“Earlier today, we tried to interview Mr. Marion Huff, the former heir of the Huff family, but he declined. It has also been reported that his mother is in the hospital, and his father passed away yesterday due to a heart attack.”
Marion and I weren’t very close, but we did talk because our fathers were friends and they had arranged our marriage. I couldn’t believe that things had taken such a turn for his family. I wondered if my father was aware of this.
“Millie…”
I jumped in surprise as someone called my name. I had been so engrossed in the TV that I didn’t notice Gio had come up behind me.
“W-Why?”
“What are you watching?” he asked, glancing at the TV.
I stood up and pointed at the news, but it had already changed. “It was about the Huffs. Do you know them?”
I hoped that Gio might have some knowledge of them.
“By Huff, you mean Vernon Huff and Matilda Huff? Marion’s parents?”
“Yes,” I replied. “I heard they went bankrupt. Aunt Matilda is in the hospital, and Uncle Ver is dead.”
“I heard about the death of the latter. I wasn’t aware you know them.”
I nodded subtly at Gio. “Actually, their son, Marion Huff, was my fiance before Papa changed his mind because of the news. He was my supposed husband before you.”
His eyes darkened. For a moment, his pupils dilated. I immediately felt uneasy. Was he jealous?
“And what about them?” he asked casually.
“Oh, nothing. I just feel sorry for what’s happening to them.”
“Your pity won’t do them any good. Don’t dwell on it,” he said, avoiding my gaze as he walked away.
I couldn’t help but smile as he emerged from his study room. I quickly followed Gio, who was heading towards the kitchen.
“You’re grumpy again!” I teased.
Gio just glanced at me but didn’t engage. Well, when did he ever engage with my petty and trivial comments? He wouldn’t speak up if he thought what I was saying was insignificant.
So, I decided to tease him even more. I leaned against the counter and pouted.
“I wonder what if they didn’t go bankrupt, you know? Maybe Marion would be my husband.”
“Don’t even go there,” Gio cut me off, his brows furrowing this time.
“Go where?” I raised an eyebrow, provoking him.
“Talk about some other men in front of me and your what-ifs with him,” he said sternly, giving me a sharp look.
I didn’t back down.
“Why? Are you jealous, huh?”
I hesitated in my response as Gio stepped closer, placing his hands on either side of me, cornering me.
“Because that’s not going to happen, Millie. No matter what the circumstances, you were destined to marry me. So, shut your mouth about that man, wife.”
After saying that, he gave me a brief kiss on the lips. He then grabbed something from the fridge and walked away. He shot me one more glance before I saw a small smile and he left.
Yes, his words and the way he kissed me, even though it was just a peck, silenced me.
~*~
We were currently by the poolside when I called out for Mariana. Sienna had no classes and wanted to relax. While she was swimming, I lounged on the sunbed. Mariana stood beside me. Dario was inside the house. There weren’t many attachments to my staff because I mostly stayed indoors. All my guards were scattered throughout the house.
“How long have you been working for Gio?” I asked as I reached for my pineapple juice and took a sip. I looked at Mariana, waiting for her response.
“I’ve been with the Locatelli family for a long time, Ma’am. I practically grew up with them,” Mariana said, smiling at me before continuing. “My parents used to work for Sir Agatone, and when they passed away, the Locatellis didn’t abandon me. They took care of me and even provided for my education, especially Sir Gio.”
I rested my chin on the back of my hand, listening to Mariana’s story.
“I consider Sir Gio and Dario like older brothers. However, our relationship changed significantly, especially when it was officially decided that Sir Gio would succeed his father and lead the organization. Even though he had a cold demeanor back then, it’s even more so now with added responsibilities. Nevertheless, Dario and I remain dedicated to our work for him, and our loyalty is unwavering. If it weren’t for Sir Gio’s family, who knows where I’d be now.”
I nodded in understanding, recalling that she had mentioned Dario. This piqued my curiosity.
“How long has Dario been with them?”
“Oh, Dario has been with them longer,” Mariana replied. “I know that Sir Gio and Dario grew up together. Apart from Sir Gio’s cousins, Dario and Elliott are the closest to him.”
“Elliott?” I asked, as this was the first time I heard that name.
“Yes, Elliott is one of Sir Gio’s right-hand men, his trusted confidant,” Mariana explained. “If we don’t count Sir Gio’s cousins, Elliott is the one Sir Gio trusts the most. He’s just not here right now because Sir Gio has him working on something in another country. The bond among those three is strong, which is why Sir Gio is confident that Dario will take care of you and protect you.”
I was pleased to learn this. I had initially assumed that their relationship was just that of an employer and employees; I hadn’t realized they were practically childhood friends.
“I suppose that’s one of the reasons I’m still alive today,” I said with a smile. “I used to think you were just like any other employee, and I didn’t realize you were all so close.”
“I think that’s part of the reason,” Mariana replied, a bit embarrassed, scratching her neck. “Sir Gio said I should be thankful that you’re comfortable with me, which is why he won’t remove me from your bodyguard team, despite my numerous blunders.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think it’s like that. Gio doesn’t hurt or punish you because you have a history together. You’re important to him too. I suppose that man just finds it difficult to express his emotions, and that’s why he’s like that.”
I was about to stop my questioning when something struck me. If they had known each other for a long time, maybe Mariana had some insights into Gio’s past.
“Mariana, please don’t take offense at what I’m about to ask,” I paused for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed before looking at her. “Do you know what happened to Gio in the past? Why is he like this? Do you have any knowledge, or is Gio’s temperament just the way it has always been?” I noticed Mariana’s lips tightened, clearly taken aback by my question.
She cleared her throat. Her eyes couldn’t meet mine directly, and they seemed to be avoiding my gaze. “That’s how Sir Gio has always been, even when he was a child.”
She tried to smile at me, a nervous laughter that betrayed her unease.
“His mother wasn’t like that, right? Nobody inherited it from her?” I can’t help but ask everything I want to know.
“It’s because the twins didn’t grow up with Ma’am Cosima. Sir Agatone raised them on his own, probably until they were about two or three years old. I don’t remember much more than that – please don’t tell Sir Gio what I’ve told you, Ma’am. I could get into trouble.”
I assured her that I wouldn’t say anything to Gio. I wanted to ask more, but it seemed Mariana was now avoiding the topic, so I decided to remain silent, even though I was still intrigued. Gio didn’t grow up with his mom? Why was that?