I bid Gio goodbye after we finished our meal. We didn’t get to the planned “dessert” because Heidi called him, saying he had a meeting at 1:30. I didn’t want to interfere with his work, so I quickly said my goodbyes after eating.
I went to the restroom to freshen up. Dario had already left for the parking lot, and he said he would wait for me there. Security was tight in Gio’s building, so I felt safe despite being alone.
The door swung open, but I didn’t pay it any mind. I knew I didn’t recognize the person.
“Amelie Pearce, right?”
I paused applying my lipstick when I heard the familiar voice of the woman I had met earlier. I didn’t need to turn around to see her because I could observe her through the reflection in the mirror.
I waited for what she had to say next. The way she addressed me, without even using my Locatelli surname, indicated that this conversation might not end well.
She smiled at me, but I didn’t like her smile. “I just have to tell you something about Gio. I’m concerned about both you and him.”
Aleeza took a deep breath. They say, don’t judge a book by its cover, much like with people. However, I really didn’t like Aleeza.
“I know Gio very well. We’ve known each other since we were kids. I know his connection with the Pearce family. He’s angry at them, especially Astrid Pearce. Wasn’t she your mother?”
I remained silent. I wanted to hear everything she had to say, even though I had a hunch where this conversation was going.
“Gio despised her so much. If you think he married you because he loves you, you should think again. I’m just a concerned friend, Millie. I’m only concerned about you. It’s better that you hear this from someone close to you than from someone else, right? I didn’t attend your wedding back then because I didn’t want to witness a wedding filled with lies.”
I turned to face Aleeza. She offered a smile as she walked closer to me.
“I’m sorry you have to hear this. The sooner you know, the better prepared you’ll be, right? I just don’t want you to get hurt, especially Gio. I’m a friend of his too so I sees you as a friend. Just concerned,” she said.
I gently removed her hand from mine and offered a sweet smile in return.
“First of all, we’re not friends, Architect. We just met. If anyone is your friend, it’s Gio. Secondly, if you’re concerned, you shouldn’t tarnish your friend’s reputation with me. Gio married me because he wanted to, and what you’re telling me is ancient history, dear.”
I leaned on the restroom counter and crossed my arms. I saw the smile fade from Aleeza’s face. I knew why I didn’t like her; she had a tendency to meddle in relationships, and I wasn’t wrong.
“I know about my mom and what Gio did for her. We’re over it, actually. We’ve moved on from that issue. You’re late in telling me this.” I took a step closer to her, and I noticed a slight recoil from her. “If you want to break Gio and me apart, think of a new problem because I’ve long known about what you’re saying.”
Her lips quivered again, but she remained silent, so I decided to seize this opportunity to convey the rest of what I wanted to say.
“Moreover, if you really are Gio’s childhood friend, you should know that Gio wouldn’t enter into a relationship, especially marriage, if he didn’t want to, no matter the circumstances. Gio married me because he wanted to, and believe it or not, Gio loves me, and I can feel it. I trust him, and I don’t easily believe what others say unless Gio tells me it’s true. If you’re truly Gio’s friend, instead of trying to ruin him for me, why don’t you just be happy for both of us?”
I genuinely smiled at her, probably annoying her further. I gathered my things and bid her goodbye. Before leaving the restroom, I glanced back at her.
“I hate competing with women, really. I believe in women empowerment, and as fellow women, we should uplift each other. I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt, hoping that you’d prove me wrong about you. But you just confirmed my suspicions. You’re not to be trusted. And, oh, I’m going to tell Gio about this. So he knows what kind of friend you are. Goodbye, Architect Gallagher.” I opened the door and walked out of the restroom.
One thing’s for sure, in everything that has happened between Gio and me, I’ve learned to trust Gio completely. If anything bothers me, I’ll tell him, and he’ll be the one to confirm if it’s true or not because Gio has never lied to me.
In a marriage, communication, love, and trust are crucial. I’m sorry to anyone who wants to break us apart, but we have those three things with Gio. So if they want to succeed, they need to find a better way.
~*~
I’m still surprised by Sienna’s visit to our house. I can’t refuse, especially when my sister tells me she misses me. I know there’s a deeper reason why Sienna wants to come here. My sister hugged me, and I did the same for her. We’re close. Whenever Papa used to hurt me, there were times when Sienna saw it and stood up to Papa. I eventually stopped her from defending me, fearing that Papa might hurt her as well, but I can’t deny the significant role Sienna played in helping me overcome everything with Papa. I’m truly grateful to have a sister, even though we have different mothers. Aunt Elsie is the same way. She may not be my real mother, but she cared for me a lot.
“We’re on vacation right now, sis. Can I stay here for a while?”
I noticed the bags she was carrying. My eyes widened because she didn’t even inform me before coming here. I haven’t told Gio yet!
“Huh? Is Aunt Elsie going to be alone at home?” I didn’t want to turn Sienna away, but she has this habit of making sudden plans without prior notice!
“Mama is leaving. She has a trip with her friends, and I’ll be the one left alone at home. I don’t want to be alone there, sis. Please, let me stay here.” She played the pity card. She used her puppy eyes, which melted me even more.
I sighed and called for the housekeeper. “Alicia, please prepare the guestroom. My sister will stay here for a while.”
Sienna clapped her hands upon hearing it, her excitement evident.
The house staff took Sienna’s things to put in the room while I continued to look at my sister.
“Ma’am?”
My attention was briefly interrupted by Dario as she approached me. I looked at him and waited for him to speak.
She glanced momentarily at Sienna and greeted her politely when she noticed him. Sienna smiled shyly in response.
Ever since I observed the way my sister smiled when Dario greeted her, I paid attention to her every move. My eyes narrowed when I noticed that she couldn’t seem to take her gaze off of Dario.
“Do you have any plans or errands today?” Dario asked me.
It was Saturday, and I didn’t have work. Since Sienna was here, I might just stay at home.
“Not really. Why?” I replied. Looking confused.
“Sir Gio just assigned me some tasks, so I’ll be leaving with Elliott. There will be someone else to watch over you today. I just want to make sure you won’t be going anywhere.”
I shook my head. “No plans, Dario. Go ahead and leave with Elliott.”
He nodded at me and politely bid farewell. I quickly glanced at my sister when Dario also looked in her direction. Dario said his goodbyes to her as well, and I saw that same unusual smile on her, as if she had seen something in Dario’s eyes.