Allesandro paced up and down in his office; he pulled up the image that had gone viral of his engagement with Natalia, where he had stood confidently with twins bearing his jawlines and piercing blue eyes.
His chest tightened. "What if I was wrong?" he murmured to himself.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. His assistant, Matteo, stepped in, a hesitant look on his face.
"Sir, here are the results," he said, giving him a file.
Alessandro's jaw tightened. "Are you sure about this?"
Nodding repeatedly, "Yes sir, the twins are indeed yours, and we don't need DNA to prove that. There's no information about the sister-in-law being with any man after the divorce or before the divorce. She raised them alone, and from what our investigator said, she struggled with multiple jobs to raise them and lived in less than ideal conditions until she inherited 40% of Lauren Enterprises and got to start her boutique."
Alessandro looked away, trying to compose himself. "No, she didn't. I was too foolish to let Mother fool me, but I will handle this."
"You know I always have your back," Matteo teased. "She's going to have a grand opening for her boutique, and the gala hall will be in California. It's a private gala, meaning not many are invited, and most of the guests are not from here."
"Good. No, Natalia. Make sure everything is in place. I'll surprise her there," Allesandro said faintly.
Dorothy walked hand in hand with her husband through the crowded mall, enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. As they turned a corner, Dorothy suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.
Her eyes widened in shock as she heard a familiar voice.
Dorothy's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of emotions. It had been six long years since she'd last seen Ever. She had often wondered how Ever was doing, if she was happy and healthy.
"Ever," she called out to her, and Ever swiftly turned and couldn't believe her eyes: Madam Sinclair!
Dorothy nodded, still in shock. "It is you!" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "
Ever rushed into Dorothy's arms, embracing her tightly. "I've missed you so much," Eve whispered, her voice muffled against Dorothy's shoulder.
Dorothy held Ever close, feeling a sense of joy and reunion wash over her. She glanced down at the twins, who were staring up at her with big, curious eyes.
"And who are these two little munchkins?" Dorothy asked, smiling through her tears.
Ever laughed, pulling back to gaze at her children. "These are my babies, Isla and Leo," she said, beaming with pride.
"Hello babies, it's Auntie Dorothy." "Hello, aunty! they said in unison.
"You didn't seem like you'd survive back then. I couldn't even imagine what you went through. Ever, but here you're Sir has been gloomy since you left, and his mistress is so demanding she even kicked me out." She said as they walked.
"Life happened; her eyes started to swell up with tears, but yes, I made it, and as for Alessandro, it's still the beginning."
"You already met Alessandro!?" Dorothy asked, shocked.
"Whether it's now or later, at the end I had to face him, and yes, I met him with a great entrance, " she chuckled. "You should follow the news about him; you would know."
"Well, I heard he was getting engaged with Madam Cartwright, so I didn't want to know any further... That girl had no respect for elders; she even kicked me out and found her own maid, she sighed."
"I guess it's blessings in disguise. You know I have businesses to run, and the twins will need someone eventually, so you're officially the granny, she said, smiling.
Natalia sat in the grand living room flipping through Venue magazine for their wedding. Alessandro entered with his expression unreadable but his tone calm.
He took off his jacket. "Natalia, I wanted to discuss something with you."
"What is it, Allesandro? she asked, her heart racing.
"I'll be traveling to Sydney next weekend. It's a last-minute business deal I need to seal.
"Next weekend, but we made a day to review our wedding venues," she answered.
Alessandro sat down. "I can't delegate this deal for our future; this is critical."
"Are you going to spend time with your ex-wife? You never missed any appointments with me. Why now?"
"Sometimes business takes priority," he said, gazing at her unflinchingly.
"Your father will be there too; after all, we're family."
Natalia didn't ask any further about hearing her father's involvement.
Alessandro went to his study room and made a call.
"Ah Mr. Wales, always a blessing to hear from you, sir."
"Luca, my man, I need a dress, no, a masterpiece. Something dazzling, red, and unforgettable."
"For Natalia? I already have several... Alessandro cut his words
"I never ordered for Natalia, so it's for someone else," he said casually. "Tomorrow, the owner of Bella Luxe Boutique will visit your shop.
(surprised) Bella Luxe? Isn't that Ever Miller's boutique?Your ex-wife?
Allesandro: (smiling faintly) You've heard of it, then.
Firmly, of course. She has impeccable taste, a rising star in the fashion industry. But why send her to me?
Let's say I want her to have the finest options for the gala. Treat her as you would royalty. I owe her big time, his voice low and husky.
(chuckling) You've aroused my interest, Mr. Wales. Consider it done. I'll ensure everything is perfect for her arrival.
Good. And Luca... he paused.
Yes?
"Make sure she doesn't know I arranged this. Let her believe it's all her doing."
As you wish. You're full of surprises, Mr. Wales.
Thanks, bro, smiling to himself, Just do your best.
Later that evening, Allesandro couldn't stop whistling.
"You're in a good mood today. Hoe ? (How come)
Natalia asked, surprised.
"Net opgewonde vir die transactie wat ek sal verseel..." (Just excited for the deal I will seal)
I can't understand Alles.
"Just sorting out business for the gala," he said calmly.
"Hmm, and you're not avoiding me, are you?" Natalia asked suspiciously.
"Paranoid as always," he turned to face her. It's strictly business unless you want to come?
" Nope, I'm not going there."
(pausing briefly at the door, smirking) Always. Goodnight, Natalia.
Without waiting for a reply, Allesandro steps out, the sound of his footsteps echoing down the hall. His expression hardens as he walks away, determination flickering in his eyes.