Chapter 130 Chapter 104 (1)
Altezza's Point of View
I blink, rubbing my throbbing temples. Lack of sleep and appetite leave my body feeling weak. I glance at my phone, which I had previously tossed carelessly, and try to turn it back on. Dozens of missed calls and messages flood in. They all come from different numbers, but I know they're all from Jovanka. And I choose to continue ignoring them.
The clock reads five-twenty. There's still plenty of time before dinner. I decide to scroll through social media again, hoping Adaline has posted something that could give me a clue to her whereabouts. Though it's a slim hope because Adaline isn't one to post every little thing on social media. But it seems luck is on my side.
And indeed, she has uploaded something. A photo of brownies topped with whipped cream and strawberries. It seems Adaline is currently fond of sweet treats, especially chocolate. Unconsciously, I find myself smiling. As has become my habit over the past two days, I've been seeing my wife's face on her social media. A face that's quite rare because she hardly ever posts pictures of herself.
The few photos on her social media consist only of food and the places she visits. She only posts pictures of herself if there's someone else accompanying her. If not family, then there will be pictures of her with her friends.
Adaline. Where are you, darling? Don't you miss me?
I see the only photo of Adaline alone. It's taken in a café with so much food in front of her. The photo tag reads, "got treated by the twins, they said it should be uploaded for promotion. Thanks to Claire & Gladwin... may your café be a hit..." The café's name, founded by her cousin's wife, is also mentioned there.
Adaline appeared in the photo, shyly laughing with chopsticks in her right hand and a bowl of food in her left. Unconsciously, I found myself smiling too. It's always like that. Adaline's smile is infectious and warms my heart.
I heard a commotion outside the room, indicating someone was visiting. I walked out, disregarding my disheveled appearance that clearly showed I had just woken up.
Gian looked at me with wide eyes. Antony was already seated, his tie loose and his jacket draped over the back of the long sofa. Meanwhile, Mamma was sipping her evening tea.
"Good evening, Brother. Looks like I don't need to ask how you've been," Gian greeted mockingly in Italian. I didn't respond. "You really look a mess, Brother. Are you heartbroken?" he continued, still mocking. Again. I ignored him and chose to enter the kitchen. "Oh, by the way, Aunty. I have an interesting story today." I glanced at Gian, and he was also smiling meaningfully at me.
"A young woman came to our office while Antony, Duncan, and I were having a meeting," Gian said. Hearing the word 'woman,' I hoped he was talking about Adaline. My wife. "I was surprised to see her because earlier Antony had warned all employees to keep her out."
Realizing the woman being talked about wasn't Adaline, I chose to close my ears and ignore whatever he wanted to tell. "She came and asked where Antony was hiding Altezza. And you know what Antony's response was?
"He asked me and Duncan to look for Altezza among the drawers and bedside tables. Antony thought Altezza was some small object that could fit into a jacket pocket," Gian laughed.
"And if only you had seen the woman's reaction. Ah, it's a pity I was too mesmerized to remember to take her picture," he lamented again.
"That disrespectful woman even caused a commotion at my hotel," my father's voice chimed in.
I glanced at my father, who had apparently returned earlier than my two cousins. Perhaps because I was too deep in slumber, I hadn't realized he was back.
"I've put her on the hotel's blacklist," he continued.
"Wow, Uncle, you're the best," Gian praised, clapping his hands. A bright smile adorned his face.
I really didn't want to hear any more stories about that woman. I had even blocked her name from my phone. Turns out, she had lost her mind. After not getting any response from any of the numbers she used, she caused chaos elsewhere just to find me. Truly insane.
I chose to retreat back to my room. Soaking in hot water just to relax my body. This exhaustion wouldn't dissipate. I soaked for half an hour, and my body felt refreshed.
I emerged from my room after finishing my evening prayers. But my house seemed deserted.
"Where is everyone?" I asked the household assistant, who resided in the back pavilion of the house.
"Mr. and Mrs. Quirino have an invitation. Sir Antony and Sir Gian have been home since earlier," she replied. I nodded. "Would you like dinner?" Again, I nodded. After dinner, I returned to my room. My head felt heavy again, and my stomach felt so sore.
I lay down my body. It seems my stomach ailment has flared up again, no wonder considering my recent erratic eating and resting patterns. Cold sweat starts to fill my forehead. I search for the medicine I usually keep in one of the bathroom cabinets, chew it, and choose to go back to sleep. Hoping that when I wake up later, I'll feel better.