“I understand but don’t hesitate to ask me for anything.”
“I won’t. We better get back to the guests it will seem rude if we not there to socialize and keep them entertained.”
“I’ll join you shortly I have to make a call.”He kissed her softly.
When she went back Nico’s mother introduced her to a few of her friends and their relatives. They all couldn’t believe that she’s the woman who finally made the notorious bachelor settle down, whereas they have been struggling for years to let him get a wife. Everyone is very nice and polite and Luciana’s friends couldn’t stop fawning over what a beautiful daughter in law she has and how lucky she was. But truly speaking she is the lucky one to have found them, she wouldn’t have found any better in laws than them. The bride and groom made they’re appearance and everyone showered them with blessings and a happy married life, the gifts they got were so many that Reina thought all of it wouldn’t fit in one room. Bella is glowing and looking so happy the smile she had on her face said it all and more pictures were taken with the whole family including her. The cake was cut and everyone ate and enjoyed themselves… she couldn’t see Nico again this is the second time that he had disappeared one would swear there isn’t a wedding going on. She scanned the crowd to see if she can’t spot his tall broad frame, after all he did stood out from all the men there…. but she couldn’t see him, she was about to head back to the house when one of Luciana’s friends stopped her.
“Mrs Riley. How can I help?”She’s in her mid forties and still looking as if she’s in her thirties.
“I absolutely love Bella’s dress, do you design other clothes apart from bridal gowns.”
“Of course I do Mrs Riley.”
“Then can I come by anytime to have something design for myself, you will get paid of course.”
“I don’t have a problem with that.”Reina told her.
“Perfect. When can I come?”Mrs Riley asked.
“Anytime Mrs Riley, as of now I’m not working on anything.”
“I’ll call you then to make an appointment. And don’t worry I’ll spread the word about you. Toodles.”
Reina is glad that she’ll have something to do while looking for another job, one thing was certain she didn’t plan on lounging around and not do anything. Who knows this might be the break that she’s looking for. She was going to look for Nico but decided to go and congratulate the newly weds. “Congratulations you two. Have a happy married life and I’m hoping to be an aunt soon.”
“Let’s get over with the honeymoon first.”Santiago said.
“Besides we gonna practice with your little one first and see how we’ll cope before having any.”Bella added.
Reina laughed.”Good strategy. So be prepared to babysit.”
“Anytime and once again thank you. I hope now you’ll start preparing for your big day.”
“Well I might as well tell you. Your brother and I are already married.”
“I knew it.”Santiago said.”I know your brother too well, but when I asked him he brushed me off.”
“What made you suspect.”Reina asked.
“Your ring. The diamond is way too big for just an ordinary engagement ring, anyway me and him come a long way.”
“How can you guys keep it a secret and from us.”Bella said.
“We didn’t want to spoil your day, so we decided to wait until after you got married.”
“That’s nonsense, you wouldn’t have done that. We could’ve had the double wedding.”
“Your brother wanted your day to be your day, and I agreed I didn’t want the spotlight to be taken off you.”
“Congrats to you too I suppose even though it’s way too late. When did it happen.”
“A week ago.”Reina replied.
Bella gasped.”I’m so angry at the both of you. Did mom know? What am I even asking of course she knew.”
“Sorry.”Reina apologised.
“I’ll forgive you on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“You make a dress for me and I’ll expect it when I get back from my honeymoon.”
“Deal.”Reina agreed.
“I just came over to congratulate you two before I leave.”She heard Alissa’s voice say from behind her.
“You leaving so soon.”Bella asked.
“Unfortunately yes. I have somewhere I need to be.”She said apologetically.”Congratulations to the both of you.”
“Thank you and thank you for coming. I’m looking forward to the three of us working together.”Santiago whispered something in Bella’s ear before excusing himself.
“The three of us?”Alissa asked confused.
“Yes. Me, you and Reina.”Bella smiled. Uh-oh Reina thought Bella doesn’t know she resigned and from the way Alissa looked at her she takes it Alissa didn’t inform her either.
“I quit.”Reina told her.
“What!”She exclaimed.
“Keep it down please.”Reina said when she saw a few heads looking their way.
“But… but why I thought you loved working there.”
“I did but… but… Bella it’s complicated we’ll get time to talk.” Which Reina doesn’t even know when.”Not here and don’t mention anything to your brother I’ll tell him myself.”
“Ladies if you’ll excuse me.”Alissa cut in.
“Have a wonderful night Alissa.”Bella said.”And thank you for coming.”
“Same to you.”She said and left.
“I was going to make you the head of the bridal department everyone loved your dress. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I want to open up my own boutique or atelier and that won’t happen if I keep on working for someone else. It’s my life long dream since forever.”Reina explained.
“I understand I’m just shocked at the bombshells you keep on dropping on me.”
“I’m genuinely sorry.”
“It’s okay. If you need help in anything let me know.”
Reina knew she meant money.”I will I promise.”
“Where is brother I haven’t seen him in a while.”She said looking around.”He told me he’d be delivering a speech but I don’t see him.”
“I’m also looking for him.”Reina told her.”Let me go ask Maria if she hasn’t seen him.”Bella nodded and Reina headed towards the house again. She found Maria exiting the kitchen with a platter.
“Maria I’m looking for the senor have you seen him.”
“He’s in the study senora and asked not to be disturbed.”
“Okay. Thank you.”She said and Maria left, she wonder what he’s doing that he didn’t want to be bothered. Deciding not to listen at what he told Maria she made her way down the hall to where the study is. She was about to knock when she heard voices, she couldn’t understand a thing because they spoke in Spanish, a few seconds passed and no one said anything she saw the door is slightly ajar and pushed it further open. What she saw made her immediately gasped and she froze.