Chapter 54

Kara’s POV

*

“Are you okay?”

“Of course. Why do you ask?” I leaned into the seat. Stephano was driving us to an event. I wasn’t through with exams but would be soon, in a week.

“You look tired. You’ve been working so much Kara.” His lips curved into a small smile. He wanted to say something else, but stopped at the last second.

“Hmm. I just need to rest a little after this event. I had a stressful week and my project supervisor just accepted mine. I was going crazy over that.”

He chuckled. “He’d be crazy not to accept it. I know you’ll do well.”

“Right? I’m awesome.” I chuckled and looked out the window, then back at him.

“I’m rubbing the cockiness on you, it seems.” He smiled warmly, “but still babe, you’re awesome.”

I checked my Instagram account and liked some videos where I had been tagged. Over the months, my followers had increased to a great amount and so many people were now following me, including celebrities. This came with the perks of dating a billionaire, because so many young ladies were always gushing over my random pictures now, unlike before when I only had a few followers on Instagram and Twitter.

A particular mention caught my eye and I clicked on it.

Bigbadguy: ‘Mr. Alfonsi, you have such an awesome and laid back girlfriend. I would love to have her as my girlfriend in the net life.’

My heart palpitated at the comment.

It was from a popular musician. I didn’t know how to feel about this but I guess it was normal, because so many guys and even women had been posting my pictures and fan-girling over my social media updates. The updates weren’t anything special, just me taking pictures with Adrian and later with Diego. I didn’t reveal it in public that Diego was my twin brother because it was obviously no one’s business but ours.

Then I read Stephano’s comment underneath it.

Stephanoalfonsi: ‘I’m not sorry to tell you that it won’t be possible. Even in the next life and the one following it, and then after that, Kara will always be mine.’ My heart fluttered at this.

A cheeky grin parted my face into two as I internally swooned at Stephano’s possessiveness and obvious jealousy. Being possessive wasn’t always attractive but Stephano was only being protective right?

I wouldn’t have appreciated him telling the guy he could have me in the next life anyway and knowing Stephano, he would never tell such. I skipped the comment and kept my phone back into my purse.

“Stephano?”

“Yes love?” He raised a brow but concentrated on the road before us. I would never get tired of hearing him call me his love.

“I’m thinking of taking a short break for a while after my exam. I’ve been mulling over it for a while and decided to go away somewhere.”

“And where would that be?”

I shrugged. “I can’t say for now, maybe Paris or some other place. I’ll go with Adrian to visit Paul for a while. I need the relaxation before thinking of applying for jobs anywhere.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Paul?”

I internally did an eye-roll. Of all the things I said. “Yes. I’ve not seen him since Lucas...”

“When will you be back?” he interrupted me and I squinted when I saw him clenching his jaws tightly.

I gnawed at my lips. “I don’t know. Maybe after two weeks?”

I jerked forward with a thumping heart and screamed, “Stephano!”

“What?” He looked back at me, his face was as calm as a cucumber. “Well you caught me off guard.” His tone was blunt, nonchalant.

“What I said wasn’t much of a big deal and you just slammed your feet on the break!” I snapped, my heart still thumping wildly in my chest. We could have gotten into an accident. He heaved a sigh.

“Let’s discuss this when we get home Kara.” By home, he meant my apartment. Not the mansion.

“There’s nothing to discuss. I need to take a vacation for a bit.” I gave him a look of bewilderment.

“You’re not going.”

I laughed at his ridiculousness. “We both know I’ll go Stephano. What do you mean by I’m not going? I wasn’t seeking your permission.” My tone was harsher than I’d intended but I didn’t care. I turned to face him. He was glaring at the steering wheel and gripping it very hard.

“I don’t want you to go.” He finally spoke softly.

“Why?”

Something was building at the pit of my belly. It was unease. I’d never had a fight with Stephano before but right now, he was being kind of unreasonable. He didn’t respond, just stared ahead with clenched jaws.

“I’m going Stephano. In fact, I’ll go days after my last paper.”

“You won’t.” He all but snapped and turned on the ignition. His tone was cold sending chills through me. He was back to being the inconsiderate and arrogant young master. Clenching my jaws, I picked my phone and plugged my earpiece.

I started playing ‘Girl on fire’ by Alicia Keys because I was on fire at the moment and the urge to equally yell at him was compelling but he was driving. At the moment, anger, nervousness and curiosity were swirling in me. I was not used to these emotions when dealing with Stephano.

Stephano was driving very fast but I didn’t care to caution him. I would go ahead with my plan immediately after my finals. If he wasn’t mature enough to hold a conversation, then I didn’t see how that was my fault.

As we got to the event, I couldn’t immediately keep my distance like I’d planned. I gave some women my fake smile as they complimented my red gown because they were totally eye-raping Stephano all the while, much to my annoyance.

The gown had a dip at the back, revealing most of my back and despite our argument; Stephano didn’t once take his hand from it, occasionally moving his hand to my backside. I didn’t swat his hand away. I loved the attention. I finally left his side and went back to the seat we’d been ushered to when we just got here.

I couldn’t even concentrate on what was going on because all I could think of was how unreasonable Stephano was being earlier on.

A lady was scolding a cute little girl who had a tear streaked face. She walked towards me and finally took a seat on our table. There were about five chairs on the table. I was mad at Stephano who was now speaking with some men but that didn’t stop me from smiling at the little girl in her beautiful dress. Her cheeks were flushed and moist was still gathered on her eyelashes but I found it adorable.

“Hello. What’s happening at the moment?” The woman surprised me by asking. She wasn’t gushing over my outfit or throwing me death glares to show her jealousy that I came with Stephano. I took that as a good sign.

“Huh?”

“Are you with the program?”

“What program?”

She looked embarrassed. “Program of events. You were sitting with Stephano so I thought you were part of the VVIP. They get program of the event. My husb- ex-husband also has one.”

“Oh. I guess Stephano would have one.” I didn’t notice Stephano getting any program or if he was among the VVIP. Then again, I’d been clouded with anger since I got here and I haven’t gotten out of this seat once.

“So, are you an investor? Sorry, I’m not trying to be nosy but I get bored with all these events sometimes.”

“No I’m not.” I smiled. “I came with Stephano.”

“Oh. I see. We went to the same University, along with my husb... Ex-husband.”

“Do I know him?” I smiled. Was she not used to calling him her ex-husband? She’d mentioned ‘husb-’ twice now.

She nudged her chin behind me. Her eyes flashed with something I couldn’t quite place my hand on. It was a look of uncertainty, or pain? When I turned in my chair, only two men were talking with Stephano. One of them was Sucre. I didn’t know the other one.

“Sucre?”

“Yes.” She smiled. It was pretense. A part of me felt sorry for the woman I just met because it seemed she had an unsettled issue with him. Wait, he was her Ex-husband yet they came together? I shrugged. That wasn’t my business.

“How old is she? She looks so cute!” I gushed, finally transferring the attention to the girl. She was in a blue ball gown. Her lips were curved into the cutest pout ever.

The woman’s face split into a sincere smile. “She’s four.” I handed her a wrap of chocolate and the girl tore at it with the patience I knew I myself lacked when chocolate was involved.

“Hello cutie. What’s your name?”

She looked up at me. “Tephnie.”

I figured she meant Stephanie but didn’t correct her. Leaning back, I searched for Stephano. Stephanie from home finally had to fight over Stephano with someone who was her namesake.

“Monica, well, well, well. It’s a pleasure to see you here. You disappeared all these years.” Stephano said accusingly. He went over the table and pulled the woman into a hug. She laughed and whispered something in his ear.

“I’d be careful with those hands if I were you Alfonsi.” Sucre threatened behind Stephano who pulled away from the woman. Stephano laughed and patted him on the shoulder. It sounded more like he gave him a good slap. I winced at the harsh sound that it produced.

“They’re always like this.” The woman laughingly told me and I returned a small smile.

“It’s good to see you again Kara. Baby, this is Kara, Stephano’s girlfriend and soon to be wife.” Sucre introduced us and reached for my hand, slowly pecking the back of it. She glared at him while my cheeks warmed at his statement.

I knew Stephano was paying attention to us though he was concentrating on the girl that was stretching her hands out to him. He carried her and Stephanie latched her hands around his neck, bouncing as his lower arms held her bum to stabilize her.

“Children suit you. She looks so cute in your arms.” The woman complimented Stephano with a smile. I choked on my drink and Sucre slowly patted my back. I heard her mutter an embarrassed ‘I’m sorry’.

“Get your hands off her.” Stephano spoke slowly. There was tension between him and Sucre and even the sharpest knife couldn’t cut through it. He gave the Stephanie to her mother.

“I want you to meet someone Kara.” Stephano told me.

“Okay. It was nice meeting you ma’am.” I walked away as she replied that I could just call her Monica but Stephano was already holding me and pulling me away from the table before I could give a proper response. He led me into a room and shut the door. No one was here!

“Stephano, you sai-”

“I know what I said Kara.” He pressed me against the door and held my waist, grinding himself against me as he began to kiss my neck and move down to my collarbone.

“You look so hot in that gown Kara.”

“Hmmm.” I groaned, not really processing his words as I chose to concentrate on his physical assaults. I could feel his hardness against my thighs. I held back a groan. The sexual tension between us was getting out of control and Stephano had told me he would wait till I was ready but I knew it was torture for him.

“What do you want?” He surprised me by asking against my lips, now groping my backside.

I frowned in confusion. “What?”

“Dammit Kara, just tell me what else you want me to do. First it was that scrawny ranch kid Gonzalo, then Paul and now it’s that playboy, Sucre-”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

I tried to get out of his hold but he held me firmly, moving his eyes to the swell of my breasts. He groaned. “Are you trying to kill me Kara? How many more men do I have to threaten?” His eyes blazed with fury while I gasped at the audacity of his acclaimed actions. His words finally registered and his eyes widened.

His hold on mine tightened but I fought it, pulling away. It felt like he’d just slapped me.

“What?” I whisper yelled. Had he threatened men because of me?

His shoulders slumped. “I- It’s ok-”

“Who did you threaten Stephano?” Tears threatened to pull at my eyes. I had not been this angry in a while and I hated being so angry. I was fond of crying whenever I was angry.

“I didn’t th-”

“Don’t you even think of lying to me Stephano.” I wagged my fingers in his face.

“It was only a onetime thing and I-”

“Who did you threaten?!” I snapped.

“Gon-Gonzalo.”

I gasped, feeling both shocked and miffed that he would do that. Even though a part of me was annoyed with Gonzalo for his actions, there had been another part that knew he didn’t just do what he did to Stephano for no reason.

No wonder Gonzalo had reacted that way. The guy would have been bitter and acted rashly which resulted in him getting drugged. Stephano avoided my eyes. Good for him. “Stephano, I knew you had a weird obsession over me but this is low, even for you. Very low!”

I made an attempt to open the door but he stopped me. “Don’t go. Please.”

“You lost the right to say that!” I fired at him. I hated that I was snapping at him and he was taking it all but he did this to himself. His eyes looked pained as they clouded with desperation and fear.

“Don’t leave me.

“Staying isn’t a preferable option either. How dare you threaten someone to do what? Stay away from me?!”

“Love me at my worse Kara and praise me at my best. But never leave me. You’re mine. Mine alone.” He grabbed my hands and held them behind me with one hand. Pressing me impossibly closer against his six feet something inch frame and the door, he leaned in and slammed his lips on mine, kissing me roughly.

“Kiss me back Kara.” He groaned against my mouth when I pressed my lips together.

“No.”

He pressed my head against his, holding me firmly and backing me against the door with his other hand still holding both of mine in place behind me. I was completely at his mercy but I didn’t want to be. His hand released my head and came to settle on my cloth covered mound.

Dipping a finger up straight, I gasped at the flame he ignited and he gained entry into my mouth, caressing his tongue with mine. I kissed him back in anger. I didn’t care for a few minutes as he kissed me with so much hunger. His body was molded perfect against mine while his hands played with my breasts. I was a panting mess.

When he stopped for breath, I pushed at his chest with all my might and he stumbled back. His eyes flashed with pain and surprise. “One more question. What did you do to Gonzalo?”

“I-I made him get deported. I didn’t want him anywhere near you.” There was no regret in his eyes. He simply didn’t care.

“You can’t always have your way with everything young master. Learn to consider the feeling of others too, all because you think they like me. And what if they actually do?! I can’t believe you would do that. Now Gonzalo is awaiting sentence in court.” I realized I just called him young master. He reminded me of that time.

I placed my hand on the door knob. “Good night Stephano.”

“Are you breaking up with me?” His voice was broken. I couldn’t believe he would ask such a question. He went too far but I was madly in love with him and wouldn’t even think of a break up. Maybe we needed to be apart for a while.

I shrugged and tried to braze myself for whatever would come next. “Yes.”

I didn’t turn around and I didn’t run when paparazzi took pictures as I hurriedly walked back down the stairs and past a good amount of people hanging around in groups. Thank goodness Monica and her daughter were busy with Sucre at the table. The hall was fuller now. Then I heard him calling for me.

I ran through people and hailed a passing taxi the instance I got out, giving the driver my destination without looking back at the broken man running after me, after the car, till we were out of the venue area. I was in deep thoughts till I made it into my place.

A surprising sight greeted me. Adrian was sitting before the TV and switching channels, mouth agape as we watched my image in the TV run farther from Stephano in my red gown and slightly disheveled hair.

Breaking news!

E-gist- The business mogul and one of the hottest bachelors in Italy, Stephano Alfonsi has just been confirmed to have been dumped by the love of his life, Kara Wilson at the Homeland Yearly charity event tonight and…

24/7 news- the Economics undergraduate student, Kara Wilson, in her early twenties, with five foot three inches height, and  the ungrateful and haughty house maid who was earlier announced to be in a relationship, dumps hot billionaire boyfriend at a party with other influential people.

Tick-the-clock gist - Trouble in paradise as Kara Wilson, daughter of a staff and twenty one year old lady who attended Zion high school in the outskirts of Sicily gets humped and dumped by her hot billionaire boyfriend, Stephano Alfonsi. Rumor has it that the young, promising business mogul caught her cheating with a younger and fairly average waiter and dumped her at the spot while...

Adrian released a groan and shut off the television. Then she turned around and realized she wasn’t alone. Her eyes widened.

“What the hell happened?!” I ran to her with shaky legs and she engulfed me in an embrace.

This night was a disaster.