Riri POV
2 MONTHS LATER
After the altercation that night. Our relationship has grown deeper, and our bond is much stronger than before.
We go all throughout Italy. We visited several beaches, churches, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.
Now we're in Rome, where we ran across his buddy Nicholas Valentini.
Valerio insisted on seeing his pal at a tiny café for a quick chat. They hadn't seen each other in over a year due to their jobs. That's OK with me. At the very least, we'll have another companion for a time.
"Hello, it's been a long time since I've seen you! What's going on?" Valerio inquired.
"Hey, man, I'm fine and as old as ever. So, how about you? I believe you should make a change, ah?" Nicholas remarked, smiling
I understand what he's saying. Valerio's reputation as a womanizer
"Yes, I'm good at what I'm doing right now. So, here is Riri, my girlfriend. And this is Nicholas, my brother not by blood." He informed both of us.
We nodded and shook hands.
"So, how have you been? I assumed you were from New York." Val was questioned by Nicholas.
"Right, I stayed there a few years ago, but I occasionally return here in Italy for work or holiday. So, what about you? Are you not flying around the world for a holiday or, let's say, to find the right woman?" Valerio is curious.
"No, I always have a full schedule. I'm completely fatigued from work. By the way, tomorrow we will be celebrating my parents' anniversary and the contract signing as comrades to one of the world's largest corporations tomorrow, " According to Nick.
"What can I say? That is where our world revolves. Well, I believed I heard that news from my source, the Valentini-Lemaire collaboration. Right? Furthermore, my mother and father have been invited to your family's celebration "Valerio stated before smiled at me
"Of course, we couldn't leave out your family, man. We have been relatives since we were children. Besides, in business, we're all in the same boat. So, how about you and Riri? Why don't you go there?" We were invited by Nicholas.
"I'm not so sure, dude, because Riri dislikes large gatherings. She constantly wants us to go with few people around us. Is that right, baby?" Valerio's attentiveness drew me in.
"Sure thing, Nicholas. I'm not very good at socializing. But at the very least, we'll talk about it." I mentioned while seeking for additional excuses not to go. That is a big celebration for celebrities, and there will be a lot of paparazzi present. Attending the party is not a good idea.
"That's all right. I invited both of you. I know you're both preoccupied with each other "Nick cracked a joke.
"Hey, dude, clear your filthy mind. We haven't taken any action yet." Valerio interjects, but stresses the word "yet" before turning to face me.
"Val, don't you dare! Stop playing with your imagination. Do we have a deal?" I informed him.
"So, what's the deal with Riri? Do you mind to share it?" Nicholas smirked at Val and said,
"No! No! Riri, Baby please! Don't tell him he'll make fun of me for sure," Valerio implored.
It's now my turn to teach him a lesson.
"Take note, Nicholas. We agreed not to do adult things until we were married. He must be satisfied with kissing and cuddling." I said with a smile.
Valerio's reaction is priceless. He rubs his hair, indicating his disappointment that Nicholas knows the truth.
"Oh I see, what a wonderful punishment for you, my brother" Nicholas said Valerio.
"Nick, stop! You'll find your own match sooner or later, and I'll tell her about your reputation" Valerio had forewarned his pal.
"Look who's talking. Oh man,! We both know we are in the same society. Like we always told "Bachelor's Life"
Nicholas smirking before continued,
"And let's see what happens here, dude. I'll put it off till then. Do not be worried. However, other than my mother and the twin sisters, I don't have any ladies in my life right now. So, please accept my heartfelt condolences."
Nicholas remarked as he crossed his hands over his chest.
"Nick, this is a day I'll never forget! It is a proclamation, not a promise" Valerio announces confidently.
We are all laughing at the conversation we had.
Our talk was cut short by the sound of a phone ringing.
It belonged to Nicholas.
"I believe it is time to say farewell. I need to attend an urgent meeting. Take good care of yourself and you too, Riri." Nicholas spoke while standing.
"OK, dude. And you as well. I'm hoping you'll see the person who can change your life. Be a good boy," Valerio said to Nicholas
"I really appreciate that. However, your words are really fit you right now. " Nick indicated while laughing at him
"Nicholas, it's a pleasure to meet you." I waved to him before he turn to move away.
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After conversing with Nick, I insist on going to the mall with Valerio. I wanted to go seek for something for us, but Valerio clung to me like glue. He stated that he must protect me since all eyes are on me.
Oh my goodness! He's so exaggerated!
As I walked inside a popular business, I spotted a camera blinking on our side. We were suddenly besieged by paparazzi.
"Shit! How did they find out where I was?" Valerio spoke to my ears in hushed tones. I shrugged, not knowing what to say. They are undoubtedly here because of Val.
"I don't want to be interrupted when I'm with you. I haven't come across any media since I left the work to Dad while I'm here with you. So how did they know where to look for me? You're with me at this point. I don't want you to make a wrong impression on the public because they could mistake you for one of my previous women. I'm sorry, baby." Valerio expressed regret to me.
"Don't be concerned. I get what you mean. Let's discuss it later. In the meanwhile, we have to get out of here," I told him.
It's not good for me. My family knows where I'm staying if I'm caught on the camera. My intention is to return them by next month. I also need to prepare myself to give Valerio the entire thing about me. I'm hoping he doesn't get upset. Then I returned my attention to the issue. He gripped my hands to pose for run, but before we went away, one of them spoke...
"Are you, Princess Reese, the daughter of the Duke of Cambridge?"
"Why are you with Mr. Valerio Grand, Princess Reese?"
"Does he have anything to do with your absence from the palace?"
"Are you a fugitive princess?"
"When do you intend to return to the palace?"
"Do you have a relationship with him?"
A slew of inquiries has been sent our way. I was taken aback. What is going on right now?Why do they know so much about me?
Is this actually going on right now? How am I supposed to explain anything to him? I'm in the midst of a major dilemma.
When I look into Valerio's eyes, I see a lot of questions and concerns that he needs to express to me. I'm so ashamed of myself that I can't stand it any longer.
I was on the point of tears falling. When he noticed, he grabbed my hand and we took off as fast as we could. When we arrive at the parking lot, we quickly get into his car and drive away from the mall. The only sound between us is our breathing as we drove, we are both running out of air. Then he handed me a bottled water.
I didn't realize where we were. He came to a stop near a lake. He got out of the car and sat on the grass. What can I tell him in this type of circumstance when my mind is warring over what I'm going to do? I'm not prepared for this.
Then I decided to come out and sit alongside him, but far enough having distance. I need to clarify everything with him, but I can't open my mouth. I'm not sure where to begin.
"If you are unable to talk first, I will do so. I need all of the explanations. Can I rely on you to tell me the truth?" He stated this to me while staring towards the lake.
"Y..ye..ye..yes..yes... I'll tell you, and I'll make certain you understand everything. But please don't be upset. Val, please hear me out first "I stammered, a note of pleading in my voice. It is now or never, I must clarify every single things.
"I don't make any promise. But I'll listen to you, attentively." He responded to me.
I knew he was controlling his voice, but I could sense his displeasure.
"You may ask me now," I murmured as I lowered my head and gazed at the grass.
"What is going on? Why are you being referred to as Princess Reese, as well as the daughter of a duke? Riri, Who exactly are you?" Valerio'