Chapter 31
Oliver’s pov.
One week until the wedding, and the excitement filled my heart as I looked at the calendar. I couldn't believe that I'd be getting married in just a week. The love between Valerie and me was real, and I knew I'd done everything in my power to make this love story a reality. Despite the media's rumors about our empire being the sole reason for our marriage, we had worked hard to convince them that our love was genuine. It hurt to see our efforts being questioned, but our clients, at least, had faith in our love and business partnership.
Planning the bachelor party was no easy task, especially considering that Valerie wouldn't be too thrilled with a traditional one. After some thought, I decided on an F1-themed trip to Italy, something that both my brothers and hers could enjoy.
“Have fun in Italy.” Valerie winked, trailing her hand down my chest. Those beautiful storm-like eyes glittered with mischief as she looked at me.
“I will.” I smiled and leaned down to kiss her, expecting it to be a sweet, short kiss, but she pulled me in for a passionate one. The little minx was teasing; she knew exactly what she was doing. Since last week she decided we should wait for our wedding night to have sex again, she said it would be extra special that way but now I’m thinking she’s doing it on purpose, to tease me.
“Now, go and please bring back both my brothers whole.” She spanked me and I glared at her.
“On our wedding night I will make sure you regret teasing me this hard.” I winked and grabbed my luggage.
—
Arriving in Italy, we settled into the house I had rented for the occasion. As we gathered on the private jet, everyone seemed oddly quiet, which made me wonder if I was dreaming. The silence was short-lived as Jasper opened his mouth
“So which one of those two is your best man exactly?”
“They both are,” I answered with a shrug as I opened the doors.
“Aren’t you supposed to have only one?” Cass asked in a judging tone. Valerie warned me about this one.
“Yeah, but they’re twins, I can’t choose,” I admitted. It wasn’t like I had a best friend I could ask instead.
“They share the same face, it wouldn’t matter much,” Caspian hummed and I could already see Rafe opening his mouth. Dear god, I had to jinx the peace.
“We’re going to be related to these people?” Rafe said judgingly, looking at the Sinclairs from top to bottom.
“Rafael, Raymundo, please don’t provoke them. There’s no reason for us to carry out our grandparents' feud,” I glared at them then turned to look at the Sinclairs. “We came here for a good time, let’s just do that,” I kindly asked them.
Before things escalated, I intervened, urging everyone to put aside our families' feud and simply enjoy the trip together. Surprisingly, they listened, and the tension eased as we all worked together to make dinner and dessert in the kitchen. We headed to bed early, eager for the upcoming F1 race in Italy.
—
As we stepped into the buzzing atmosphere of the Formula 1 race in Monza, Italy, my heart raced with excitement. The roar of engines filled the air, and the energy of the crowd was palpable. This was the perfect destination for my bachelor celebration. I had doubts before but now I was truly certain.
As we settled into the VIP box, the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere engulfed us all. Despite the tension between our families, it seemed the thrill of the race was working its magic, uniting us in a shared experience.
“Oh man, I wish I did this for my bachelor party,” Jasper said in awe as he admired the place. I went through extra length to make sure these men would enjoy it. If they’re relaxed and comfortable it will lessen the chance of them fighting like cats and dogs.
“What did you do for yours?” Ray asked before I could.
“I left my brother in charge of organizing it,” Jasper scoffed and looked over at Cass who had a grin on his face.
“In my defense I was still a frat back then,” Cass defended himself. Somehow I could totally believe that.
“How did it end?” I wondered.
“Too much alcohol, too much noise and too many half naked women– our grandfather was at that party.” Jasper shuddered as he relived the memories. Yeah, I’d be mortified if I was caught at such a party with my Abuelo.
“You didn’t tell me you invited gramps,” Cass groaned.
“It was– It was all planned so quickly and I assumed you would settle for something like dinner, whiskey and cigars,” Jasper rolled his eyes, fighting like Ray and Rafe would and for a moment it was refreshing to see.
“I made it up to him though,” Cass was quick to say with a smirk.
“Well you two were wondering why I didn’t let you plan the thing? There’s your why.” I looked over at my twin brothers who just rolled their eyes.
We continued to chat friendly for a few minutes longer before we all got into our seats and looked ahead of us.
The F1 cars thundered past us, and we couldn't help but cheer together, our rivalries forgotten, replaced by exhilaration. It was as if the speed and excitement on the track had infused us with a newfound camaraderie.
Rafe clapped me on the back, a rare display of affection, and Ray's infectious grin spread wider as the cars zoomed by. Jasper and I exchanged nods of approval, sharing a bond through our mutual love for the sport.
Amid the race, I spotted a nearby food stand selling Italian delicacies. I seized the opportunity to make this day even more special. "How about some authentic Italian pizza?" I suggested with a grin.
The idea was met with enthusiasm, and we headed over to the stand. Laughing and joking, we indulged in delicious pizza slices, savoring the flavors and enjoying the casual camaraderie that had enveloped us.
As the race reached its climax, the deafening cheers from the crowd amplified our excitement. We clinked our beer glasses, toasting the unforgettable experience and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
As the checkered flag waved, we erupted into applause, celebrating not just the race but the bonds we had formed that day. Despite the family feud that had loomed over us, this shared experience had shown us that beneath the animosity lay the potential for friendship and connection. We just had to make our grandparents fix things.
I couldn't help but feel hopeful—hopeful that the feud between our families could be set aside, and hopeful for the future that awaited me with Valerie by my side.
We went out for dinner and drinks and ended the night rather early– I suppose we were all getting older now.
—
It’d been two days; today was our last day here as we’d leave at night so we each planned on going to town and doing our own thing to pass by time and enjoy this country.
“What are you looking for?” I wondered, hoping to spend this time bounding with Jasper. They might not believe it just yet, but they would have to accept me into the family and I was willing to be friendly about this. They were Valerie’s brothers and I respect that.
“There’s this store, they sell like fine pieces of jewelry and such, I want to get something for Madi,” Jasper told me, showed me the map on his phone and that had to be the most complicated thing I’ve ever seen. It was funny to think that after the wedding I’d be coming here with Valerie on our honeymoon.
“Hmhm, I see.” I studied the map and the map and name of the place to help him search. I’d rather be with him than the others who are still on their gelato hunt, which meant they’d be going to five different places and trying many flavors of gelato to determine where had the best and I didn’t exactly feel like spending my last afternoon in Italy filling my stomach with sugar and dairy.
After exploring the town with Jasper, we stumbled upon a jewelry store he wanted to visit. While he searched for something special for his wife, Madi, I found myself drawn to a stunning piece in the shop's display. It was a ring with a beautiful blue stone, but as I observed it more closely, I realized it wasn't quite Valerie's style. It was too extravagant and flashy for her taste.
Then my eyes caught sight of a clear case behind the store assistant, showcasing a magnificent ruby necklace. The pendant formed a delicate heart shape with exquisite tear-drop cut stones. It was the perfect shade of red, reminiscent of Valerie's favorite lipstick. This necklace screamed her name, and I knew it would make the ideal gift.
"Excuse me, what is that necklace? Is it for sale?" I asked the assistant, pointing to the ruby necklace that was locked away.
"It's an antique LuSaint piece, sir," she explained with a thick accent as she wrapped up Jasper's gift. Of course, it was a LuSaint piece. The cheapest jewelry they ever sold was around 500 thousand perhaps? LuSaint made a name for themselves so no doubt this piece would cost me a lot, but it was nothing I couldn’t miss for Valerie.
"I want it," I decided.
"I uh, I have to get the manager for that." She seemed stunned, a little lost.
"Go on, I'll wait," I assured her, crossing my arms.
I noticed Jasper staring at me, wondering if I was probably serious about this and I sure was. He was about to witness me buying his sister this necklace.
A dark-haired man, dressed in a three-piece suit stepped out and looked at his assistant with a frown, like this was a set-up. "Who?"
The blonde pointed to me, and the manager stared at me with disbelief then looked at Jasper and back at me and asked shakingly, "Mr. Martinez?"
"Hello, you must be the manager?" I smiled, and the man tried to remain cool but couldn't, and honestly, I didn't blame him. He had both a Martinez and Sinclair in his jewelry shop.
He was surprised and almost immediately got me that necklace. I didn't need to double-check it; I was sure about my purchase and couldn't wait to give it to Valerie on our wedding night.