being a housewife is demeaning or even boring, I would like to think otherwise. I wouldn’t want to be a housewife forever, but I was definitely loving it right now.

It brought me some kind of other joy to be able to cook for my family. Their smiles of happiness are what keeps me going, and I’d cook a thousand times just to keep those smiles. I just love having them look at me like I’ve saved them.

I know I have.

And I know that they’ve saved me too.

The time that I’ve spent with the Maestri’s has made me realize that no matter what happens in the future, I belong here with them. I have never known happiness like this. It’s not even about the lavish lifestyle that comes with them. I love them because of the feeling I get from loving them. They make me feel like I’m important, and the heavens know that at this point in time, they are the most important people to me.

I would do anything for them.

“You’re up early,” a voice made me jump. I turned to find Anita there, staring at me with amused eyes.

“Yeah! I wanted to make them something before they leave,” I smiled.

“I’m going to be out of a job because of you,” she teased.

“Rafe would never get rid of you!” I gasped.

“Calm down child! I know that much,” she laughed heartily.

“Oh ok good! I wouldn’t want you to hate me,” I smiled.

“I could never hate you. I thank God every day for you,” she said seriously.

“Really?” I asked. That really surprised me.

“You have no idea! I’m grateful to you child. You are what this family needs without a doubt!” she smiled.

“You really think so? I don’t feel like it most times,” I admitted.

“You feel like you’re imposing on them? Like they see you as a replacement more than for who you really are?” she asked knowingly. I nodded.

“The girls could never see you as a replacement because that would suggest that they’ve had a mother before. YOU are their mother in their eyes. Gabi is merely the woman who birthed them,” she explained.

“What about Rafe?” I sighed.

“What about him?” she counter asked.

“I’m afraid Anita. What if his demons really are a lot to take?” I asked warily. She was silent for a while, as though she was trying to find the right words to say to appease me.

“Child, he doesn’t know anything about his own life. You think he’s a mystery to you and the world? Little do you know that he’s a mystery to himself. He doesn’t know of the lies that surround him. He has dark secrets Rita, dark secrets that practically swallow him whole. He’s in a dark place right now, and I know that deep inside, you know it too. I’ve seen the way you look at him. You look at him like he’s someone worth giving up the world for. Be his light child. God knows he needs you,” she finally replied before leaving the kitchen.

I was stunned.

She left me alone to stew from her words.  How could she say something like that and then leave me alone? What lies was she talking about? I mean, it’s enough having to deal with his demons when the time comes, and now she adds this onto everything?

Will I really be ready to face everything when the time comes?

I managed to finish preparing most of the breakfast without burning it from lack of concentration. I put the food in the warmer. The only thing I would need to prepare was the eggs, and only because I know they like their eggs warm and straight from the pan.

I went up to our room to find Raphael spread out on the bed. It was an adorable sight really. I thought of all the evils ways I could wake him up, but I settled for the sweetest way- I kissed him to wake him up.

Not that it worked.

The stupid oaf didn’t even budge.

“WAKE UP!” I smacked him with a pillow. He shot right up in his sleepy daze.

“Why?” he groaned before hitting his head back onto the pillow.

“I already tried the nice way of waking you up. It’s not my fault you don’t respond to my kisses. Quite frankly, I’m insulted at that fact!” I huffed. I was on my back so fast that a squeak was inevitable.

“I’m sorry,” he smiled after giving me an earth shattering kiss.

“You’re not forgiven,” I barely managed to say in my daze. He only kissed me deeply once more.

“Am I forgiven now?” he smirked.

“Yes!” I replied breathlessly. He chuckled before pecking my lips.

“Good morning gorgeous!” he winked.

“Good morning handsome!” I blushed.

“How long have you been up?” he asked after checking the time. It was 06:54.

“I’ve been up since six,” I replied.

“Why?” he frowned.

“Breakfast,” I shrugged.

“You got up at six to make us breakfast?” he asked amusedly.

“It’s not like I can’t rest after you guys leave. Rhonda is only coming in at two in the afternoon,” I argued.

“Someone’s living the lavish life,” he teased.

“The perks of being engaged to a billionaire,” I sighed dramatically. He chuckled and shook his head.

“Can you do me a favour?” he asked, suddenly nervous.

“Now that you’re so nervous about it, I’m not so sure,” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“It’s nothing big- well actually, it is for me I guess,” he sighed.

“Spit it out Rafe!” I raised an eyebrow.

“Please come in to the office straight from the airport,” he rushed out.

“Why?” I scowled.

“I’ve got a meeting with the editors of some magazines and newspapers. I figured it would be good for you to come in and scout which ones you’d agree for me to do interviews with and the likes,” he explained.

“Really? That’s it?” I giggled.

“Yes, why?” he looked confused.

“You looked like you were about to ask me to come and meet your secret first wife,” I full on laughed.

“I wasn’t that terrified,” he mumbled. I pecked his lips.

“You’re adorable,” I giggled.

“So is that a yes?” he smiled.

“Yes Rafe! I’ll be there,” I returned the smile.

“Good!” he said in relief.

“Go and get ready for the day,” I instructed.

“Yes Mam! Will you pick out my clothes?” he pouted.

“I’ll think about it,” I teased.

“Ari,” he groaned, placing his head on my lap.

“Ok you big baby! Get off me so that I can go and get the girls up,” I laughed.

“Ok,” he smiled before going to our bathroom.

That man is something else!

I left the room and headed to the girl’s floor. When the elevator doors opened, a giggle escaped my lips. They definitely inherited their father’s sleeping habits. They were all sleeping in ways that I couldn’t even begin to describe from how weird they looked.

“TIME TO GET UP GIRLS!” I shouted. Just like with their daddy, they shot up and groaned when they saw me.

“Mummy, why are you so mean?” Caprice whined.

“You’re going to be late for school,” I giggled.

“Will you choose our outfit for today?” Calinda asked me.

“You’re seriously just like your father,” I rolled my eyes at them.

“We all really love you?” Camilla cheekily offered.

“Uh huh,” I crossed my arms, making them giggle before they left their beds to come and hug me.

“Good morning mummy!” they smiled. I kissed each of their foreheads.

“Good morning my angels,” I smiled back at them.

“What are we having for breakfast?” Caterina asked.

“Well, it’s ready, so you’ll just have to get ready and come down to see it,” I winked.

“Aaaaw man!” they groaned before heading to their bathroom.

I shook my head at their antics before heading to their vast closet. Their closet actually looks the same on all sides. They pack their clothes and arrange their shoes in the exact same way. Just like their replicas of each other, their sides of the closet were replicas of each other.

Since it was a bit warm out, I picked a simple outfit for them. I picked out blue jeans with a stripped blue and white t-shirt. I paired the look with white cardigans and white pumps. I knew they’d call me once they were ready for me to do their hair.

I went back to Raphael and I’s room to pick out his clothes. Since it was his first day back from his first ever leave, I figured he should look as much the CEO that he truly is. I settled for a simple black Armani suit with a crisp white shirt and black tie.

Simple and classy.

I searched his cufflinks and found that he had impersonal cufflinks everywhere. I settled for a pair of diamond shaped black cufflinks. I’d have to get him personalized cufflinks as a gift from me. I actually like the idea more and more.

I decided to set out a dress for myself as well. I chose one from the ones that the girls had bought me. I realized that I’d actually have to go shopping. While I don’t want to spend Raphael’s money, despite his permission, I need to keep up with his and the girls’ image, which means I need to dress the part.

“Go with the red dress,” he said behind me. I turned to find him standing there, water dripping from his torso as it disappeared into the towel wrapped around his waist.

“Ari,” he said softly, snapping me out of trance.

“Hmm?” I looked up into his amused eyes.

“Besides my delectable torso, what were you thinking about?” he chuckled.

“Shut up! I was thinking about how I needed to actually go shopping,” I sighed.

“Finally using my money huh?” he smirked.

“Not out of choice! I just realized that I need to keep up the image and obviously being your fiancée means dressing the part,” I pointed out.

“I have never met a woman who didn’t want to spend my money when I was willingly offering,” he chuckled.

“Oh, so you hand out your money to women then?” I raised an amused eyebrow. I was actually blessed with the sight of his blush.

“That isn’t at all what I meant,” he murmured.

“Uh huh! And what exactly is it that you meant Raphael Maestri?” I crossed my arms.

“What’s it going to take for me to get out of this uncomfortable position?” he bargained.

He was putting his CEO skills to use on me.

“You must be home by seven!” I told him.

“Eight,” he frowned.

“Seven,” I countered.

“Seven forty five?” he offered.

“Seven,” I didn’t budge.

“Seven thirty and that’s my last offer,” he sighed.

“Seven o’clock Raphael. I’ll be serving dinner then, and I hope for your own sake that you’re home,” I smiled sweetly before leaving the closet with my chosen dress. I heard him mumble something but I didn’t hear him.

I put the dress aside before heading downstairs. Once again, I was alone in the kitchen, but I figured that it would be safe to start on the eggs. I was right, since by the time I finished with the fourth plate, the girls had already taken their seats on the stools at the island. I handed them each their plates.

“Thank you mummy,” they smiled. Their hair was slightly wet and I knew I’d have to work on it once they were done eating.

“Eat quickly girls. I still have to do your hair,” I reminded them.

“Ok mummy!” they nodded as they started eating.

“Good morning beautiful ladies!” Luigi greeted as he and Sven walked into the kitchen.

“Morning,” the girls and I replied as I handed the guys their breakfast. They were thankful as always.

“Where’s the man of the house?” Luigi asked as I prepared the said man’s eggs.

“Here I am! What do you want?” Raphael asked him.

“Rafe!” I scolded him.

“What? He always wants something from me,” Raphael pouted.

“Did it ever occur to you that he was perhaps asking after your wellbeing?” I asked him.

“No actually, he’s right! I only ask because I want something from him,” Luigi chuckled. Raphael gave me the ‘see what I mean?’ look.

“Well you’re not a nice person then,” I shrugged.

“Only you could say something so nice when insulting someone,” Luigi teased.

“Shut up!” I scowled as they laughed. I handed Raphael his plate of food, which I got a kiss in return for. I blushed heavily as the girls giggled.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Luigi asked.

“The girls have their lessons until twelve. From there on, they have tennis and swimming practice. You and Ari can then go to the airport at two and fetch Rhonda. From there you’ll come straight to the office. We should be done by four, which is the time the girls finish with their practices and you can fetch them on the way from the office,” Raphael replied.

I had no idea those were the complete plans for the day!

“And daddy will be home at seven,” I added sweetly.

“As if!” Luigi chuckled. Even Sven scoffed and looked amused by my expectation.

“Oh, trust me, he will be,” I glared at my fiancé, who only sighed in frustration.

“Whatever you say,” Luigi said in sing song.

“What about Rhonda? We wont fit if she’s with us on the way back from the office,” I asked at the realization.

“I’ll bring her here while you’re at the office,” Luigi shrugged.

“Well alright then,” I smiled.

“Oh, you have to take Ari shopping,” Raphael told Luigi.

“I’ll go tomorrow with Rhonda there,” I told him.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“I’m not going shopping alone Rafe,” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Alright then! Whatever you wish milady,” he smiled.

“We’re done mummy!” the girls said as they showed me their clean plates.

“Ok! Head up and I’ll be with you shortly,” I told them.

They did as I told them to while I took their dirty plates to the laundry room. Raphael was discussing something with Luigi and Sven by the time I went upstairs. I found the girls waiting patiently for me. They smiled when I came into view, reminding me of just how much I love them.

“So, what do we want today?” I asked them.

“Straight hair,” they replied.

“Alright then,” I laughed.

I got to straightening their hair and they decided that they wanted pigtails as well. They coaxed me into putting blue and white ribbons in their hair, but I was more than glad to do it for the smiles I got in return.

They were good to go in thirty minutes. They were still on time and they had their bags with them. One of the things I love about the girls is how organized they are. For girls their age, it truly is incredible. They had already trained themselves to pack all their stuff the night before and all.

“Well Miss Washington, this is the part where we leave you,” Raphael sighed as we all headed for the door.

“You’re so dramatic. You’ll all be back later,” I rolled my eyes at him, making the girls laugh.

“Don’t miss us too much,” he sighed dramatically.

“Raphael, you miss me already,” I smiled knowingly.

“Badly,” he pouted, this time making us all laugh.

“I’m going to see you later! You’ll manage a few hours,” I giggled.

“Bye mummy!” the girls hugged me. I kissed their cheeks and got kisses on my cheeks in return.

“I love you my babies. Enjoy your day ok?” I told them.

“You too mummy,” they beamed before running for the SUV.

“See you shortly Rita,” Luigi chuckled before he and Sven headed out.

“You’ll be fine Rafe,” I caressed his cheek.

“I’m not sure. After two weeks with you, I think I have attachment issues,” he smiled as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“All the more reason why you should come home at seven,” I pointed out.

“Can’t we bargain for seven thirty, just for today? It’s my first day back and it’s bound to be hectic. Plus, I can leave the office at seven and avoid traffic,” he negotiated.

“Fine you stubborn man! Seven thirty and no later,” I warned.

“I promise,” he smiled before kissing me.

“Enjoy your day,” I sighed contently.

“I will if you will,” he winked. He looked so yummy in his spectacles. I don’t think I’ve ever told him that before.

“I’ll see you later,” I giggled. He kissed me one more time.

“Later love,” he smirked before leaving.

I was finally alone.

Well, minus the presence of the elder ladies in the house somewhere.

I went back to our room and just sat on the bed. I knew that Anita would scold me if I started cleaning, and it was only 08:04, so I had plenty of time before I had to get ready for anything. I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself, if my sigh of frustration was any indication.

I wasn’t even tired enough to sleep!

I remembered that Raphael had gotten me a laptop and he’d set it up and all, so I decided to head to his office, or our office as he now refers to it. He’d already made me my own space in the room, so I could also work in there.

I switched it on and smiled when the background picture popped up. It was a picture of my five favourite people in the whole world as they smiled at me in their chef hats. I’d taken the picture when they wanted to help make our Sunday lunch just the day before.

I logged onto my emails and found that I had a couple of responses from the jobs that I’d applied at before meeting Raphael and before his proposal. I was surprised to know that some of the places were actually willing to interview me, despite me being blacklisted. The one company even said they’d like to hear from me because the evidence of my ‘crime’ isn’t solid from what they uncovered from their investigations.

Too bad I don’t need a job that much anymore.

I was shocked to find an email from Daniel. Since I’d changed my numbers when I moved here, he couldn’t reach me, which he mentioned in his email. He was apologizing for the morning that changed my life, and I couldn’t help but thank him in that moment.

Had he not been a jerk to me, that morning would’ve turned out entirely different I’m sure.

I ignored the email and instead went on to research the most suitable venue to get married at in Florence. Raphael already told me that he’s such an esteemed member of the community, that many of the venue owners wont mind helping us out.

The more I looked for places, the more I realized that I had a venue right under my nose. Our home was perfect for our wedding since we weren’t expecting that many guests- and even if we were, it was big enough to fit at least a hundred guests.

I stopped my search and instead started looking for caterers.

Time passed by me so fast that I didn’t even realize when it was twelve. I was brought out of my thoughts by Florencia knocking on the door. I jumped up before telling her that she could come in. She looked amused to find me there.

“How long have you been in here child?” she laughed.

“About three hours at most! I lost track of time,” I blushed.

“What were you even doing?” she asked curiously.

“I was looking for caterers for the wedding,” I replied.

“Oh! Any luck?” she asked.

“Nope! None of them have what I want,” I sighed.

“Well, I know a great family friend who owns a catering business. She’s the best in Florence and she owes me a favour. Besides, once news gets out about your wedding, everyone will want to be at your service,” she smiled.

“You reckon?” I bit my lip.

“Trust me on this child. You don’t even need to stress. They’ll come flocking to you. They wont even care that you’re getting married in less than a month’s time- bold move on your part by the way,” she smirked.

“I want my grandmother to walk me down the aisle while she can,” I said, the lump lodging in my throat. She looked regretful.

“I didn’t mean to bring it up,” she said softly.

“No, it’s ok! I’ll never be ready to let her go, but I know she wants to leave knowing that I’m at least happy. If this is the last thing I can do for her, then so be it. It’s just my luck that she wants what I want as well,” I smiled, wiping away my tears.

“You’re very special Aretha. I hope that you realize that. I have truly never met anyone like you,” she hugged me.

“Thank you Florencia,” I hugged her back.

“What’s with this Florencia nonsense? I’m your grandmother too you know?” she winked.

“I love you grandma,” I giggled.

“I love you too my angel,” she smiled before kissing my forehead.

I may be losing one grandmother soon, but I was glad to know that I’d gained another.

I shut off my laptop and instead went to get ready. I checked my phone and found a text from Luigi saying that Rhonda was landing early, so he’d be here at one, which meant I had under an hour to get ready.

I got dressed in the red and black dress Raphael chose with matching Louboutin heels. I applied minimal make-up and put my stuff into a matching handbag. I’d just applied my perfume when Luigi called to say that he was waiting outside. I looked at myself in the mirror one more time before I was satisfied with how I looked.

“Geez Rita, are you trying to kill the Italian men out here?” Luigi groaned when I got into the car.

“I take it I get an A then?” I giggled with a blush.

“You get a B for bodyguard, which is me,” he scoffed, making me roll my eyes at him as we headed to the airport. Rhonda was landing at one thirty, so we had enough time to get there.

“How’d you know Rhonda was landing early?” I asked him out of curiosity.

“I checked the airport announcements,” he shrugged.

“Because that’s a normal thing to do...” I trailed off.

“When you have my job, it kind of is,” he smiled sheepishly.

“Well that makes sense then,” I smiled.

“We haven’t really talked yet! How are you liking Italy?” he asked.

“I love it here! It’s like I’ve been missing something in my life and this is it you know? This place is amazing,” I described enthusiastically.

“And is it just the place that makes you so happy? Or is it the people you live with also?” he smirked.

“Both,” I blushed.

“How are things between you and my cousin? I never imagined him settling down after Gabi, but I’m glad he’s settling down with you,” he smiled.

“Things are going great between us. Our chemistry is off the charts, and even though a big part of me is worried about the demons he claims to have, I have hope that we’ll make it either way you know?” I replied.

“I get it, but I’m curious about something,” he said.

“What is it?” I scowled.

“What about your demons?” he asked.

“What?” I choked.

“Your demons Rita; what about them? When are you going to tell him about them?” he asked.

“How do you know I have demons?” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I actually didn’t know that you had demons, until you had the reaction that you just did. There are clearly things in your past that you need to tell him as well,” he pointed out.

“I know, but I’m not brave enough,” I admitted.

“Are you afraid he’ll leave you?” he asked.

“I know that he’ll leave me,” I said lowly, my eyes pricking with tears.

“You can’t believe that Rita. It’s not fair for you to promise to not leave him and not have him do the same,” he argued.

“I know that much, but I wont force him to stay with me Lui,” I sighed.

“And he wouldn’t be forcing you?” he asked.

“No,” I shook my head.

“You’re that confident that you’ll stay?” he asked incredulously.

“Unlike him, I’ve already accepted that whatever he has to tell me is in his past. Raphael is a stubborn man and you know it. He may not be as forgiving,” I replied.

“And you’re still willing to put your heart on the line?” he frowned.

“For the girls and for the feelings I already have for him, yes,” I said confidently. Luigi didn’t say anything for the longest time.

“He doesn’t deserve you,” he finally said.

“Lui!” I scolded.

“No Rita, he really doesn’t. If he doesn’t forgive you, he’d be an idiot,” he said fiercely.

“Well, I’ll pray every day that he wont be an idiot,” I offered him a small smile.

“You really are too much of a good person,” he chuckled as he shook his head with a smile.

“And I’ll choose to take that as a compliment,” I smiled.

The rest of our trip to the airport was filled with lighter chat as he told me all about the woman he has a crush on. He feels like she’s way out of his league, but he doesn’t know what to do about his feelings, because despite the knowledge, his heart still chooses this woman.

He wouldn’t tell me her name.

We pulled up to the airport and I got off while he went to find parking. I went inside, and just my luck, Rhonda had just come into my line of vision. At least I wouldn’t have to look for her. She spotted me and immediately rushed over, before engulfing me in a tight hug.

“Oh my gosh girly! Look at you!” she beamed as she stepped back to look me over.

“I know, I know,” I blushed.

“That man is good for you in more ways than one,” she winked.

“Rhonda!” I gasped and smacked her arm, making her giggle.

“Let’s get out of here and save Lui the time,” I smiled.

As I’d suspected, when we got outside, Lui was still trying to find parking. I called him over and he picked us up at the entrance. Since they hadn’t met in Washington, I had to introduce them. They seemed t click almost instantly.

“So, I’ve got to go to Rafe at the office, so Lui is going to drop me off there and then he’ll take you to the house because we have to fetch the girls from the office. Is that ok with you?” I asked her.

“It’s fine girly! I’m just happy to be here! This place is insane!” she said excitedly.

“Wait until you get to the house,” I winked, causing some more excitement.

“I can’t believe what a turn around your life took in less than a month!” she laughed in disbelief.

“You’re telling me! I wake up every day not believing it!” I giggled.

“Don’t let Raphael hear you say that,” Luigi smirked, making me smack his arm as he and Rhonda laughed.

“I’m only saying! He’d find some very creative ways of making you believe,” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“LUIGI!” I shouted, my face flushed.

“You’re so easy to tease,” he chuckled as Rhonda laughed harder.

“I hate you!” I scowled.

“Uh huh! Sure you do,” he smiled.

“Whatever!” I huffed.

“Aw, don’t be mad at me!” he pouted.

“So Rho, how are things at the Maestri?” I asked her, ignoring Luigi.

“Tense,” she replied, her face suddenly serious.

“Tense?” I raised an eyebrow.

“You wont believe me if I tell you,” she sighed.

“Try me,” I smiled. She hesitated before speaking.

“Well, Adrienne is the new Supervising Manager,” she informed.

“Oh? Well good for her!” I shrugged.

“You don’t find it peculiar that she, of all people, got the position? Even Tilley was better qualified for the post,” Rhonda argued.

“What are you saying?” Luigi was the one to ask her.

“I’m saying that perhaps Shelby wasn’t the only one in on getting you fired,” she replied, looking at me.

“But she was my best friend,” I frowned.

“You just said was,” Luigi pointed out.

“And, you know what they say- keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” Rhonda added.

I sat there and thought about what the two of them were suggesting. In the few months before my dismissal, I did notice that Adrienne was acting very strangely towards me, but I never took it to heart at the time. I thought she was just going through stuff in her life or something.

Does that make me a bad friend?

“Whether or not you were aware of it, she played you. I can understand if a part of you would still like to believe otherwise, but just think about what we’re saying before you brush it off,” Rhonda told me as we reached the huge building with the words ‘The Maestri Empire Headquarters’ showing outside in bold.

My fiancé was waiting for me outside.

And he looked as palatable as ever.

**********

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