Chapter 16 New love interest

Luciano was sitting at a well-known café sipping on coffee as he glanced at his wristwatch and knew the lady was running late. He hadn't had much patience for anyone like he was doing this.

Yes, it was only for business purposes. However, he was saddened to realize he was far into meeting this woman, unlike he planned.

“Another one?” the woman who had been serving him coffee asked as soon as she approached his table. Luciano nodded without saying a word. He was a regular here. The owner knew very well he liked privacy, just like now he requested for a private place. The café was known for its good coffee. The owner cultivated his coffee, which was refined and good. He liked natural things and people putting effort into what they did, and the coffee shop was good. The lady brought him a new cup of coffee and left from there.

Luciano had ordered his guards not to even dare show their faces anywhere near him. Yes, he was a big deal, but having people watching him didn't sit well with him.

“Where is she?” he muttered, picking up his phone from the table. He asked his assistant to find out her contact number, that way he would call her directly, but now it seemed the lady wasn't coming. “Just great” he mumbled, feeling the sweet coffee turn sour as he unbuttoned his coat and pushed his chair backward. Luciano was irritated as he rose to his feet, preparing to leave, when he looked up and stopped at the sight of mesmerizing beauty. His heart skipped a beat, his eyes seemed to have forgotten how to blink. He knew many women possessed exceptional beauty, but this one looked like an angel. Her aura was different and possessed confidence. A woman who knew what she wanted. Held her head high.

“Did I keep you waiting?” even her voice was something he wanted to hear. He didn't realize he was just staring at her, admiring her beauty. Everything about her was gorgeous and attractive.

“Ahem! Is everything okay?” Olivia asked, smirking inwardly. It seems the second devil was already drooling over him. She wanted to laugh at Luciano's stupid facial expression, but she ignored him as he regained his wits and smiled.

“Not at all… I wasn't here for that long…please sit” Luciano said, shaking his head awkwardly. Was he a fool to say he didn't wait for long? Of course, he had been waiting for an hour and a half. Olivia settled down and so did Luciano, who immediately called for another cup of their best coffee.

“My apologies if I kept you waiting, Mr. Garcia,” Olivia said with a charming smile when in reality she was cursing his surname. She kept him waiting deliberately; she didn't even bother to keep time.

“Why such formalities…call me Luciano…since we'll be working together…how about we get better acquainted,” the man said as he served her the coffee the lady brought. Olivia yawned inwardly. She wasn't even looking forward to working with this man, but she had to follow Pedro's rules.

“Then call me Livia,” she said, extending her hand forward. For a second, Lucian found her name familiar. He knew of a girl who was in his life and was named Olivia, but shaking such thoughts away. He knew plenty of women were named Olivia.

“Nice to meet you… Livia” Luciano said with his most charming smile as he took Olivia's slender soft hand in his. A familiar feeling rushed through both, which was only one-sided. Olivia felt that same heat she once got from him. She couldn't control her breathing as she withdrew her hand, feeling like she was going to burst from the overwhelming emotions she thought were replaced by hate. Seeing his face, his warmth, and just his smile, which she once thought was the most beautiful for a man.

“Is… Everything okay?” Luciano asked as he drank his coffee. Olivia nodded and picked up her cup.

“I'm okay…so about the work with Mr. Ramirez…he has a few conditions, “Olivia said, ignoring Luciano's piercing gaze. She didn't want the feeling to give her away and thanks to her different face. No one would know it was her. Something she was grateful for.

“I already sent the proposal… doesn't he like it?” Luciano asked, narrowing his eyes, and both started talking about work. Olivia had to ignore Luciano's stare at all costs. The way he looked at her with interest. For a married man, he certainly knew how to show interest in another woman.

“Keep going… someone's watching…and probably taking pics” Ira's voice came from the wireless Bluetooth Olivia had in her ear. Olivia's eyes shifted down and saw a man dressed in black hiding in a corner. She was watching it there. Of course, this was just a start. Now Solange would most likely start a small fire that she was going to turn into considerable flames.

“Hello…madam… I've sent the pics,” the same man said as soon as he walked away from the garden of the café where he was instructed to do a clean job.

***

“What nonsense!” Antonia growled out, slamming her hand hard on the table such that the three servants around were frightened as their heads lowered even more. Solange, who had just shown her the pics of Luciano with a woman, sat down and waited for her mother-in-law to say something about her son “leave!” Antonia ordered the servants to leave and directly, they left the dining room, closing the doors lightly.

“It's getting worse, Antonia…every passing day I feel like he doesn't regard me as his wife,” Solange said, lowering her head. She has been married to Luciano for over a year now. Her husband used to pay attention to her when they got married, unfortunately after she gave birth he entirely changed.

“My son wouldn't look at other women when he has a beautiful woman like you… Sol, are you certain…” Antonia said as she checked the photos of the elegant woman she was seeing. She was indeed beautiful. She had striking features which made any man fall for her; however, she knew her son very well. He was principled.

“Mother…it's getting out of hand…he…he doesn't even sleep in the same room as me…” Solange said, shedding tears. She was a woman and as a woman, she yearned for her husband's touch. His utmost attention, but that was different. He never, not even once, looked at her with love.

“If you said this woman is his business partner, then I'm sure it's just that…she's a president of some company, but where is she from?” Antonia remarked, returning the phone to her daughter-in-law. She was making a fuss, knowing she was married to Luciano. She chose her because her family background was reputable.

“No idea mother…but I feel deep down she's the reason Luciano doesn't love me” Solange broke into tears

Antonia rose to her feet, pushing the chair backward. Her son was once in love with the daughter of the enemy. His mission was to make sure he broke her heart, but things changed, Olivia Altamirano was no more. She was the only threat. Her son was naive to have fallen in love with such a girl. Antonia walked around the table and came to where Solange was sitting.

“As long as you have me supporting you… Luciano is yours…no woman will ever have him” Antonia said in a sharp tone, resting her hand on Solange's shoulder. She made the final say, which was why she decided the right woman for Luciano. If indeed the woman in the picture was his new love interest. Then she was just wasting her time.

“T-thank you, mother, “Solange said, wiping her tears. She was now at ease knowing someone like Antonia was backing her. This time she was not going to back down but have her husband.