After the photo session, he was quick to offer them a little refreshment. Emma wanted to get it over with, but did she have a choice to refuse? A woman appeared in the living room with a dozen choices. When he handed her his glass, she took it with a trembling hand, the ice cubes began to clink as her hand was shaking. A conversation quickly started on a completely absurd and tiresome subject, Sharon was talking about her life as a model and her projects, and only Sergio seemed to care. The man was standing watching his domain from the window, when Emma glanced in his direction, he looked back at the same instant...
She turned her head to the marble statue on her left and took a sip of her orange juice. At the same time, a woman came in with a man in a suit. Emma gazed fascinated at the elegant woman who gracefully entered the living room and then walked towards Azzario with a smile on her face.
Hello mother...
She felt her heart racing, when she realized too late that this refreshment was dragging on, to the point of now being confronted with the latter's mother.
"Sergio, Miss Brok, let me introduce you to my mother Rosella Dantes and Mr. Ramirez."
Emma jumped up and made a slight bow to greet her. No need to make a fool of himself in front of her, her son had already enjoyed enough of a lamentable spectacle. Of course, she looked down at her slightly rounded belly, and Emma expected to receive congratulations, but instead, Rosella Dantes turned to her son with a suddenly sad face. At the sad memory of the day before, of this same expression which had frozen on the man's face, Emma let herself fall on the sofa without a word. She felt like she was guilty, of a crime she didn't know about.
Pleased, it's a pleasure to meet you. Rosella finally said in a cool, warm voice.
Sharon got up and kissed the latter in a very familiar way.
Hello madam, we were just talking about you.
"Really, and what were you talking about?" She asked taking off her coat which was quickly taken by the governess.
Of the domain and of the magnificent inheritance which you left to your son.
Emma couldn't remember hearing about any inheritance, but she'd probably missed half the conversation from being locked in her thoughts.
He deserves it, now I'm waiting to see who will get it in return.
This is not the time to talk about it! Cut Azzario coming to sit on the chair.
He had just created a cold in which no one had dared to speak again.
Except Mr. Ramirez.
Azzario, how was the photo shoot?
Very well, Sergio and his assistant are professional, it was quick.
He turned to her.
Emma smiled to leave no chance to decipher the immense despair that was knotting her stomach. His eyes were so deep that she felt his voice go out of shame. She then clung to Sergio's speech and remained silent.
But the great and powerful Azzario Dantes did not hear it that way.
How long does your internship last?
Oh uh ... two months normally.
Two months ? Rosella repeated, almost altered, is it really reasonable in your condition, Miss Brok?
Everyone looked at her expectantly for her to speak.
Sergio is not hard on me, he lets me go at my own pace. She defended herself, putting down her glass.
Indeed, I confirm, it goes at its own pace. Launched Sharon without hiding his point of mockery.
Emma joined her hands on her knees without finding the slightest argument to defend herself. On his right, the Italian with the chiseled gaze remained silent, observing him intently. Her heart pounded so loudly in her temples that she heard a buzzing assault her ears. Sergio had cut the conversation short to compliment the family on the Palazzo. Emma could no longer follow the conversation. She wanted to leave, she had no place here. Baby or not, the contemptuous looks that were given to her reminded her of those she had had to face throughout her childhood.
She sobbed before getting up.
"Excuse me, but I have to go. She announced, retrieving her vest.
Now ? But Emma waits, I'll walk you home. Hastened to say Sergio getting ready to get up.
Nope ! Let me have my car...
Eh ? Your car, but you are...
I tell you that I have my car. She cut in, glaring at him.
"Wouldn't you like another drink?" suggested Azzario, who until then had remained silent.
When she met his gaze, Emma felt her heart beating wildly again. Her eyes were so disturbing that she couldn't articulate a single word.
No thank you, I've swallowed enough orange juice as it is, I'm going to spend my life in the bathroom afterwards.
As soon as she finished her sentence, she closed her eyes, ashamed, and bit her lip.
"Thank you for your welcome Mr. Dantes," she bowed her head royally.
The latter frowned as she greeted the others with a courteous smile and leaned towards Sergio.
"Can I speak to you in private?"
Sergio got up and followed her while behind them, the silence remained frozen.
Azzario encouraged his mother to resume her conversation and left the private room through the arch to join the corridor on the other side, so as not to be seen. He stopped near the doorframe to listen to their conversation, without feeling the slightest remorse.
Listen Sergio, it is better for me that I stop the course.
You're sure, Emma you do not have to, you know.
Azzario frowned, eager to hear what happened next.
Yes I'm sure, I do not want pressure for the baby, you know how important this baby is to me.
Azzario held his breath and tilted his head slightly. They were facing each other, the young woman seemed worried.
"Of course I know. He said placing his hands on her shoulders.
I need calm and I want to enjoy every moment, I'll never have another chance like this.
A chance?
More suspicious, by the anguished tone she took, Azzario sat up instantly when she put her hands on her stomach.
"Very well, then I respect your choice, but know that if you want to come back to work for me, the door is wide open.
She smiled and hugged him friendly.
"Okay, I'll go then...
Sergio grabbed her arm.
Let me walk you home Emma we both know that you came by car.
No, it's going to be fine, I saw that there were taxis; just down the main road, stay here, you're playing your future, it's important.
"Okay, mia bella, but call me as soon as you get home."
The young girl left sadly.
Azzario clenched his jaw suddenly, aware that his mother's silent judgments had made the young woman uneasy. But he was also guilty, since his arrival he hadn't made it easy for her.
Did he have the right to attack a total stranger because she was pregnant and brought back bad memories?
Remorseful, he grabbed his jacket and hurriedly grabbed it, unable to bear the thought that he could be guilty of any accident.
He found her in front of the entrance, she already seemed to be taking a break.
"Let me walk you home.
She turned and backed away immediately, as if trying to run away from him.
No, it's not necessary, I have my car.
Azzario knew she was lying, and decided to play it.
"Very well, then let me walk you to your car."
She pursed her lips, her blue eyes already reflecting her defeat.
That's what I thought, come on...
He put his hand on her back to lead her to her car.
When she was installed, Azzario noticed very quickly that she didn't have the slightest desire to be here with him, in this small confined cabin.
Where do you live ?
"Take the main road and I will guide you. She whispered as she fastened her seatbelt.
Her perfume had a particular smell, it was delicate, slightly orange.
He started and took a reasonable pace so as not to shake this already upset young woman.
You stop your internship for the safety of your baby, but you are ready to walk for miles, you are unconscious. he declared in a reproachful tone.
"Did you...did you listen to my conversation?" she asked outraged.
Yes, indeed I listened. He replied without a shadow of regret.
"She was private!"
"Well, she isn't anymore, and I don't have the shadow of a regret...I repeat, you're unconscious, Miss Brok."
Like a resigned child, she got back into her seat. Azzario inhaled heavily from her delicious scent and glanced in her direction.
"Where is your fiancé?" he blurted coldly.
She looked back at him, in disbelief.
'I don't have a fiancé. She replied quickly to close the subject.
Shocked, Azzario braked in the middle of the road, to stare at her.
A boyfriend then? he asked in a high voice.
She shook her head and her beautiful hair began to wave sadly across her stomach.
But then...
Don't worry, this baby has a father, she cut her fists clenched, I'm not alone and besides, that's none of your business, Monsieur Dantes.
Azzario refrained from pouring out a stream of swear words. She was lying and seemed unaware that her oval face betrayed her amply by violent blushes.
"Please, I want to go home now. she whispered pleadingly, staring at the road.
Azzario looked down at his stomach and felt anger creep through his veins. He took off with a bang, and pressed his lips together to keep himself from speaking, or even screaming. What kind of man could leave a young woman alone and pregnant! A mad rage welled up inside him, tearing a grin from his mouth.
When he parked in front of the address she had given him, Azzario felt his heart pound against his temples and his blood rush to his brain. Her big blue eyes were about to shed a flood of tears.
"Well, thank you Mr. Dantes for taking me home.
"Are you pale, are you...
I'm fine ... I just have to go home.
She unbuckled her seatbelt and gazed into his. A weak smile appeared on her pink lips.
Farewell Mr. Dantes.
Azzario remained silent as he watched her get out of her car. Strangely, he stayed parked in front of the building in the very quiet alley, for a long moment, his eyebrows furrowed, his hands clenched on the steering wheel.