Chapter Six

"Ahh, Mr. Cena. Congratulations on your win tonight." Fernando said with a smile as he walked up to the younger man with two glasses of wine in his hands.

"Thank you very much Sir and please just call me Alexander there's no need for such formalities." He said with a polite grin at him, receiving a nod from the older man in response.

"Fine then, but I think we should make a toast to a successful BOLD Fashion Feast this year," Fernando said with a grin, handing Alexander a glass filled with dark red wine.

With a hint of hesitation, Alexander graciously accepted the glass of wine from Fernando. "Of course, let's toast to new beginnings and success," he replied with a smile.

They clinked their glasses together in unison. "Cheers to good food tonight!" Fernando exclaimed, laughing heartily. Alexander couldn't help but join in on the laughter as they both took a sip of their drinks.

Fernando couldn't help but smirk as he observed Alexander taking another sip of his drink. Unbeknownst to Alexander, his drink had been spiked with a potent aphrodisiac. "Hmm... it tastes nice," Alexander commented, unaware of the effect it was already having on him.

"Indeed it does," Fernando replied with a sly grin.

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FLASHBACK

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"Are you out of your mind?!" Fernando exclaimed, taken aback by his wife's revelation.

"Fernando, please keep your voice down," Alessia whispered, trying to calm him down.

He looked at her with disbelief, his voice rising. "What are you thinking?" Fernando asked, disregarding his wife's warning.

"This plan of yours is nothing but madness." Fernando persisted.

Alessia sighed heavily, realizing her husband was right about the situation. She had spent hours contemplating the idea and even though it was risky, she felt desperate. The thought of her daughter not settling down with anyone and not having grandchildren filled her with dread. She knew this would lead to more ridicule from her family and her husband's family.

She knew she had to act quickly and decisively.

"Fernando, consider this, we have set her up on numerous blind dates, but nothing seems to work. I think it's time we try a different approach," Alessia explained, trying to persuade Fernando, who still appeared skeptical.

"Alright, but what if something goes wrong?" Fernando asked, still not convinced that this was a good idea.

"Nothing bad will happen, I assure you," Alessia replied, her face radiating confidence.

"You're suggesting that we set our daughter up with a stranger, a man whom she specifically dislikes?" Fernando pointed out, trying to understand the plan.

"He's not a stranger, my love. I have thoroughly vetted him and he is the perfect match. Furthermore, Camilla dislikes every man she meets," Alessia said, trailing off, but Fernando still seemed unconvinced.

"Yes, I understand that she dislikes most men, but her dislike of Alexander is particularly intense," Fernando argued. Alessia rolled her eyes.

"Fernando, do you truly believe that Camilla's dislike of him is genuine?" Alessia asked, raising an eyebrow at her husband

"Of course, it is, she mentions it all the time." He replied without hesitation.

"Alright. And how many men she dislikes does she talk about frequently?" Alessia asked again. Fernando thought for a moment before shaking his head.

"No one except him." He said, and Alessia couldn't help but let a triumphant smile spread across her face as she raised her eyebrows at him.

"That's exactly why I'm suggesting we try this with him," she said, grinning widely.

"Wait, wait. If I understand correctly, you're suggesting that our daughter has feelings for Alexander Cena and constantly talks about her dislike for him as a cover-up. Is that correct?" Fernando asked in disbelief, and Alessia nodded affirmatively.

"Oh mio dio.(Oh my goodness.)" Fernando muttered, shaking his head.

"How did you come to that conclusion?" He finally asked after taking a moment to compose himself.

"Because I am her mother and I know my daughter," Alessia answered simply with a smirk.

"I see," Fernando murmured before taking a deep breath.

"So, will you help me bring them together?" Alessia asked, her eyes filled with hope as she gave her husband's arm a reassuring squeeze.

He looked into her eyes silently for a few seconds, considering her request. Finally, he nodded slowly, his lips forming a slight smile as he placed his hand over hers.

"But my love, what if he doesn't feel the same about her or worse, what if he's a dangerous person?" Fernando voiced his concerns and Alessia chuckled lightly.

"Relax Fernando, I've done a thorough background check on him. I can assure you he's okay. And how could he not like our beautiful daughter? Have you seen her?" She asked with a smile, and they both laughed.

"The BOLD Fashion Feast will be the perfect opportunity for us to execute this plan," Alessia added. Fernando nodded in agreement, a soft smile on his lips as he gazed into her beautiful gray eyes.

"Can I treat myself to some sweets now, amore(love)?" Fernando cooed, lifting her hand and pressing a gentle kiss on it. 

Alessia laughed before placing her hands on his neck and pulling him in for a long, passionate kiss.

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FLASHBACK ENDS

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