Chapter 1 - Meet again
1775 Words
Maria's POV
It's been two years. It's been two agonizing years since I last stepped foot in this villa. It's my nephew Franco's birthday, and Amelia invited me to come when she learned that I'd come back. Of course, I was reluctant to come, but Amelia insisted and promised that Marcus wouldn't be here.
She said something about Marcus' conference that is why he won't make it to the celebration. I was so reluctant and uneasy, but I couldn't say no to her. Besides, I miss my nephew and miss my sister, too.
So here I am, in front of the massive house owned by Samuel DeLuca, breathing anxiously. I hope Amelia will wait before she fires all her questions and let me survive this day. A maid opened the door for me and ushered me towards the garden where all the shenanigans happened.
When the entire party came to view, I was in awe. It was the most extravagant children's party I have ever seen. I mean, talk about the whole circus! Suddenly came the long shriek from somewhere, and a madwoman tackled me.
" You crazy b***h! Where have you been?!" Amelia's embrace is deadly. She was choking me and started to cry.
" Amelia, Amelia, you are killing me!" I pushed her away from me and tried to breathe. "Let go, you crazy woman!" she placed both hands on her hips and raised her brows while tapping her foot.
" Well, I am waiting, Maria. Where have you been? Why did you suddenly disappear and didn't contact any of us? Didn't you know how much you've hurt dad? He went crazy looking for you! I went crazy looking for you and almost started a war with other mafias! I thought you got kidnapped or, worse, killed!" She glared at me.
" Hello to you too, sister. I am okay, by the way, very much alive. Look, can we talk about this some other time? I am here to see my nephew. I promise I'll tell you everything soon." I begged her and reached for her hand. She stared into my eyes, then soon exhaled loudly and rolled her eyes.
" You promise!" She pointed her finger at me. I missed her so much. Looking at her now, glowing and looking so happy and contented, tugged at my heart. How I wish I'd have that kind of life. I inhaled deeply, sighed, and soon followed my crazy sister towards my dad, Samuel, and Franco.
" Look who finally decided to show up! Where have you been, girl?" Samuel greeted me with a grin and a fierce hug.
" Hello, Samuel. Have you been taking good care of my sister and nephew?" I smiled at him.
" See for yourself," he replied, smiling back at me. Then I looked down at a timid three years old boy, Franco.
" And how is my handsome nephew? Happy birthday, sweetheart. Can auntie Maria get a hug?" I squatted and held my arms open for him. He reluctantly came closer, then gave me the sweetest smile. My heart squeezed painfully.
" Oh, how big you've grown, my love. Auntie Maria misses you so much." I hugged him tightly, and my eyes watered.
" If Papa hadn't called and told me you're back, I wouldn't have known. You owe me an explanation, woman, big time!" My sister Amelia continued grilling me. I looked up and saw my dad's conflicting eyes staring down at me.
Then I turned to Amelia and gave her an awkward smile. I stood up and went to my father's waiting arms, and kissed his cheek.
" Howdy, sport. I thought you were not coming today. I am glad you are here, Maria. We missed you." He whispered and kissed my temple.
" I couldn't get away even if I wanted to, Papa. You told my crazy sister already. Since she has become the wife of a mafia leader, she's gotten a little bit crazy. She would have me dragged from my place to here if I didn't come." I joked and rolled my eyes at my father.
Both Samuel and Papa chuckled while Amelia gave me a death glare. Just then, the event host announced the start of the children's party. All the kids screamed with glee and gathered in front of the clowns.
Papa took Franco and joined the kids while Amelia, Samuel, and I stayed behind and watched the games. We were all laughing at the circus show when suddenly someone spoke behind us.
" Am I late?" I stiffened and did not dare to turn around. I know that voice too well. It haunted me even until now.
" Marcus! You made it! I thought you wouldn't be able to come? What happened to that conference?" Amelia greeted the newcomer. I remained stunned and nervously staring at the party.
" Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have picked you up at the airport." Samuel said.
" I don't want to bother you guys. Besides, I don't want to ruin the surprise." Marcus replied. I could feel his eyes drilling at the back of my head, but I still did not turn around. Instead, I turned an accusing eye to Amelia then ran away.
I could hear Amelia's voice shouting my name, but I did not turn around. I knew it! I shouldn't have come! I would kill Amelia for tricking me, so I ran as fast as I could. I need to get out of here. I need to get as far away from him as possible. But before I reached the front door, someone grabbed my arm and turned me around.
" Where are you going, ma chérie (my darling)? Aren't you tired of running, Maria?" Marcus whispered in my ear huskily. His voice is steady, unlike mine. I was out of breath from running so fast, but still, he caught me.
" Let me go, Mr. DeLuca!" I hissed at him, but his grip on my arm tightened.
" Not so fast, ma chérie (my darling). I want to know why you disappeared without a word after that night. I looked for you, but you disappeared without a trace." His intense stare made me uneasy. I cursed my blasted body for reacting to his touch until now.
" I have nothing to explain to you, Mr. DeLuca. If I remember correctly, you were the one who seemed to be too eager to leave that day. In case you forgot, let me remind you that you left me in that hotel alone after you took my innocence! You went in the middle of the night and left me $200 as if I am a cheap slut! So don't pretend to be the one insulted! I hate you! Marcus DeLuca! I don't want to see your face or even be in the same room with you! You bastard!" After saying what I wanted to say two years ago, I kneed his precious gem and walked out of there.
He was writhing in pain on the floor, turning red with pain and anger, and cursed at me. I smirked at him and gave him the finger.
" I can do so much more than that if you bother me again, Mr. DeLuca, a fair warning. By the way, please tell my family I left. Goodbye, Mr. DeLuca." I turned around, walked to my car, and heard him cursing and calling my name. It felt so good to have my revenge finally. I hope he won't bother me anymore and stay as far away from me as possible.
But I guess fate wants to play a game with me because before I can open the door of my car. Someone had a firm grip on my arm and spun me around. Marcus' angry face greeted me.
" Stop running, Maria. I can't let you leave just like that after you assaulted me. You have to take responsibility." He pretended to be hurt still, but I don't buy his bullshits.
" Let go, Marcus, or I will scream," I warned him and pulled my arm.
" Hear me out first, Maria. This talk is two years past overdue. You disappeared on me that night without a word or call. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?" He pushed me towards the car and trapped me with his arms.
" I have nothing to say to you nor explain anything to you. You were the one who left first that night and left me a two hundred dollar bill, in case you forgot! You made me feel like a w***e whom you rented for a night!" I spat at him and pushed him hard.
" I didn't leave! I went out to get some fresh air! And that money was supposed to be for the hotel staff I requested to send breakfast." He tried to explain, but I'm not buying it.
" Many women may believe your lies, but not me, Marcus. I had forgotten about that night and moved on. You should too." I stared at him coldly.
" How can I do that?! How can I forget that? How can I forget you?! He shouted.
" I am attracted to you, Maria. You are like a glow of light in a dark tunnel. I thought having you in my bed once was enough, but I can't get you out of my system. Of course, I am not perfect, but for you, I will try." Marcus held me with piercing eyes.
After two years, my heart still skipped whenever he looked at me like that. But he hurt me. After what happened that night, it was clear that he got what he wanted and moving on.
" I cannot let you into my life again and break my heart, Marcus. You had your chance, but you chose to walk away. I won't let you walk all over me ever again." I glared at him with so much hurt and contempt, then pushed him harder. I went inside my car and sped away from there.
It was supposed to be a happy day because it's my nephew's birthday and I am with my family again after staying away for two years. Amelia is dying to know where I have been and what happened, but I am not ready to tell them. I am not prepared to show my weakness and let them know the tough Maria surrendered to love.
If Marcus wants me back, he better work hard because I am not the only one he has to win back.
- Writer
