by Olga GOA
“Maybe soon I will eradicate all your complexes, Veronica,” Milano snorted.
“Oh...” Veronica sighed, trying to reject his new sexual attacks. As she knew it was indecent to show her passion in front of everyone. That was so true especially, when Milano and Francesca’s parents were still having a conversation. Occasionally, they gave Milano and Veronica curious looks.
“Cara, do not sigh like that!” Milano laughed as he saw his and Francesca’s parents stop talking and smile at him and Veronica. “Let’s go home. Pietro is waiting for us in the car. We have an hour or two until the wedding banquet starts at my cottage. All the same, our engagement must take place today as well. I will not back down, Amazon!” Milano rattled away, tightening his white tie to look more respectable.
“Are you ready to ring me and conquer me?” Veronica smirked, seeing as a black colored Maserati Granturismo drove up, decorated with fresh white flowers similar to gardenia.
“And not only that, baby. I won’t ever allow you out of my bed so that I can bite, suck, caress, and stroke you the way I want,” Milano snarled in response, gently taking Veronica to the door of his car. He accurately seated her, reminding her to be careful in her pregnancy.
“Tarzan!” Veronica giggled lightly.
“So you’re my Jane then.”
They continued laughing at each other as Milano landed next to Veronica in the back seat.
“You have so many cars, Milano. Thank God, they are not your women,” Veronica sarcastically noted, considering the fact that the Maserati was an expensive sedan with a luxurious interior.
“If you tease me one more time, cara, I swear I’ll torture you with sex as soon as we get home.” Milano threatened with a smirk, brushing Veronica’s curls back.
Veronica suppressed her laugh, understanding that Milano’s sexual threat may come true. She didn’t wish to tease him, so she ceased her talking.
As soon as Milano’s parents moved off, Veronica and Milano followed their car. Veronica watched with a curiosity how passers-by greeted their and other cars with cheers and whistles. The hospitality of the Italians always pleased Veronica, and she wanted to learn about the locals. And of course, it was desirable for her to find out more about her future husband’s family.
“Why is your father’s name Alessandro Veneziani?” Veronica wondered about Milano’s family as their car drove between the old streets of Rome. “Sorry to ask you, just have a thirst for knowledge. If I’m not mistaken, your father is Greek, and the name and surname are Italian.” She continued.
“Not only Greeks were in my father’s family, but also Italians. When my grandparents lived in Athens, my father was born there, and they named him Alessandro. And as I mentioned before, my family from both sides of my father and mother are full of mixed marriages...”
“But your mom is against such marriages. No?” Veronica’s worries swept her soul and heart. She knew that she has to try very hard to make Signora Veneziani trust her. Most of all, Veronica desired Milano’s mother’s approval.
“She won’t,” Milano reassured Veronica. “I have already decided that you’re my female warrior, and only you will be my wife. So, no one can change that,” Milano cupped her face, kissing both her cheeks. He liked how Veronica’s face lightened when he gave her such tenderness. She was an unsurpassed goddess for sure.
When Pietro closed the door, Milano ordered him to take them for a short drive through the streets of Rome and then bring them back to Milano’s cottage.
~ CHAPTER 13 ~
Jealousy and Voluptuousness
After a while, Milano and Veronica returned to the cottage. They saw as Milano and Francesca’s parents meet their guests on the street who were driving down to Milano’s house.
Guests, friends, and relatives of the Veneziani and Lascatti family alike witnessed the transformation of the garden adjacent to Milano’s home. The wedding organizers expanded the banquet grounds from the garden to the cottage and the iron gates. Unnecessary ornaments were removed in favour of neatly arranged tables, chairs and benches. Golden and silver paper lantern garlands livened up the garden perimeter, shimmering in the sun, while the paper angel garlands on the cottage walls brought an aura of romance to this dazzling spectacle. As a final touch, crystal vases with fresh bouquets of flowers were brought out along with chinaware and different types of napkin holders. The garden buzzed with the guests’ approval.
Some guests stayed in the garden, while some of them found their way to the house, where Gabriela and Alessandro Veneziani invited them. The guests desired to take a look at how the Veneziani family lived. Some of them went inside the Veneziani’s home and enjoyed it to the fullest. What remained was to wait for the newlyweds’ arrival, and only then would the real fun begin! Everyone was looking forward to enjoying an exciting wedding banquet.
Guests, friends, and relatives of both families were engrossed in conversation with each other, unlike Veronica. She stood alone and felt a little uncomfortable about her isolation. She wanted to be with Milano, but he advised her to stay in the garden, as he had to settle certain matters with his business associate. Veronica hoped it was true, and that Milano didn’t leave her to be in the company of his ex-girlfriends.
Looking at the dishes that a fussy Gloria put on the table, Veronica did not touch any of them. She only smiled at the guests who passed by her, and sometimes babbling something in Italian. Four months of her life in Italy were not in vain in terms of learning a foreign language. But nothing could distract her now from the aroma of Italian food. She was so hungry that she was ready to eat a boar if she had a chance. Her delicate condition explained her wild hunger, but she never wished anyone could have guessed it. Moreover, Milano hadn’t introduced her to his friends yet; he hadn’t informed them of the new addition into the Veneziani family.
Just as Veronica was about to break off a small piece of the cake which lay on the saucer, Susan, Milano’s former secretary, came up to her. How Susan found out about the wedding and found her way to be part of the celebration, Veronica could’ve only guessed. Although, Veronica had suspicions that Susan wouldn’t have come here without accomplices, and maybe Milano invited her to the wedding. However, Veronica remembered how many times Milano told her to trust him and not to doubt his loyalty and honesty, and she had to fight the doubts that were flying in her head like a swarm of bees.
“Did Milano invite his secretary Susan to his brother’s wedding? He can’t do this to me! He respects me! Right?” Veronica said under her breath, while a lot of thoughts emerged in her mind. She was throwing away the first alert in her head―Susan is still Milano’s mistress.
Veronica also assumed that Susan found her way to be here without other peoples help or any connections. After all, Susan was one of the smartest women Veronica knew; she always found a loophole for herself and did what she wanted. Veronica was sure that Susan didn’t give a damn about the consequences of her actions, because she needed a result, no matter the cost.
Judging Susan’s actions, Veronica was sure that Susan didn’t love Milano; Susan planned to use him just for her selfish purposes. Susan did not care about Milano’s feelings and his inner world; she cared about her position in society and her wealth. Veronica saw that Susan’s behavior determined her willingness to claim her rights toward Milano. Veronica was aware of Susan’s past relationship with Milano, and she believed that Susan would make him pay for their breakup.
“Hey, Veronica! You are getting fat.” Susan ominously noted, examining her strong rival with a smirk. She was looking for a fault in Veronica that she could make fun of. She searched for something that could play into her hands.
“And you’re still a skeleton, Susan,” Veronica said with a tight smile, hoping she’d beat Susan with a sarcastic remark.
Susan’s look portrayed the poisonous arrows of hate into Veronica’s direction. If Susan could have, she would have killed Veronica with her eyes.
“Although unlike you, I don’t l
et my man go away for long,” Susan muttered in a fit of rage as if she knew where her former boss was at that moment. “Possibly, your Milano already fucked his new girl in the garden... It is written on his forehead―sex on a stick!”
It was clear for Veronica that Susan was adding fuel to the fire, trying, by all means, to make Veronica jealous. Although Veronica had one feature which gave her the advantage in the battle with Susan―she rarely believed rumors. So it was not hard for her to quickly chill out.
“I can only say one thing to you, Susan,” Veronica answered Milano’s former secretary with indignation in her voice. “If Milano’s cheating on me, it will be worse for him…”
“You’re reacting, Veronica, like a sophisticated woman. From where do you have such an understanding of life?” Susan was needling Veronica, adjusting her short red dress, which clung obscenely to her tight hips and big butt.
Receiving silence in response, Susan curled her face. Yes, she knew Veronica was too smart to react to her arrogant teasing. Susan just needed a different strategy to influence on Veronica’s calm behavior.
“Even after he cheats on you, you’ll still be with him?” Susan asked Veronica, studying the unfamiliar territory of her rival’s worries.
“What is this interrogation about?” Veronica snapped at her. “You just set it up perfectly so I’d believe that video recording, and I would have broken up with Milano!”
“It didn’t work,” Susan hysterically giggled, adjusting her long blond hair. “Well, I’ll get right to the point. If you thought I’d give you Milano without a fight, you’re dead wrong, Veronica!” Susan threatened with her fists.
“I don’t think you’ll be here for long,” Veronica snorted, coming closer to Susan and staring into her eyes. “If Milano finds out you’re at the party, you’ll be kicked out!”
“Hold on, whore! I won’t spare you!” Susan puffed her nostrils; her hands were ready to strike Veronica. She struggled to keep herself from making a scene.
“Save your strength, snake. You’ll need it!” Veronica spoke abruptly, leaving her place with pride in her natural posture.
Susan could not accept Veronica’s victory; she restrategized on how to attack her unbeatable rival. After listening to her black soul, who told her to do nasty things, Susan imperceptibly tripped Veronica up. She stuck her foot out so that the unsuspecting Veronica stumbled over it. It was not difficult for Susan to calculate that if Veronica does not keep on her heels, she will fall on the asphalt and scratch her hands.
Seeing the blow of her opponent too late, Veronica was scared for her baby. She couldn’t balance and would have fallen on the asphalt if not for a man’s steady hands that caught her! Veronica felt how those caring hands held her close to themselves. She knew whose hands they were right away, as they saved her once before under the scorching sun of Pompeii.
“Timothy?” Veronica was astonished, taking a glance at her wonderful friend which she hadn’t seen for a long time. Her words of greeting vanished somehow, and she and her friend froze in a wordless scene. Veronica did not expect to see Timothy today; they had parted ways already. It was, indeed, a surprise.
However, for Susan, it went wrong―Veronica was not injured. And Susan predicted that she couldn’t gain over Timothy as well. She envisaged that men like Timothy would never look at her, because they were crazy about women like Veronica. She felt it using her intuition.
Susan disappeared from Veronica’s line of sight, realizing that her plan didn’t work. She went to look for a waiter with a tray of drinks to outlive the failure of her operation.
“Veronica!” Timothy called his friend, presenting his welcoming smile.
“How did you get here?” Veronica also smiled at Timothy, genuinely rejoicing their unexpected meeting.
Indeed, you can’t escape your destiny! she thought.
“I got here thanks to the invitation of my comrade who is a racer like me,” Timothy explained, nervously combing his golden-blond hair. “By the way, it is a great celebration! How are you doing? I hope you have left your crazy Italian and will come back to me,” he finished with an infectious laugh, not able to take his eyes off Veronica.
“You haven’t changed at all,” Veronica shook her head, watching his emotions and figure. He was the same slender man and looked irresistible in a strict black suit, white shirt and pearly tie. However, her heart has long been given to the king of her heart, Milano, and never to Timothy.
“Milano and I will be officially engaged today... I’m going to be his wife soon,” Veronica declared, endeavoring not to be nervous to say the news to her best friend.
“That was to be expected,” Timothy responded sardonically, acknowledging the fact that Veronica was determined to marry Milano. “Although he’s not your best match...” he added, still unwilling to believe his opponent’s serious intentions.
“Timothy!” Veronica snubbed her friend for his words when he kissed her hand.
“You’ve become even more beautiful since we said bye to each other!” Timothy admitted, looking at Veronica from all sides and regretting that he was not her boyfriend. “I’ll treat you with a delicious cake that I just tasted! Let’s go, Veronica!”
Timothy pulled Veronica’s arm, but Veronica stopped him.
“Tim, I’d love to, but...”
“Signor Veneziani will not allow you to talk to me because of his savage jealousy...” Timothy continued for Veronica sarcastically, taking a champagne flute and tasting the bubbly.
“Yeah... I don’t want to tick off Milano,” Veronica replied, perfectly knowing the nature of her beloved Demon. “I don’t like when he loses control…”
“What do you mean? He hit you?!” Timothy’s face was petrified; his lips tightened into a thin line. “I’ll show him my kick then. Let’s see if he will come here and—”
“Tim, Milano is not a monster! He didn’t do that!” Veronica didn’t let her best friend finish, stopping his speech right that second. She blamed herself for exposing Milano’s personal life to Timothy―she shouldn’t have told him about her Italian man’s problems.
“You love to lie,” a sad smile touched Timothy’s blue eyes, and he gulped the champagne at that moment. It was like he was drowning his unrequited love in his empty crystal glass.
“I do not lie, Tim. But I need to change the topic... Okay?” Veronica turned her head the other way, distracted by the guests who have tried different dishes. Her heart ached for Milano.
“Then gift me one dance. Please…”
Timothy gave Veronica his hand and glanced at her with such puppy-dog eyes that she did not dare to refuse him. But Veronica too thoroughly studied Milano’s temper to goad him into a fury on a day like this.
“Well, Timothy... I don’t think that…”
Suddenly Timothy’s eyes changed as if he had seen the Devil himself. Perhaps, for Timothy, this man was a devil who stood behind the gorgeous Veronica.
Veronica immediately flinched when Milano’s fingers slightly squeezed her narrow shoulders. Her Demon had guarded her already and contemptuously burned Timothy with his strict gaze.
“She is my future wife and dances only with me,” Milano spoke sharply, not minding the fact that he didn’t understand Timothy’s Russian speech. Milano was not a stupid guy who wouldn’t realize what Timothy wanted from Veronica. Milano determined that his rival was eager to invite Veronica to slow dance and perhaps kiss her as well. Milano knew this going by the liveliness of Timothy’s pose.
“Milano, you were absent for a long while,” Veronica uttered, diluting both men’s adrenaline rush with her sweet voice.
“What is that brat doing here?” Milano replied as if he didn’t hear her question. He roared with anger, his eyes blazing by a blue-green spectrum. The flames of his eyes could result in something very destructive, and he tried to hold it back.
“People are already looking at us, Milano…” Veronica whispered to her Italian while watching as some guests switched
their gazes toward her as well as Milano and Timothy.
“You should have thought of that since you invited your favorite friend!” Milano barked, waving a hand toward Timothy.
“I didn’t invite him, damn you! Timothy came because of his friend, a racing driver,” Veronica squeaked. She did not understand Milano’s distrust but tried not to raise her voice at him. She also had doubts about Milano’s loyalty.
“Veronica is telling the truth, you doubting Thomas! Maybe I should lead my pal here to confirm my words?” So much irritation was in Timothy’s voice, he barely able to stop himself from punching the Italian’s face. Maybe this time he couldn’t handle his desire to do it.
“I didn’t ask you and didn’t permit you to talk!” It was like Milano was in a duel with Timothy, stepping forward and in the mind’s eye throwing down the gauntlet.
“You’re such a dick!” Timothy snarled at Milano. “If you don’t trust a girl, why the hell are you building a family with her? Though I can see that all you need is sex! And the rest for you is rubbish!”
“Shut up, you asshole!” Milano roared. “Veronica knows better who was born to make her happy.” Milano rushed Timothy, his ire almost reaching the point of no return.
“Cease the bullshit chat, guys! You’ve got everyone’s attention!” Veronica shushed them, hoping they would stop bullying each other in front of the guests. Milano and Timothy were silent as if waiting to see who would start the showdown first.
Veronica felt the heat, her pulse starting to accelerate. She knew what would happen in the next minute―either Milano or Timothy would arrange the scuffle. But this time it will happen for sure.
How Veronica was delighted when dear Gloria approached them. This woman could smooth things over in the blink of an eye. She was a perfect parliamentarian.
“Young men, whatever you wanted to prove to our Veronica, do not act like roosters! The guests and the relatives from both families are watching us and will be upset if the mood of the celebration is spoiled...” Gloria calmly advised Milano and Timothy, half-smiling at them.