Chapter 43 XLIII.
Alessandro and I eventually got dressed after taking a bath at the office. Thank God the workers weren't around yet; Sandro and I were all lovey-dovey with each other. He was actually a very sweet guy. He offered to drive and even opened the car door for me. I felt giddy with all the attention and affection he showered on me. He was the perfect gentleman.
We arrived at the Ricci mansion and walked inside side by side. We had agreed to talk to Mr. Ricci first and tell him about Alessandro's decision to take over the company before talking to Alessandra about calling off the wedding. We found Mr. Ricci in his study, looking as powerful and important as always.
He raised a brow at us when we walked in together. "You were not home last night, Alessandro!" he said, squinting at us.
Alessandro shrugged nonchalantly. "I was with Rowan."
My heart jumped at his blatant admission, but he continued without a care. "We had a really long and important conversation, and I’ve decided that I will take over Ricci’s Enterprise."
For the first time since I’ve known Mr. Ricci, his eyes widened in surprise. He closed the book he was reading and gave us a serious look. "Are you really sure about this, Alessandro? You’re not going to change your mind later, are you?"
He nodded. "I’ll become the next president of Ricci’s Enterprise. Rowan managed to convince me."
Mr. Ricci looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded. The glow on his face was enough for me to know that he was very happy about this.
"Well, this calls for a celebration. I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses." He looked at me. "As for you, Rowan... we have to talk."
Alessandro took that as his cue to leave. "I’ll leave you two to it." He shot me one last smile before leaving the room.
I returned my attention to Mr. Ricci, who kept his eyes on me the entire time. "Come, have a seat, Rowan," he commanded, and I found myself hurrying over to do as he said. When I was seated across from him, he asked, "How did you manage to convince Alessandro?"
I gulped, contemplating if I should tell him the truth, but I decided not to. I really didn't want to shock him just yet. "We had a long conversation and talked about it. He understood and changed his mind."
I tried to keep my voice steady so I wouldn't give anything away. He watched me closely for a moment, as if he were trying to find some fault in me. Seeing none, he sighed and gave up. "Fine, I’m glad. But this means you no longer have to get married to Sandra. Do you still wish to call off the wedding?"
Without hesitation, I replied, "Yes, sir. I still wish to call it off."
He shook his head sadly. "Sandra will be terribly heartbroken by this, but I guess I’m partially to blame for it. Do what you must, Rowan."
I heaved a sigh of relief. Now I can finally break things off with Alessandra without feeling too guilty. I walked around the mansion toward Alessandra's room. I had to talk to her and get this over with.
As I walked down the hallway, a hand shot out and grabbed my arm, roughly pulling me into an empty room. Before I could tell what was happening, I was pushed against a wall, and Alessandro's lips were upon mine in a rough, passionate kiss. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him back with everything I had, enjoying the feel of his warm lips on mine.
Fuck, I love him. All of him.
He pulled away, breathing hard. His forest green eyes were on me like he couldn't believe I was real, as if he were just seeing me for the first time. I watched him fondly. I couldn't believe a confident, handsome, and amazing man fell in love with a guy like me. It was strange because I didn't think I’d done anything to deserve his love.
He smiled into my eyes and asked, "How was the meeting with Grandpa?"
I nodded, smiling a bit and enjoying the way he kept holding me in his arms. "It went well. I’m free to call off the wedding."
The grin on Alessandro's face was so wide. "I’m so glad." He brushed his thumb against my cheek affectionately. "I’m excited to finally be able to date you openly. I want everyone to know that you’re mine and mine alone."
I smiled up at him. "I want to be yours too, Sandro, and I want the world to know that you’re mine as well. But I’m still wondering how I’m going to break the news to Sandra. I hate to hurt her feelings."
Alessandro sighed and pulled me to him. "I know it’s hard, but it has to be done." I nodded sadly, and he stared at me in concern. "Do you want me to be there with you when you tell her?"
I shook my head. "I think it’s best I tell her alone. I don’t want her to be too shocked."
He nodded in understanding and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Don’t worry, Rowan. I’m sure everything is going to turn out alright."
I smiled and hugged him. I really hoped Alessandra would understand and that she wouldn't hate me too much. After a moment, Alessandro sighed. "As much as I wish for us to remain like this, we have to leave, or else someone will find us in here."
Reluctantly, I agreed and let go of him. He kissed my forehead again, and we left the room hand in hand. Down the hallway, Alessandra was approaching. I quickly let go of Alessandro's hand just in time for her to reach us with raised brows.
She stared from me to Sandro, her eyes squinted in suspicion. I couldn't help but feel a bit scared.
Have we been caught?