CHAPTER 62

Lisa's POV

Grandma gives me a strong, cozy embrace and compels me to fight back the feelings that are rushing through me.

I haven't seen her in a long, and I really miss her. I realize that she is attempting to give me the solitude I need and deserve as a married woman since she never pays me any visits.

I went to visit her to check how she was adjusting to her new maid, whom she enjoys chatting about on the phone, and to let her know that I would be traveling to Italy in five days.

I can't wait to go, and I really wish we could go together. I can't afford it, and I can't bring myself to ask Damien to do this as a favor, so I know it won't be doable.

I am not allowed to request anything from him that involves money. Even if I get the strength to do so, the fact that I was paid before starting the company I have with him and his mother's assertion that I am in this marriage for the financial advantages would prevent me from doing so.

I take joy in being a lady.

"How are you doing, my little one?" She gives me a gentle tug on my cheek, making me flush as I recall how Grandma used to treat me like a kid until I graduated from high school.

She raised me as a young kid, therefore I'm glad our disputes are over.

I grin as she pulls me away from the door and over to the sofa, "I'm OK, Grandma. She chooses the one next to me as I take a seat on it.

She continues to observe me until I make the decision to speak. How are you doing? Where is this new acquaintance that you've been mentioning to me?

Safina, oh? The kitchen is where she belongs. Is it okay if I get her for you? I stop her from getting up to go speak to her old maid, who she wants to call.

Saying "Don't worry."

This house has a pleasant, at-home feel. It also boasts a roomy kitchen and a sizable living area. There are two bedrooms, and Safina would most likely be resting in the other one.

Asking "How are you, my child?" The worry is finally engraved on her face. I now see why she was previously observing me. She has called me often over the last three days, and while I first believed she missed me, I now realize that she is concerned about me.

She's probably anxious since she realizes that this marriage isn't a true love match. She must believe Damien is abusing me.

"Mom, I'm doing well. With one of my finest grins, I reassure her, "You have nothing to worry about at all.

Her worried expression doesn't go away; rather, it becomes deeper. Are you certain?

I instantly nod. "Sure, that. Why are you concerned when I'm fine? I grasp her hands in mine.

She exhales heavily. "I really have no idea why, but..."

"Mom, I've already told you that Damien is a good man." I interrupted her.

She also cuts me off by saying, "That wasn't what you told me before you two got married.

"Yes, and that was because I didn't know him well enough."

"But now that you do?" She makes a curious demand, and I nod. What information do you have about him? Does he mistreat you?

Naturally not, Mother. He is not torturing me. He is a nice guy, I assure you. Because he was my supervisor and because he was experiencing a lot, he was nasty and cruel. I stop.

When compared to asking you to be his wife for a year, how much is keeping him from finding a true wife for himself? I can tell that she is speaking with disdain. It is clear that Mother and Damien still do not get along.

She still has a negative opinion of Damien despite my efforts to get her to move over to this new home.

Mom," I stammer. In reality, absolutely. Because of what he is going through, he is acting in this way.

"What is he experiencing?" Her nose flares up in irritation as she scoffs. Simply said, "I just hope he isn't taking advantage of you?" She looks back at me.

Naturally not, Mother. I have told you that this was just a paper document. I am aware of what she is discussing. She wants to know whether I'm being coerced into having sex with him. Remember, he didn't compel me to become married to him. I entered this voluntarily and with my eyes wide open. Sexual activity is prohibited under the contract, thus we can't do it.

She seems very contemplative as she speaks in silence for some time. "Really?"

I roll my eyes and say, "Of course."

You two don't sleep in the same bed, are you? I pause before responding with a hurried "yes."

I'm not sure whether this is a question meant to imply that we are really sharing a bed or engaging in sexual activity.

We share a bed, but we don't engage in sexual activity as married couples do. I proclaim openly that I am still a virgin and that we are just legally married, as I previously said, and I see her exhale and place her right hand on her breast.

"I'm really grateful. I was concerned," she says regretfully.

"I know. The nice guy Damien is, he won't do it.

She growls at me, "Don't be so sure, men can be unpredictable sometimes," and then leans back.

Can guys be erratic in behavior? I am aware that Damien is inherently unpredictable, but I mistakenly believed that this was due to the fact that he was my boss. Actually, Damien is still unpredictable.

Perhaps this explains why I occasionally feel wounded when he acts in unexpected ways. such as acting as if the kiss never occurred. I was surprised by the kiss he gave me. Part of it is that.

My face begins to flush crimson, and I shake my head.

When I consider that kiss, something always occurs. a brief kiss that didn't last long. An unexpected kiss that wasn't planned. I'm not sure why, but my thoughts keep returning to it when they shouldn't.

The question "What are you thinking?" I'm startled out of my daydream by Grandma's touch and words. Before I look up at her, I blink once to get off the flush on my cheeks and the thinking of something impermissible.

I grin and respond forcefully, "Nothing," and she nods in agreement.

Really, there's no need to ramble on about how Damien can show her his skills in a single day.

She may understand what I'm talking about if I mention the vacation he paid for.

"Relax, everything will be resolved shortly. She looks at me lovingly and says, "When it's finished, you can find another guy who will love you for who you are, and then you can have children who will keep me company like you promised me when you were a child. She obviously wishes this had never happened, but oddly enough, I don't feel bad about it.

I had no regrets about marrying Damien.

She stops and says, "If anything happens," her fingertips brushing my face.

I hastily say, "I have good news, though," in order to stop her from bringing up Damien again.

Positive news? Her gaze travels to my tummy as her eyes expand. She exhaled heavily and covered her lips with her hands.

I shake my head as I let out a throaty chuckle. "Mom, what are you contemplating? I've previously said that Damien and I won't engage in sexual activity. There is no sexual component to this.

"Really?" She doesn't seem upset or happy with the news. She has an expressionless face.

"Yes. I will be traveling to Italy in five days, which is excellent news. To make up for not taking us someplace beautiful on our honeymoon, Damien is paying for my trip.

Are you traveling by yourself? She politely asks.

"Yes. Damien is too preoccupied to accompany me. But I'm delighted he won't be going. You know that Verona is the reason I've always wanted to visit that place.

The capital of love? Her happy, wide-eyed eye. "Where I first met your grandpa. where we had our wedding reception. where I had our earliest kid.

She remembers the guy who showered her love till his dying breath, and her eyes get dreamy and filled with tears.

I have a firm belief in the existence of real love because to this guy.

both of them.

Unconsciously, I remark, "I pray I find love," as I stare into space and consider what would occur if my fantasies came true.

Going to Verona is something I never thought would be feasible, but now that it is, it doesn't seem as bizarre as it does. I'm eager to visit there and see what surprises destiny has in store for me.

I'll grab hold of love with both hands if it comes my way.

My phone starts to ring, jerking my mother and I out of our reverie. Grandma's thoughts are on her late husband, but my thoughts are on finding a guy who will love me for who I am, a man who will love me completely, and a man who will appreciate me.

As soon as Damien's name appears on my screen, I immediately sit up straight.

How come he's phoning me? He allowed me to go since I had previously informed him that I planned to see Grandma today.

He seldom contacts me unless he has an urgent matter he has to discuss.

I answer the phone and cling it to my right ear.

"Damien?" I call, my sudden curiosity consuming me.

I asked, "Where are you?" He asks pointed inquiries.

While moving uncomfortably on the sofa, I look to Grandma. "I am with Grandma. Did I not tell you, I did?

"Are you able to go for home right away? I get up as soon as I hear the words "It's urgent," my heart thumping twice as fast as usual.

Did you experience anything recently? I enquire, securing my grip on the phone.

"No. The news headlines currently include us. Come home right away! Someone leaked our deal to the media.

My jaw stands wide in disbelief as the phone clicks and the call is cut off.