The melodic sound of Emma's singing had become a routine for Adaline every morning. Adaline descended, dressed in her work attire - a dark blue long-sleeved shirt paired with neatly pressed black trousers. As usual, her long hair was tied in a simple bun that wouldn't disturb her while working.
Her mother was busy at the stove, and Emma was organizing items in the kitchen cabinet. The groceries that Altezza brought the previous evening, which she had separated into two parcels, turned out not to be for him but a gift for her mother.
Flashback
Altezza declined Adaline's mother's dinner invitation, explaining that he had just eaten before coming. Glancing at his watch, he decided to leave when the short hand struck eight. Despite their reluctance, both Violet and Emma allowed him to depart after hearing Altezza's reasons.
"It's not good if people find out a man visited a woman's house this late, ma'am. It's not that I'm not comfortable or don't enjoy being here, but I don't want Adaline's reputation to suffer in the eyes of the neighbors." He spoke candidly when urged by Adaline's mother and Emma to stay longer.
Altezza's response was not something the two parents had considered beforehand. Given that young people these days often don't leave until they are kicked out or even ask to stay overnight, Altezza's choice to leave was a positive surprise. Besides his handsome appearance, charm, friendliness, and politeness, this added to his appeal.
Surprisingly, as he was about to leave, Altezza opened the trunk and handed her two large shopping bags, which she initially thought were groceries for him but turned out to be a gift for her. Adaline was stunned, but her mother and aunt seemed genuinely touched.
"I-I thought these were yours, Sir," she stammered. Altezza just smiled.
"Oh God, why go through this trouble?" Violet asked emotionally.
"It's okay, ma'am, I actually like it. It gives me a chance to spend more time with Adaline outside." He replied with his mischievous smile, making Adaline's heart race again.
"Ohhh... I see..." Emma teased. Despite knowing Altezza was just joking, Adaline couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She recalled how she had pranked him a few times.
"I'm going home, ladies." He said again, smiling sweetly. "Take care of Adaline, ma'am. Once she's ready, I'll take her home." His playful remark elicited laughter from her mother and aunt.
"Altezza, this kid, I tell you. Adaline, come on, learn to greet your future husband." Her mother gently commanded. Emma, who couldn't stop smiling, now chuckled teasingly.
Altezza extended his right hand to Adaline. "Come on, Mrs. Altezza, obey your mother's command. It's not good if you don't follow. Right, ma'am, aunt?" Both women nodded in agreement.
Adaline wanted to hit him for his arrogant attitude, but she couldn't refuse the request or rather the command of these three people. Honestly, it was the first time their skins touched directly. Her chest pounded again, and her cheeks felt warm.
She grasped his large hand, which somehow felt warm. She kissed the back of his hand briefly, and at the same time, he gently stroked her hair. "My future wife is indeed good, ma'am." He said again with a smile on his face.
Adaline saw Emma and her mother nodding with enthusiasm. After that, Altezza left Adaline with a pounding heart and a flushed face.
Flashback off
The mother placed a piece of toast in front of her with a glass of warm pure milk.
"Darling, I couldn't sleep last night," her mother said, now sitting at the dining table next to her and calling Emma to join them for breakfast.
"Mama, what's wrong? Are you sick again?" Adaline asked, panicking.
"No, I'm not sick," her mother replied reassuringly. "In fact, I'm feeling very happy."
"How did you manage to find a man like Altezza?" Emma asked, who had apparently finished organizing the closet and sat down with them. "If I were thirty years younger, I'd gladly be his wife. He's so handsome, so athletic. And his manners, he's a man of authority and courtesy," Emma praised enthusiastically.
"Yes, your aunt is right. I didn't expect you to suddenly bring such a perfect future husband. Why didn't you tell us about him before, dear?" her mother asked, sounding disappointed.
Adaline lowered her head, feeling embarrassed and confused at the same time. The continuous questions and praises made her uncomfortable.
"For how long have you known each other?" her mother continued, as if her curiosity about Altezza from the previous night wasn't fully satisfied.
"I've known him for three years, Mom," she answered honestly. Of course, she had been working at Coskun Company for three years. How could she not know her superiors - CEO, COO, CMO, and the others?
"And when did you start dating? Why didn't he visit me when I was in the hospital?" Her mother's questions hit Adaline's heart.
"Not too long ago," she answered the first question. "And when you were having surgery, he had business in Singapore and only returned yesterday morning." She answered truthfully. After all, Altezza just started working at the office yesterday, right?
"Did Altezza also finance my operation?" Her mother's question sounded sad again. Adaline looked at her mother and gently took her hand.
"Yes, Mom. Sir Altezza financed all your surgeries. But please don't misunderstand, I married not for money. Sir Altezza feels that we are close enough, and he believes he's old enough to get married. So, he asked me to marry him soon."
"Do you really marry him because you like each other, right?"
'Oh God, forgive me for lying to my mother.' Adaline thought sadly. "No, Mom. Besides, just think about it, Mom, which woman can resist the charm of someone like Altezza Quirino. Aunt just said she wants to be thirty years younger so she can be with Sir Altezza." She tried to lighten the mood.
"Then why do you keep calling your future husband Sir-Sir since earlier?" This time Emma asked. A blush of embarrassment again made Adaline's face warm.
"T-that's just a habit, Aunt. Mom," she explained. "The thing is, people at the office don't know about our relationship yet. Because I'm afraid of letting it slip if I use another term, so I choose to keep calling him Sir." It was a reasonable answer that she could come up with.
The two middle-aged women burst into laughter simultaneously.
"I have to go now, afraid of being late," she said shortly after. She had to avoid before the two women started asking questions again.
It would be good if she could give honest answers or at least something reasonable. If she slipped up and revealed their secret, what would happen?
Thousands of dollars are not a small amount. Remember that, Adaline. Her brain commanded firmly.