Fateful Italian Passion

by Olga GOA

  Veronica snorted back at Milano, cutting him off. She pushed him away from her, carefully sliding off the dressing table.

  “Looking forward to seeing my future, lustful life with you, Signor Veneziani…” Veronica grinned at him.

  “And I look forward to spending a sensual and emotional life with you, Signorina Ledyanova,” Milano pronounced, sleeking her loose curl and looking at his goddess with special affection.

  Suddenly, there was a knock at the door of their ladies’ room, and Veronica and Milano instantly became calm. Milano put a finger to Veronica’s lips, showing her that it was not necessary to make noise, but to wait for them to leave.

  But they didn’t think of leaving. They knocked again, persistently, like an annoying child.

  Whoever they were, they didn’t want to use the other washroom on the street, not far from the garden. Why were they so principled? What were they goal?

  “Milano, are you there?” A low male voice sounded the question behind the door.

  Veronica at that moment blushed; recognizing this familiar voice. It was Eduardo Guerra in the flesh. But what is he doing here? She thought immediately.

  “This Spaniard can’t sit calmly!” Milano quietly denounced his colleague, holding Veronica in his powerful arms.

  “How do we get out of here?” Veronica whispered to Milano, “And this is all because of your stupid antics! Couldn’t you wait for the night?! Was it a mandatory thing to have sex?” She chided her Demon for being extremely careless, causing her to be ashamed of her actions and almost jump in with both feet. She felt that she would barely eradicate such a quality in Milano. Her Demon loved extreme, and it made her life spicier and adrenaline-filled.

  “Don’t say a word. Guerra can hear us...” Milano said in muted tones, covering Veronica’s mouth with his big palm.

  “Milano! Say something. Are you not alone?” Eduardo laughed, adjusting his suit and silver tie after a quick dance in the garden.

  “I’ll be right out, Eduardo... One minute!” Milano responded irritably, trying not to have Veronica’s presence discovered. He advised her to be quieter than a mouse and to not make any sounds.

  “Why in a hurry? I’m waiting…” Eduardo Guerra chuckled, suspecting that Milano was not alone in the dressing room.

  While Eduardo looked around, Milano ordered Veronica not to stick her nose out of the room until she confirmed herself that Eduardo had left this place. Milano realized that he needed to distract Eduardo and lead him into the garden.

  “Who’s the lucky girl who dragged you to the ladies’ room? Who are you hiding, huh? It’s not good to lie to Veronica!” Eduardo Guerra said mockingly to Milano who stayed in the corridor.

  Milano opened the door of the ladies’ room halfway so that Eduardo wouldn’t be able to see Veronica.

  “Answer me, you cruel heartbreaker!” Eduardo continued.

  “The pot calling the kettle black!” Milano noted with a cross of his arms, annoyed. He knew his business partner’s ins and outs since they started working together. Milano saw Eduardo chasing women around, and asking them out every day. Eduardo didn’t feel guilty, and it was normal for him to tell every woman how wonderful she was.

  “If you’re even near Veronica again…” with a threat in his eyes Milano warned his business partner, “you won’t be able to woo any chick! Believe me! Don’t start!”

  “There is something sincere and bright in Veronica.” Eduardo shared his feeling about Milano’s fiancée with admiration. He did not seem to hear Milano’s words and thought about something else. “She’s not like the other women I’ve dated. And she deserves better!”

  “Do not describe what and who Veronica is! I know that without your assistance! Once again, if you woo my fiancée behind my back, I will make sure I put a stop to all your projects, and no one else would work with you!” Milano responded sharply while his posture said—he severely wanted to beat the unruly Spaniard. But remembering Veronica’s words about how to behave towards people, he consoled himself with the fact that Eduardo wasn’t worth it.

  “You bastard!” Eduardo sneered having a hope to destroy Milano with a lightning glance. “How does Veronica live with Milano Veneziani? What does she see in you?! It’s a mystery to me!”

  “She deeply loves me...” Milano assured his business partner, unconditionally believing in this fact, especially emphasizing the word “loves.”

  “Love?!” Eduardo goggled and then laughed wildly, throwing his head back. He considered Milano’s words as a joke and did not take him seriously. “It is impossible to love you! You are purely selfish and a blackmailer! I have a feeling that you impregnated Veronica, and now she will have to marry you so that your son or daughter wouldn’t be born out of wedlock—”

  “You won’t turn Veronica against me!” Milano cut off his speech, dashing to him. It looked like he tried to start a fight. “I’ll never leave her! I—”

  “Come on! You’ll play around with her and eventually dump her!” Eduardo nodded his head since he agreed with his pronounced words, interrupting Milano’s explanation. “Soon, you’ll get tired of Veronica, and you’ll find another woman. I know you, Veneziani. Don’t be a saint!”

  “Fuck! Do you want us to go outside and sort things out, I mean—man to man?!” Milano’s eyes were bloodshot, his fists instantly clenched.

  “No,” Eduardo advised his business partner to calm down, grabbing his shoulder. He saw with his own eyes Milano’s militant posture and did not intend to anger him the more.

  “But don’t forget about our project, Milano Veneziani!” Eduardo went on. “Please, no more delays of the construction for months like you did before. I’m just reminding you that we’ve got a deadline, and Madrid is buzzing because no one is working on the building sites! No one!” Eduardo’s brows furrowed; he worried about his work.

  “Veronica almost had a miscarriage, that’s why I postponed the project...” Milano told Eduardo the truth, although he was not too eager to reveal his secrets. From Milano’s side, the Spaniard forced him to say it—Eduardo always believed that Milano was kind of a lazy man.

  However, Milano was a hard workaholic.

  “No wonder, with such a groom...” Eduardo pronounced with sarcasm, tittering at Milano. “How did she not run away from you still?”

  “Will you go or not?!” Milano flared up; his breaking point reached the maximum. His nervousness was marked by the fact that Eduardo was adamant; Milano’s threats did not affect him. Perhaps it had happened because Eduardo was as much of a hot-blooded man as Milano, and he was ready to fight to the end.

  Contrary to Milano’s opinion, Eduardo reacted quite differently.

  “I retire since I don’t like scandals. A presto, Signor Veneziani. Grazie per aver organizzato tutto!”[39] Eduardo Guerra finished his speech in Italian, shaking his business associate’s strong hand with a caustic smile.

  No longer detaining Milano, Eduardo quickly went down the steps and vanished into the street. Coming to his red Chevrolet Camaro, he stopped abruptly and began to saunter beside his car back and forth. He was trying to temper his Spanish ardor. Eduardo was furious because Milano periodically psyched him out. However, Eduardo understood that the work was paramount, and he had to bear with a bad character of such a talented architect like Milano Veneziani.

  Putting her ear to the door, Veronica didn’t hear Eduardo and Milano talking. She opened the ladies’ room door, peeking her head outside. But when she came out, Milano wasn’t there. Veronica noticed her Demon only at the very end of the corridor―Milano was staring out the big window at the noisy street. And Veronica guessed that her lover was thinking about something of his own and probably worried about his conversation with Eduardo.

  Soon she reached him, putting her hand on his broad shoulder.

  “Don’t take his words to heart, sweetie,” Veronica told him carefully, “He’s just jealous of our relationship... like Bianca... or Susan…”

  “How lon
g do I have to defend the right to be with you?” Milano expressed his thoughts, looking off into the distance like inside himself. “I’m tired of everyone wanting to interfere with my life and telling me what to do. Parents, Daniela, Eduardo, and Bianca―they do not understand one thing―without you, my life would be empty. How many times do I have to say it?” Milano emotionally waved his hand.

  Veronica reached for him, following her decision to placate her Demon. She lightly touched his bristly beard with her lips while Milano pressed her to his chest. Veronica gently kissed Milano’s popped up veins on his neck, tilting her head to his shoulder. She was inhaling the aroma of his exquisite cologne as he carefully wrapped his wiry arm around her waist and slightly noticeable belly.

  “Nike, I’m afraid that I could destroy everything in the next moment. It will be a point of no return...” Milano continued his sad monologue and sighed. “I’m very jealous, bipolar, cruel... I’m not the one who...” the lump stuck in his throat, and he could not speak further. Milano just closed his eyes, trying to hold back the tears. He saw his other fate as if he peeked into the future, where Veronica will be tired to struggle with his dark “I” and leave him. However, Milano tried not to take into account the gloomy foreshadowing of his vision.

  “I have already told you, Milano. You need psychological help. But without your consent, I am not going for that...” Veronica turned her head to Milano, affectionately staring at him.

  “You’re probably right, honey…” Milano leaned toward her, and his lips gently kissed the small wrinkle on her forehead.

  “I’m always right, darling,” Veronica smiled, pinching the tip of Milano’s nose, to which surprisingly made him gawk at her. Veronica often changed the mood of their conversation to positive, and Milano admired it. Veronica knew how to smooth things when needed.

  “Of course, vita mia,”[40] Milano assented, grinning at how enthusiastic his goddess was. “We should go back to the garden, as the gift-giving procedure is about to begin.”

  “I hope Francesca and Lucenzo will like our gift!” Veronica anxiously responded while Milano kissed her temple.

  “How could they not like it?” Milano shrugged at Veronica’s doubts apropos their gift. He was confident that the newlyweds would be in awe of that. “You are an angel and everything you do brings good luck and light to our lives…”

  Veronica’s eyes were filled with tears―Milano’s words complete with sincerity struck her right in the heart. Earlier, she never had believed that her Demon would understand her someday. Veronica sensed that Milano was changing more and more, and she hoped that she would learn a lot about him. Especially who that Sofia was that he mentioned during their serious talk before Lucenzo’s wedding.

  ***

  Upon entering the garden, Veronica and Milano found the guests; friends and relatives of both families who had fun. Most of them were occupied―some danced, some participated in different competitions, and some of them gave a speech on Francesca and Lucenzo amid loud applause. The newlyweds were happy―Francesca and Lucenzo’s smiles and joyous eyes talked about everything―they have forgotten about the unfortunate incident that occurred to them that morning.

  The rest of the people either talked or stared silently at the celebration, attempting to hide their poison which ruined their hearts. For example, Bianca actively discussed with Milano’s parents and his sister Daniela about Milano and Veronica’s strange engagement. Carmela and Gloria didn’t pick anyone to pieces―they talked about the tasty wedding dishes, and who of them will help Veronica and Milano when their child is born. They seemed to be fighting for the right to be a godmother even before the birth of Veronica and Milano’s child.

  Susan was hiding in the back of the garden, choosing a good vantage point to watch Veronica and Milano. She was unnoticed by them, but internally, she was ready to destroy her rival, Veronica, right now. It was not hard for Susan to understand that all of Milano’s attention was focused on Veronica. His gestures, movements, facial expressions―everything screamed that he was madly in love with his bride. Seeing all of this, Susan gave out in her mind several scenarios of settling scores with Veronica―to scratch out Veronica’s eyes, or throw her into a pit, or hit her with a car. Susan was willing to do anything to get rid of her compulsive rival. Susan seemed to be sure of her immediate victory over Veronica. She just had to wait for the right time for a perfect vendetta; then, Veronica would not be able to flee from her.

  Despite his proprietary feeling toward Veronica, Milano did not forget his manners. He introduced his Amazon to his close friends and comrades whom he had known since university. All Milano’s friends supported his choice of Veronica as his wife-to-be. They urged Milano to become staid and marry Veronica soon. They advised that it was high time to have a big football team of children and raise them as well. Milano’s friends didn’t mind speaking to Veronica Ledyanova in English, as many of them worked abroad or with foreign companies where the knowledge of the language was mandatory. Milano’s friends appreciated the beauty and intelligence of Veronica, as well as her shyness when they were joking. They treated Veronica with respect, and no one laughed at her or despised her because of her community’s status. They empathized with her; however, among Milano’s friends, not everyone was rich. Some like Veronica have gone through many difficulties in their lives.

  After some time, Francesca and Lucenzo began to accept gifts and hand out theirs in turn. Guests received Italian confetti in bright wrappers or mesh bags to symbolize good luck, health, wealth, longevity, and procreation. The enamel colours varied in shades of pastel, but the amount of confetti was strictly odd-numbered—either five or seven.

  Francesca and Lucenzo were pleasantly surprised to receive a beautiful set of bedding accessories from their parents, as well as a pedigree book in a beautiful cover. Daniela gave Francesca and Lucenzo a small crystal table as a decoration for their room and the glowing photo with portraits of Francesca and Lucenzo. Other friends and relatives mostly gifted money to the newlyweds or ancient statues of the last millennium. Some of the friends gave erotic underwear to Francesca and even Lucenzo, and such gifts painted a blush on Lucenzo.

  However, a greater delight for Francesca and Lucenzo were experienced from Milano and Veronica’s gifts―two tickets for paragliding, several attractions to raise adrenaline in French Disneyland, as well as a trip to Lake Como on a small boat. Francesca especially liked the idea of extreme sports because she adored it since her childhood, and for Lucenzo, the concept of Lake Como thrilled him to the core. Besides the fact that he was an avid connoisseur of sailing boats, he also loved rowing them. Water was his element and favorite place of pastime and rest.

  Francesca and Lucenzo were stunned by how well Milano and Veronica knew their preferences, gifting them such trips. Milano and Veronica seemed to have liked the idea of fulfilling Francesca and Lucenzo’s most cherished dreams.

  Having received a lot of good vibes from the most important day in their life, Francesca and Lucenzo announced to everyone―the celebration is over. Those who had energy could continue to celebrate in the Lascatti house with the newlyweds. Many people began to gather, slowly eating their delicious dishes and finishing the noble wine of the Lascatti family. They said goodbye to the Veneziani’s and Lascatti’s, shaking their hands and thanking them for the great time they spent together.

  ***

  Guests were dispersing, and some of them stayed at the Veneziani home, talking to the parents of the newlyweds, also with Milano and Daniela. They were interested to know who this girl Veronica was and where she came from, and why they didn’t hear of her before. Milano explained that he always was secretive about serious relationships, but now he decided to inform everyone about his decision to marry Veronica.

  Meanwhile, Veronica decided to see Signora Vetrova off to where she would board a taxi. She enjoyed Carmela’s company and felt blessed to have this kind woman in her life.

  Carmela confessed to Veronica that such
a great celebration deserves a repeat, and she dreams that soon she will have fun at Veronica’s wedding. Embracing her cousin’s niece, Carmela gave her mobile number and advised Veronica to monitor her health and that of her baby. Signora Vetrova also invited Veronica to visit her, if suddenly she and Milano had the desire to try her signature pies. Carmela also chipped it into Veronica that they could stay away from family’s supervision and enjoy their intimacy. Veronica agreed in response to her offer, waving to Signora Vetrova when the taxi carrying Carmela drove away from the street.

  Veronica had a great mood due to the wedding and happily made her way to the gate. Here she met Timothy’s strained face. From his eyes, she could have seen that he wanted to tell her something vital and intended only for her ears.

  Timothy was a little nervous, constantly whipping his golden blonde hair with his hand. He was wondering where and how to start his chat. Today, more than ever, he was determined to tell Veronica everything that he thought about her engagement.

  “I have to go, Veronica. I’m racing. Competition... And maybe for good...” Timothy gave his speech as he shot with a machine-gun fire. He shifted from foot to foot, endeavoring to calm his frantic pulse. Most likely, it happened because of the depth of his feelings.

  “Good luck, Timothy! You deserve to win!” Veronica exclaimed, sincerely feeling happy for him.

  Unexpectedly for her, Timothy came closer to Veronica, looking directly into her chocolate eyes.

  “I love you, dear... and I’m afraid I’ll never stop,” Timothy told her in an emotional way, bitterly squeezing out the words that he had hidden deep in his heart.

  “Tim. You make me think I’m trash. You’re suffering from unrequited love!” Veronica said the words abruptly, turning away from her close friend and eyeing the setting sun. Somehow, at that moment, Veronica was anxious at heart, and she didn’t know why―whether because of Timothy or because of something else…