Chapter 7: SECOND MEETING

MATTEO ALESSANDRO'S POV

I was having a nice lunch with a friend of mine when I got a glimpse of someone staring at me. I became uncomfortable upon realizing who it was. I hurriedly finished up with my lunch and packed up immediately and left. I asked a Waiter to distract Serena while I hide away, I can't meet that devil again. I hid away and watched her search for me. Why in the world is she looking for me? Her car arrived and she got in and left. I got out of my hiding and met up with my friend and we left together for the car.

I walked into my office and my secretary approached me with some invite for being nominated businessman of the year award. Quite a good news. I took it from her and asked her to go back to work. I went through it and quickly checked my email. I was sent a mail about it. I smiled and opened my laptop and began to work with it.

Work hours ended and k returned home really exhausted from the day's event, and pretty famished. I requested mum to prepare something nice for me while I go take a shower in my room. I left for my room , dropped my bag and undressed and got into the shower cubicle and had a nice shower. I finished up and dried my body with my towel, applied some cream and wore my sleepwear and went down to have my dinner.

While I ate, I broke the good news to everyone who were happy for me and excited for the day. They were equally proud of me. I finished up with dinner and returned back to my room.

I laid on my bed when my phone rang. I grabbed my phone and realized who the caller was and picked the call. I was all smiles during the conversation on the phone. My aunt had called. Aunt is really find of me. Dad must have broken the good news to her. I ended the call after bidding her goodnight.

I heard a knock at my door and asked the person in. Mum walked in with a glass of warm milk which she placed on the cabinet beside my bed and sat on my bed.

"I want to discuss something really important with you son" Mum said

" Okay what is it? I asked sitting up.

" Rosa just flew into the country. She came in yesterday's evening"

" That's good. How is she?

"She's fine. You know what you are supposed to do?

"Nope. What am I supposed to do? She came in yesterday, so I'm not going to pick her up from the airport"

" Son... your marriage was arranged with her even before she left the country for her master's degree program in Canada"

" I know. Any problem?

"I know that you do not have strong feelings for her, but at least, try to be a gentleman with her and show her love"

" Why? Is she going through some heart break stuff?

"Matteo... please. You know she likes you a lot"

" I doubt she does mum. Mum, I've heard all you've said. I'll try to be in my best behavior"

" They've thrown a welcome party for her and we'll be attending"

" Okay. That's okay"

" You'll be her escort"

" Mum please... today was a very long day and the last thing I would want to do is to discuss about things which are not important. Nothing is as important right now to me as my sleep. Mum please, do leave. I need to get some rest and I've got another long day ahead of me"

" Okay but think about all I've said to you"

" Mum, let fate decide. We became a forced couple three years ago and not up to a year she left, so don't think that I've developed some feelings for her"

" At least you like he... don't you?

I glared at my mum and looked away. I grabbed my duvet and pulled it up.

"Mum... goodnight' I said lying down.

" Fine. Goodnight and take care sweetie. And hey, don't forget to drink your warm milk" Mum kissed my forehead and left.

" Mum can be annoying sometimes. So Rosa is back and she didn't inform me despite our closeness. " I took the glass of warm milk and drank from it and laid back on the bed.

Rosa and I were arranged to marry. I didn't and never liked her but I tried to give her a chance. Despite being away from each other, we tried to communicate with each other as much as we could and we became friends. I wonder what destiny holds for us.

A party was thrown for her and she didn't seem it fit to inform me, I was pretty mad at her.

I attended the party with my family. it was quite a nice party. Rosa rushed over to welcome us but I ignored he'd as I was mad at her. Rosa quickly apologized to me and told me she had wanted to surprise me with it, it wasn't funny at all.

The party went on and the next minute was our parents dragging Rosa and I to a chair and placed a box containing rings before us. The shock on my face was noticeable. I couldn't believe what was going on. Yes, we are friends but I do not love her. I want to know her more. Go on dates with her and get to know her true personality before getting engaged to her but here we are getting forced to get engaged. Everyone suggested it was a perfect day and opportunity to get engaged. Is this Rosa's welcome party or some planned engagement party for us?

The next thing was an announcement of us getting married and everyone was eager to see us get engaged. I had to give in after so much pressure from everyone. We exchanged the rings and got engaged.

I grabbed a glass of wine and left the hall and stepped outside trying to catch my breath and calm myself down. What just happened? I began to enjoy the nice breeze outside and drank from my wine cup I had in my hand. I can't believe I'm already engaged, against my will.

I accepted my fate and believed that my life was going in a perfect direction by getting married to Rosa, she isn't a bad person after all, however, I had no idea that crossing paths with Serena would ruin my life and the plans I have made for the smooth running of my life. I never knew a huge storm was going to hit me hard and it was a storm prepared by Serena. Serena became a stain that refused to come off.