Chapter 108
A R I A N A
It has been two days since the big fight. Since I thought that my relationship with Dante had ended.
I still felt so so stupid for thinking Dante would ever betray me and for running to Angelo of all people, for believing the worst.
The last two days have been… peaceful.
Dante has been extra sweet and attentive. He made sure to give me reassurance about Melissa that I didn’t have to worry about her.
I felt bad for her cause I was also once stuck in a situation like hers, god know what her husband must have done to her.
My thoughts come to a halt as my phone buzzed. It was Dante.
“Hello?” I said, smiling.
“Can you come to my office?” he asked. His voice was warm.
“Right now p>
“Yes, right now. It’s important p>
“Okay, I’m coming p>
I stood up and walked to his office. My heart felt light. I knocked and then opened the door.
He was on the phone but he ended the call right away when he saw me.
“I have to go,” he said into the phone. “Yes Bye p>
He put the phone down and came around his desk. He didn’t stop until he was right in front of me, slipping his hands around my waist and pulling me close.
“Hi,” he said, smiling down at me.
“Hi,” I said smiling back.
He leaned down and kissed me, nibbling on my lower lip.
“I missed you,” he whispered against my lips.
I giggled. “You saw me this morning at breakfast p>
“That was hours ago,” he said, pretending to be sad. “It feels like a lifetime p>
He kissed me again a little deeper this time and I melted into him like i always did.
After a moment, I pulled back laughing. “Okay okay. You called me in here for a reason. I have work to do, you know… You know some of us have to actually earn our pay p>
He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. I saw a little worry there.
“What is it?” I asked, my smile fading. “Is something wrong p>
He took my hand and led me to the sofa in his office and we sat down.
“I need to ask you something,” he said, holding both of my hands. “And I need you to be completely honest with me. No masking your feelings. Okay p>
My heart started to beat a little faster. “sure, what is it p>
He took a deep breath. “It’s about Melissa p>
My heart sank as I tried to keep my face neutral.
“She called me again,” he said. “The Divorce problem she has… it’s getting worse. Her husband is treating to take Leo away. He’s a dangerous man”
He looked into my eyes. “She asked… she asked if she and Leo could stay with us for a little while just until she can figure things out p>
I felt a sharp pang in my chest.
How awful.
But the idea of staying in the same house with another woman, it didn’t seem well and I didn’t want to be selfish.
I looked at Dante’s worried face, he was being a good man and I didn’t want to look bad. How could I say no to that?
I forced a smile as I masked the unease in my heart.
“Of course,” I said, my voice a little too bright. “Of course they can stay we have plenty of room p>
He searched my face. “Are you sure? Please Ariana be honest. If you are not comfortable with this, I will tell her no. I will find her a nice safe apartment. Our home… our family… that comes first always, you come first p>
His words were so sweet, so loving. Dante was putting me first, like always
How could I not love this man?
“No,” I said shaking my head. “Don’t be silly. She is the mother, just like I am. I understand how she feels”
“Are you sure?” he asked again, his eyes full of concern. “You hesitated p>
“I was just surprised,” I lied, squeezing his hands. “That’s all. It’s a big thing but it’s the right thing to do. They can stay p>
He looked relieved as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead. “Thank you princess, you are an amazing woman. So kind. I don’t deserve you p>
I hugged him burying my face in his shoulder so he wouldn’t see the conflict in my eyes.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I love you more,” he whispered back.
We sat there for a few minutes holding each other.
But inside my stomach was in knots. There was still something about Melissa that didn’t seat well with me.
I had said it was okay. I had told him it was fine, but deep down it wasn’t fine. I was scared, jealous and I felt terrible for feeling that way.