CHAPTER 15
931 Words
Everything was normal.
Lilianna went back to her ordinary life that she lived two years ago except she wasn't with Nicoli and Seriana still had her memory loss.
Her father was staying with her and everything was normal between them.
Lilianna hasn't seen Oliver or Valentina for the past few days and she had to admit that she did miss their presence. Even if both sisters-in-law’s wanted to secretly shoot each other.
The café was silent and peaceful today and Lilianna sat at a both checking over some papers for Aria.
"Umm, Lilianna. There's a man needing your assistance." Anna said nervously as she twisted the towel she was holding.
Lilianna looked up and at the very entrance stood Oliver in a tailored suit and staring at her.
It was deja vú all over again.
"Ok, hold this for me." She said and gave the book to Anna who clutched it to her chest.
Lilianna walked over to him and he never looked away from her.
"Can I help you?" She asked politely,
Memories of first meeting him washed over her, suffocating her.
"I need a book." He said, feeling the emotions flying around them.
He also remembered what happened two years ago and he took in a deep breath.
Desire pooled in both even though they ignored it.
"What type of book?" She asked her voice coming out breathless.
"My mother. She's still sick and I'd like to purchase a cook book so that I can cook for her." He said,
"I'm sorry. Send her my blessings. This way." She said and lead him to the book section.
It was as if they were reliving that moment two years ago because there weren't much people back here just as before.
Lilianna's skin prickled and she fought the shiver as they reached the last shelf where the cooking books were.
"Here's a variety of cooking books. If you need anything. Please do come for me." She said, trying to escape from the tsunami of emotions crashing down on her.
Oliver felt the same way as he struggled not to say something he shouldn't. He couldn't forget that she was with her true love. That bastard, Nicoli.
His jaw clenched at the thought and he looked away, nodding his head.
Lilianna quickly escaped from back there and was happy to be able to breathe again.
Just when she thought she escaped one disaster, she simply walked into another one. A much scarier one.
"Lilianna. Hi!" She looked up to see someone she didn't think she'd ever see ever again.
"J-James?" She stuttered, straightening up with eyes wide open.
"You look very beautiful, Lilianna. It's been so long since we've seen each other." He said, smiling widely at her.
Her mind briefly flashed to that faithful night when he had pointed a gun at her and Nicoli.
"I've been coming here for like a year now and you're never here. What happened to you?" He asked,
"I've been away." She replied,
"Well, it's great to see that you're back. Are you still with Mr. Montez?" He asked his voice getting hard.
"No, I'm not." Lilianna answered, getting more nervous by the second.
"Oh ok. Then in that case I was wondering g if you'd like to go out some time?" He asked, stepping closer to her.
"Ah, no thank you, James. I really can't." She said, shaking her head.
"Why not?" He demanded, invading her space.
Lilianna stumbled back, nearly tripping over her feet.
"Because she has a husband." Oliver said, appearing behind of her and saving her.
She felt completely safe as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body to his.
James glared at Oliver as he shook his head.
"Why don't you mind your own business. Lilianna isn't married." James spat out,
"Actually, I am. That time I was away, I was actually married to Oliver here." Lilianna quickly said, showing James her wedding ring that she for some reason didn't take off.
"Congratulations. I should get going now. Bye." James said and abruptly left.
Lilianna sighed in relief and stepped away from Oliver.
"Thanks a ton." She said, rubbing her temples.
"No problem. Is he an ex?" Oliver asked, clenching the hard cookbook.
"No. He's cop that helped me two years ago. Turned terribly bad and well this the first we've seen each other ever since then." She explained,
"Oh... so where's Nicoli?" Oliver said with a bitter tone.
"We're not together. Not for a long time. We came to friend terms since we didn't feel the connection anymore." Lilianna said,
Oliver blinked down at her surprised. He didn't know what to say and just simply nodded his head.
She was single and was no longer with Nicoli.
Oliver felt happy and wondered if he'd ever get a chance with her again.
"So, you found a book." Lilianna noted,
"Yeah. It has a pretty good recipe for soup and some dinner meals." He said, turning the book in his hand.
Lilianna nodded her head and they walked to the cash register.
Lilianna took the money and put it in the cash register and gave him his change.
"Thanks." Oliver said and turned to leave.
Lilianna leaned against the counter and Oliver hesitated.
"I'm no longer at the hotel. I was wondering if you'd like to come over and... have dinner." He asked unsure of himself.
"Umm, I'd like to." Lilianna said,
"Great, tonight. I'll pick you up at 8." He grinned,
"Great." She said, feeling excited.
"I'll see you then." He said and walked out.
- Writer
