(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

The CWA representative, Mrs. Clinton observed carefully the luxurious penthouse and her eyes occasionally fell on the uneasy looking couple. The child of concern was sitting on his father's lap like it is his throne chair and occasionally waving at the old lady.

She looked back at the couple, David and Hope. David's palm was resting on Hope's thighs as he played with her fingers.

"Would you like to have breakfast with us Ma'am?", Hope asked politely with a kind smile on her face.

The lady, for the first time since the last forty minutes showed a curve on her lips.

"Call me Garcia. And thank you for the offer Hope but I usually eat at 8 so I had my breakfast before coming here."

Hope nodded smilingly, "So what can I do for you Garcia?"

The old Lady shook her head, "Nothing much. For now, I'd like to see my room."

David nodded, and handed over Oliver to Hope, "I'll go and show Garcia her room."

She nodded smilingly in reply while he gently glided his finger on her cheek, standing up. They were acting like a typical newly married couple who can't stay a moment without seeing each other. And the old observant lady was taking note of each and every action.

"Come Garcia... should I help you?", David asked in his cheerful voice.

Garcia liked the vibe surrounding this young couple. One could see the positive air filling this room. And the child seemed happy here. However, she refrained from reaching any conclusion. One needs time to differentiate between facade and reality.

*

"The lady seems kind. Not as cruel as Jefferson portrayed.", Hope whispered in his ears as she continued stirring his soup.

He nodded and whispered back, "But we still can't take risks."

Both of them agreed on that. Oliver was taking his nap in his room and the baby monitor was in David's hands as he continued looking at his baby carefully.

"You know you can keep that aside for a while. It will signal you when there will be a disturbance in the room.", She suggested him, amused at his over conscious self.

"What if he wakes up and sneakily tries to run away?"

Hope rolled her eyes, "You are acting like he is an animal in your captivity. He's fine. And he can't be sneaky. He's your son."

That comforted David and he kept the baby monitor aside but not too far from them.

He then turned to Hope who was cooking happily.

"May I help?"

"Help in increasing my work??", She asked with a raised eyebrow.

He looked away, "I am not 'that' bad."

"You are exactly 'that' bad. Wait and entertain me while I cook."

He glared at her, "Entertain you!? What am I? Your toy?"

She smiled to herself and got busy in cutting the tofu into small pieces. She needed to make sure his health is not compromised in all this ruckus going on. Eric always makes sure he asks her about his ongoing treatment. She is afraid to disappoint him.

She picked a spoon and gathered some hot soup in it, and blew air so as to cool it.

"Here taste this...", She forwarded the spoon to his mouth and he gladly put the spoon in his mouth.

"Hmmm...", He moaned at the taste, "You are a perfect wife material Hope."

Just as he said this, both of them felt a sense of Deja Vu. A incident similar as this long back clouding their memory simultaneously.

David chuckled at the remembrance, while Hope only smiled.

"I guess I finally fulfilled my promise!", He laughed being reminded of their teenage years.

Flashback ~~

Hope had so much to do, but taking care of a drunk David was the last thing on her to do list. But this guy, barged in her room in the middle of the night, after Eric apparently disowned him for drinking so much.

"Eric is right. Why did you drink so much that you can't handle it?", She questioned when he sat in the morning clutching his hair tight due to headache.

She placed a lemonade before him and went to make something to eat. She found nothing but only bread and eggs.

Thankfully her roommate, Cory is always at her boyfriend's house and has only kept this place as a backup whenever her parents come. They have two beds so David found it convenient to crash land at her place anytime he wished.

"That bastard is my best friend. But to teach me a lesson, he stole my spare keys and asked me to stay in the club forever. That motherfu...oops sorry Jessica..", she could hear him mumble the last sentence to himself which made her chuckle a little. There friendship was now two months old. And she has been way more nearer to David than Eric. That guy in very intimidating and she was happy as long as David chirped around her.

Soon after, Hope served him scrambled eggs and sandwiches. Hungry and hungover, food seemed to David as heaven on earth. He munched on the food with enthusiasm and then took a small nap to cure any remaining headache.

When he woke up, he heard the voice of his 'bbf' that is bastard best friend talking to Hope.

"My car was behind his. When I saw him driving here, I decided not to take him back."

David smiled. His softy friend only acts like a hard nut to crack.

"He had a severe headache. I went out to submit my assignment and he said he wants to sleep."

He heard Eric humming at that, "As long as he just sleeps."

"What?"

"Nothing.."

David peeked open one eye, "Who is here to witness me die?"

Eric rolled his eyes and collected his car keys, "Wake the fuck up! You have missed all your classes today. At this rate, you will fail to score even passing marks."

"Hope will teach me. Won't you Hopeless?"

She sighed, "Do I have another option?"

"No...you don't.", He smiled cheekily sitting up.

She turned to Eric, "Would you like to eat something? I just cooked..."

He shook his head, "I am good." And soon enough the guy left.

"He doesn't like me much..", She pointed out.

David shook his head, "He wouldn't admit it but he likes to think that I am safe with you. He even warned me not to treat you like other girls. He may act all rude outside but he's a softie for the people he likes."

She understood what he wanted to say and went in the kitchen to fetch their plates.

"Here...have this...I would have ordered from outside but since you are here, I cooked."

He smiled mischievously taking the plate from her hands and settling them on the table.

While they ate, she asked him, "You want more?"

He shook his head but chuckled to himself.

"Hmm? What are you chuckling for?", She asked.

He looked at her and then back at his plate, "You know I am an adventurous guy..and I encounter so many girls everyday. But no one is like you. You, in my opinion, dear Hopeless, are a perfect wife material."

That sentence alone made her face red.

A wife material!? For god sake, she wasn't even trying anything. This is how she is. Caring, Gentle, and Loving.

He laughed seeing her blushing, "No Hope believe me...at 18, girls barely know what they need themselves. But you know what everyone around you needs. You will be a perfect wife."

She scoffed, "Stop this."

"No! I am not kidding.", He leaned in closer to her, "Infact, I was thinking that if I get tired of all this going around and would want to settle down, I'd marry you."

She gave him a bored look, "And what makes you think I'd marry a womaniser like you?"

"Everything. I am charming, honest, good looking, and I care for you."

"Dav..."

"No arguments on this!", He interrupted her with the clear intention to tease her, "I promise I'll make you my wife one day."

*

"You literally promised me.", She mumbled remembering the incident from years ago.

He chuckled, "And you are still blushing. Look at your face."

That made her huff in anger, "We were kids."

He smiled at her, "But I still kept my promise."

"You said..."

"I said you are a perfect wife material.", He winked at her and left the kitchen leaving her flushed and with a slight ache in her heart.

If only she knew his promise literally was a prediction of her life.

*

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

DAVID WELLINGTON

As soon as I came out of the kitchen, I came in front of Garcia. I was smiling wide from all the pleasure I had after teasing Hope. And the lady came in front of me like a bullet.

"Oh...hey Garcia. Do you need something?", I asked politely.

She nodded, "I needed some hot water to make my green tea."

"Well, I'll make your green tea. Please allow me.", As I said this, she smiled a little and gave me her tea bag.

When I went back to the kitchen, Hope looked up, "Again back to make more fun of me??"

I signalled her with my eyes, but she couldn't understand. Soon after, Garcia was in the kitchen too.

"Done cooking Hope?"

Hope nodded, "I am almost done. But I would love it if you taste some."

"I will. I'll wait at the dining table."

When they were done in five minutes, they served themselves and the old lady, with careful and timely scrutiny on the baby monitor.

"You both...David and Hope...know each other from college?"

"From School exactly.", He replied smilingly, the latest flashback still fresh in his mind.

"It is very much apparent that the bond goes back to years ago.."

Both of us smiled at her in acknowledgement of her statement and for the first time, it felt that being natural and real will not be a problem to them.

*

The day was over and I looked at Oliver sleeping in the middle of the bed between his small pillows. The day was definitely tiring. Taking care of a kid all by myself seems an impossible task but I enjoyed every bit of this day. Hope beside made the day all the more easier.

"Here's your warm water. Now have your medicines and I don't want to repeat this again."

I grinned at her as she handed me the glass of water.

"Okay Mommy..."

She went inside the closet to change and I took my time gulping those fucked up medicines. When I was drinking, I never knew it would be this hard to reverse the damage.

The treatment will go on for a few months if everything goes as planned by doctors. I've been doing all the preventions and avoiding my beloved alcohol like plague. Thanks to Hope though that she threw away my beautiful cabinet.

My thoughts halted when I saw her coming out of the closet because god forbid but I can't help appreciate what I was looking at.

This sexily innocent women knew nothing about what she could do to men specially when she's in those shorts. She's tall and that white loose shirt does little to cover things from my eyes.

When she saw me staring at her, she halted for a moment, a blush covering her cheeks because it is not hidden how big fan I am of her legs.

"You wear this daily so as to seduce me.", I claimed smirking.

She rolled her eyes, "I do not need to seduce a pervert."

"Pervert. I am one. But you know I appreciate beauty. And you are beautiful.", I meant that. I wasn't joking.

But my words did bother her because she did not retort immediately.

Instead she came and settled on the other side of the bed. She started unfolding the duvet but I stopped her.

"Let me stare at you some more.", I chuckled witnessing her fidgeting a little.

She looked at me, a seemingly bored expression adorned on her face, but a reddish blush, that I know is purely natural did little to stop my teasing.

"I am the same boring, introvert, studious girl you met in school. Don't you dare flirt with me!"

I snorted, "I am flirting with my wife. Like seriously, I feel you try to seduce me and show me what I can't have."

"Sleep David..", She covered herself and Oliver with the duvet.

"Uh..wa..wait!", I started whispering because the devil was sleeping between us, "...I said 'what I can't have' but in reality I can. I have a licence from the pastor, and so many witnesses of our wedding."

She looked at me, visibly red from all the imagination of our probable deed. Her expression made me laugh loudly.

But soon enough, her hand covers my mouth barring me to laugh and she pointed in between us, to my gooseberry son, who started stirring at my voice.

"Shh...sleep baby..", She started petting him and he mumbled a weak 'Hoe' before falling asleep.

I laid down too, getting comfortable in my bed and taking the other end of duvet.

My eyes then again went to Hope who was looking at me while lightly caressing Oliver.

I signalled her with my eyebrow asking what, but she only shook her head and looked away.

Her mood changed suddenly. I could notice that. Did I joke too far? But it is not like it was our first time. I've been flirting with her since ages.

"Hope?", I whispered.

Sighing, she looked at me. I held my ear with one hand, "Sorry..."

"..for waking him up?", She asked.

I couldn't help but chuckle. She knows I am not sorry for flirting with her.

I nodded.

She was amused but she covered me with the duvet till my neck, "Sleep now. I don't want to pet both father and son."

"...I can be your pet....if you're suggesting that ..."

"Shut up!"

Her voice was a little loud making Oliver stir again but he calmed after a few seconds.

When we finally rested, I couldn't help but stare at the two of them.

No matter how much I deny, I know this is my little family now. Atleast till Hope is here beside us two. And having a family again, for the second time, doesn't seem like too bad an idea.

*

The next day I went to the office because my urgent attention was required there. Lilliana informed me about a meeting I scheduled with one of my partners from Australia who is here in Italy.

When I came back, I saw Garcia and Hope deep in some conversation while Oliver was busy playing in his little play area with toys scattered all over.

"Hi Garcia..", I greeted the old lady and bent a little to place a kiss on Hope's head.

Jefferson briefed us about how small gestures shall make big impact.

"Dadda!" I noticed Oliver leaving his toy and coming to me, his little onesie only revealing his small hands and feet.

We both smiled cheekily at each other. And as soon as he was near me, I picked him up.

"Oh my little sperm..", I coed silently because apparently calling your son 'a sperm' is offensive according to Hope.

He giggled and held my face in his hand as if watching my features. Soon enough, he started playing with my nose and I scrunched it making him repeat the action.

Hope interrupted our daddy-son time by passing me a glass of water.

"Baby..come here. Let Dadda rest for a while."

He looked at her, even more happier than he was after seeing me, and immediately went to her with a cry of "Hoee.."

We settled on the couch, and I tried to relax myself. The meeting was draining and I became used to the rest

"Why don't you both teach him to call Hope 'mumma'?"

Her sentence halted my movements and stiffened me. And I am sure it did Hope too. We both were not ready for this.

"M..Mumma?", Hope echoed testing the word on her lips.

The old lady nodded, "Ofcourse Hope. You have taken him in as your son. So what is the problem if he calls addresses you as his mother. I saw him addressing Erica as mumma.."

Hope nodded, "Actually both Eric and Erica were reluctant to deprive him the chance to call someone his mom and dad. His first word was Papa and then he gradually started calling Erica, Mumma."

Garcia gave a wide smile, "So it is not an issue for the child. I understand it would take him time to transition but children learn faster..."

"Garcia...I guess..I.."

"We will teach him that.", I announced, "He learnt addressing me as his dad. It's only fair he calls Hope mumma.."

Then the conversation shifted to my profession and how Garcia knew about few buildings that I had planned. My architecture style was quite a spectacle, and Rome has many buildings straight from my mind. People now appreciated the blend of modernity and authentic Roman touch.

Meanwhile, Hope beside me went completely silent. I knew the reason but I couldn't ask since we were not alone.

After dinner, Garcia took shelter in her room and Oliver was fast asleep. I was in our bedroom waiting for her. I was also proud of my latest achievement that I put my son to sleep, successfully, without any assistance and without falling asleep before him.

When she didn't come back for a while, I switched on the baby monitor and left to find her.

Madame was lounging in the second floor balcony, staring at the moon and with her cup, which I knew was filled with very bad tasting green tea.

Her laptop was on, with the name of several celebrities flashing, including Erica's. She was managing her work from home only so we could give our best to parenting.

My thoughts made me look up at her again, and for once I was mesmerized. Of all the female species that I have known in my life, Hope was a fresh breath of air. Back in my teenage, I always wondered how someone can keep themselves so pure in the world of lust, perversion, trials, relationships, hookups and what not. I was probably the champion of impurity in that sense. Even Eric was indulged, though rarely, as a coping mechanism.

But when Hope came in touch with the two of us, and we understood the kind of girl she was, it was Eric who warned me to not treat her like other girls. That warning kept revolving in my mind everytime she came before me. I did not want to hurt her with my recklessness. That always kept her off limits for me. Even though I could never stop flirting, which is something I can't stop. She's not the girl who you hook up with, or who you take to clubs and parties. She's the one you would like to settle down with. She is stability and peace, as beautiful as her name. Like she has currently brought stability in my life.

"Hope..", My voice came out gentler than I expected.

She turned and came back to the lounge chairs, "Is Oliver asleep?"

In answer I showed her the monitor in my hand, where his highness was sleeping with hands spread wide.

I noticed her motions and posture.

"You look tensed."

She looked up at me briefly and then turned back to her laptop, turning it off.

"I am not tensed."

"That thing Garcia said about calling you mu..."

This girl interrupted me even before I could complete the sentence, "David..I have no problem with whatever he calls me. I am to play his mother. I know it makes you uncomfortable to give me that title that is not exactly mine but.."

I looked at her, my eyebrows coming together, confused at her idiotic words.

"What makes you think you are to 'play' his mother? I made you my wife in the church, not on some contract papers. I am not thinking of you as a tool to achieve my means. And you know that.."

She looked at me lost. It was clear she feels ambiguous about our situation currently. And it was my responsibility to correct it.

"Hope...I understand that you do not want the title that he would have called Venus. But as much as I hate to say it out loud, Venus is no more. And he calls Erica as his mother, who is actually his aunt. He loves you. I did not marry you to deprive you of the rights that come with the marriage. It is not an issue if he calls you as his mother. Atleast not to me."

That, finally caused a small smile to spread on her lips, "I would love if he calls me so...", she whispered lightly making me smile in return.

She does not want to take over what belonged to Venus. But what is the point of holding back when Venus will never come back to claim what is hers.

"You love her alot.", I heard her silent remark, and looked up to see her reading my expressions.

"I do. And although I expressed my resentment for an year towards her, but it was not enough to shake my love for her."

She smiled at me and sighed looking up, "Love is strange. You do not get who you love, and you do not love who you get."

Her eyes, at that point, were filled with love and longing. It was as if she was torn apart from the person she loved. It made my heart clench in pain, maybe reminiscing its own bundle of grief.

It made me regret the thing that I once said to her.

'You have not loved anyone yet. You won't understand me.'

Infact, none can understand me better.

And so finally I asked her what I wanted to since so many days.

"Who is it Hope?"

She looked at me confused, "Who's who?"

I chuckled at her confused face, "Who is this person that you love so dearly? Back in school...Hailey told me how you came back heartbroken. But who is this guy who broke your heart? What is the point of hiding his name? You should have told me then and there, I would have killed him with my bare hands."

Her eyes glossed, something I haven't seen in years. She doesn't cry. Not so easily. And if hearing about him can make her eyes wet, then I have to know this.

"Hope..."

"He...he..", her eyes shifted to me, and they looked away as quickly, "I loved him...he didn't love me back."

"And who is this fool?"

She did not answer but sighed loudly.

"... forget this topic David...he, whoever he is, is a history."

"And I will fucking distort that history for not loving you back!"

She chuckled, "Love can't be forced."

"Who won't fall in love with you? You are perfect!"

She looked up and then stood up grabbing her things, "I am happy here...right now. I don't want to think about anything else other than securing you the custody of Oliver."

And then she started leaving.

"What if that guy comes all of a sudden now, and want to take you away? You love him...you..."

She snorted, "I am no more just Hope. I am Hope Wellington now."

Her words were like ice to my tensed heart.

"I asked you that you can leave all this if you find your happiness somewhere..."

"And what if I find my happiness here??", She said sharply, a scowl taking over her face.

I simply shrugged, "You are most welcome."

*

HOPE RICCI

Beside me, both father and son, half naked were sleeping beside me like they have no care of this world. And me, I was here getting restless like my life is about to end.

'I did not marry you to deprive you of the rights that come with the marriage.'

'Who won't fall in love with you? You are perfect!'

'You are most welcome.'

I sighed reminiscing his words from few hours ago. I somedays want to laugh at his obliviousness. But it is better if he remains oblivious. Better for both of us. I do not want him to burden with this love of mine. And he is so much in love with Venus, there's no place for me.

I stood up and went in the closet, where I saw something a few days back. I opened one of the top drawers and pulled out a medium sized photo frame out.

It was a photo of Venus and him. He was smilingly staring at her, and she was smiling at the camera. The picture emitted love and the happiness in David's eyes is something that I do not see these days. He is fine, working and doing good. But his current smile is not as beautiful as his smile in this picture.

I wonder why he kept it hidden in this faraway drawer, which he barely uses. My mother has my father's pictures sticking all over our house, and Edward embraces her love for him so beautifully. There are days when they talk about him. Even Edward mentions my father's name every now and then.

Hiding memories in drawers will only suffocate them. Why does he not embrace his good times with Venus? He's coming in terms with her death. But he's not happy about the time they spent together. All his memories with her have turned sour. Even the good ones. And probably that is why he is still hurting.

I came out of the closet with that photo frame and searched for a good place. We had a photoshoot before Garcia came and we have so many pictures hanging around in all the corners of the house. What harm would another picture do?

Thankfully, there was an empty space beside Oliver's picture and so I hanged the frame on one of the photo spaces.

Now the wall had a picture of my wedding, a picture of me, David and Oliver, and a picture of Venus and David.

And for the first time since marrying my husband, I felt light hearted looking at the view before me.