Chapter 35 The Function
It's finally the day of the function. Yes, the Ricci's front company's anniversary function. This kind of event is such a pain in the ass because I have to socialise with people, fake a smile, and laugh at their corny jokes. However, as much as I hate attending this kind of event, I must go and do my job. Getting every information we can about the Ricci and their possible link to the Romanos is important. We need them to rule out the relationship between the Ricci and the Romanos, whether they're working together or not. I really hope everything can end tonight, but then again, it will be wishful thinking. Unless instant miracles exist, this problem won't solve itself overnight.
"Ready?" Dante asks.
"Yes," I say.
I'm now dressed in a floor-length, sleeveless black dress with a square neckline, a ruby necklace and matching earrings, black high heels, and a black trench coat to keep myself warm from the cold weather. Just like always, I play it safe by wearing a dress that shows minimal to no cleavage. I don't want to lead Antonio on any further and make him think of something, you know, sexual. He's been calling me 'darling' and 'sweetheart' a lot lately, and I feel like that's a sign that he wants to take things further. I can't let that happen. No.
"Let's go."
Dante follows behind me as we descend the stairs. At the bottom of it, Antonio waits for me, his eyes gleaming as he stares up at me, and his smile is as enchanting as ever. How could someone as charming and kind as him collude with the Romanos, one of the ruthless crime families out there? That, I don't know.
Focus, Ale. Don't let him get to you. Remember your plan.
"Alessandra, darling," Antonio says. A light kiss lands on my left cheek as Antonio pulls me into a gentle embrace. The sudden closeness makes my face warm from sheepishness. I ignore the feeling and step away from Antonio with a smile, holding his hand for a convincing performance.
"Antonio. So, are we leaving now or..." I say, looking back and forth between my father and Antonio. My father gives me a nod.
"Yes. You can go with Antonio. Dante and I will be right behind you," my father says.
My heart skips a beat at the suggestion. When I go on a date with Antonio, I usually have Dante in the same vehicle. We usually ride in the same car with Dante in the front passenger seat with the driver, while Antonio and I sit in the back. Even though I'm nervous, I still have to do it. If I refuse, Antonio might end up being suspicious of me.
"Okay. See you there," I say.
With our hands intertwined, Antonio leads me to his sleek, black sports car. He opens the passenger door for me and lets me get into the car first. Once I'm in the car, he closes the door and gets into the driver's seat. I stare at the rearview mirror and watch my father step into the car behind me.
"Are you okay? You look a bit pale," Antonio says.
Why am I even feeling nervous and anxious right now? Antonio won't do anything to me. We're here together because it won't look good if the two of us arrive at the venue in different cars. We're a couple, so we must act and look like it.
"I'm fine. It's just the cold. I'll be fine," I say. Antonio immediately turns up the heater and then turns to me. He looks a bit worried, but he stays calm anyway.
"Let me know if you're feeling unwell," Antonio says.
"I will."
After 50 minutes of driving, we're finally arriving at the venue. The guests and paparazzi already swarm the place as Antonio halts the car in front of the entrance. He opens the door for me, and as I step out of the car, I immediately get blinded by all the flashing lights. Questions are thrown at our way, but we keep our mouths shut, smiling and posing for the cameras with our arms looped together. Once we're done, we go straight into the venue, the ballroom of one of the fancy hotels in the city. Still dizzy from all the lights that attack my vision, I almost slip and fall on the cold marble floor. Antonio holds me up before I fall.
"Careful. Are you okay?" Antonio asks.
"Yeah. Just a bit dizzy from the camera flashes," I say.
"Let's get you seated for now," Antonio says.
After taking off my coat and storing it at coat check, Antonio brings me towards our designated table. I sit down on the chair, sighing quietly as I finally get to rest my legs from wearing high heels. I shouldn't have used these high heels. The heels are too tall for me. I should've opted for something shorter, but unfortunately, that'll make me step on my dress way more often than with these high heels.
"Do you want some water?" Antonio asks. I turn to him, and he still seems worried about me. I give him a reassuring smile, hoping it'll make him less anxious about me. Besides, I'm actually fine. I was just a bit dizzy from too much light getting in my eyes earlier.
"No need. I'm fine. Don't worry," I say.
"Alright," Antonio says. The frown on his face still stays. I guess I didn't convince him enough to calm him down. Well, there's nothing I can do about it. Or is there?
"I'm serious. I'm fine," I say, holding his hand and squeezing it. The gesture seems to soothe him a bit. His eyes still show concern towards me, but his little smile hides it a little as he returns my gesture.
"Okay," Antonio says.
Time to get back to work. Let's look for Fabio and Mariano first. Wait. Where's my father and Dante? I thought they were right behind us. Looking through the crowd, I find them walking towards our table. My heart skips a beat at the sight of Dante. His powerful walk, his serious gaze... Fuck. Just when I thought he couldn't look hotter, he proves it otherwise. Damn.
"Do you want some appetiser? I'll get them for you," Antonio says.
The only appetiser I want is Dante.
Gosh. Get a grip, woman. Remember your goddamn plan. You're here for work, not to gawk at Dante. You can stare at him another time, but this time, I must stay focused. Focus on your fucking job, Ale.
"That'll be nice. Where's your family, though?" I ask as I look around the busy place. Everyone seems busy socialising, probably catching up with one another or making new connections with new people. That's usually what happens in this kind of event.
"I think I saw my father at the bar with Mariano. I'm not sure about Valeria and Giorgio. I don't think they're here yet. They said they'll get here together," Antonio says.
"Okay," I say. I turn around and almost jump in my seat when I see Dante right behind me with my father next to him. I scowl when I catch a glimpse of Dante's amused expression. He then goes back to his serious mode and looks around the place for any possible threat. I can't believe he catches that. It's embarrassing.
"Antonio, any idea where your father is?" my father asks.
"He was at the bar with Mariano," Antonio says, pointing towards the direction of the bar.
"Alright. I'll go there and greet them now. Dante, stay with Alessandra. I'll be right back," my father says.
"Yes, boss," Dante says, nodding once. My father leaves towards the bar, and I turn to Antonio again. He's already on his feet, seemingly ready to leave the table. From what he said earlier, I guess he's going to get some food for me right now. Nice. I'm kind of hungry, so some appetisers would help fill my stomach a bit before the actual dinner.
"Rest here for a bit. We'll greet some of the guests later, you know, for formality. I'll get you some of the appetisers now. Don't want you to get sick again," Antonio says with a smile.
"Thank you," I say.
"Anything for you, sweetie," Antonio says, winking at me. His flirtatious behaviour immediately makes my cheeks heat up. I can't help but smile at him and watch as he leaves my sight.
"I didn't know you were that jumpy," Dante says.
Why is he reminding me of that embarrassing moment? I wish I could turn back time and calm the fuck down. Why was I surprised? I already knew my father and Dante were going up to this table. Damn it.
"Well, now you know. Now shut up," I say.
"Alright, alright," Dante says. "So, what's your plan?"
My plan? Honestly, I don't fucking know. It's easier to plan everything in my head than actually do it. All that I've planned within the past two weeks just disappears. Blank. My mind is blank right now, and I don't know what to actually do. I'll just talk with the Ricci and see where it'll take me.
"I'll talk to Fabio and Mariano once they get to this table. I was going to approach them, but I don't think I can stay on my feet for a long time because of these damn high heels. I'm not gonna risk myself spraining or breaking my ankles from standing for too long," I say.
"That's a solid plan. Just remember to improvise," Dante says.
Right. Improvise. That's the only thing I can do for now. My plan is not as solid as Dante thinks, so my only option right now is to improvise and not be suspicious. At this time, I can only wish everything goes well. I also hope miracles happen at this time because that's the only thing that will help me go through this night.
"Do you think it'll go well?" I ask.
"Of course. If you're stuck, you have your father to help you, so don't worry," Dante says. I nod at him. Well, if he believes my plan will be all good, then it should be that way. I need to believe in myself more. Even if everyone but me believes everything will be okay, then everything still could be ruined. So, I'd better trust myself in bringing the truth to light.
"Okay. Let's hope we'll get our answers tonight," I say.
It should be tonight. This is my chance to get all the information we need out of the Ricci. It's going to be difficult to trick them into saying the truth, but that must be done. Tonight is the only night I can talk to the Ricci before our five-month deadline is over. It's now or never. If I lose this chance, there might not be any other chance for me to find out the truth about the Ricci.
"We will. You can do it," Dante says.
It's showtime. Let's make them spill their own family's secret. Once we know the truth, we either cut them off or become closer than ever. However, I'm not sure our families can be closer than we already are. A marriage between Antonio and me can't solve the problem with the Romanos.
I hate that I've been leading him on all this time when, in the end, we will never be together. Not because we can't, but because my heart already chosen someone else. Despite all that Antonio has done for me and all the time we've spent together, I always come back to Dante. I love Dante more than Antonio, and if I have to choose, I will always pick Dante. I can't help it because my heart already knows what it wants.