THE BRIDE - By Shaxee
Chapter 36
One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. -Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Marco Orsini’s POV
“She accepted my marriage proposal last night.” I announced to the woman sitting across from me in the trendy coffee shop in the heart of Rome.
Laila Fiorenza sipped her coffee regally as her green eyes studied me with such gleam in their depth. As usual, she wore her favored black outfits. It suited her in my opinion. It accentuated her pale skin. “I take it that congratulations are in order then. I am so happy for both of you. I’m sorry that I didn’t help you much with your plan but I am so happy that it worked out the way you wanted it.”
I smiled ruefully taking a sip of my own coffee. I still can’t believe that I am now an engaged man, to the woman who practically owned my heart. Thinking about it now, it seems that it has been a long time since I swore off to love. Francesca had changed my way of thinking about marriage and kids. The love of my life.
“That’s a quite smile you got there, Marco.”
I forced back myself to this Sicilian princess who was studying me right this moment. I have to stop thinking about my fiancée for a moment—Dio, my fiancée. That word makes my heart warm at the thought.
“You’re doing it again.” Laila teased mercilessly.
I pretended to scowl in her direction but the smile kept spreading on my face. “That’s harsh, princess. You are mocking me.”
“I will not let pass the opportunity to make fun of the man who brazenly went to the old town in Sicily to ask my father for my hand in marriage when your real reason was to make your lady jealous over me.” The Sicilian princess retorted playfully, her eyes dancing with laughter.
I grimaced when I remembered that time Francesca and I took a trip to Ragusa, Sicily to meet this amazing woman. “She’s a complicated woman.”
“Every woman is complicated, Signore.” She replied smartly. Whoever the lucky man will be to ever capture this woman’s heart will be fortunate. “And it takes a lifetime for a man to uncover a woman’s secret.”
“I think only few weeks will do.”
Laila raised an eyebrow in my direction before bursting into a hearty laughter. “You are really something else, Marco Orsini.”
“So I’ve been told.” I agreed with a silent salute of my coffee cup. “I never imagined that the woman I met in Ragusa will be this witty.”
She frowned in my direction. “You think I am one of those air-headed women who do nothing but flatter their vanity?”
I held up my hands with a smile. “I didn’t say that.”
“But you are thinking about it.”
“No, Laila. Truly.”
She surprised me when she laughed. “So serious, Marco. I am just kidding you.”
It was now my turn to scowl in her direction. “You do have the habit of poking fun at me, princess.”
“Yes.” She answered, she stared at me arrogantly. “Do you have problem with that?”
“Only you and Francesca will dare to do that to me.” I said as I shook my head in resignation. I never thought before that I will have a friendly relationship with a woman without jumping in bed with her. I am so happy that I have this kind of relationship with this woman.
“It’s a good thing that someone treated you differently.” She replied, as she sipped her coffee. “I’ve heard about your—shall we say colorful past with women, Marco.”
I smiled ruefully. “Such a discreet way of saying I was certified playboy.”
“It’s true.”
I glared at this Sicilian princess. “I thought when I met you, you are an obedient daughter? What’s with the sharp tongue?”
“I just don’t want to disappoint my Patri.” Shadows filled her lively emerald eyes. She smiled bravely in my direction. “In fact, he’s already summoning me home.”
There’s something in her face that told me she didn’t want to go home yet. Cesare Fiorenza was not the type of father that was very affectionate with his daughters. He ruled their lives with iron fists.
“Why not stay here for a few days more?” I invited openly. She seemed to be enjoying her life in the city. “I will ask for your father’s permission.”
“I can’t.” She said with a shake of her head. “Patri wants me to come home already. Besides, my twin phoned me this morning, she told me she’s home. I want to see my sister.”
“Your sister?” I asked as I stopped halfway from drinking my coffee. “What’s her name again—Leah?”
“Leila.” She said with amusement on her face. “I thought that you may know her. She’s quite a party girl and broke every rule my father had given us. She’s called the ‘darling of the Sicilian tabloids’.”
“Tough girl.”
“She is.” Laila said cheerfully. “Rebellious and making her own destiny for herself. She also likes to irritate our father at every opportunity.”
I smiled at the thought of having an unruly daughter for that tyrant Sicilian. “When do you plan to go home?”
“Tomorrow.”
I looked at her seriously. “I want to come with you to Ragusa to explain to your father about our situation and my engagement to Francesca.”
She shook her head with a regal smile on her aristocratic face. “I can deal with my Patri, Marco. You should stay here in the city with your bride-to- be.”
“Are you sure?”
Laila nodded with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. I knew she feared her father so much and about his reaction to this news. I want to be there for her when she faces her tyrant father’s wrath. She has become a very good friend to me. “I will deal with him. Don’t worry I am sure he’ll understand.” She stood from her chair. “As much as I want to chat with you I need to pack my things, Marco.”
“It’s all right.” I also stood from my chair. “Have a safe trip tomorrow, Laila.”
She smiled brightly like the warm Italian sun. “Be sure to invite me to your wedding.”
“I will.” I promised. “Good luck with your secret love for this man.”
“I need more than luck when it comes to love, Marco.”
“Have faith.” I said with such conviction.
“Where are we going?” Francesca asked when I fetched her at her office after my meeting with Laila.
I glanced at her and I kissed her hand while I drive on the highway of Rome. “To the vineyard. We need to tell the old folks about our engagement.”
“Now?” She looked horrified at the thought.
“Yes,” I glanced again at her briefly before I settled my gaze back on the road. “Do you have any problem with that?”
“Er. I don’t know. What will they say about it?” She said. I could see that she’s really nervous. “Only a week ago you introduced a different woman as your fiancée now you will introduce a new woman as your fiancée.”
I smirked but my eyes still stayed on the road. “You don’t know my grandparents that well then. I am sure that they will only raise their eyebrows at the news.”
She glowered darkly in my direction. I could feel that the temperature inside my car dropped at least ten degrees. “Do you have the habit of introducing women as your fiancée to them, Signore?”
“Jealous, my love?” I grinned evilly.
She snorted. “Why will I be jealous?”
“For the record, soon-to-be Mrs. Orsini. I only proposed to a woman once and that is you, Francesca.”
She didn’t reply anymore until we reached my grandparents vineyard.
“Smile.” I commented once we slid out of the car. I took her hand as we entered the foyer. “You look like a woman who is facing her death.”
“That’s quite accurate description.”
I stole a kiss from her lovely lips. “It will be fine, darling.”
We found my grandparents in their favorite part of the mansion—the library. My grandfather sat at his study desk while my grandmother read a book on the settee.
“We’re engaged!” I announced happily once we entered the room. Nonno put down the broadsheet he’d been reading.
Nonna beamed in our direction as she stood from the sofa. Tears gleamed in her eyes. “About time. I grew tired of waiting for this day. Come let’s have coffee and discuss the wedding arrangements I made months ago.”
“Wedding arrangement?” Francesca asked blankly. “Whose wedding plan is that for, Nonna?”
“Yours and Marco, of course.” Nonna replied dryly as if that’s the most absurd thing she's heard.
I laughed as I led Francesca to the sofa where my scheming grandmother sat again. “You plan ahead, Nonna.”
“Of course.” She answered arrogantly, picking up her notebook, pen and some paraphernalia from the coffee table. “Take a sit. So what do you think of one thousand guests for the wedding reception?”
“One thousand?” Francesca repeated impassively. She gaped at my grandmother openly.
“Too little?” Nonna asked with a frown. “How about two thousands then?”
“Nonna…” I held up my hands but I was interrupted when the maid placed the coffee on the table. Too late, before I could send away the maid with the coffee, Francesca stood from the sofa and dashed out of the room.
Once Francesca left the room Nonna gave me a strange look. “Aren’t you going to tell me something, figlio?”
“What will I tell you?” I answered her innocently.
Now even my grandfather was interested with this new twist inside the library. My grandmother got teary-eyed again, as she placed her hand over her heart. “I’ve suffered the same thing twice and I saw my daughters-in-law suffer the same thing with Francesca.”
“Are we going to be great grandparents at last, Marco?” Nonno asked but more likely only a formality than a real question. I am sure there is no doubt that they knew now about Francesca’s condition.
“We need to have the wedding really soon now.” Nonna added with a triumph in her eyes. “Let’s do it next week.”
They are planning ahead. I only want a simple and intimate wedding. I don’t want a circus. “You know what?” I told them when Francesca came back again inside the room with quite a blush on her cheek. “I think my fiancée needs to rest. We will come back when she’s fine.”
“Marco…!” Nonna said when I grabbed Francesca’s hand and went out of the library without saying a proper goodbye. “Come back here we need to talk.”
“What’s that for?” Francesca asked when I let her slide into my car.
“Let’s get married tomorrow.” I said once I started the engine and drive off the vineyard.
Her eyes widened considerably. “What? Tomorrow? What’s the rush?”
“Nonna wants a circus wedding I want the opposite.”
“I want a simple wedding too.” She confided in me softly. “But where are we going to get married on such short notice?”
“Las Vegas.” I answered as I fished out my mobile phone and dialed someone. After a few rings the Greek b-----d finally answered. “Nikos? I need a favor again. Can you fly to Las Vegas tomorrow morning? What reason? I need you—and probably your secretary to stand as witnesses.” I looked at the woman sitting silently beside me. “Because I’m getting married tomorrow.”
tripleclicks.com
Item Type:Handbags
Exterior:None
Size:Medium(30cm
Number of Handles/Straps:Single
Interior:Interior Slot Pocket,Cell Phone Pocket,Interior Zipper Pocket,Interior Key Chain Holder,Interior Compartment
Closure Type:Zipper
Handbags Type:Shoulder Bags
Shape:Composite Bag
Decoration:Rivet,Letter,SequinedGender:Women
Hardness:Soft
Pattern...
V-neck long party dress
Padded enough for "no bra" option
Unique sequined waist with a flowy ribbon at front enhances the charm of this dress
Concealed zipper up the back
Lining, no stretc
Item Type:Bridesmaid Dresses
Waistline:Empire
Decoration:Sequined
Sleeve Style:Off the Shoulder
Fabric Type:Chiffon
Dresses Length:Floor-Length...
Occasion:Prom
Item Type:Prom Dresses
Waistline:Natural
is_customized:Yes
Fabric Type:Satin
Dresses Length:Floor-Length
Neckline:Strapless
Silhouette:A-Line
Sleeve Length:Sleeveless
Decoration:Bow,Pockets,Sashes
Sleeve Style:Off the Shoulder
Train:None
Material:Viscose
Built-in Bra:Yes
Actual Images:Yes
Product category:Evening...
V-neck long party dress
Padded enough for "no bra" option
Unique sequined waist with a flowy ribbon at front enhances the charm of this dress
Concealed zipper up the back
Lining, no stretc
Item Type:Bridesmaid Dresses
Waistline:Empire
Decoration:Sequined
Sleeve Style:Off the Shoulder
Fabric Type:Chiffon
Dresses Length:Floor-Length...
Occasion:Formal Evening
Item Type:Evening Dresses
Waistline:Natural
is_customized:Yes
Dresses Length:Floor-Length
Neckline:V-Neck
Silhouette:Straight
Sleeve Length:Sleeveless
Decoration:Beading,Embroidery,Lace
Sleeve Style:Tank
Train:None
Material:Polyester
Built-in Bra:Yes
Actual Images:Yes
Product category:Evening dress
Main...
-Material: Polyester Cotton Blends
-Gender : Female
-Type: Fashion/Casual
-Style : Sexy & Club
-Silhouette: Sheath
-Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
-Dresses Length: Knee-Length
-Season: Autumn Winter Summer
-Color : White Red
-Size : S M L
-Accessories : Non
-Net Weight : 0.2KG
-Package : 1 Piece Dress
Item Type:Wedding Dresses
Waistline:Natural
Dresses Length:Floor-Length
Neckline:Sweetheart
Silhouette:A-Line
Sleeve Length:Sleeveless
Wedding Dress Fabric:Chiffon and Satin
Decoration:Beading,Pleat
Sleeve Style:Off the Shoulder
Train:Court Train
Built-in Bra:Yes
Back Design:Lace Up
Gender:Women
Waistline:Empire
Dresses Length:Floor-Length
Season:Summer
Silhouette:Trumpet / Mermaid
Neckline:O-Neck
Sleeve Length:Sleeveless
Decoration:Embroidery
Pattern Type:Solid
Sleeve Style:Regular
Style:Brief
Material:Polyester,Acrylic,Spandex,Mesh,Lace
Style:Sexy
Occasion:Cocktail, Summer, Party
Size Type:Regular...
Size: M, L
Color: Gold
Always dress to impress!
Look and feel your very best in this Sequin Applique Evening Party Mermaid Dress which features a peerlessly breathtaking mermaid silhouette, resplendent sequin dress tightly hugs the torso, see-through mesh insert and lace overlay decorates, multi-layer tulle sweeping floor skirt enhance a...
V-neck long party dress
Padded enough for "no bra" option
Unique sequined waist with a flowy ribbon at front enhances the charm of this dress
Concealed zipper up the back
Lining, no stretc
Item Type:Bridesmaid Dresses
Waistline:Empire
Decoration:Sequined
Sleeve Style:Off the Shoulder
Fabric Type:Chiffon
Dresses Length:Floor-Length...
