Chapter 4

LEONA’S POV

My first day of work went well. I successfully avoided my fiancé because Darren was on a business trip for weeks. Luck is still on my side. I will deal with him later when he gets back. One thing that stresses me out is my future in-laws. It seems like Madam Sonia is so fun of me and wants to create close family ties.

“Leona, you have to go. At least your fiancé’s parents are nice and approve of you.”

Sophie was referring to the dinner invitation Madam Sonia prepared. She wanted me to treat them as family. And since I am her husband’s best friend’s daughter, she wanted me to treat her as my mother.

“You mean we are going,” Sophie drops her jaw, “I told her I’m with my best friend, and she invited you as well.”

“What are we going to wear?” she gasps softly.

“Clothes,” I sneered.

“Are you for real? Leona, they are not just your future in-laws; they are the owner of the leading fashion company in our country. It will be an honor to meet them!”

“Point taken. But seriously, be simple. They are not the typical rich people you've read about in those magazines. They are very kind, down-to-earth, and simple. You will never feel any awkwardness towards them.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Madam Sonia, she’s very kind and warm. You can tell how good her heart is. And Don Rafael may look strict, but he ensures his son is treating other people with respect. Otherwise, he will cut him off his will,” I laugh at the thought of Darren being cut off his inheritance.

“Wow, at least you know you're in-laws are good people. Nowadays, married life becomes miserable if you don’t get along well with your in-laws.”

“Yeah. That is why I’m wondering why Darren’s behavior is way too different from theirs. They seemed to be good parents and raised him well.”

“Oh well, it happened. Not all fruits are the same.”

“Exactly.”

“Ah!” Sophie almost bumps her head into the front glass of my car, “What’s wrong with you?”

I accidentally stepped on the break. The billboard shows Darren’s face. Brilliant and so handsome. He looks so sleek in his tuxedo. It was an advertisement for one of Flame’s perfume brands for men, and he was featured as the brain and ambassador of the company. It suits him very well.

Although I don’t like his rudeness, I realize how attracted I am to him. And despite his ill-mannered, my heart longs for him to acknowledge me as his fiancé. Being rejected was crucifying. Especially I know for sure that he is my mate. My instinct tells me he is.

“Leona? Hey! Wake up! They were honking at us!” Sophie snaps her finger on my face.

“Sorry, I was distracted,” I started the engine and drove away.

“With the billboard or with your world again that you created in your conscious mind? Leona, you got to stop daydreaming.”

“Who said it’s a dream?”

I told Sophie some part of my life in the world of the beast. She doesn’t take it seriously and thinks I only hallucinate being homeless back then.

****

I chose a simple black dress while Sophie wore a nude color. I was skeptical about attending the dinner invitation, but Sophie convinced me. She is more excited than I am. Meeting the famous family in town, I can’t blame her.

As expected, Madam Sonia and Don Rafael wore simple clothes that I think they wear daily. Gladly we didn’t overdress.

“Leona dear, It is nice to see you again!” Madam Sonia gave me a big hug and pecked my cheeks. Don Rafael did the same.

I introduced Sophie to them, and they welcomed her with open arms. My heart was pounding as we entered their mansion. My eyes are roaming around, hoping for a sneak peek of my fiancé’s though I know he is out of the country right now.

“I hope you like pasta. I cooked my son’s favorite, the meaty pasta, and steak. He’s a meat person,” Madam Sonia led us to the dining area where I thought the table could be seated by ten people.

It was huge and looked heavy. In my mind, it was probably made of oak trees. And the two sparkling chandeliers made it more expensive in my eyes. I bet its price can buy me a small house in the urban area.

“Maybe one day you can teach me how to cook your pasta and steak.”

“I would love to, dear. So tell me, did you find a job in the city? Amanda told me you have already settled here. I can make a recommendation if you like,” she signaled their personal butler, and shortly they were parading the food to our table.

My stomach hurt for a second with Madam Sonia’s question. I glared at Sophie to warn her not to say anything about our job. I want to keep it a secret as much as possible.

“Ah, I~I’m still searching.”

“How about you, Sophie?”

Sophie almost choked on the water she drank. She pinches my leg under the table while lying to my future in-laws.

“Tell me if you need my help, and I will make some calls.”

“Thank you, Madam Sonia. That’s very kind of you,” Sophie force a fake smile and hide her nervousness while drinking her wine.

I notice Don Rafael’s silence. Not a single word comes out of his mouth. His eyes are fixed on his food, but he barely touch it. I was supposed to open a conversation with him when he suddenly acted strange.

“We need to go back to that mountain,” he grab Madam Sonia’s arm. He looks stunned and scared.

“Ah, excuse us for a minute.”

Madam Sonia calls the name Ruben and a guy dressed in all white that looks like a nurse approach Don Rafael and slowly pulls him out of the table while the latter keeps repeating his words. He want to go back to the mountain. What mountain is he referring to? Why does he need to go back?

“Sorry, my husband is not feeling well lately. But anyway, where were we?”

“Ah, the job? Is Don Rafael okay? What happened to him?” I can’t help myself from asking. He wasn’t like that when we first met. He looks tough and intelligent, but now he is different. Agitated.

“Dad. Call him that way, and he’s fine, dear. He’s been sick but on his way to recovery.”

“O~Okay.”

We ended our dinner earlier. Don Rafael was screaming in his bedroom about the mountain. He wanted to go back. He will fix everything. What does he need to fix?

Madam Sonia apologized and excused herself. She told the butler to take care of us and hurried upstairs. I heard Madam Sonia asking for the syringe when we were in my car. She probably wants to give Don Rafael medicine to calm him. What the heck is happening to him? Is he going nuts?

“Leona, what happened to Don Rafael? Does he always like that?”

“No. He’s not. I don’t know.”

“Sorry, but he looks crazy to me.”

I didn’t comment on Sophie’s observation. But deep inside, I know he is. Only it’s hard to say anything yet not knowing the whole story.