Chapter 115: Mr. Roberts

**Althaia**

“I must admit, it is some exceptional wine.” Mr. Roberts complimented as he tasted the different wines. Chiarina and Vico had done an amazing job in touring us around in vineyards, explaining everything in detail about how they harvest the wine grapes and when to harvest. I was so intrigued with this new knowledge and I got even more fascinated when they explained how they measured the sugar, acid, and tannin levels to base the style of wine they wish to produce.

“However, I’m not sure if I like the wine bottles. They are a little dull to my taste.” He commented as he took a look at the bottles. Damiano and I shared a look and I mentally rolled my eyes as Mr. Roberts had been trying to drive the price down by finding ridiculous excuses. Such as how he finds the wine bottles boring. And I found it hilarious how Damiano pretended not to hear him by checking his watch every time he made such comments.

It was obvious Mr. Roberts wanted the products, he just didn’t want to pay the full price.

“Can I ask what you prefer, Mr. Roberts?” I asked while giving him a sweet smile.

“I have several exclusive high-end restaurants that are beautifully and lavishly decorated. It needs to fit in as I’m also selling a lifestyle.” He said as he swirled the wine around in his glass. I gave a slight nod as I examined him, looking at the way he was dressed and the rings on his fingers. It looked like he and his wife were a big fan of jewelry and preferably something that sparkled.

“Can I please have a pen and paper?” I asked Chiarina which she immediately got for me. I thanked her as I grabbed the notebook I started to draw the ideas I had in mind. I noticed Mr. Roberts took a step closer to see what I was doing as I moved the pen around in quick strokes.

“How about something like this?” I asked as I showed him the quick sketch I had made, ready to present him the details.

“I’m listening.”

“Imagine the wine bottles fully covered in any color you want; gold, silver, black but with a shiny finish.” I paused as I observed his expression and it looked like my words had caught his attention.

"I'm assuming your restaurants are dimly lit, which is ideal since you can make your own display with these bottles and have lights bright on them. It will be like a wall filled with beautiful gifts that sparkle brightly to intrigue your customers.” I had to stop myself from smirking when I saw his brows slightly rise when I said the word ‘sparkle’.

“You can even make sure the wine can be sold in bottles only, but they are allowed to keep the whole bottle to take home. The label will not be a traditional paper wrap, but an engraving with not only Mr. Bellavia's brand name but also the name of your restaurant. It will be a one-of-a-kind design that benefits both parties as the customers will be advertising for both of you.”

I continued to present to him all the details I had in mind for a new bottle design, making sure to keep his interest at all times as I tried my best to explain why and how it was beneficial for both businesses. I finished with a smile but Mr. Roberts was now slightly frowning as he stared at the drawing I had made.

He was quiet for a long time and I had no idea if I had screwed up with this idea of mine. I was starting to get nervous and I took a look at Damiano, who was also staring at the drawing with his head tilted a little to the side. I wasn’t sure what he thought of the idea with his blank expression and I just now realized I should probably have made sure if it was even okay for me to even propose such an idea.

Mr. Roberts took me by surprise when he let out a chuckle and shook his head. He turned to look at Damiano with a teasing look.

“I see why you brought her along.” He chuckled to himself before turning to look at me. “You are making me spend money.”

“It is money well spent if you ask me.” I grinned and I felt the tension in my body melt away in relief.

“Not only are you getting some incredible wine but you are also contributing to building a community here.” I gestured to the landscape and to the people who were in the full swing of working.

“You are helping in creating jobs and housing for people who have lost everything but found a second chance here. To me, that is more than enough reason to make a deal.” To know the story behind Damiano’s vineyards made my heart warm as gazed at the beautiful landscape and the people who were working in high spirits.

“Good thing you kept her around. She deserves that ring on her finger.” Mr. Roberts continued to chuckle as he gave Damiano’s shoulder a friendly pat.

“I would like to have a few words with your workers, and then we’ll talk numbers.” He didn’t wait for a reply as he went in the direction of the first worker he saw with the wine glass still in his hand.

“Good job, mia cara.” Chiarina said excitedly before she and Vico followed Mr. Roberts. Damiano wasted no time and wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me into him.

“Living up to your name again, Althaia, one who cares. You landed me yet another deal.” He winked with a smirk.

“I’m just trying to contribute a little. Besides, this place speaks for itself.” I chuckled as he smiled at me.

“Your idea is great. It will make his ass feel special.”

“I thought so, that’s why I said it would be a one-of-a-kind design only for him.” I snickered and he looked amused.

“That’s my girl.” He said proudly and kissed the top of my head, having me slightly blush at his words.

“I should probably get going now since you’re going to talk numbers.” I checked the time on the watch around his wrist and he gave a slight nod.

“My mother is waiting for you. She will give me another earful if I keep you here any longer. Luca and Giovanni are here to take you.” Just as he said that I heard them pull up. His mother had been scolding him through the phone that he was keeping me all to himself. She then invited me to go out with her to shop since I still had to find a dress for Cara’s wedding.

“And this is yours from now on. It’s our shared account.” He pulled out a black card and I immediately shook my head.

“No.”

“You can’t fight me on this one, baby.” He smirked and I frowned.

“I don’t like spending your money.” He let out a small sigh and held my face with his hand, squeezing my cheeks a little as his face came closer to mine.

“We are married. You are my wife. There is no such thing as my money. It’s our money, understood?”

“Okay.” I said quickly but I had no intention of using it.

“If you don’t use it, there will be punishments.” My brows went up, now intrigued but he slightly shook his head at me.

“Not the kind you enjoy. I will make you run.”

“Tu Diavolo!” I glared at him and he gave me a devilish smirk.

“… Fine, I’ll use it.” I said in defeat and he let out a satisfied smile.

“Good. I will see you later, Mrs. Bellavia.” Damiano said in a low tone, having tingles erupt in my stomach.

“Don’t take too long, Mr. Bellavia.” I whispered to him and leaned in for a small kiss. He opened the backseat door for me and lightly smacked my ass before I got in, having me shoot him a wink.

“And here I thought he couldn’t be more obsessed with you. Turns out I was wrong now that you’re married.” Giovanni said once we were off and having me smile.

“I still can’t believe you’re married. I honestly thought we would never see him get married.” Luca commented as well.

“If there is one thing I truly have realized while being with Damiano, is that life is too short. You gotta live life to the fullest so why wait?” I told them.

The first time Damiano proposed to me, I thought we had all the time in the world and we should take things slow. We had just gotten together, then we found out I was pregnant and at the time, I felt a little overwhelmed by how fast things were suddenly going. Now, after having gone through so much… Life was too short to hold back. I knew I wanted to marry him as soon as possible because he was my better half.

He was my soulmate.

“You’re right. Tomorrow’s not guaranteed.” Luca agreed with a nod. I scooted to sit in the middle of the backseat, poking my head out in between the headrests of the front seats as I smirked.

“So, what’s your excuse for not having proposed to Cecilia yet?”

“She made it clear she didn’t want to get married before we started to date.”

“Ah, makes sense then.”

“Yeah. But lately, she has been subtly talking about marriage and I guess she changed her mind.” He shrugged.

“You’re going to propose then?” I asked excitedly and he took a quick glance at me before focusing back on the road.

“I have the ring ready.” He smiled and I let out a squeal of happiness for him.

“I have no doubt it will be amazing when you propose!” I smiled big as I felt so happy for them. I looked at Giovanni, who had been quiet, and saw him slumped in his seat, focused on his phone.

“And whenever your girlfriend, Laila, is ready for you.”

“Yeah.” Giovanni then immediately looked at me and straightened up in his seat.

“I mean, she’s not my girlfriend.” He tried to cover up as he scowled at me but I just wiggled my brows at him.

“Oh, shut it! You’re totally a thing! You keep texting each other.”

“He called her last night and they talked for hours.” Luca spilled the beans to me as he smirked at Giovanni.

“Uhhh.” I teased and he gave us a blank look.

“Both of you, shut up.” He said grumpily, having us laugh and continue to tease him. But one thing that for sure didn’t go unnoticed, was how his ears started to redden. He was so crushing hard on Laila.

Giovanni’s torture came to an end when we came to a stop in front of a large, beige building with a roof consisting of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octogen with beautiful different colors. Italy was filled with beautiful architecture everywhere but this one was just beyond amazing.

I got out of the car when I spotted Eleonora and her assigned bodyguards. It was the same two men who were present when Damiano’s father tested me.

“There she is, my beautiful daughter-in-law.” Eleonora greeted me in Italian with her usual warm smile as she opened her arms and embraced me.

“How are you, honey? Is my son taking good care of you?” She had her hands placed on either side of my face as she took a good look at me.

“I’m great! And don’t worry, he’s always taking good care of me.” I chuckled a little and she gave an approving nod.

“Good! If he doesn’t, you send him in my way and I will teach him a lesson.”

“Duly noted.” We both laughed and she linked her arm with mine as we made our way inside.

“Is it always this empty in here?” I said as I looked around. The boutiques were open but there were no people present except for the ones who were working.

“Oh no, honey. I had them shut down for us to shop in peace.”

“You can do that?” I asked surprised and impressed.

“Of course.” She shot me a wink as she led me to a gown boutique. As soon as we stepped inside, a well-dressed woman immediately walked toward us with her arms open.

“Buongiorno, Signore Bellavia!” She greeted Eleanor with kisses on each cheek.

“Buongiorno, Corinna! How have you been?”

“Wonderful! Oh, and who’s this with you?” Corinna asked as looked at me.

“This is Althaia, my son’s fiancé.” She said proudly with a smile.

“Oh, could it be Damiano’s…?” She asked a bit unsure.

“Si.” Corinna’s brows went up in surprise.

“How lovely! Welcome, welcome!” She suddenly embraced me and kissed my cheeks.

“Thank you.” I smiled at her cheerful greeting.

“Let’s find you some beautiful dresses, shall we?” She gestured for us to follow her to a different section of the boutique.

“I hope you don’t mind that miss Miciela is still here? Suddenly, nothing impressed her when she found out you were coming.” She let out a small sigh.

“Oh, Miciela? Not at all.” Corinna gave a small nod and we entered a room with large mirrors, couches, dressing rooms, and refreshments already on the table.

“What are we looking for?” Corinna asked once we had taken a seat on the couch.

“I need a dress for Lorenzo and Cara’s wedding.” I said, assuming she already knew about it.

“Actually, we need three new dresses for her.” Eleanor said as she sipped her champagne.

“Three dresses for a wedding is a bit too much, isn’t it?” I asked, confused.

“Not only for the wedding, honey. I want you to come with me to an event tomorrow. The third dress Damiano asked me to get you for a ceremony there will be held soon.”

“What ceremony?” Damiano had not mentioned a ceremony to me.

“Time will tell. Now, up you go.” She dismissed me but still had me wondering what in the world that could be.

Corinna took my measurements and went to retrieve dresses for me to try on since I had nothing particular in mind. While we waited, I chatted with Eleanora and got to know her a bit more. She was such a warm soul and always had a soft expression and a warm smile on her face.

“Are you okay?” She looked concerned and held my hand in hers.

“I am.. I was just thinking how you remind me of my mother.” I couldn’t help but smile sadly. I was missing her so badly. Eleanora mirrored my expression but didn’t say anything and just gave my hand a small squeeze.

“All right, dear. Let’s have you try some gowns.” I turned to look at Corinna, my smile slowly faded when I saw she had returned with five racks of dresses for me to try.

*This was so going to be taking all day…*

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My Lovelies, please be patient with me as I am still fighting Covid...