Olivia The big surprise was our wedding in Vegas. From his side, Zera and Cici stood as witnesses while my father came to witness me sign to be joined in marriage to Leonardo. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that he had flown my father over, and that he was well and much better than I had ever seen him my whole life. Zera came with my dress, “you knew what hed been planning all along.” I said to her accusingly. “Yes, and in my defense, he made me swear in blood not to say a word.” She lifted her hand up. We were inside my hotel room getting ready for the wedding. “He couldn't wait for you too to get hitched.” She said, beaming that it was finally happening. “I think I also prefer it this way, with just the people who mean something to us.” This was not a showoff but a Union between two people who cared for each other. Zera stood as she pulled the zip up. “Are you happy, Olivia?” Our eyes locked on the big mirror in front of us. “Does Leonardo make you happy?” I c
Leonardo The following week, I saw little of Leonardo in the mansion but everytime he was home for supper or breakfast, we were cordial and he asked about the baby and if I needed anything. “How are things with Leonardo?” Zera asked over the phone. “They're fine. Why are you asking?” The last time I had spoken to Zera was before the wedding was cancelled and she was to be back in a few days. “I might see you soon.” She said, “When are you coming back? I could use some company, Rosa is great but she has work to do.” It really did get lonely at times in the mansion with Leonardo away most of the time. “Soon.” She giggled and we hung up. The day dragged on but since the morning sickness had subsided, I had more energy in the morning and Kera, my doctor, didn't miss a beat when it came to making visits to the house. After the call with Zera, I sat outside in the lush green of the garden. There was so much I could explore in the vast estate, my thoughts were cut short when
Leonardo It was well into the evening, and the weather was dull with small showers of rain, something I hated, but more than anything I hated being summoned. I parked my black SUV in the already packed driveway. By the look on the cars that were parked, I knew that there was more than one guest invited to the impromptu dinner that my mom had organised. My stomach felt heavy but I shook the feeling away and pressed the doorbell. I had decided to go without any security detail tonight, now I questioned the wisdom in that decision. The door opened and the butler, Dickson, who from time stood in for his father, the old butler stood at the door smiling up at me. “Mr De luca, it’s good to see this evening. Your mother is waiting for you in the drawing room.” “Thank you Dickson, how's the old man?” “Under the weather, Mr De Luca.” He said, in a friendly tone. “I hope he gets better,don't worry about me, I’ll find my way.” I said and he nodded. I hardly made visits to the ho
Olivia I woke up from the most wonderful sleep I had experienced in a long time. Rosa was by my bed, arranging the light blanket on my body. “You awake.” She said “Yes. I hope I haven’t slept for long.” “No, it’s only been a few hours,” she looked at her watch apolitically. “I’m knocking off soon, was there anything you needed before I left?” she smiled, having her around was the most underestimated blessing I had. “No, thank you Rosa I’ll see you tomorrow.” “The sun has just set, you can put on some comfortable shoes and go for a walk outside in the garden, and it will be good for you and the baby.” Yes, there was that new feature in my life. A lingering threat. I felt like I had just moved from a frying pan and straight into the fire with this pregnancy. I wondered how Leonardo took the news. “Leonardo is very excited about the baby,” Rosa said as if reading my thoughts. “But he still won’t talk to me.” I felt hot tears come up, although I thought I had cried myself dr
Leonardo The veins on my temple began to throb and I could already feel a headache coming on. I wouldn't be standing where I was had it not been for Rosa’s persistent bullying that I should come talk to her. Rosa still had a soft spot for this snake, despite everything she had done and was still capable of doing the longer she stayed here. Rosa had been with the family long enough to understand what loyalty meant in our world but regardless of that, she thought she had found a living saint in Olivia. “Please.” came Olivia's voice, dragging me back into the present with her. I cast a glance at her shivering frame on the bed, unable to drag myself to be by her side but unable to walk away at the same time. “I can explain.” She said, desperate to hold onto her lies. “Amuse me.” I said, my voice coming out rougher than I intended it to be. She looked taken aback by my response, good. “You said you can explain, I'm giving you the opportunity to do so. I'm listening or I c
Olivia The following morning came fast and furious, as I was awakened by a knock at the door.The previous night, I had stayed awake for the most part of the night, waiting for Leonardo to come back into my room, but nothing happened, until sleep took over in the early hours of the morning. Now there was a knock at the door, I sat still hoping that whoever it was, would assume I was sleeping and go away. But the door opened and Rosa came into the room holding a tray of food. She looked around the room with a mixed expression on her face at the shattered pieces of glass but she said nothing. “Rosa, I'm so happy to see you.” I said, getting off the bed and walking towards her, I felt a sense of relief flood over me in her presence. “It's good to see you miss.” Rosa was kind but a bit reserved compared to her usual self. It was as though she wanted to go about her business as quietly as she could. I didn't know what to say so I walked to the door, hoping to catch up with her. Anyt