Chapter 45 XLV.
My life seems to get more difficult with each passing day. What was I expecting, anyway? A perfect life with Alessandro?
How the hell was I so careless that I allowed myself to get caught by Anna, of all people? And how the hell did she fall in love with me? We’ve known each other for years, but not once did I notice she had feelings for me.
In the end, it is my fault. I shouldn’t have allowed things to get this far, but that doesn’t mean I will allow my mistakes to keep growing. I won’t do what Anna wants, even if it means Alessandra will hate me forever and Mr. Ricci will be heavily disappointed in me. I’m going to explain myself to them when the truth comes out, but I won’t call Anna. I won’t make any more mistakes.
I arrived home with a terrible headache starting to form. I went straight to the bathroom and took a bath. I had been freed from my engagement with Alessandra, but it seemed I had been trapped in a greater bondage: the need to tell her the truth. All I needed now was dinner and some much-needed sleep to help me take my mind off things.
When I got out of the bathroom, my phone dinged on the nightstand. I picked it up and smiled when I saw a message from Alessandro.
'Are you home?' the message read. I was amazed at how a single text could make me feel so much better. He certainly had a way of uplifting my mood.
'Yeah, I'm home. What about you? Aren't you asleep yet?' I sent back. I proceeded to get some clothes out of my closet while I waited for his reply. It came almost immediately.
'Couldn't sleep. I just can't stop thinking about you. It's still a surprise to me that you're mine now.'
I chuckled at his words. 'Believe it, Alessandro. It’s real'
'Can I come see you? I miss you.'
His words made me giddy, and my heart fluttered. I couldn't get the smile off my face. In all my life, I have never found someone who could make me so happy just by being near me. I felt so lucky to have been chosen by Alessandro, and I was going to do everything within my power to fight for our love.
'You can come over,' I texted back, quickly followed by my address.
I went to the kitchen to start making dinner while I waited. It would be nice to have a meal with him, just the two of us. I had always thought about asking him out on a proper date, but since our relationship wasn't exactly in its best phase, it was better not to think about that until I resolved the issue with Alessandra.
I was just finishing the meal when the doorbell rang loudly. I smiled, already knowing it was Sandro. I took off my apron and hurried to the door. As expected, Alessandro stood on the other side with a smile on his face. With his hands tucked into the pockets of his winter coat, he looked absolutely handsome. He stepped forward and pulled me into a warm hug.
I immediately melted into his arms. All my worries and sorrows completely vanished the minute I was engulfed by him. I hugged him back, enjoying his scent and the feel of him. He had no idea just how much I needed that hug right now.
"I missed you so much," he mumbled, squeezing me closer as if he feared I would vanish.
"I miss you too, Sandro," I replied with total sincerity. It hadn’t been long since we last saw each other, but being apart for even a second felt like a year. I realized then that I needed Alessandro in my life the same way I needed air. I couldn't even imagine what would become of me if I ever lost him.
He pulled away slightly and pecked my lips, his green eyes glowing with happiness. "Let’s go in," he said, walking into my apartment and closing the door behind us.
This was the first time I had ever brought someone over to my place. Everything was neat and in its place, but I still felt nervous having Alessandro in my private space.
"Nice place," he complimented, giving a nod of approval as his eyes roamed the room. "It’s just like you. Everything is so organized."
"Thanks. You can make yourself at home. I just finished making dinner; I’ll set the table now."
I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my waist and pulled me back against him, hugging me from behind.
"I'm not really hungry, Rowan. All I want is to hold you in my arms like this forever. But I think I’d prefer to eat something else," He joked and kissed my neck, making me shiver. "I bet you taste more delicious than that dinner you made," he whispered.
I blushed hard and pulled away from him. "Don't be cheesy, Sandro. I’ll go set the table now." I kissed his cheek and hurried to the kitchen, giving him the chance to look around the house.
Once the table was set, I invited him to join me. He smiled as he sat across from me. "Everything looks so good. I’m surprised you can cook."
I shrugged, filling my plate. "I had to learn. I live alone, so it’s only right that I know how to take care of myself."
Alessandro grinned. "You're the whole package, aren't you?" He took a spoonful of his meal while I waited in anticipation for his judgment. He hummed in satisfaction. "Wow, this is delicious."
Pride filled me, and I couldn’t contain my smile. "I'm glad you like it."
"I love it!" he admitted, giving me his signature smirk. "But I still prefer to eat something better."
I felt his foot trailing up my leg under the table. I pulled away quickly, clearing my throat as Alessandro laughed. "You are so cute, Rowan."
We continued to eat in silence. I was distracted by his presence, still finding it hard to believe he was mine. Out of all the men in the world, Sandro chose me. He risked everything just to be with me, and I knew I had to do the same.
"I plan to tell Alessandra and Mr. Ricci the truth tomorrow," I spoke up suddenly, immediately gaining his attention. "I wanted to tell Sandra today, but there was a situation and I couldn't."
I purposefully left out the part about Anna’s threat. "I don’t want us to keep hiding our love, Alessandro. I’m going to confess everything to them."
Concern clouded Alessandro's face. He reached across the table and held my hand. "Are you sure about this, Rowan? Calling off the wedding is one thing, but telling them about us might really get you into trouble."
"I still want to do it," I insisted. "I won't be at peace until I get this off my chest. Telling them the truth is the only way I can truly move on."
Alessandro nodded in understanding. "I understand, Rowan. You know I’ll always support you, no matter what. Do you want me to be there when you tell them?"
I shook my head quickly. "I think it’s best if you aren't."
"But..." He tried to protest, but I cut him off. "It’s fine, Alessandro. I can face them myself. Things might get out of hand, but I have to handle this."
He sighed. I could tell he didn’t love the idea of me talking to his family alone, but I didn't want him there because I was certain Anna had already told Sandra.
"Fine," Alessandro agreed. "I guess I can do that."
I smiled. "I love you."
He took my hand and kissed my knuckles making butterflies danced in my stomach violently. "I love you too baby."
Tomorrow might become a total disaster, or by some miracle, I might finally be able to make things right.