CHAPTER 3
Alessia
In the city somewhere
"Aunty Gini must be really worried about me. She has no idea what's going on, so could you do me a favor and just take me home, David?" I murmured. David paused for a moment before asking, "Where's your home, Gorgeous?"
"Just call me Alessia; I dislike it when guys get all romantic because they usually end up breaking my heart."
"Just to clarify, I'm not 'men'; I'm David... Anyway, could you give me your number?" he asked, offering me his phone. It looked super pricey, just like his outfit, but what threw me off was how small his place was. There was no furniture, or maybe this wasn't actually his house since he seemed to be escaping something in his life. I turned to him and asked,
"Is this really your home? And this phone? You have an iPhone 5 Black Diamond? Do you even realize that phone is worth $15 million? How can you afford that if you don't even have a proper house?" My surprise was clear on my face; nothing added up. He looked back at me and replied,
"This isn't my place; it's my friend's. I hope that clears up the confusion for you. But I need to know—what happened with your wedding? Did you run away?" I was itching to spill everything, but I knew that would just lead to me getting emotional and crying.
"No, I mean, I don't have time to explain right now. Please, just take me home. I need to change out of this wedding dress; it feels suffocating," I said. He quickly unzipped his jacket, and I protested,
"What are you doing? You can't just take off your jacket in front of me!"
"I want to give you my t-shirt! It's long, and I assume you're wearing tights underneath. Just put this shirt on and get rid of that heavy wedding dress," he said as he offered it to me. I slowly met his gaze; for a moment, I was completely captivated by his beautiful green eyes. Then I shifted my glance to his chest, and I couldn't help but notice his impressive muscles and six-pack—they were really distracting!
"Alessia, are you alright?" He brought me back to reality. I cleared my throat and replied,
"Yeah... I'm good. By the way, you're really handsome; I love a guy with muscles and a six-pack."
"Oh, so you were checking out my muscles? The runaway bride is now distracted by another guy instead of fixing her wedding?" he teased. I immediately felt defensive and shot back,
"I didn't leave; Ethan left me, okay? He's married to someone else now. I loved him; we were in love for five years..."
"Hold on," he interrupted.
"Ethan? You said Ethan, right? What's his last name?" Just then, his phone rang, and he answered it right away.
📱...Mom? Hello?
"Where are you, son? I have good news! I've found a lovely girl for you to marry; you should come back!" his mom exclaimed. I stayed quiet, surprised to realize, "So he's not married? A guy like him? Wow..."
📱...Mom, stop! How many times do I have to tell you that I'll find a girl myself??? I'm not ready for marriage, got it?"
"Listen, David, Ariel needs a mother. Whether you like it or not, you're going to have to get married. I can't bear to see my granddaughter growing up without that love. Since her mother passed away, you haven't even thought of remarrying—do you care about your daughter at all? When will your bachelor days end?" his mother argued on the line. So, David was already a dad, even though his wife was no longer around. I felt a pang of sympathy for him. He responded,
📱...Mom, I'm in a precarious situation; I'm hiding right now. I'll be home soon, then we can discuss this, okay? Bye for now," he said before hanging up.
"Wow, so you have a daughter?, Your mom also wants you to get married???" I inquired. He seemed quite upset already, but I couldn't let that bother me. After all, we both had our own issues to deal with. He took my hand as we exited the room and walked toward the car. Once we reached the car, he opened the door for me, and I got in. He climbed in as well and said,
"Please give me your address so I can take you home." I gave him my address. Before long, we arrived at my gate and came to a stop.
"Is this your house?" he asked. I nodded.
"Yes, but wait, I need to return this t-shirt to you. Let me go inside, change, and give it back," I said.
"No, keep it," he replied softly. I smiled slightly at the t-shirt; no man had ever told me to keep one of his before. Ethan had always insisted that his t-shirts were expensive and that I shouldn't wear them. I couldn't help but smile again and unexpectedly hugged him. He looked surprised at first, then returned my embrace, and I said,
"Thank you; you're really kind. And yes, you've saved my life," I whispered. He seemed taken aback and asked,
"I saved your life? How, Alessia?, I was in such a dark place; then I met you. I mean, bumping into you was a turning point, wasn't it?" I chuckled,
"So yes, you saved me. I've saved your life too; thank you. But listen, Alessia, you're so beautiful; please never think of hurting yourself for a man. You're worth so much more. And I'm sorry for my frustration; it's all because of my mother. She makes my life unbearable."
"It's alright; she just wants her son to settle down. By the way, how old is your daughter?" Before he could reply, his phone rang—it was clearly his mother again. I stepped through the gate, and he was on the verge of getting back into the car. We waved goodbye to one another. I entered my home, wearing tights and David's t-shirt, while carrying my wedding dress. When Aunty Gini saw me, she stood up, her face a mix of confusion and shock.
"Alessia? What happened? Why are you wearing a man's t-shirt? Has your wedding been called off? My niece spoke with me! What's going on, sweetheart?" she asked anxiously. Tears began to fall as she stepped closer and prompted again, "Alessia, dear, what's wrong? We were supposed to be picked up by Ethan's car, but his bodyguards never showed up. Please, say something!"
"He left me; he claimed he never loved me. Aunt Gini, I'm heartbroken. He texted saying he's married—his wife comes first."
"Seriously? His wife? And what about you?"
"I was just his plaything, Aunty."
"This is why I can't stand rich people; they act as if they're flawless! He's a coward and a disgrace!" She couldn't finish her thoughts because she started coughing. I helped her sit on the sofa and rushed to get her some water.
"Here, please drink this and try to calm down, Aunty Gini," I said, but before I realized it, she had fainted. Panic surged through me, and I quickly dialed for an ambulance.
"Alessia? What's happening? What's wrong with my mom?" Mandy asked, her voice filled with anxiety.
"She just fainted; the ambulance is on its way," I assured her.
"Mom, please wake up... Mom, can you hear me? Alessia, do something; wake her up!"
"Mandy, please try to remain calm; thankfully, the ambulance is already here."
Aunt Gini was taken away, and Mandy and I climbed in with her. "What's wrong with her?" I asked. "I think it's her blood pressure," someone replied. "But she'll be okay, right?" Mandy asked.
**David**
Meanwhile, at the mansion, I arrived home, parked the car in the garage, and entered. "Dad, you're back?" Ariel called out, rushing towards me and enveloping me in a big hug. I embraced her back and carried her as I made my way to my mother, Mrs. Katharina's room, referred to as Katie for short. Upon opening her door, I noticed a girl inside, dressed in a revealing mini dress, her extensive makeup suggesting she was struggling with the effects of too much applied.
"Observe her exquisite beauty! She hails from an affluent family. Her name is Pinky. It would be prudent for you to consider marrying her at once."
"I appreciate your concern, but I must decline. I believe I have already found someone."
"You have found someone? Is she attractive? Is she also of an affluent and distinguished background?"
"The aspect of wealth is inconsequential. What truly holds significance is love and care. I desire a partner who cherishes children, and I have faith that the young lady I encountered shares that affection."
"Listen, my son. If the woman you have in mind lacks wealth, it would be wise to dismiss her. Keep in mind that we are the Maynard family. We do not require association with those of lower means, if not for the sake of our family name. Do you comprehend my meaning?"
"If you seek a partner who is wealthy and prestigious, I encourage you to proceed with Pinky. I cannot envision myself marrying your selection, Mrs. Katie."
To be continued...