Tomas.
After Olga arrived and helped me with Jennifer’s makeup, I took her hands and led her to the elevator, inviting Olga to join us. After all, she was now Jennifer’s private nurse, and I didn’t mind how much she might charge for her services; I would gladly pay her double for what she had done. She had truly saved our special day. Without her, I couldn’t imagine how things would have turned out.
As we stepped into the pool area, I wrapped my arms around Jennifer’s waist. She radiated happiness and confidence. I had always known Jennifer was beautiful, but tonight she looked transformed. Olga’s touch had elevated her from my pretty girl to a stunning lady. Perhaps it was also the glow of pregnancy that lit up her face. I found myself lost in thought, admiring her dimples and the smile that had changed my life. Soon, she would be mine forever.
I opened the doors wide for her, gesturing for her to enter. “Please come in, madam,” I said with a playful grin. She gasped in astonishment as she took in the scene. “What is this? It looks like wood! Is there a special event here, Tomas?” she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
She was right to wonder. Until that moment, I hadn’t fully grasped the extent of Jimmy’s preparations. I had expected a simple arrangement-some candles, a decent buffet, maybe a few flowers. But what lay before us was astonishing. As I turned to take it all in, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “God! Is he a gay man or some undercover event planner?”
The entire pathway was covered in a golden glitter, which I half-suspected might actually be real gold. Flanking the path were enormous heart-shaped candles, each glowing softly, and interspersed with towering trees. I had no idea how Jimmy had pulled this off in such a short time. If I were the one organizing the event, I would have gone for something entirely different-maybe some weapons on display instead. I had a twisted mind when it came to my job as a mafia king.
At the center of it all was a massive gold buffet-seriously, it was more than fifty tables lined with food, staffed by over fifty chefs, and a grand piano stood in the middle with a jazz band playing softly. I could only assume that blood ties had given Jimmy insight into just how much Jennifer adored this kind of extravagance. He still didn’t know she was the best pianist in the world and had the voice to match.
As we walked in, Jennifer gazed around, her face lit up with joy and wonder. I still hadn’t told her what the event was for, or who it was truly dedicated to. Jimmy approached us, grinning, and playfully hit my shoulder. “Man, what do you think?” he smirked.
I shot him a warning look, “Shush, don’t raise your voice!” I placed my hand over his mouth, trying to keep the moment special.
“Hey, what’s going on with you two? Do you have secrets?” Jennifer raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
“Yes, I mean no… He’s just asking about Olga!” I stammered, quickly trying to deflect the situation with a flimsy excuse.
Jennifer shook her head, “I see; she is-” but I cut her off, trying to keep my nerves in check.
“Dammit! Who is this girl?” Jimmy exclaimed, staring at Olga in disbelief before turning back to me, his expression a mix of shock and surprise.
“She’s the new nurse. The doctor sent her to take care of Jennifer! Her name is Olga!” I gestured towards her, smiling. I was grateful for what she had done.
“A nurse?! For God’s sake, she’s stunning! More elegant than any rich woman I’ve ever met! I thought she was one of your ex-girlfriends!” Jimmy leaned closer, whispering in my ear.
“No, she’s not! And back off! She seems like a respectable girl, and I don’t want Jennifer to lose her temper because of a playboy like you. I like this nurse; she’s my savior. You have no idea what she just did for us!” I gritted my teeth, warning him in a low voice.
“How can I control myself?” Jimmy smirked, glancing at Olga.
“Okay, this isn’t the time for that! Do you have the ring, Jimmy?” I huffed, extending my hand to him. I wanted to get ready.
“Yes! Here, take it. Are you ready?” Jimmy teased.
“I guess so! I’m going now. Please, tell them to stop the music!” I pointed at Jimmy, my tone serious but playful as I winked at him.
I walked closer to Jennifer, taking her hand in mine as I knelt down before her. Her eyes widened in shock, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at her astonished reaction. “Jennifer, please listen to me carefully and don’t interrupt,” I said, taking a deep breath.
“Jennifer, I know we were once engaged, but that doesn’t count. That was just a chapter in the past. Right now, I’m asking you to be my wife. I know I’ve been heartless, arrogant, and a womanizer, but all of that changed the moment you entered my life. My existence before you was miserable, empty, and consumed by business and hatred. Now, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know I have faults-a bad temper and habits-but I promise to work on them with you by my side. I will love you more than I do now, and I will take care of you and help build a family with you and our child. Please accept me!” I kissed her hand, my heart racing, the sweat forming on my brow.
This was a strange moment for me. Not only had I never knelt before anyone, but I never imagined a mafia king could fall in love and do something so traditional. I guess love had a way of leveling the playing field.
“Um, okay, I will accept this marriage under one condition,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes as she raised an eyebrow.
“A condition? Okay, ask for anything, Jennifer. All my money is yours!” I felt foolish and slightly panicked, clearing my throat and widening my eyes.
She helped me to my feet, furrowing her brow. “I’m not asking for money! My conditions are…two actually. The first is that you become good friends with my brother and his partners. The second condition is that Jimmy must get married on the same day! A double wedding!” She crossed her arms, a smirk dancing on her lips.
“What the hell?! A partner is one thing, and I could maybe work with that, but why should I wait for him to find a woman and marry her? What’s the connection?” I exclaimed, frustration creeping into my voice.
“Because I know you’ll help him find someone! It’s your choice, Tomas. You can reject my conditions!” Jennifer challenged, her tone firm.
“Sure, I’ll reject this!” I huffed, smirking.
“Then I’ll reject your marriage proposal too!” she shot back, winking at me.
“Okay, wait a second! I’m not getting married; I refuse that condition as well! Tomas can’t convince me to find a woman!” Jimmy interjected, puffing up and mocking us.
“Oh, I haven’t finished yet! If you don’t find a woman, I won’t accept you as my brother either!” Jennifer declared, running her fingers through her hair confidently. She looked serious, and I couldn’t help but admire her determination.
“What are you talking about?! Why, Jennifer? This isn’t a game!” Jimmy frowned, his anger palpable.
“I know it’s not a game, but if I want to start my own family, you should have your own too. It’s about understanding what it means to be part of a family. How can I trust a gang leader, even if he’s my brother, when he’s responsible for so much pain and heartache?” She gestured between us, her voice steady. “I’ve laid out my conditions and my reasons. Now it’s your choice.”
Ignoring us, Jennifer turned to Olga. “Please, could you come with me to the buffet? I’m really hungry, and I think we need to let these two gentlemen think about what I said!” she commanded, flashing a sheepish smile.
“Okay, madam. Let’s go, and don’t worry-I can cook for you,” Olga replied with a laugh. Jimmy and I exchanged glances, both of us intrigued by the conversation.
“Really? You know how to cook?” Jennifer clapped her hands, her excitement palpable.
“I know everything about food. I even own a restaurant, but I prefer to work as a nurse to help those in need,” Olga said, leaning in as if sharing a secret.
“God! You’re amazing! But why didn’t you finish your studies?” Jennifer asked, her curiosity evident.
“It’s okay, madam. I’m actually a senior in my last year at college. I’ll graduate as a heart surgeon soon, and I’ve been at the top of my class every year,” Olga informed her.
“God, you’re from a great family! I wish I had been born into a family like that!” Jennifer exclaimed, gazing at Olga in admiration.
“Actually, we’re great at being doctors, but we’re quite different from each other. My family has other plans for me, including an arranged marriage to another doctor next year,” Olga shared, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“Oh, is that so? But do you like him?” Jennifer asked, leaning in to hear Olga’s response.