Chapter Forty Eight

< Nina’s POV >

If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have asked Clarence that question. If we finished the diorama without any idle chatter, Clarence could have left the building before Luca even arrived.

But I'm not all-knowing; I didn't expect Luca to come back early, let alone at the worst possible timing!

As if time freezes, Luca remains frozen stiff. His golden-brown eyebrows arch upwards and his mouth is hanging still. We haven’t moved for a while, and I’ve realized two things: Clarence is still on top of me and he hasn’t moved an inch as his head is still facing Luca's.

“C-Clarence,” I say in a raspy voice, my voice quivering from both fear and embarrassment. “Get o-off me.” My hand reaches his shoulder and slightly moves him aside and thankfully, his body moves on its own as he releases my shoulders.

I slide my lower body away from him so that I can finally sit on the floor and curve in a fetal position.

“Nina, you have some explaining to do.” I look up and Luca finally regains his composure as he glares at Clarence with his arms crossed. “Or should I kick your “project mate” out of my apartment before you do?”

I shake my head. “I-it’s a misunderstanding!” Ah, crap. Think of an excuse, anything that will calm Luca.

Meanwhile, while I am busying myself with my own thoughts Clarence slowly stands up and approaches Luca. I look at them curiously, wondering what will happen next.

“No fucking way!” Clarence, who has always been sly and serious, has shown a childlike expression when his eyes widen and his lips curve in a huge smile. “I can’t believe it!” he turns to me. “You didn’t tell me that you’re living with Luca de Milano!”

I would be surprised with his sudden behavior if it weren’t for his declaration earlier. Ah right, he did mention he was Luca’s fan.

“And does that mean…” he scans the room, like an excited puppy. “This is your place! This is awesome!”

I frown. Not long ago, you insulted the building like it stood out like a sore thumb.

But Luca’s glare hasn’t wavered. Instead of being shocked, he continues, “As much as I appreciate your admiration but from what I’ve witnessed, I don’t feel like welcoming you here any longer.”

Clarence slowly laughs a bit nervously. “About that, I’m sorry.” Something I didn’t expect him to say.

But I doubt Luca will give in so I guess it’s my turn to intervene.

“Uh, Luca. It’s not what you t-think, really. He—” I sigh. “He fell down on me while he was trying to get the t-tool and you just happened to enter.”

He still gives me a doubtful look. “And at the most impeccable timing?”

“Y-yeah. He’s…” I try to think of a good positive word for Clarence. “He’s harmless.”

Clarence just stares at me without a word. He might be well-behaved right now but I’m sure he will tease me to no end right after this.

Luca sighs as he ruffles his own hair. “Fine, I let this slide. But I still keep an eye on him.”

“Don’t worry,” I say, reassuringly. “We’re almost done with our diorama, r-right Clarence?”

“Actually, the diorama itself is done,” he answers, reverting back to his old self. But this time, he’s acting more like when we were making the diorama earlier. “But I will bring the figurines and add more details. I wrote a note earlier for the tasks that you need to do as well. You don’t mind if we leave the diorama here, right?”

“Ah, n-no problem.” I smile, nervously.

“Well, Nina, I have to take my leave as I still want to be on your family’s good side,” he laughs as he says that as he pats on my shoulder. “See you on Monday.”

I nod. “See you, Clarence.”

He turns to leave and glances at Luca who is still eyeing him like a hawk. “I know that it was an awkward first meeting and I gave you a bad impression but I hope it doesn’t bother you if I continue to be acquainted with Nina.”

“That depends on her,” he replies in an authoritative tone.

Clarence slightly shrugs as he smiles and leaves the room.

“Okay, now you have to tell me the truth, Nina,” he says, grabbing my attention. He isn’t smiling yet he doesn’t give me that angry look. In fact, he still has the aura of someone who needs, no, who demands some answers. He walks closer to me as he holds my shoulders, his eyes staring at mine: "Were you assaulted by him?"

<<<>>>

< Clarence’s POV >

I couldn’t believe my eyes that the rumors were right. I felt stupid for showing my fanboyism in front of the person I deeply respected but I guess karma hurts like a bitch.

I chuckle to myself. Today is such an eventful day. Not long ago, I was thinking about Anastasia, had a normal conversation with Nina for the first time then I screwed it up by pushing her down.

Then Luca de Milano showed up. And I can see the possessiveness in his eyes when glared at me. Perhaps it's because he was just protective over his new family or something else? That I couldn't tell until now.

Speaking of which, what is Nina to him? Stepfather? If that is true, I don’t understand how it wasn’t in the news of his marriage let alone of an older woman. So that's out of the question. So that leaves his father then: Rodrigo Gomez.

It makes sense. His parents divorced years ago. He remarried Nina's mother and that leaves these two as stepsiblings. And perhaps Sebastian Jacques is either an alias or a real butler acting as her guardian on paper.

Everything makes sense then.

But something bothers me till now. I couldn't ask her until we meet again.

Why is Nina Caulfield living with Luca de Milano then?