CHIARA
"You haven't spoken to me since we left home." Mama said as we both sat on the lounge, waiting for the Viva to finish arranging the samples of wedding dresses for me. I leaned back on the couch, "I just have nothing to say."
She hummed in response and after a moment of silence she placed her hand on mine which was resting between us on the couch. Her warmth spread on it instantly, giving me the relief that I'd deprived myself from for the past few weeks.
The past few days have been crazy. I'd find her laughing over a joke that Antonio made while they were having dinner with Marco and Luca. I never thought I'd meet with such a surprise as I was back from the training center. But since then, I didn't know what to think of my mother.
I wished to talk to her about it, but then I was on the phase of protecting them by staying away from them. And it helped. I hadn't seen her or Marco with any bruises lately. Antonio must be happy that I was finally doing exactly what he wanted. Getting out of their lives.
"You haven't talked to me well since Prince. Honey, have I done anything wrong?" She asked.
I shut my eyes at the memories of it. "You haven't done anything Mamma and please can we not talk about Prince now? I'm already pissed as it is." I replied pulling my hand from her hold. "I'm sorry." She uttered. I looked at her, "It doesn't look like it when you are laughing with your family." I said. The pain that surged on her face hurt me so much. I wished to unseen it.
She was about to say something but then Viva came back, beaming at us. "You've come on short notice, darling. But I tried my best to arrange some of the best pieces out of my wedding collection for you. Please come with me to the showroom." She said, excitement reeked from her tone.
If only she knew what kind of wedding, I was having. Which was definitely not the one Leo and her were going to have someday. She'd be breaking everything in her boutique. I could already see the damages. "Mamma, come on." I got up and followed Viva while my mother silently followed behind us. The room was filled with countless wedding dresses but only five of them were placed to the front.
"Here, try this one first. My staff will help you with it." Viva said. A woman in her twenties came to take the dress and escorted me to the changing room. A few minutes later, I stepped out of the curtain and looked at myself in a full-length mirror. Both Mama and Viva gasped in sync.
"Goodness Chichi, you look gorgeous. Isn't it, mother?" Said Viva holding both of my mother's hands, while she nodded in tears. "She does. My daughter looks like a princess." Getting attacked by sudden emotions, I quickly turned around. "I'll go and try the other ones too." The session went on and on until they found the one for me. Thankfully the dress came with other accessories, so we didn't have to go for another shopping spree.
Shopping was my comfort moment but never in my entire life had I ever thought that a day would come when I'd hate doing it. My mother wrapped up the payment through the card that Antonio had given her before we parted ways. She headed back home with the things we bought while I joined Chong in the car and we left for a business meeting.
I have been searching for a sculptor for a while now and was about to give up. When a friend suggested a certain company, which was well known for its sculptures, memorials and exceptional custom art pieces.
I wanted to expand Terra and Tela beyond and beyond until it was all that people were talking about all over the world. Chong was able to secure a meeting with him, and we arrived at the restaurant later than intended. I'd never arrived late. I liked doing things punctually.
Chong opened the door for me as we entered the high-end restaurant. Chong went straight to the reception area. A few moments later, he came back. "This way madam. I'm afraid Mr. and Mrs. Bormann have been here for a while." He reported.
"Fucking traffic!" I cursed under my breath. He took me to the VIP floor where some other people in official attire were having their own meetings over meals or whatever the hell they were doing.
I sighted Mr. Bormann's deep frown before my gaze landed on his beautiful wife with striking blond hair. "Mr. Bormann," I gave him a professional smile which was returned with a grunt before turning to his wife who smiled back at me. "Mrs. Bormann." I wondered how a beautiful woman like her ended up with such an old hag. And whatever the reason, I wasn't going to judge her.
Chong pulled the chair for me, I sat down and placed my purse on the table. He too sat on a chair next to me, so we were both facing the couple. "I'm truly sorry for my late arrival. I won't make any excuses. It was traffic that held us." I said while Chong opened his IPad.
"You've left quite an impression for our first meeting. You youngsters are so unprofessional." He uttered, sipping from his cup. While his wife wasn't pleased by his words either but didn't say anything, she tucked her hair behind her and just looked at food on the table.
And that's when I saw bruises around her neck. I swallowed the urge to punch him on the face and smiled widely instead. We need him Chichi! We need him! "I'm truly sorry Mr. Bormann. Can we get to the business now?" I asked, feeling heat rising deep inside me.