Leonardo The closer we moved towards the figure, the clearer it became that it was a man. Dressed in evening wear despite how remote the place was. As we inched forward. He raised up a hand to signal for us to stop. I applied brakes on the car and the car came to a stop just inches from him. From the corner of my eye, I saw movement. “Wait, let's hear what he says first.” I said to Cici because I knew how trigger happy he could get sometimes. “He might be a ghost-” “Shhh…” I said as the man walked to the side of the car. I pressed the window down and looked at the man who was built like a tree. “Mr De Luca?” The man asked. “Who's asking?” I asked, loosening my grip on the steering wheel. “My name is Ronald, Mr Samuels said to take you for him.” He extended his hand for a shake through the window. Cici sighed and I suspected that he'd been holding that sigh for some time. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.” waiting for him to join us or show us
Leonardo Roger was a restaurant owner by day and a dealer by night, he dealt in everything depending on what's on demand. And right now I was in the market for a dog and other supplies for the surprise I was planning. I met Cici in a deserted parking lot. “Where is your car?” I asked him as soon as he stepped inside my car. “I didn't bring it.” “How do you plan on getting around?” I didn't hire a car so that I can be his chauffeur. “It's only a day and there are cabs everywhere, we are not in the middle of nowhere.” He said, taking out a map from his back pocket to look at the location Roger had given us. “How does it feel to be married?” He said changing the topic. Amusement making him twinkle. “It feels like heaven on earth.” I said focusing on the road. “You've only been married for a few hours. That good already?” His task of looking at the map abandoned. “Married life Is very good. You should try it.” I said. And he said nothing only shook his hea
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