CHAPTER 66

Italy, VERONA CITY

Lisa's POV

As soon as I stepped off the airport and grabbed my luggage, Alejandro was there to greet me.

He arrived there with two powerful bodyguards who spoke no English at all but were wearing sunglasses to cover their eye colors.

He had my name written on a piece of handmade paper. My heart leaped with delight when I saw the name.

He was beaming from ear to ear, and it was clear that he was overjoyed that I kept my word. I am relieved to be here at last.

Jayden is busy, so I stopped bothering to invite him, but when he turned me down the other day, I asked if we might go together.

Even though I already miss home, I want to enjoy my time here.

While his guys are taking my bag, Alexandro tightly embraces me.

He murmurs "La moglie del mio amico è qu" and releases me, and I pout.

How do you define the phrase? I smile broadly and ask out of interest.

"The wife of my friend is here!" I chuckled as he interpreted the words for me while spreading his arms widely. Not because of how foolish he now seems, but rather because of the way he referred to me as his friend's wife.

If he only knew!

Alejandro would undoubtedly be devastated when Damien and I get divorced and come clean with him about our relationship. He likes me for Damien, it seems, so it will be difficult for him to believe.

With the exception of his mother, almost everyone I have met who is familiar with Damien's connection with Helena does so as well as I do. They may believe that I am the one who will mend Damien's wounded heart or that because we both profess to love one other, being with me would help Damien find the happiness he deserves in the future.

I am certain that if my brother had a woman who made him happy, I would adore her.

My hand is wrapped around his before he turns around. Let's take you home, please.

"Home?" I follow him slowly like a puppet and inquire, wondering what he means by it.

Yes, after your journey, aren't you worn out? He asks while furrowing his brow.

"Yes, I guess. I have jet lag.

"I've already reserved a room in a hotel near to the Villa for you. I want you to get dressed, eat, and relax before I come to collect you later tonight.

"OK?"

Until we approach the large automobile, there is silence. While the bodyguards open the door for us, I gape in wonder. Alejandro climbs in alongside me after helping me get into the vehicle in a proper gentlemanly fashion, and the vehicle instantly roars to life.

How was your travel? He breaks the stillness by turning to look at me and cracking a little grin.

I sigh carelessly. "It was good,"

Aside from a trip with my parents when I was younger, this is my first experience on a plane, therefore I can't possibly tell him that. That was a very long time ago, and this flight seemed like my very first time ever flying.

Damien failed to arrive? I assumed you would also try to bribe him.

"Well, I tried to convince him once, but he refused. You know how obstinate he can be," I smile, and he nods in accord while laughing.

Slowly, silence takes over. My phone suddenly beeps to indicate a message.

My phone's screen briefly shows the name Damien. You must now be in Italy; how was your journey?

The not-quite-casual message causes an unintentional grin to appear on my face. I mean, come on, I'm his wife. But false.

What about Damien? I'm sure Alejandro spotted my grin.

He turns to face him and replies, "Yes."

Any message? Don't say he's still not romantic.

I guffaw. He makes an effort.

"However, I heard what occurred. How accurate is it? When he adopts a serious tone, I allow my grin to wane.

What is he referring to? When Damien and I went to his alleged business associate's dinner party two nights ago, we attempted to rule out the possibility that it had anything to do with the newspaper headlines.

"What the heck are you talking about?" He looks at me intently as I demand.

"I'm referring to the papers,"

"Papers?" I act unaware. How did he discover this while in Italy?

Indeed, Lisa. Put an end to the pretense. I'm referring to the claims that you and Damien are untrue. Is it real? Is this a legally binding union?

"What? Naturally not," I say in a loud voice that shocks me as well. Alejandro is attentively observing me as he tries to read through me to pique his interest.

I believed that the presentation had contributed to people realizing that we existed and the stories were accurate.

I was so certain Anna would report witnessing us kissing Damien's mother, and maybe out of anger or resentment, she would also inform others.

Are you certain? My hand is touched by his. You know you can confide in me.

I grin in spite of my displeasure at his stress on delivering the truth. "I know, am I right?"

"You're aware that you can depend on me?" I nod. "Then explain to me what's going on."

Nothing occurred, Alex. Damien's mother dislikes me and is determined to see me abandon Damien.

"Who is Damien's mom?" He interrupts me by asking.

"Yes. I'm not totally sure whether she is to blame for that rumor, but I'm just giving you what I know, so I'm not completely lying either. "She offered me a million dollars to leave Damien," I said.

He lets out a gasp as his eyes enlarge. "What is it?"

"Yes. I beg with my eyes, "This ought to be just between us. I'm sure Damien is unaware that I told Alejandro anything similar, but I simply have to say something to allay his concerns. He will keep bugging me if I don't respond.

Damien, "Does he know?"

I sigh. "I told him the moment she gave me the money, and he was furious. She doesn't like me, and I have no idea why. Before the wedding, she helped me feel welcome.

His palm again falls on mine and he says, "I understand," reassuring me.

We both stop talking. I shut my eyes and lean backward on the vehicle seat to prevent any more inquiries.

I didn't go to Italy to contemplate my miserable circumstances. I'm coming to take a break from my problems.

I shouldn't focus too much on Damien because he isn't present. I shouldn't be considering the kiss. not the first or second kiss from the previous evening.

I go back to Damien's message and wonder why he didn't contact me.

Is he preoccupied at work? Did he take a moment to contact me, hoping to get a response to know that I had arrived safely?

The vehicle suddenly stops, and I turn around to find that we are right in front of the hotel before I can sit up straight to respond to his text.

"We are here!" The news from Alejandro knocks me to my feet. "Signora, welcome to Italy!"