Natasha's POV
I watched my daughter get married to Mariano. I thought he would eventually see the treasure in my daughter. But he never gave her a chance. It hurts my heart to see my daughter go through this.
We are preparing for Thanksgiving dinner this year at her home. It will include Giordano and Di Viao together. Mariano is supposed to come home for dinner. I hope he doesn't bring that tramp to my daughter's home.
The twins' birthday is next month. They will be 23 years old, and I'm a very proud mother. My husband's shipping company is back in order. Olivia has even been nominated for and won an Image Award. We cheered her on with the entire family. Even Di Viao supported Olivia. She has become very close with her in-laws. They have Sunday dinners at her home.
We know she is lonely. It hurts her that she never gave it a chance. My husband and I are trying to convince her to annul this marriage. His older son loves my daughter. My daughter will give him a chance once she is done with Mariano.
Olivia's POV
I'm excited about Thanksgiving dinner. I had the event catered for and even decorated my home. It's getting so lonely being in this house alone. I have four dogs living with me. They are all German Shepherds; I heard they are manageable with kids. My sister has three children who frequently visit me. My security head has twin daughters. Between them, my dogs are spoiled rotten. My nieces and nephews name the dogs. The names are Brock, Bella, Bambi, and Oscar.
Marco is the head of my breeding plans. He says they will make effective guard dogs for future clients. I only care if I can keep adult dogs.
It was funny, however, when Nico visited me for the first time. Oscar chased Nico for three blocks. I didn't know Nico could climb a tree. Oscar watched him get out of the car. In the meantime, I stalked him until he reached my front door. He growled to warn him before he pounced. He tried to return to his vehicle, but Brock blocked his car door.
So he had no choice but to run. When Marco and I found him, he was up a tree with a crazy look on his face. Marco ordered the dog. Then he climbed down the tree complaining. Glaring at my babies, I thought he was intruding on their turf.
Marco has trained the dogs. They respond to simple commands.
Mariano's POV
I have finally decided to come home for Thanksgiving after three years. I last came home three years ago. Eva tried to get me to bring her with me. I would never disrespect my family that way. She is returning home with her family for the holidays. I decided to wait until after the holidays to end our relationship.
The only person that knows I'm coming home is my mother. We had dinner at my wife's house. She told me that for three years. They celebrated it at Olivia's home. Mom says Dad is very close to Olivia. She even calls him dad.
Son, it would be most beneficial if you came home. They are trying to convince her to annul your marriage. If this happens, you may be disinherited, Mom replies. To say I'm shocked is an understatement. Why didn't you give your wedding a chance? Instead, you stare at Eva's face for three years.
There is nothing I can say because she is right. I saw my brother look at her. They never gave Olivia a chance to succeed.
I just put her back in my mind and focused on Eva. That was my first mistake as a husband. I regret my decision, but I can only hope. She will give me a chance to fix my error. I can love such a brilliant young woman.
Thanksgiving dinner
Olivia's POV
I sing off-key to Beyoncé - 7/11. She is one of my favorite artists. At the same time, I am preparing for Thanksgiving festivities. Everyone spends the night at my home. We start our day by having lunch as a family.
Now I'm dancing in my room with my nieces, singing and acting like a fool. We even made all the moves, my sister included. It is a funny site; we got our pajamas on, and my nephew records everything. Now my mom has been brought into the circus as well. Laughing at us, my father and Santos held their stomachs.
The next thing I know, my mother-in-law joins the fun. Everyone is in my room watching us run up and down the hallway making the moves.
Single ladies are on, and my nieces have taken over. They are so cute. I stop and watch them perform the moves. Suddenly, I grab my sister, and we join them. I love moments like these.
Adding Marco's daughters to the fun-this is a routine we do in our family over the holidays. Marco's daughter has become a part of the family. They are my goddaughters, so precious.
Marco suddenly walks off. Someone is at the door.
Mariano's POV
Slightly nervous about attending this Thanksgiving event. My mom told me to come for lunch. It's an all-day affair for Thanksgiving. I'm at the gate waiting to enter. They had to get the security head.
Hello, this is Marco Russo; I'm the security head; how can I help you? Well, Marco, I'm Mariano Di Viao; my mother told me to be here at noon for Thanksgiving. Marco replied, please come straight to the front door; we have valet parking.
Marco greeted me at the door. Mr. Di Viao, the family is still upstairs; they will be down shortly. Marco said, please sit down. I could hear Beyonce singing upstairs and laughter going on. Then I heard Rudeboy by Rihanna and more laughter. My oldest brother comes downstairs with the biggest smile on his face. Come on, Mariano, you got to see this, replies Rico.
I saw my wife and the woman dancing to the song. They only have pajamas, and they move. My mother dances like this is normal. Olivia still needs to notice me standing here.
Bro, it's like this every Thanksgiving. My mother notices but doesn't stop dancing. Rico turns to me and smiles. He laughed with the rest of the family men. Now watch this; it's my favorite one, "Hit The Quan," and last, Rico says. Rico and Nico get involved in this one. The security head joins them. The little boy gave the camera to my daddy, and he did it.
What cracks me up is all the men joining in. Everyone dances except my dad and me. They all laughed so hard while dancing.
When the song was done, they all hugged. Let's get dressed for lunch, Olivia replied.
My mom hugs me and thanks me for showing up. Rico grabs my arm, talking about coming to my room. I wonder why he got a room at my wife's home.
Eventually, he realized why I was looking at him this way. Oh, we always spend Thanksgiving night here, Rico replies. They do this every holiday; it's a tradition. Besides, it brings us together as a family. You must share a room with me or sleep in the hotel. To say I'm speechless is an understatement.
Well, I will explain to you how this relates to you. Let me get dressed first, says Rico. While he gets dressed, my father comes into the room.
Ricardo Senior POV
I put on my shoes to finish my outfit for today. I usually dance with my family, but I'm shocked to see my son. I notice that Rico, my oldest son, leaves the room. Olivia looks shocked to see him. She continues to stare at the spot he is at for a minute.
Hey son, I'm glad you finally came home for a holiday. Don't get me wrong, and I'm happy to see you. But I have to ensure you don't hurt Olivia. Do you plan to make your marriage work?
He isn't saying anything, just staring at me. He doesn't understand that Olivia is like a daughter to me. We spend a lot of time together. Most of her business ideas are vetted by me first. I gave her the idea of a jewelry store. She showed me some of her designs one day.
We are incredibly close. Olivia has been lonely for three years. I hate that I was made to marry my son. He never gave her a chance. Now he is back, and I know I must be here for him.
Finally, he answers, well, I promised Mom I would come home. To say I'm shocked at my son's answer is an understatement. I need to speak with my wife.
Olivia's POV
I'm shocked that he is here. I freeze for a moment, unable to move an inch. Olive grabs my arm and asks if I'm alright. I don't know how to act in this situation. So I get dressed to finish this day.
I'm finally alone. I need to get my thoughts together. Someone knocked at my door. Slowly I walk to my door. It's Marco, and he isn't smiling. What is going on, Marco? Well, your husband's mistress is at the gate.
I blinked a few times to make sure I heard him correctly. Please tell me you are joking, Marco. Please inform Ms. Pinford that she isn't welcome at my home. Could you let my estranged husband know I requested his presence in my office?