As Fabio and Maria were deep in discussion about the coffee shop, the door burst open and a stylish woman with a fiery mane of red hair strode in. "Fabio, amore mio!" she exclaimed, her Italian accent thick and rich.
Fabio's face lit up with a warm smile. "Mama!" He rose from his seat, wrapping his mother, Teresa, in a tight hug.
Maria stood up, feeling a tad awkward as she was introduced to Fabio's mother.
"Ah, Maria, darling. I'm so glad to finally meet you," Teresa said, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
Maria smiled, feeling a sense of unease as Fabio's mother turned her attention to the young woman standing behind her.
"And this is Isabel," Teresa continued. "My granddaughter."
Maria's eyes widened as she took in Isabel's bright smile and sparkling eyes. She looked like a ray of sunshine.
Isabel beamed at Maria, her enthusiasm infectious. "Hi! I've heard so much about you from Papa."
Fabio chuckled. "Isabel, this is Maria. My... advisor."
Teresa raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Ah, an advisor? How... interesting."
Fabio's eyes narrowed slightly at his mother's tone. "Mama, this is all still in the planning stages."
Teresa waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, details, details. We can discuss it later. Let's have some tea and get to know each other better."
Before Fabio could protest, Teresa led the group out of the office and down to the rooftop garden for a casual tea break.
As the morning tea break came to a close, Isabel excused herself, saying she had an errand to run. Fabio's mother, Teresa, smiled warmly at her daughter-in-law-to-be before turning her attention back to Fabio and Maria.
Fabio, Teresa, and Maria sat down at the table, sipping their tea and nibbling on finger sandwiches. The atmosphere was pleasant, with the warm sun shining down on them and the sound of birds chirping in the distance.
Teresa's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Fabio. "So, Fabio, I've been thinking... it's time you settled down."
Fabio's expression turned skeptical. "Mama, I'm not sure that's a good idea."
Teresa waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, amore! You're a successful businessman, and you need a partner to share your life with. And what better partner than me?"
Fabio's eyes widened in shock. "Mama, I didn't agree to this!"
Teresa patted his hand. "Oh, don't be ridiculous, Fabio. You'll love me. I'm perfect for you."
Maria felt a pang of unease as she listened to the conversation. She wasn't sure if she was comfortable with the idea of Fabio being engaged to his own mother without his consent.
"But, Mama—"
Teresa cut him off. "Enough, Fabio! I've already made up my mind."
Fabio's face turned red with anger. "You what?! Mama, how could you do this to me?"
Maria felt a sense of discomfort wash over her as she realized she needed to intervene.
"Excuse me," she said, standing up from her chair. "I think this conversation has gone far enough."
Teresa's eyes narrowed at Maria. "And what business is it of yours, dear?"
Maria squared her shoulders. "As Fabio's advisor, I have a responsibility to ensure he makes informed decisions about his personal life."
Teresa snorted. "Informed decisions? Ha! You know nothing about our family or our traditions."
Fabio stood up, his face still red with anger. "Mama, stop this. Now."
Teresa huffed and stormed off, leaving the two of them alone on the rooftop garden.
Fabio turned to Maria, his eyes apologetic. "I'm so sorry about this. My mother can be... unpredictable."
Maria sighed and shook her head. "No need to apologize, Fabio. I think it's time I headed back to the office."
Fabio nodded and walked with her down to the elevator. As they stepped inside, he turned to her and said, "I think we've reached a turning point in our relationship, Maria. I hope you're prepared for it."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Fabio smiled wryly. "Just that things are about to get very interesting around here."