Chapter 34 XXXIV.
We travelled back to California that afternoon, and we were back to the silent treatment. There was a permanent scowl on Alessandro's face, and he didn't say a word to me the entire time.
I felt guilty and sad, and I decided there was nothing I could do to make him feel better. If I tried talking to him, it would only make the situation worse.
But Alessandro looked painfully handsome in a black shirt and dark jeans. I was discreet in checking him out because I didn't want to give him the wrong idea. Either way, I still found him attractive.
The plane ride was completely silent. Alessandro didn't even look at me. He kept his eyes closed the entire time, with his head leaning back against the chair.
I tried not to let my guilty conscience suffocate me. I did the right thing, so why the hell do I feel like I killed someone? And why the hell does it hurt so much that Alessandro wasn't talking or smiling at me like he used to?
In this moment, I just felt like looking for a hole and hiding in there forever. I never knew being ignored by Alessandro would hurt this much.
Soon we arrived at the Ricci's mansion in California.
There was a weird tension in the air between Alessandro and me, and I wanted to get away from it as soon as possible. But another part of me wanted to talk to him, to clear the air between the two of us.
However, I hadn't even properly parked my car when Alessandro climbed out of it, marched to the back, and took out his luggage. He walked towards the house without a word.
I climbed out quickly and hurried after him.
"Alessandro, wait! Please, let's talk."
He stopped walking just outside the door, but he didn't turn to face me.
"You've made your point, so there's nothing for us to talk about."
I flinched at his cold tone, and I could feel my heart squeezing painfully in my chest.
Why does it hurt so damn much? It's not supposed to hurt like this.
"Alessandro, please..."
"Alessandro?" we heard Alessandra speak.
She was standing by the door, looking surprised to see her brother.
"You guys are back?"
Her gaze travelled around her brother to find me. The minute she found me, her smile widened with excitement and she raced toward me. I expected a hug, but instead she pulled me into a kiss.
I pulled away with her arms still around me, smiling widely, and I forced a smile to my lips.
She pouted a bit and kissed my lips again. "I truly missed you a lot, Rowan. I'll tell Dad not to send you on any more business trips."
I chuckled a bit and ruffled her hair. I won't deny she's kind of cute. "I have to go on business trips like this so the company can progress."
"But I missed you so much," she whined and hugged me tight.
I hugged her back. "I... I missed you too."
The words sounded like acid in my mouth because I knew it was all lies.
She pulled back again, light green eyes sparkling.
"Now that you're back, we need to spend a lot of time together and talk about our engagement party."
"Engagement party?" I asked, with my heart beating wildly in fear and panic.
Oblivious to my fear, Alessandra nodded rapidly. "Yeah, engagement party. I have already spoken to Grandpa, and he said you both will talk about it when you get back."
With each word she said, my heart kept falling closer and closer to my feet. I almost forgot about the engagement party.
I forced a smile.
"I'll go and talk to Mr. Ricci for a bit."
She looked excited by my statement.
"I'll go with you."
The two of us walked into the house, and I couldn't help the way my eyes roamed the place in search of Alessandro. Maybe he's in his room right now, and the last thing he wants is to see me.
I ignored the ache in my chest and allowed Alessandra to pull me in the direction of Mr. Ricci's study.
There he sat, looking as powerful as ever even in his casual clothes.
I lowered my head in respect.
"Good afternoon, sir."
He looked up with those stern, cold eyes.
"Good to have you back, Rowan. How did the business transaction go?"
With pride I replied, "It was a success, sir. Mr. Francisco signed the deal."
I felt a bitter feeling when I remembered that it could have failed if Alessandro hadn't helped somehow. I felt like I was stealing his glory.
Mr. Ricci looked toward his granddaughter.
"Sandra, can you give us a moment, please?"
Mr. Ricci is only like that to his granddaughter. The Mr. Ricci I know would never say please to anyone.
"Yes, Grandpa."
She kissed my cheek and let go of my arm.
"I'll see you later, Rowan."
And she was gone.
"Come have a seat, Rowan."
Without waiting to be told twice, I went forward and took a seat.
"So," he began, "you've completed the first task, and I am proud of you, Rowan. I had full faith that you could do it."
"Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me. But I have to let you know that Alessandro also played a part in getting us that deal."
He nodded, and only his eyes gave away the fact that he was pleased.
"That is very good to know. I believe somewhere deep down my grandson takes after his father and me in business." He looked at me with a hard, serious gaze. "So tell me, have you made any progress in trying to convince my son?"
The words caused my heart to sink. I didn't even make an attempt, and yet somehow I managed to make things worse. "By the look on your face, I'll assume your answer is a no."
I lowered my head, ashamed and he let out a deep sigh. "I have told Alessandra that we shall discuss the engagement with you when you get back, but I have just a few words to say, Rowan."
"Convince Alessandro before the time runs out. You have just five days. Once those five days elapse, you will be engaged to Alessandra. My granddaughter loves you, but I can tell you don't. Convince Alessandro before it becomes too late to get out of this, Rowan."
Each word that left his mouth was like broken pieces of bottles being stabbed into my chest.
There's no way I can convince Alessandro. Not when he's this mad at me.
If I can't convince Alessandro in five days, I'll have no choice but to accept my fate and get married to Alessandra.
It is, after all, the easiest way out.