David was fast asleep on the couch, and Ms.Embrey was lost in her own thoughts, when I entered the room after attending the doctor's meeting.

As if sensing me, she looked at me and smiled weakly, "You are here."

I nodded.

"Come sit with me. David brought a coffee for you, it's there on the table."

I went to the table, and poured the hot brimming coffee from the insulated bottle into a coffee mug that was kept along with it.

I was already tired from all the exhuriatiating discussion.
"They say you will be ready for your operation by next week. Today, they will start some medications needed prior to prepare the body."

She nodded, "You don't have to do all this Eric. I know the treatment costs alot."

"Money is no concern for me Ms.Embrey. And you are Erica's mother. I am responsible towards you."

She smiled, "I am glad she has you. You are a nice gentleman!"

Only if she knew, that I am anything but gentleman. I feel David didn't bitch about me.

"I was asking David before if he can tell me how you and Erica met...I mean you probably met her years before...but I am curious how you both came to this stage?"

Though I don't really talk about us to anyone, I feel I am obliged to answer.
When the question of Erica's family came over, I was wondering if she had a strict asshole brother, and I had to convince him that I love her, so he wouldn't beat the shit out of me.

Well, if Eve was here, I would have been that kind of brother. It won't come as a shock if Eve had to remain single for whole her life.

And here Erica's mother is the only one I need to impress, but I will be honest.

"When Erica came in our family, I was not living with them. I was in California, with David doing my studies. After graduation, I never came back and settled in California managing one of my father's hotel to get in practice. When I bought a penthouse in Italy and shifted there, Erica was already in US, working for Dad as a PA. I used to go back and forth between my places in Italy and California. If I ever came, I used to stay at my grandmother's place. And Erica was living with mom and dad. Though I was always aware there is a certain girl, my parents adore very much but we never happened to meet.

We met when I finally took over as CEO, and dad decided that I have to work with her as my PA. To be honest, I didn't like her much then. No doubt she was excellent in her work, but I expressed my clear disliking towards her....... sometimes rather harshly."

I tried to be subtle about me calling her gold digger and all. I still regret each and every asshole thing I did to her.

She gave me a knowing look and so I continued, "I overworked her, forced her to quit and pissed her off to no bounds. But when I realized that she's not as bad as I think she is, I tried to be gentler with her but my resolve of making her quit was never dropped. If only that was possible.
On one business trip, some of my female friends insulted her, while we were out for dinner. David was there too."

That reminds me the bitch Julia insulted her mother too. God! I have been awful with her. If it was possible, the present version of me would have kicked the ass of that prick, I initially was with her.

"She quit the next day, and left. That came out as a serious blow on me. While I was trying to be happy that she's no more around me, all I felt was guilt and somehow missed her. I had to work like a donkey, because I had no potent PA. My appetite greatly reduced because no one would cook me as great as she did, and then give me company while I eat. And most importantly, I missed the presence of certain brown haired revolving around me."

She smiled gently.

"Two months was enough I could take, and at the end I was ready to do anything to have her back as my PA. It took a lot to apologize and convince her, but when she finally agreed, I got my sanity back.
When she rejoined, we started living together because she already sold her apartment. Things proceeded slowly, as we started confiding in each other, sometimes willingly and sometimes when the other forced. I was afraid to love, but she wasn't.
She confessed she loves me and I was overwhelmed, confused and terrified. Terrified because I was scared she would leave me if I don't return the same feelings. But she didn't. I asked her to be my girlfriend yet I couldn't realize how much I really love her. However, I would always confess how possessive and jealous I get when I see her even talking with other men. Even him.", I pointed towards David.

"I tried to tell her how beautiful she is, unintentionally rubbing away her past wounds. She on the other hand, filled every void in me, even trying to make me a less crude man, yet loving me for the way I am. She tried to better my relationship with my family.
Eventually, I realized I love her too..."

Just after I uttered the same to her, when I took her virginity. Not that I said it openly.

"...I have not yet confessed my feelings for her though. Probably today...may be I will..."

She was looking at me smilingly, "I know you don't talk much Eric. But your eyes shine everytime you talk about her. Just make sure you both end up together. Because finding love is easy, staying together and in love is not."

I pondered over her words, knowing it's high time, I make Erica mine. Yeah, I am afraid of commitments, but not when it comes to her.

Just then, my phone started ringing, and I saw it was Erica.
Apparently, the mother beside me too saw her daughter's name because her breath instantly became frantic, and her eyes teared up.

I received the call, excusing myself.
"Hey!"
Her voice came out very urgent, "Eric!? Where are we going?"
I chuckled and mimicked her words, "Google the word 'surprise' Erica!"

"Asshole. Okay tell me where are you and when are you coming back. I miss you already!"
I sighed, "You don't know Erica. You don't know."
I have literally revised our complete love story right now.

"I will be back right now, once I check I am not needed anymore. Wear something extra comfortable. Don't stress out with dresses and all."
"You sure you want to go Eric?", She said slowly, "You know we can just stay in.."

I know where this is going.
She has somehow discovered that tomorrow is Eve's death anniversary.

"Erica..I want you beside me while I give my sister the service she deserves, and yeah, I want to formally introduce you to her."

"Eric...are you fine!?"
She worries alot, "Come back home. I don't want you to grieve alone. Please."

"Nonna probably told you how I am every year at this time. But believe me Erica, I don't feel that sad now. I am coping up finally."

"Okay...if that is what you say. Come back. I love you!", And with that she hung up.

Well, I love you too..

E R I C A

"It's looking beautiful girl.", I know he said nothing extra but still I ended up with this strapless dress that Venus suggested is not too extra, yet something that would suit me.

My marks are all gone. And for this I am going to kiss him senselessly tonight.

The soft fabric making me feel beautiful. But the only thing that made me scrunch my face was the colour. Blue!

There are fifty shades of blue but this man happens to like this one more. Actually he would make faces if it was other blues.
Well for revenge sake, I took the liberty to choose his clothes.

Venus curled my hair a little and left it down. I don't cake my face, so it doesn't take me much time. I was ready in no time.

We heard some commotion downstairs and we knew they are back.

"Let me go and check on David. You know wifely duties.", She left and moments later, I hear him coming in.

He shamelessly rakes his eyes up and down my body.

"Eyes up here Eric!", I love to tease him.

He looks at me smirking, "Let's postpone this date. I think I got something better to do tonight."

I rolled my eyes and picked up his clothes and throwing at him, I said, "Get ready. And yeah, no blazer or jacket. If we are catching cold, we will catch it together."

He examines the clothes skeptically, "I think blue jeans will suit better with this."

I shake my head playfully, "So much blue will hurt my eyes mi amore!"(my love)

He looks at me with a raised brow, "Throwing Italian on an Italian. Good going."

I push him inside the bathroom, so he never gets time to change his mind about the clothes.

*

We came down and David was all over Venus who was making faces at his approaches.

When they heard us, they look up.

"Stand closer!", Venus chimes, "I am going to take a picture of both of you."

Eric agrees and pulls me closer by my waist and we both smile at the camera.

"The picture looks better without him.", David comments, and Eric scoffs, "This mansion looks better without you."

Before the two could start, I hold his hand and take him away.

"I miss my bachelorhood. Let's go have a date in our bedroom Venus.", We hear David as we finally exit.

"After the date, we'll directly go to pay service tomorrow."

I was seriously concerned for him. I know he puts on a strong exterior, but inside he's as vulnerable as me. While I shed tears before him and feel better, he always stores it inside.

To change the mood, I asked excited, "Where are we going?"

"Surprise!", He chanted dramatically, clearly amused by seeing my frustration.

"I hate you Eric!"

"By the night, you'll be 'screaming' the opposite.", He stressed on a certain word.

"You are a pervert!", I snapped, my cheeks already turning red.

"Only for you mi amore!", He laughed.

*

"I should have known!", I comment when the car stops in front of another 'Ashton's' hotel.

"You don't know yet.."

He takes me inside and I am amazed when I see the staff lined up as if welcoming a king.

"Thanks for coming sir. It's been an year since you visited.", A man who I presume was the manager came forward with a flower bouquet.

Well, the one beside me made a face at the beautiful rose flowers, so I had to step in and receive them, thanking them for the gesture.

"I hope the place is cleaned.", He grunted out. And the manager nodded.

Once we get inside the elevator, he scoffs, "Wasting the company's money in all these smelly things.", he pointed at the roses.

"These smelly things are called roses. And you should behave well with your subordinates. You should have atleast asked them how's the work going here."

He chuckled, "I receive daily updates on each of the hotel I own across the world Erica. I know this very elevator had some electricity problem last week. And that the lights have been renewed just last month. And the profit of this summer was 48%. Actually 48.6%."

I smilingly shake my head. If I never mentioned before, he's a genius in what he does.

We go to the top floor, and then to a certain door, across the corridor.

I see the nameplate beside the door, "ERIC ASHTON, OWNER and CEO".

He opens the door with a card, and as we get in, he announced, "Welcome to my another home, Ms. Miller."

"Home!?"

"Yeah...I used to live here, for those two years while I was working for Dad, before moving to States."

My eyes lit up and excitement bubbles inside. I take no time or permission to throw my phone on a certain couch and then take a trip of his place.

This was a typical bachelor's pad. His soccer team, a ball kept as a trophy, beside four five huge cups. There were pictures of him and David. And nonna and him.
There was also a picture of James and Jess.

"Did James and Jess ever come here?", I asked curious.

"No one comes here Erica. Not even David. That was my very first condition when Dad asked me to move in to Italy."

I shake my head, and then walk through the hallway to find another picture of who I now know very well.

A beautiful girl with blue green eyes and curly brown hair, cascading down her forehead. She smiled beautifully at the camera, such that my heart swelled up.
It was the first picture of Eve I ever saw. And I swear she was much more beautiful than I imagined.

"She's beautiful!", I say to him, and he nods while himself admiring the picture. Walking forward to near the fireplace, i am simply swooned away when I see a little boy with ruffled hair, holding a small white bundle of joy, in his small hands, smiling at the camera.

It's probably the first time, when Eric held Eve. These two siblings are beautiful. No wonder I already fell for one. Men would have worshipped the soil Eve walked on.

Then there was one family picture, where young James and Jessica held both their kids proudly.

"You love everyone so much, yet refrain from showing it. This place is off limits to all. Why?"

He sighed and we kept on walking, "I was not in this loving mode always Erica. In fact it was a rare occurrence. But there were times when I used to want the simplicity in life, living back those years again. If anyone have seen this side of me, they would have gotten their hopes up. And then next day, with my bad behaviour, I would disappoint them again. So it was better to be in people's bad books rather than confusing them all the time."

"Then why me? Don't you think I will get my hopes up?", I questioned.
"You, on the other hand, know all my secrets already. There's no point in hiding things from you."

I chuckle, "I feel privileged."

Just then, we hear the doorbell.
"It's the food I think...", He went away to receive the food while I continued exploring.

I went in what I assume is his bedroom. There was a huge shelf with lots of anthropology, history, mythology and Shakespeare's books.
He also had many books of poetry.

He was a geek I think.

There was a music system, that looked very expensive and instantly grabbed my interest.

"Erica! Come down!", I hear him, and leave the room.

Once I am out of the room, I see another picture which has a lot of people. On a close look, I notice David and him. He was standing there with a stoic face, like always, while David had his usual playful look. Both the guys were surrounded with many people, especially girls who were wearing skimpy outfits.

Something inside me burned seeing the picture. I looked closely to see Julia, standing beside him, holding his hand as if she owns it. Bitch!

Though Eric didn't seem bothered, but other girl had her hands on his shoulder, smiling at him. Boys were also present, but they were all focused on getting the photo done, rather than girls, who were busy groping my boyfriend.

A frown etched on my face looking at this picture.

David looks like he's enjoying the attention. Wait, till I show this to Venus.

"I smell something burning!", I get startled on hearing him.
I turned to see him looking at me with a raised eyebrow, obviously catching me eye-murdering all those girls in the picture.

"Wait till I show you my own pictures with my college boys!", I sassed, only for him to tense up and frowning at me.

Hypocrite!

"You should have stayed away from them. Burn those pictures before I see them. Otherwise those boys will be the ones burning."

Well, there are no such pictures.

*

"Why were you upset yesterday and before that?", He asked me.

"Because you were avoiding me."

He glared at me, "You think so damn extra!! Why in the world would I avoid you?"

"You never talked to me properly since we had that conversation in your bedroom that day. I thought you no more want me.", I said in a low voice only for him to snap his head at me already furious.

"What am I going to do with you!? Erica I was busy!! I came to wake you up in the morning while you were sleeping so peacefully, so I decided to leave you, not before kissing your sleeping face! Why do you assume the worst?", He snapped.

I stayed quiet. I had no answer. May be because I was scared.

God! The more I love him, the more scared I become...is it healthy?

I pushed my already cleaned plate away and went towards him. Taking control, I settled myself on his lap.

He was frowning yet was careful enough to hold me so I don't fall.
"I was always scared that after I tell you everything, you may not feel the same about me. I am not what an ideal man wants..."

"Stop this bullshit Erica!", He interrupted me, "Do I look like an ideal man!? Huh!? And all ideal men can go and fuck themselves, because you are all mine. It was not your choice to be born in a Brothel. Anyone can have a bad fortune. It would have been disappointing if you settled with that life. But you didn't! That what makes you more desirable..more desirable than many women who give up their fights and accept their fate. Living in a prison cell for eighteen months because of your stubbornness to not give yourself up, is the quality that I will kill to have in my girl. Against all odds, you are sitting on my lap today. You think I will want you any less. I was fortunate to have you virgin. But even if it was different, I would have wanted you in the same way. I can't live without you! What part of this line doesn't get into your head!?"

I smiled sheepishly and kissed his angrily twisted lips. I know he loves me. I am sure of this. What is stopping him to say it out aloud is still not understandable. May be he will say it today...

I know he's not a man of words. These long paragraphs come out only when he thinks that him staying silent may do some damage.

God! I love this man so much it hurts!

He returned the kiss and in no time, I was being lifted and taken to a familiar direction. His bedroom.

"I feel hornier when I am angry.", He comments before kicking the bedroom door close behind us.

*

At some point in the night, I wake up due to cold.

Comprehending my surroundings, I realize I am wearing nothing but only this duvet that is covering me till my neck.

I see beside me to find the bed empty. That's why I am feeling cold.

I searched for my dress to find it lying beside his shirt. I wear it hastily, and get out of the bed.

Coming out of the room, I see all lights are closed. Although I see the fireplace lit, and then his figure on the couch, sitting with his head in his hands.

It was  three in the morning. I came down quietly and sat beside him.

We didn't talk at all, unless I knew it's time I do.
"Look at me Eric!"

He didn't. His figure remained stiff and it felt as if he's drowning in the misery. I forwarded my hand, and held his face, "Look at me Eric!"

And when he did, my heart simply broke into pieces seeing his bloodshot red and swollen eyes.

--

Vote and share this story with your wattpad buddies...

Outfits if you can't imagine...