Katalina
Even the bathroom was decorated, and scented. All the toiletries were products I use.
Feeling smug, I quickly finished up and went back to the bedroom. On getting there, the first thing I noticed was a pink suit bag lying on the bed. It wasn’t there before.
I instantly knew it was for me. So I picked it up and quickly opened it. When I saw what was inside, I gasped with wild eyes. It was a Ferrari red, one-shoulder, mermaid dress, embedded with silver sequins.
“Oh God!” I gasped in shock.
I dreamingly ran my hands across it. It felt silky, smooth, and expensive.
I grabbed it and hurried to the dressing room where I found more things, like shoes, bags, and jewelry boxes. Huracio just picked the dress and left the rest to me.
Just as I was about to start assembling everything, someone knocked on the door.
Thinking it was Huracio, I excitedly hurried over. I opened the door, ready to jump into his arms, but what I found were two prim and proper young girls in the hotel’s uniform.
“I didn’t ask for room service.” I croaked after managing to steady my almost falling body. It was very embarrassing.
“Master Ignatius asked us to help you with getting ready, ma’am.”
“Oh. Come in then.” I made way for them.
One was a hair stylist, while the other was a makeup artist. With them around, I was done within an hour.
“Shall we?”
Dressed in a black Tux, and looking heartbreakingly handsome, Huracio tucked my hand between his left elbow and led me out of the house.
Outside, it was a hot day. An attendant came over with an umbrella, and shielded us until we got to our parked black jeep. I was dying with curiosity, but knowing he wouldn’t tell me anything, I didn’t ask Huracio any questions. I just snuggle with him, careful not to ruin my makeup.
But when I saw where we were headed, I almost jumped out of the car in excitement.
Right ahead was a helipad with a red and white copter parked on it.
“Oh, god, Huracio!” I gasped and hugged his arm tighter.
“We can’t book a skydive during this trip, but this copter will be our designated ride for the day.” He explained in a soft, endearing voice that tugged at my heart. “What do you think?”
“I think you are awesome. So awesome.” I let go of his arm and hurried forward.
I was almost at the door when I finally suppressed my excitement and controlled my emotions. Looking around, I saw people giving me strange looks, but I didn’t mind. It’s one thing to always see helicopters. But I had never been in one. One of my honeymoon bucket lists was to have a trip around the city using a helicopter. Another one was to skydive. Huracio couldn’t arrange any of that, but he made sure I got a copter ride nonetheless.
This man. What is going on in his head? I couldn’t help but muse.
The trip from Liguria to Milan was done in minutes. The copter dropped us on the roof of a gigantic skyscraper, and the moment we came down, the sound of a Lute pierced the air and floated into my ears. Just as I was looking up to find its source, soft and soothing chimes that soothe the soul followed. Right by the entrance to the rooftop were young men in white tuxedos and shirts, humming to the instruments.
My heart melted and tears threatened to flow. I quickly lifted my face, scared of ruining my makeup, forgetting that the products used were nothing like the cheap ones I use at home.
A kid came forward with a bouquet of white roses and dandelions. She handed them to Huracio and hurried back to the serenade band. I had no words, so I just stood with him as the men sang a beautiful love song to me. After that, Huracio handed me the bouquet and kissed my forehead.
“I know we started on the wrong footing. I may not be able to love you, but I plan to care for you. I want you to be happy, Katalina.” He said, looking into my eyes.
What was I supposed to say?
I had mixed feelings. I was grateful for his well-thought-out considerations, but at the same time, his words dimmed the lights in my eyes.
For a minute back there, I thought he was in love with me, but his words suggested otherwise. The moment he said he wouldn’t be able to love me, I realized that I wanted him to. If he loves me, he would indulge me and I would be able to easily manipulate him, find out what is going on with my Mum, and help her.
But even if he doesn’t love me, he cares. He cared enough to give me a honeymoon. If I put more effort, he could love me. I heaved, suppressing the slight disappointment I felt. I then nodded and let him kiss me.
The serenade band enthusiastically clapped and someone took some pictures.
After that, a male waiter led us to our reservations.
It was a big, cozy, private room.
After getting here, I wondered if eating breakfast so late was a mistake. It was less than two hours since I ate and I wasn’t hungry. Thinking that we were about to have a proper lunch, I started worrying about how to compact the meal into my stomach. Huracio had done a lot for me, I mustn’t let last night happen again. Even if it meant secretly retching in the toilet later, I was determined to eat whatever was presented to me.
But to my surprise, after the waiter served us some champagne, the room suddenly plunged into darkness.
“Huracio, what’s going on?” I whispered suspiciously.
“Just wait.” He replied, sounding mysterious.
I snuggled closer to him and watched in awe as the curtain in front of us started automatically drawing apart. Behind the curtain was a stage.
Squinting my eyes, I could make out the shadow of something.
Click.
A spotlight suddenly came on, startling me. But what took my breath away was the beautiful woman sitting on a low stand, with a guitar in her hand.
Springing to my feet, all I could say was ”Wow!”