After Daniel and Sergio’s surprise, both had smiles on their faces. They were both not prejudiced against Albina. As long as Umberto liked her.
Umberto was cold and had never liked any girl. In the past, they were worried that he would be a bachelor for the rest of his life, but when that girl finally came along, of course they wouldn’t stop them.
-Well,” Sergio was full of joy. Umberto is popular with the girls and charming. You look a lot like me when I was young. I don’t think Albina will reject you.
Daniel felt like laughing when he heard his father’s incessant compliments.
Noticing his son’s expression, Sergio asked:
-Are you not satisfied?
-No, no!” Daniel answered hurriedly.
Umberto’s face softened as he saw his grandfather’s look of happiness. He too wanted the girl he liked to be accepted by his family.
Olivia looked at the three cheerful men and clenched her fists in hatred.
“So many daughters of rich families want Umberto, why doesn’t he like them? As long as he marries one of them, the family will be better off, why isn’t Umberto willing?”
Thinking of Albina’s face, she felt uncomfortable. She simply didn’t like Albina nor did she want her to remarry Umberto. If she became his daughter-in-law, with a son who liked that woman so much, she would be disgusted!
***
After the match, Albina felt very relieved. She returned home and had a good rest.
The next day she woke up at noon, refreshed and full of energy.
Since she had been so busy with the competition all month, Macos had given her two days off. When the vacation was over, she would have to get to work and collaborate with Claire on designing the clothes that would go to show in Paris.
While Albina was washing up, she received a call from Umberto.
His low, soft voice came through the receiver:
-Are you up, my dear?
The final word made Albina’s ears redden. Since the two of them were together, Umberto was good at saying words of love that made her blush.
For a moment, Albina felt very out of place.
-Yes, I’m washing.
-I’m on my way, wait for me at home, I’ll be home soon,” said Umberto with a smile as he drove.
Albina had toothpaste in her mouth and spoke with difficulty:
-Are we going on an appointment? Mr. Murillo gave me two days off.
-Are you so eager? -Umberto mocked.
-Didn’t you want to go on a date with me before? Now that we are boyfriend and girlfriend, of course we can go on a date.
Umberto became even nicer:
-Okay, but I can’t today.
Albina rinsed her mouth and asked:
-Do you have other arrangements?
-Have you forgotten? I said I would give you a party tonight to celebrate.
-Yes,” Albina then remembered, “By the way, Ariana is coming back tonight, I’ll let her know, and….
Umberto knew what she meant and said:
-I’ve warned everyone else, don’t worry.
Umberto knew all her friends, and hearing this, she stopped asking.
-Okay, I’m going to wash my face. I’ll see you later.
After saying this, they both hung up, and when Albina had washed herself, the doorbell rang.
She ran to the door, with very cheerful steps.
The moment she opened the door, she was met by Umberto’s handsome face. Honestly, Umberto had a very cold pair of eyes, which looked very indifferent.
But at this moment, his eyes were flooded with tenderness, and when he saw Albina, he couldn’t hide the affection.
When Albina looked into his eyes, she couldn’t help but smile.
-Are you happy about something? -Umberto kissed her hard before carrying things in one hand and dragging her to the door with the other.
Albina couldn’t help but keep looking at him:
-My boyfriend is so handsome that I feel happy, I’m so lucky!
Hearing this, Umberto got in a better mood and looked at her:
-I’m lucky to have you!
According to his grandfather’s words, it was so nice to be with a young woman.
This morning, Sergio had found some fresh plants in very fresh pots and had specially asked someone to send them to where he lived.
Just seeing them would inspire him to try harder to marry Albina.
So Umberto accepted them honestly.
-And these?
Albina asked curiously and saw what was inside.
-Some meals I brought,” said Umberto, taking out all the things inside.
They were some of Albina’s favorite dishes, meat and seafood.
The things he saw moving were these live shellfish.
-What are you doing with this? Are you getting ready for a party?
Umberto shook his head:
-No. I said before that I wanted to show you my culinary skills. You haven’t eaten yet now, so I’m going to cook.
He seemed very sure of himself.
-Do you have to cook them all? -Albina looked at the big table of dishes with surprise.
Umberto tied his apron while he started to manipulate the things on the table and said to Albina:
-Of course, I chose all the dishes I am good at and all the ones you like.
-We two won’t be able to eat everything, why don’t we wait until the party in the evening and eat together?
Hearing this, Umberto shook his head immediately:
-No way.
He had gone to learn to cook specifically for Albina, and he only wanted to do it for her.
-Don’t worry, then I’ll order takeout and they might not like the dishes I cook.
Umberto said, handling the dishes on the table with great skill.
Albina wanted to help, but was still pushed away by him.
-You can look at me on the side, your beautiful hands are for drawing designs, not for this kind of hard work.
At Umberto’s insistence, she ended up sitting on a stool and watching him cook.
This broad-shouldered, long-legged man, wearing a straight shirt and pants and an ill-fitting pink apron, was so gentle and focused on cooking for her, he was truly charming. Albina looked at him with love and admiration in her eyes.
Umberto felt her gaze and couldn’t help but look up, meeting her eyes:
-Albina, don’t look at me that way.
Albina said with a red face:
-No, I’m looking at this shrimp and it looks delicious….
She hurried to make an excuse. Umberto showed a smile and talked about Yolanda.
-Yolanda won’t bother you anymore.
At these words, Albina froze:
-Why?