"I always feel not quite right whenever I see you," Altezza replied curtly.
Tessa, overhearing them, could only gape in disbelief. Although she didn't understand the man's words, she could tell that he was angry with his cousin. And she never expected to see that handsome face filled with such hostility, because as far as she knew, Altezza was always friendly to everyone.
"Are they arguing?" Tessa whispered to Adaline, who shook her head in response because she didn't understand what they were saying either.
"And please, stay away from my wife. Pretend you don't know her even if you accidentally meet her."
"Oh come on, Cousin. How could I act like that? Ignoring an angel as beautiful as her just like that? Even other people would do a double-take if they saw her. What about me?" Gian seemed unwilling to back down. Altezza sneered.
"I don't care. Whatever the reason, you need to keep your distance from her. At least one meter. If not, I'll put blinders on that ugly head of yours." He threatened sharply.
Gian raised both hands above his head, a sign of surrender. "Alright, alright. I give up," he replied with a wounded expression.
"Wow, it's like watching an Italian drama here," Tessa whispered in amazement. She looked at the two cousins alternately. Then she turned to Adaline. "Do you understand what they're talking about?" she asked in a whisper. Adaline shook her head. Tessa then turned to her boyfriend. And the man shrugged even before Tessa asked. "It seems like one of us needs to learn Italian. At least if they are really arguing, there's someone who can mediate. Why didn't one of us use Google Voice earlier?" Tessa furrowed her brow. She realized it was her own fault for not coming up with that idea until after they had finished talking.
Altezza ushered Adaline back into the elevator heading towards the basement parking, ignoring Gian. He also didn't invite Gian even though they were going to the same place.
"What's wrong with you?" Adaline finally dared to ask after a few moments of uncomfortable silence.
Altezza turned and smiled. His left hand reached out and gently stroked Adaline's head. "Nothing's wrong, Mrs.," he reassured. "Just feeling bored because there's no one to tease." Altezza flashed his trademark smile. "Oh, by the way, Antony invited us for dinner at his place. Do you want to go home first or head straight there?"
"Sir Antony?" Altezza nodded. "They're back already? Does that mean Sir Adshkan will start working again tomorrow?" Once again, Altezza nodded. "Would it still be polite if we went straight there? Because if we go home first, it'll take time. And Aa seems tired." Adaline's suggestion was once again affirmed by Altezza.
Yes, Altezza did feel tired. Mentally tired, to be precise. His unexpected encounter with Jovanka and the scene between Gian and Adaline. Even though he knew there was nothing between them, it still always made him angry.
They finally arrived at Antony's house after buying some gifts at a nearby supermarket. It turned out their family was already gathered there. Minus Gian's family, because Gian's parents, siblings, and brother-in-law had returned to Italy.
Claire, the homeowner, greeted them warmly. Flavia and Abigail were also there. Both came along with Claire.
The dinner was lively with the ongoing tension between Gian and Altezza, not to mention the disturbances caused by Flavia, Abigail, and Claire.
After dinner, Altezza, Gian, and Antony secluded themselves in the study. About 15 minutes later, Gian emerged, joining the parents and women.
"Where are Altezza and Antony?" Brianna asked.
"They're still having a private discussion inside," Gian replied. Brianna simply nodded.
In the study,
Antony glanced at Altezza over the rim of his glass. "Is something wrong, Cousin?" Antony initiated the conversation.
The eldest of the youngest generation in the Quirino family looked at Altezza flatly. They were standing on Antony's study balcony, overlooking the backyard where their family was gathered.
"She's back," Altezza replied with just two words, and Antony knew exactly who 'she' referred to.
"And why does it matter if she's back? Are you starting to waver and consider going back to her?" Antony asked, raising an eyebrow. The man couldn't hide his dislike for Jovanka Lawrence, or more precisely, his former sister-in-law.
"Why would you think that?"
"Because I know that you once loved her for a long time. The time you spent praising her. The time when you always gave in. The time when you always granted all her requests even if they sounded unreasonable. And frankly, I still doubt your feelings. At least this question always crosses my mind." Antony fully turned his body, leaning against the balcony, folding his arms across his chest, and gazing sharply at Altezza.
"I've always wondered what you would do if that woman ever returned. And now I can see the answer," Antony scanned Altezza's body language. "You've seemed restless all night. Your body is here, but I don't know where your mind and heart are." Antony gave his assessment.
Altezza turned his body again, observing his family chatting not far from them. "That's just in your mind, Brother," Altezza deflected.
"Yes, you're right," the older man replied without shifting his gaze. "It's just in my mind. And I hope what I'm thinking never becomes reality. You have to remember that now there's a heart you have to take care of. Don't act rashly, Al. Think about Adaline's feelings before you do anything to that woman.
"Even though the beginning of your marriage was based on a false plan, I always hoped that your marriage would become true. I've never wished ill for you, Cousin. I've always wished happiness for you. But you have to know that happiness is sought and created. Not just waited for. That's what I've realized lately.
"I've been waiting for happiness to come. Until I realized that if I didn't move, I would never get that happiness. The same goes for you. You've found the source of happiness, whether you realize it or not. You should cherish the presence of the one who creates happiness for you and your family.
"You have to take care of it well. Remember that regret comes from a choice. Not from circumstance." Antony gently patted Altezza's shoulder before leaving him standing alone.
Altezza watched Adaline, engrossed in conversation with her family. In his heart, he wondered what Adaline meant to him. He tried to sort out his feelings for his petite wife.
There was nothing he disliked about her. Adaline, a beautiful woman. She was kind, gentle, and caring. A friendly woman, obedient yet firm at the same time. A woman who never demanded but knew what she wanted. He admired Adaline's character, with all its strength and vulnerability.
He wanted to say it was love, but he wasn't sure himself.
Recalling his encounter with Jovanka that afternoon, he couldn't help but admit in his heart what Antony had said.
Jovanka Lawrence. That figure still lingered in his heart and mind. Even though for the past eight months he had never tried to remember her. But her real presence before him earlier made him falter.
If only he hadn't been overwhelmed by anger at that moment, he would probably have embraced her. Holding her tight. Swearing to both of them that he forgave her and would never let her go again. Because clearly, the love for her had not yet disappeared.
He never liked seeing women cry. Especially if he was the cause of those tears. And earlier, Jovanka cried for him.
But because of his ego, Altezza was reluctant to admit it. And just as Antony had said earlier, there was now a heart he had to take care of.