#Chapter5
Somewhere in Ireland.
Crystal
/"What about your parents? How are they?/" I asked hesitantly because not once in the past two weeks he has mentioned about our parents. It's quite odd.
/"They died when I was thirteen, Crystal. It happened a long time ago./" He said trying to suppress the disturbing emotion that rose all of sudden due to my stupid curiosity. My throat went lax and I found it hard to breathe. Shocked, my hand reached for his and I squeezed it.
/"I... I am so sorry, Valentine. I didn't know. God, why am I so stupid? I am sorry for ruining your mood. Please forgive me./" I whispered kneeling in front of him. He gulped as if was swallowing the pain while his eyes were shut tightly. The nerve on his forehead twitched making me gasp in worry. Was he enraged?
/"It's okay, you didn't know. But Crystal, in future, never mention about our parents. Mine is dead and yours are as good as dead. Your parents never treated you well, they hated you. Even when you met the accident, they didn't show up or called to know about your well-being./" He warned with still closed eyes and I nodded moving away feeling some dark aura surrounding him. Was he angry? It's difficult to read this man.
Taking deep breathes he opened his eyes with a blank face. A frown marred between his brows when noticed I was on my knees on the floor. Grabbing my shoulders, he made me sit back on the couch.
/"Are you okay? I am sorry for being a jerk a few seconds ago. Let's leave it behind. Tell me, do your legs hurt?/" He asked hauling my feet on his lap. I stared at his face for a few seconds and then nodded. Is it possible for a person to change in seconds? Valentine has serious issues with moods.
/"Yeah, a bit. But not like earlier. I think I am recovering./" I assured and he hummed as his fingers lazily massaged my feet making me jerk and curl my toes. /"Valentine, please, no. It's okay. Leave it./" I said trying to pry my legs away but the stubborn man held my ankle refusing to let go.
/"Trust me, you need it. I want to see you running around soon./" He said resuming his job while I squirmed and a giggle escaped my lips.
/"No, stop that. You don't understand. I think I am ticklish there./" I said blushing, trying to pull my feet away. Suddenly, he stopped his ministrations and scanned my face. Mischief crossed his features as he smiled sweetly and lunged at my feet. I squealed in a high-pitched sonnet and burst into giggles feeling his hands playing devilishly. Then for the first time, I heard him laughing. His body convulsed and cheeks turn crimson as his magical laughter echoed in the silent mansion. Butterflies flooded in my stomach and 'Oh Shit' was the only phrase that crossed my mind to describe the beauty of his masculine voice. Right at the moment, I lived forever. It's not much I know of him, but the connection I felt in this short span of two weeks is mountainous. A sweet truth. My eyes watered and I clutched my tummy laughing uncontrollably.
/"STOP. Please, Valentine stop. My stomach hurts./" I yelled between laughter and he backed away slowly, controlling his breathing as well.
/"God, you make me so happy./" He mumbled rubbing his eyes and I smiled feeling pleased. What woman doesn't want to make their partner happy? /"Let's have dinner, shall we? You look like, you can pass out at any moment./" He said standing up and lead me to the kitchen counter where my vegetable soup and his peasant food awaits. Valentine is a great cook. He knows everything about famous dishes. He learned this talent from his lovely head maid Lola, who is passionate about cooking herself. He learned cooking at an early age, under the influence of this lady to please his sister. He didn't want the little girl to miss their deceased mother in any way. He was like a father figure to her and took care of all her needs. This side of Valentine was precious. I will try to cherish it all my life.
He poured the soup for me in a bowl and pushed it in front of me gently. I smiled digging in, forgetting my table manners. Who cares when the entire zoo is roaring in your stomach? He also ate his meal, glancing at me once in a while. The silence between us was comfortable and turns out we enjoyed each other's company.
/"You said I had a bachelor’s in engineering, right?/" I asked and he hummed chewing his food properly. /"So, um, could I start studying further after recovering? I will be bored like this./" I asked and he smirked.
/"Why? Don't you like being pampered?/" He asked and I faked a gag.
/"No. I want to do something that can start my frozen life again./" I cried in annoyance and he chuckled.
/"Okay. You may. But only if the doctor gives green flag./" I nodded happily. Our moment got destroyed when his phone started ringing out of blue. Valentine exhaled in frustration and ignored it. I pursed my lips waiting for the noise to die. But not a few seconds later, it rang again.
/"Why don't you take it?/" I asked irritated and he shrugged carelessly. /"It could be an emergency. Maybe your friends have something important to discuss./" I suggested and he glared at me playfully.
/"I don't like it when you sound so convincing./" He grunted and took the phone before walking away for some privacy. I smiled continuing my dinner. I don't know how he makes something so boring and undesirable, so delicious. There are zero spices in it, not even salt, still, I am enjoying it. His hands are magical.
After fifteen minutes, Valentine returned back. The usual cheerfulness was gone and a serious look masked his features. He picked his half-empty plate from the counter and dumped its entire content in a bin.
/"What's wrong? If you so wanted to throw it, then why didn't you give it to me? At least I would have tasted it before vomiting it out./" I uttered without thinking. For a moment he stared at me like I was insane.
/"We need to pack./" He stated instead of replying to my senseless humour. I frowned in confusion.
/"Pack what?/"
/"Our luggage. We are going back to Italy. The company is facing some crisis in my absence. It's urgent and needs to be taken down before we are left of nowhere./" He muttered snatching the spoon from my hands and dumps the empty bowl in the sink. Holding my hand, he rushed to the bedroom and threw jeans and a white crop top in my hands.
/"Change while I arrange for jet and luggage./" I nodded walking towards the bathroom, not finding time to question him. He seemed in a hurry and almost wistful. God solve his problems and keep him safe from harm.
Once I was ready, I wore a brown jacket. The luggage was already packed and was resting beside our bed. I combed my hairs and braided them at the side when Valentine walked out of the closet. My jaw dropped and eyes widen in amazement and wonder. He looked like some model from top magazine covers. The navy-blue, three-piece suite looked insanely gorgeous on him. It fit him perfectly giving an outline of his muscular body. Standing beside me, he combed his hairs looking into the mirror. His tie was still hanging open. He started tying it hurriedly, messing it. I slapped his hands away and took the matters in my hands. Let's see if I could do it at all. On accord, my hands started working as it was the easiest thing I ever did.
/"Wow, you. You know how to do it?/" He asked impressed and I shrugged.
/"How would I know? You tell me./"
/"You, my wife, is a genius. You know everything./" He said kissing my forehead and wrapped his arms around my waist as I tied the final knot.
/"All done,/" I said backing away but he pulled me back.
/"Look, I know you are confused and many questions are swarming your mind. I swear, I will explain to you everything once we get out of here./" He said sincerely and I nodded.
/"Have you ever thought of contacting some modelling agencies? I think we can earn thousands over your one Photoshoot./" I finished and he laughed pinching my cheek.
/"Oh, you are so cute. Let's go now, the driver is waiting for us outside./" Saying that he grabbed one suitcase and moved out followed by me. I scanned at the mansion one last time and smiled. I was going home, finally.