Chapter 5: Late Nights

She dropped her spoon and heaved a heavy sigh. “I don't want to be a pain in your neck, Luca. This has been going on for a while and trust me, I'm a strong human. I've got good genes and I can take care of myself, you don't have to worry.”

“Luckily for you, I trust you but we have an appointment tomorrow,” Luca replied as he continued eating. 

After a few seconds, she let out softly. 

“I almost fell this afternoon.” 

“What?” He asked as he raised his head again, noticing her gloomy mood. “You almost fainted?”

She nodded solemnly and looked away. “I guess my time is here after all.”

“Stop saying such things and stay strong granny. We now have enough to take care of you, we will go for the appointment tomorrow and the doctor will tell us what we need to know and do.” He reassured firmly then added. “You want to attend my wedding, right?”

She shifted her gaze back to him and beamed at him. “Yes? Why the question now?”

“I don't want your ghost haunting me on my special day, you will be there in person, okay?” He inquired and she let out a soft laugh. “What's funny?” 

“You have the guts to scold me but I'm still your grandma.” She said and Luca chuckled. 

After the meal, he picked up the plates and took them to the kitchen while grandma stayed behind in the living room and watched her favorite series. Luca went to his room and lay on his bed, holding up his phone to check the time. 

It was 9 pm. He pulled the blanket over his body gently, trying to get rid of the recurring thoughts in his mind so as to get some sleep and wake up early for work tomorrow.

Earlier that night when Micheal arrived at his house. As he opened the door, he found Maria at the entrance, in a short nightgown and her hair wet. 

He was surprised to find her waiting for him in his house, even though he was not expecting her. Apart from him and the housekeeper she was the only one who knew the pin to his house and since they were not living together, she’d come by most times to film her videos and spend time with him but he was mostly busy. 

“Maria?” He said as he stood still, Maria grinning as she walked towards him and reached out her hand to his tie. “I never expected this surprise.”

“I know. Welcome home.” She undid his tie and shifted back immediately. “I ordered some takeout, you should freshen up and let's have dinner.” 

“I am not in the mood for that now, I had a hectic day at work and about the coffee earlier, I'm sorry for that. What about the dress?” He inquired as he walked in, Maria closing the door behind him. 

“It is the washing machine now. I had to update my followers about my upcoming wedding, they're so excited for me.” 

Michael heaved a sigh as he dropped his jacket on the sofa then turned to Maria swiftly. “I told you to keep it down for now? Is it necessary to make it known to everyone about the wedding?”

She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she replied. “It is not a big deal and they're my fans! They love you, they love us!”

“Maria,” He let out calmly. “I don't know about you but I want to keep a low profile. Apart from the wedding, there is a lot I have to do. I am not saying you can't talk to your fans or tell them everything about yourself but I'd love to excluded. I know they know about us but will you mind to keep it low, please?”

She bit her bottom lip and nodded her head. “Alright.” She watched as he took off his watch gently. “I got baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli from the restaurant, and the employees were so delighted to see me! They wanted to give me the meal for free but you know I can't take it.”

“I am not famished. You can eat, I have some work to finish in my room.” He answered back as took his jacket and tie and placed them in his arm while Maria stared at him in disbelief. 

“But..but the food? You have been at work all day, you should at least take something.” She said, her voice laced with curiosity. 

“You can dispose of it. Goodnight.” He retorted and then made his way to his room. She was always welcome to his house, as long as she did not disturb his peace or sleep. 

He got to his room and closed the door behind him. Maria was too clingy and he disliked it, he only wanted to marry because of his father’s pressure and he regretted it every now and then. 

He took his phone from his pocket and dropped it on the bed then slipped out of his clothes. After taking a warm bath, he wore his pajamas and sat on his personal chair. He picked up a book on the table and flipped through the pages carefully. It was a novel which he had started reading since the beginning of the week, he saw a kiss scene and touched his lips gently, remembering Luca. 

His lips were soft for a man and the moment they shared was unimaginable. He had never openly admitted that he was into men and did not have the intention to. Maria was just a facade to hide his true interest. He closed the book abruptly and tossed it to the table, his mind was preoccupied with Luca, he could not concentrate on the book. 

Kissing a new employee was an impulsive behavior and he vowed under his breath never to let that repeat itself again. He felt thirty all of a sudden then stood up and walked out of his room to the kitchen. He saw the freshly opened takeout on the countertops and realized Maria did not take her food. 

He walked to the refrigerator and opened it. Since he was staying alone, he did not need foodstuffs since he spent most of his day in the office. Eating restaurant meals was his thing except on the days he did not go to work.

Since tomorrow was Sunday, he’d have to visit his father while his housekeeper would stock the kitchen with foodstuffs. He picked cold bottled water and closed the door. He unscrewed the cover gently and saw Maria standing at the entrance, holding the living room rechargeable broom firmly.

“What are you doing?” Michael inquired curiously as he watched as she lowered the broom slowly. 

“I'm so sorry. I thought a thief broke into the house, and I was frightened.” She replied, a look of relief on her face. 

“A thief?” 

“Yes.. I was just about to sleep when I heard some movements in the kitchen and I thought you were asleep, so I came to check.” She replied then looked at the broom in her hand. “I had to hold a defensive item too.”

“It is fine. There's no thief here and no thief could possibly enter this house so stay calm and go back to sleep.” He answered back firmly.