THE CEO BRIDE - CHAPTER 18&19
★★★★★
{ IN HIS ARMS }
Romeo released a chuckle mere staring at her facial expression. It was only a joke but she seems to be taking it as something else, so naive.
“I… That wasn’t what I meant!” Rosetta shot, hiding her already flushed cheeks with her hair.
Romeo was just observing the lady whose face was all red. He found her funny, just the previous day, she was eating in front of him like she’d been starving for days. And now, she was acting like a child who just received her favorite chocolate. He was grinning inwardly. There was something in her that piqued his interest.
“Then what?” He raised his brow, teasing her furthermore. Strangely, the expression on her face pushed him into teasing her further.
“I….” Rosetta bit her lips, looking elsewhere. There was just something intimidating about him.
Luckily for her, a guard arrived who immediately collected Romeo’s briefcase from him.
“The car is ready, Boss,” he announced.
Romeo nodded before finally taking his gaze from Rosetta who was already sulking her lower lip.
Immediately he was gone, Rosetta released a heavy breath before finally falling to the nearest couch, palming her cheeks and tapping it repeatedly.
“Eating my lips? What a pervert!” She rolled her eyes.
“It was just a harmless question” she mumbled to herself and let out a groan. Today was surely going to be a hell of a boring day for her. She has no friends, no phones. Nothing! Her life was really a boring one!
“Your bath is ready, Ma’am,” a maid announced.
“What? I didn’t ask you to…” Rosetta raised a brow.
“Sir Romeo was the one who instructed us to do so,” the maid replied.
“Oh, okay” Rosetta got to her feet and followed the maid upstairs, staring around the house in awe. She’d never in her wildest dream think of living in a castle as this. But now, she found herself tangled in a situation which would seem to change her whole life forever.
A Bugatti Veyron stopped in front of the huge company and Romeo stepped out of the car majestically, he drove himself to work.
The guards all came out of their cars too and they all assembled before him, each of them dressed professionally. His face had a hard gaze on, none of them smiling a bit.
Romeo walked into the company, his black shining leather shoes, making a clicking sound as the staff all began greeting him. Romeo responded to their greetings with just a simple nod as he made his way to his private elevator. Diego walked to him there.
“Good morning, President” Diego greeted as they both entered the lift.
“Did you receive mail from Marcus yesterday?” Romeo asked directly.
“Yes, and I already did as he instructed,” Diego replied. Showing his satisfaction with just a brief nod, there was silence after that.
“Erm, President..” Diego started slowly, taking sure he’s not going to trespass
“You never told me you’re getting married,” he said gently.
“Do I have to inform you of my personal life?” Romeo asked back. It was just a simple question but it sent a lot of fear down into Diego’s system.
“No, pardon my silly question sir” he quickly said.
The elevator dinged and they both came out of it, walking to Romeo’s private office.
“Check my schedule for today and cancel the rest once it’s 12pm,” Romeo ordered after they had entered the office.
“I’ll do you as you said” Diego smiled.
If there was one person who’s happy about Rosetta’s absence, then that’d be Anna. Arriving at work and to meet Rosetta’s absence was a thing of joy to her, how much she detests her a lot.
“Good riddance to an annoying pest,” she mumbled to herself as she dressed in her work uniform.
Ever since the day she caught Rosetta in the Boss’s private suite, she had developed a severe hatred for her. Romeo was the kind who no one would ever wish to have an encounter with. He was rude, Bossy and all. He was even considered to be heartless as he will never hesitate to fire someone who makes him mad.
But, she had to catch Rosetta in his bedroom? Of all men it had to be their Boss?
“Serves her right,” she mumbled to herself.
Immediately Romeo was done with the files he was sorting out, he checked his wristwatch to find out the time was 12 on dot. He started packing the files on his table and after that, he switched off his computer.
Romeo stood up and picked up his jacket which was around the chair. He was still wearing the jacket when the door suddenly opened without the person knocking.
Two guards were the one who entered the room and without someone telling Romeo, he knew his father was in the company.
“Good afternoon, Young Master” the guards greeted with their heads bowed.
Just like Romeo predicted, the sounds of shoes clicking on the ground was what filled the office as an old man showed up. Looking at him alone, his face could send someone to their early grave.
Mr. Castillo walked into the office and made himself comfortable on a chair before dismissing his guards.
Immediately the guards were gone, Romeo sat down and never bothered to exchange greetings to his father.
“Looks like you’ve been building yourself lately,” Mr. Castillo scanned the room with a low smile on his face.
Romeo never uttered a word. Instead, he was just staring at him with his face void of emotion.
“I’m pretty sure you’re aware that I’m back, yet you never visited. Is it because you haven’t found a wife yet? Afraid I might just seize all your properties?” There was a hint of amusement in Mr. Castillo’s voice.
“And give it to your favorite son?” Romeo chuckled before getting to his feet.
“You don’t have to worry, just watch as the son of a maid ruins you and your son’s plan,” he muttered. Without any other word, he left the office not glancing back at the man who was already fuming in anger.
Rosetta was fast asleep on the couch, she was cradling a pillow to her chest, snoring softly. Everywhere was boring for her, she had nothing to do and the only thing she could think of at that moment was to sleep.
“Mio caro,” she heard a voice calling unto her. Fluttering her eyes open, she saw Romeo on his knees, staring at her.
“Sir Romeo,” she gasped and quickly sat up, arranging her messy hair.
Romeo frowned at the way she addressed him. How many times was he going to correct her?
“Romeo,” he muttered.
“The next time you address me as “sir Romeo” then I’ll do something you won’t like,” he warned and Rosetta swallowed hard.
“I’m sorry… Romeo,” she bit her lips. Romeo stood up and inserted a hand into his pants pocket.
“Why are you sleeping here? What about the bedroom?” He asked, his gaze fixed on hers.
“I was bored, so I just decided to take a nap here” Rosetta released a yawn.
“Get dressed, we’re leaving now,” Romeo made himself comfortable on the couch with his eyes not leaving hers
“I thought you were going to send a guard,” Rosetta raised a brow.
“And I’m here now, got any problem with that?” Romeo asked. Rosetta rolled her eyes before getting to her feet. Slowly, she made her way to the stairs.
Remembering the encounter with his father in his company, Romeo brushed his hair to the back before releasing a heavy breath. This was why he needed a wife, to prove to them that he’s never going to back down for them, never.
Staring at the heels in front of her, Rosetta releases a groan and palms her face with a pout. How was she sure that she wasn’t going to trip again?
Having no other choice, she slipped her legs into the heels and gently stood up, carrying her small handbag with her. She slowly walked to the mirror and she almost couldn’t believe she was the one in the mirror. The former Rosetta was always dressed in torn clothes, looking unhealthy but this, she was just like a rich heiress.
Taking her steps slowly, Rosetta left the room and walked through the house before getting to the staircase.
“I’ll get a tutor for you tomorrow, you probably can’t walk like this at our wedding,” Romeo said when she finally got to him.
“I’m sorry, I’m not used to this,” she chuckled awkwardly. Romeo nodded before walking towards her, he intertwined their hands together and started walking out of the house with Rosetta stealing glances at him occasionally.
By the time they got outside, the driver was already waiting patiently beside a Rolls Royce. The driver opened the car door for them and Romeo gestured to Rosetta to go in first before he finally entered the car.
All through the drive to the wedding dress couture, there was total silence between the two. Romeo was busy operating on his phone while Rosetta was staring outside the window, admiring the houses in Sicily.
The car stopped in front of the huge building and the driver hurriedly came out of the car. He opened the door and Rosetta was the first to come out, and then Romeo came after. His hand quickly held hers and Rosetta turned to him.
“Let’s go in,” Romeo muttered and they both entered the building.
“Finally! I’ve been expecting you, Mr. Knight” the bridal consultant smiled.
“Wow! Your wife is so beautiful, the dress would fit her perfectly,” she faced Rosetta.
“If you’d like to excuse us,” she added. She gestured to Rosetta to follow her, which she did anxiously.
After they were gone, Romeo sat down on an available chair, glancing through something on his phone. It was Marcus who sent it to him.
“Perfetto” he sent.
Rosetta watched herself in the mirror, falling in love with herself a thousand times. She was dressed in a vintage sequins lace long sleeves wedding ball gown, the dress was sparkling white.
“Do you like it, ma’am?” The bridal consultant asked.
“I love it,” Rosetta smiled.
“Mr. Romeo was the one who personally chose this for you, I’m glad you love it,”
“Okay, let’s show your husband what we’ve got here. I’m sure he won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” the consultant laughed. Rosetta smiled briefly before going out of the room, taking her steps slowly.
“She’s here,” the bridal consultant announced when they got out of the room. Romeo raised his head from his phone and his mouth went agape when he saw her looking drop dead gorgeous, it was as though the dress was perfectly made for her.
Slowly, he got to his feet and walked towards him while Rosetta was f-__-king nervous.
“You look gorgeous, tesoro” he smiled down at her. Rosetta blinked her eyes before releasing a smile too, a genuine one.
“Do you love it, Mr. Knight?” The bridal consultant asked with a proud smile on her lips.
Romeo stared at Rosetta in admiration. Who knew behind that girl who was always in cleaner clothes lies a beautiful woman who momentarily took his breath away.
“I love it,” he grinned handsomely.
“I love it so much,” he added. Rosetta was already getting nervous as he wouldn’t stop staring at her. Was she ugly?
“I’m glad you do. Let’s get you into your dress, Mrs. Castillo,” the consultant said.
Rosetta nodded before turning to face her. Just as she made to take a move, Romeo caught her hand and she faced him.
“I’d like to have a brief moment with my wife,” he said to the consultant. She smiled in understanding before disappearing into the dressing room.
“Erm…” Rosetta bit her lips when she felt his eyes on her.
“Do you know you look so gorgeous right now?” Romeo asked in a surprisingly soft tone.
“I… Thank you,” Rosetta stuttered.
“Why are you scared of me?” He asked when he noticed her uneasiness.
“I’m not,” Rosetta faked a smile. Of course she was! She’s d@mn scared of him.
“You are, tesoro. Why?” Romeo asked further.
“Erm… You’re my boss and..”
“I’m your husband!” Romeo cuts her off and she stares at him in shock.
“I’m your husband. We’ll be getting married soon, you need to stop getting scared of me, Rosetta” he said. Hearing her name from his mouth, Rosetta’s mind lingered at the way her name sounded cool from his lips. This was the second time he’d be calling her by her name, and it felt… Weird.
“Okay, I will” she smiled before leaving immediately with her heart beating hard against her chest. What was wrong with her?
They were already back on the road, heading back home. As usual, Rosetta was staring out of the window, trying to while away the time. She suddenly felt something on her lap and she checked it to find a phone pack.
“I should have gotten it for you long ago,” Romeo muttered.
“Ern… You don’t have to, you’ve spent enough already” she mumbled.
Romeo glanced at her. Spent too much? This was just a tip of the iceberg! If it was Helena, she’d have never complained of him spending too much but she?
“Then I’ll just trash it away,” he muttered and Rosetta gasped. What? Why does he like trashing his things away?
“I… Fine, I’ll take it,” she bit her lips and Romeo nodded. Silence filled the car afterwards with Rosetta playing with the phone pack absentmindedly.
The sounds of the rain splattering noisily filled the house as Romeo was on the phone with Marcus. Rosetta is currently in the bathroom.
“The news will be released tomorrow,” Marcus informed Romeo
“Good. You’ve done a great job there, thanks buddy” Romeo smiled gently.
“And you? Are you okay?” Marcus asked worriedly.
“Why won’t I be?” Romeo chuckled.
“Of course you have to be okay. You have a pretty lady beside you so you really have to!” Marcus laughed.
“And… I think the rain is a good sign now, make sure you hit the right place, okay? Night!” The call ended.
Romeo shook his head, laughing at Marcus’s silliness. He felt movement behind him and he turned to find Rosetta in her nightie already. She was shivering and he wondered why.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
“Yes,” Rosetta bit her trembling lips before walking to the bed. She laid on it and hurriedly covered herself with the quilt, tears already filling her eyes.
Romeo stared at her for a while before walking to the bathroom to have his shower.
The thunder struck loudly and Rosetta gasped, memories flashing through her head. Her heart was beating violently and she was trembling in fear already. Her whole body was shaking violently as her nightmare overwhelmed her, tears couldn’t stop spilling out of her eyes.
“No, no,” she shook her head as she continued crying hard. She was tossing around the bed, covering her ears with her hand as she tried to prevent herself from hearing the thunder strike.
Romeo came out of the bathroom at that moment, he was dressed in shorts alone. Seeing Rosetta trashing on the bed, he immediately rushed to the bed.
“Are you okay?” He asked worriedly.
Rosetta opened her eyes and on seeing his face, she immediately burst into tears.
“Romeo,” she whispered. The thunder struck again and she sprang up, pushing herself to his arms immediately.
“Are you okay, Mio caro?” Romeo asked gently.
Rosetta shook her head against his chest, her tears falling badly. Her arms were tight around him as her body was pressed against his.
“I’m scared, Romeo. I’m scared” she whispered in tears.
Romeo encircled his arm around her waist as he held her to himself. He started by stroking her hair fondly.
“It’s fine, Rose. I’m here for you,” he whispered, soothing her disturbed soul down.
TBC