CHAPTER 40

Lisa's POV

I couldn't believe Alejandro and I continued to chat after supper and that we had both liked one other's company.

I was able to feel better after the conversation and let my resentment at Damien go. I shouldn't be angry with Damien, in actuality. What he did this evening should have been anticipated, but I didn't expect it, which is why I was upset.

With strangers, I don't often feel at ease, but Alejandro is an exception. When we initially started dating, I found myself opening up to him and telling him things I wouldn't have said to other people.

I suppose that because of his free-spirited nature, I was myself around him.

I recognized him when he said that I reminded him of someone. Alejandro Lorenzo is the same person who made an appointment with Damien a few months back but never showed up. He showed up beyond the scheduled time and just as I was ready to end the day.

I'm not sure if I should mention that I served as Damien's assistant, and I'm not sure if Damien wants him to know.

I'm standing in front of Alejandro's beaming face with Damien.

He extends his hand for a handshake and adds, "I guess we'll call it a night." He shakes Damien as well after I take it.

His automobile is already waiting, as I can see. He smiles at me briefly. By October, I'll be awaiting you all in Italy. I'll see you then.

I giggle as he waves. Damien has shown no interest in traveling to Italy with me for any reason, so I am aware it won't be feasible. I don't see why he should quit his job merely to appease me when we didn't even go on a honeymoon. I'm not his actual spouse.

All I want is for him to let me go. I want to visit Verona and reclaim my freedom. I won't ask him, but I don't mind if I go there alone.

He waves as he approaches the vehicle and gets in. Damien and I see the automobile start up and accelerate.

Alejandro really is a great guy.

So, you actually intend to visit Italy? Damien's query shakes me out of my daydream.

I look up to find him attentively observing me.

I don't know what to say in response, so I just nod and manually open the vehicle door. Damien seems startled because he hesitates in front of the door before moving inside.

He quickly enters the room next to me as Jude quickly opens the door for him.

Are you upset with me? As Jude starts the car's engine, he asks right away.

I quickly respond, "No," without glancing at him. He doesn't say anything and reaches out to Jude. I can't hear him because I'm not paying attention.

He replies in a hushed voice, "Let's go somewhere else," and I look at him with brows wrinkled.

"Somewhere? Who knows? Shouldn't we be returning home?

I wish to atone for my mistake. I am aware of your rage. The meal was also meant to be a date for the three of us, but Alejandro ended up asking you out instead. I was abandoned."

"What?" She laughs out loud. "What do you mean about Alejandro and I going out? You don't think I'll be silent while he continues attempting to talk to me, do you? But I'm not angry with you. I firmly say, "I have no right to be," and then I walk away from him.

Slowly, silence sets in, and I'm nearly ready to assume that he has given up and that we will go.

Why should we go on a date simply because I'm mad at him when this isn't even real? Do I have any input at all into any of these?

After some time, he murmurs, "If you know you are not mad at me, then let's go somewhere else before going home."

I close my eyes firmly. Is my anger really so obvious? I believed I had let my resentment against him go.

He adds as I'm about to say no. "Jude is already driving us there, so you can't say no."

"Really?" I cock my head to the side to see the amused expression on his face.

Is this humorous?

"I don't believe it's a smart idea to go on a date someplace else. I truly couldn't take the attention, but I was quite at ease in the space that Alejandro had set apart for us.

He pulls out his tabloid to make the reservation and says, "First off, let's stop talking about Alejandro, and secondly, I'll make a reservation right away."

"Oh no!" He bemoans. "I'm full. Let's investigate the Costa Restaurant. To himself, he murmurs.

He continues to grumble to himself for a little while before tapping me. "I doubt that we will be able to eat for free tonight. Then, should we take a stroll?

"A walk?"

"Yep."

"What if we run into someone we know on the street?" I express my worry. Instead of going for a stroll and being known as the billionaire's wife, I would rather remain still and be noticed.

He confidently grins, "You don't need to worry, no one will recognize us," and I avert my eyes.

I try to forget everything he did to me this evening to make me upset as I lean back on the seat. He was aware of my ire, yet he didn't apologize till now.

Stupid dude!

The vehicle comes to a halt a little while later, and we both get out. I expected the street to be crowded with people, but it wasn't. I wonder where we are since it seems to be peaceful and lovely.

I raise an eyebrow as Damien extends his hand for me to grasp. Is this one of his attempts to placate my rage?

I reject his offer to hold hands and walk away from him.

"I want to take you guys to a club down the street. He says to me, "It's not a popular one so no one will recognize us there," and I swiftly turn around to face him.

"A club? I shake my head in disapproval. Why don't we just return home? Around here, I don't feel at ease.

He stops talking and looks at me. He then nods.

He adds, straining his jaw, "Let's go home, then."

I stroke his arm and say, "I promise I'm not mad at you anymore," causing him to go motionless and fix his eyes on my hand. I quickly let go of my hand. "Since I am no longer angry with you, there is no need for you to try to make me feel better. I'm good, right? He nods in response to my small grin and looks around while folding his arms.

On the opposite side of the street, he catches sight of a store. His stare draws me in, and I discover that it is an ice cream store.

"Would you like some?" He queries me. "Prior to heading home. That will at least make up for the travel time to get here. We won't just show up here for no reason.

My face suddenly cracks a real grin, and I cautiously nod. "Yes. I like ice cream.

"Great. He tells me, "I'll be right back," and then he walks over to the store. Jude is still inside as I lean against the vehicle and watch him drive away.

I try to envision what it would be like to be his real wife, my arms around my bosom.

If this is true, won't today be a lovely day for us?

Damien strikes me as a romantic. Despite his harsh exterior, he has a passionate side. Another thought is that he enjoys reading romance books as well.

I've never met a guy who enjoys reading books, and I've always wanted could find a man who enjoys romantic novels or writes them.

Even though I've finished reading the book I stole from his office, he hasn't returned the one he borrowed from me. I want to offer him The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride, another book I just purchased.

After that, I'll look into how to return his book and get a new one. I may even have the guts to question him about the books in his office and request that I be allowed to enter to get additional books.

When she comes back and stands in front of me, I don't even notice that someone just went by me since I'm so lost in my own thoughts.

I instantly turn to face her after being startled out of my daydream by her movement and a familiar voice.

"Lisa?"

"Juliet?!"