∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Maria was angry at Leonardo. His hesitation and lack of will to explore what she believed they had between them irritated her.

She knew she couldn't slack off with ballet so distracted herself and avoided seeing Leonardo by bypassing the days dancing and overworking herself, as she usually did prior to living with Leonardo.

Maria was somewhat comforted by Rosa who made her feel better about her situation. When she would come home late at night, dinner was always ready for Maria, plates of different and healthy meals waiting for her on the table. But each night, she ignored it and purposely avoided contact with Leonardo. In one way, it was a way for her to let go of him a little. She thought he really didn't love her and she would have to let go of this obsession of the past. But in another way, she was petty and wanted to see if he could show any hint of affection to her, which he didn't in her eyes.

However, Leonardo's love language was leaving her meals, packing healthy foods in the fridge he usually left empty or filled with plastic water bottles, peeking in the bedroom as she slept with the windows wide open to see if she was well. He'd close them, and routinely cover her with the duvet, preventing her from catching a cold. Doing all sorts of hidden things to ensure that Maria was content.

The sight of seeing her considering forcing herself to throw up haunted him, the image of all her naked pictures scattered across the wall, the thought of a person creepily watching her evoked a desire to protect her and keep her safe. But she was unknown to these facts.

After another long day dancing, Maria came home again the evening, greeted by Bear, and sluggishly made her way upstairs where she began getting ready for the party.

She was tired as usual, her eyes were beginning to feel droopy and even in the shower, the steam and warmth encouraged her to feel more sleepy after an exhausting day of practicing for the Grand Performance.

Maria was glad Leonardo wasn't home again; seeing him might have actually made her crumble in front of him. Her feelings were hurt at his words and she was tired of practically begging for attention from him. In her mind, Maria just had to accept that he didn't want her - or maybe he did and still wouldn't admit it. Either way, she was too heartbroken to push anymore. She wanted him to step up if he really did have some sense of desire for her. Sick of going backwards and forwards, Maria decided to focus less on their relationship and more on the greater priority, the party.

The party was going to start late which was no surprise. The Lemaires were notorious for their late night events that could last until the early hours of the morning. Maria was sure they were going to go all out for the party, they never failed to impress their guests with their luxury and wealth. It was going to be a long night and she had been requested to sing there.

As well as being a dancer, Maria's talents excelled in opera singing which she didn't do as often. She had won dozens of awards for her voice and performed at various establishments; her popularity soared globally for her singing. Camille was a massive fan of Maria's tender voice and therefore she couldn't decline an offer from a generous friend.

Maria was warming her vocals in the shower, when she put her makeup on and got changed. The thought of having a voice crack in front of everyone made her horrified; she could never live if she had to deal with that. There was no op such thing as failing her her vocabulary - at least not in front of an audience.

So, there continued her 'oohs' and 'ahhs' as she placed her expensive jewellery on. On the table, she had sprawled a bunch of boxes of jewellery, all polished, ready for her to explore. Maria loved glamming herself up. It was something her mother also indulged in. She decided on wearing sterling silver earrings and a necklace. She did have multiple piercings on her ears and fitted some into each one. The satisfied feeling Maria got after wearing jewels always made her feel better.

Leaving the bathroom after being content with her appearance, Maria moved the long, black lace corset dress away from her path to avoid standing on it as she walked back into the bedroom, adjusting the glimmering bracelet on her small wrist.

Maria sighed as she looked down and frowned; the struggle of having a small chest was real. The dress that she had bought in a shopping free with Iris, had to be refitted, all because her chest was a little too small to fit the corset fully. There was barely any prominent cleavage, in her eyes, despite her weak attempts to push her tiny breasts up.

Maria brushed her silky, loosely curled, long hair away from her face before heading downstairs. Prior to getting ready, she had sent a message to Leonardo that they would have to get going soon. He didn't strike her as someone who was usually late. Maria descended carefully from the spiral stairs wearing some heels.

As she picked up her phone from the top of the cabinet, intending to see where he was, Maria heard the sound of a door shutting. Her head snapped up and automatically, her grey eyes landed upon Leonardo who gave a treat to Bear.

He looked ravishing in his dark suit but she purposely looked away, not wanting to give him too much attention, though she could feel herself getting warmer. "Done?" Maria murmured, sending Iris a quick message to tell her that she was on her way to Camille's.

Leonardo took this chance of her avoiding eye contact to run his own eyes across her sculpted body. Ballet had done its wonders on her. The captivating dress accented her extremely tapered waist. He wondered if his whole, single hand could wrap around it. Those soft curls of hers flowed over her shoulders and covered her beautiful face slightly as she looked down at her phone. He averted his eyes, not wanting to get caught checking her out.

"How long do you plan to give me the cold shoulder?" He asked, his amused eyes fixed on her as he slid his hands into his pockets. He felt selfish in that he hoped she would go back to the way she was before.

She finally looked up at him again with slight coldness in her stormy eyes. Her pair of defined eyebrows arching upwards at his words. She wasn't amused. Maria rolled her eyes at the audacity. Giving him a quick glare, she bluntly responded, "as long as I need to."

They got into his car and Maria comfortably adjusted herself on his lavish, cream passenger seat, pulling the seatbelt across her body. Maria assumed Leonardo didn't have a driver because of his usual reason, avoiding contact with people which was correct. Leonardo preferred driving himself but occasionally got Sergio to drive him places. But for that night especially, he wanted to be alone with Maria in the car.

Pulling the dress over her exposed legs, Maria focused on the road ahead. Leonardo started the vehicle and the drive was silent for the first few minutes as they both took in the environment around them.

"Francis Lemaire is an interesting man," Maria started, breaking the silence as she thought of him. "As you know, he's powerful in his weapons and sells large amounts of shipments globally. He is the money maker." A small smirk came onto her face, "he might even be on par with your organisation at the rate he's going."

Leonardo couldn't help but deepen his hatred with Francis who seemed to be in Maria's good books. "He dives too deep in illegal means," Leonardo replied simply. "I prefer a mixture of legal and illegal trades. Everyone knows his businesses aren't legit."

"At least he's open about it. What's the reason there's so much tension between you guys?" She asked, curiously, looking over at him for a moment. He was focused on the road ahead and didn't answer for a second, making her think he was going to blank her again. He inhaled sharply, thinking back in time.

When he finally responded, he answered vaguely, "it's a long history of uneasiness on both sides. Something that man did that I wish to reverse." He didn't want to share too much. By 'that man' Maria knew he meant his father who had lost his title after abusing his family.

No one actually fully knew what happened to Ludovico Riccardo Armani. After a series of unfortunate events and his sons rebellion against him and took over his mafia, they ensured he become non-existent. Rumours had it that he died, or maybe he was hidden away somewhere. But the man was never spoken about or acknowledged; as though he never existed.

Leonardo vowed to himself to never tell her either; some things were best left unsaid.

Maria held back from even mentioning him. It was a touchy subject. She knew how much damage that man had done, it wouldn't be worth bringing him up to feed her curiosity. Leonardo was a scarred man who had been through hell regarding his father. Maria would have to ask at a better time, even so, it was most likely embedded in their code that the man was never to be spoke of again.

"Do you think Francis will be open to coming to an agreement?"

"Like you said, it'll be easier with you there."

"Where's Dante?" Maria asked him, wondering why his other brother was so absent.

"Said something about going to 'find himself' or whatever he meant," Leonardo vaguely replied in slight disdain. She nodded, imagining how much his younger brother had possibly grown.

"How much of a fan is Francis of you?"
Leonardo questioned, finally doing something other than just answering.

Maria smiled a little, making her bread cheeks rise, showing her little dimples. "He calls me his second wife." Leo glanced over at her in what seemed to be with a questioning look. She fidgeted a little with her ring, watching how it glistened in the darkness.

"His wife and him have a very open relationship," Maria started explaining, "they sleep with who they want separately or together. Francis has always invites me."

"You don't find that uncomfortable?"

Leonardo was slightly horrified at the idea that she was comfortable with such a man.

Maria shook her head at his frosty yet amiable question. Surprisingly, she didn't. Something about Francis wasn't off putting; he was a comfortable man to be around and his benevolence had helped sponsor many events before.

"He knows when to stop," Maria continued, "he loves me and my work. It's more of a joke - his unique way of being friendly."

Leonardo seemed unconvinced, giving her a slight side eye. ". . .and have you ever joined. . ?"

His wary words came after a moment's hesitation and exposed his curiosity. A laugh came from her, deepening her dimples, as she looked at him incredulously. At least that confirmed he did have some interest in her.

"Of course not! I've never been with him," Maria answered honestly, "he's very touchy. He might even give you a hug if you're lucky. Don't be surprised if he pulls me for a kiss."

His face turned upside down into a frown as her smile widened at the sight; he looked more like a huge baby when he let such cute emotion slip through his rigid face. Maria laughed at how childlike he appeared and he looked over at her as though she was crazy.

"You always find something funny," he grumbled like an old man, leaving her to laugh longer.

It wasn't long until they arrived at Camille's mansion. The couple had several places and that was one Maria heard they had bought recently.

It was impeccable; her eyes were dazed just looking up at it. She felt a sense of nervousness as she got out the car, knowing she had to meet new people, maintain a good public image and keep up a pretend engagement.

The white mansion was absolutely massive and stood out from the darkness with its illuminating lights beaming through the night sky. Its large windows glimmered in the moonlight, the place was modern and chic, a newly built mansion with its use just to entertain guests.

Guests were in and out of the place, some standing on the perfectly cut grass or by the lit pool that surrounded the front. There were places to sit in the middle of the pool, a dry separate area where guests mingled and laughed, flaunting their wealth.

They were approaching the grand building as Maria struggled to keep up with Leonardo's large steps, practically gawking at the place. Her little steps in her heels couldn't match to his ones. The tall guy unexpectedly grabbed her warm hand and pulled it, causing Maria to gasp and focus on him as he had her against his chest. His incredibly hard chest.

There the two stopped and her eyes met his dark, hazel eyes. "Stop dawdling," he commanded, giving her a stern look. Leonardo didn't want her to get lost. He looked so attractive that Maria didn't respond, because if she did, something in inappropriate probably would've came out of her. Leonardo held onto Maria's soft hand, keeping her close to him as they walked inside.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively. Guests were freely speaking wearing their luxurious, expensive attire and sipping their aged wine. There was one vast room where the main party was taking place; there seemed to be separate ones. The loudest was outside where people were enjoying the pool, another noisy crowd was by the other garden where people seemed to be acting like children, playing golf, which contrasted greatly to inside whereby more softer, classical music was playing and the guests seemed more dignified. It was strange how the different parts of the place had distinct ambiances.

In the room, the two weren't too far away from the large doors and after having their invitations checked by the waiter; Maria took in the amount of posh guests standing around chatting or swaying at the music. She noticed the small stage at the front of the room where she would be singing.

A worker assigned the two to their table where they sat alone besides each other not too far away from the front. Maria felt the stares of many people on her. In all fairness, it was the first public outing Leonardo and her has together as an engaged couple. The news came out of nowhere so it was no surprise many people were curious.

Leonardo hardly went to events like that and himself, he could feel the increasing urge to go back to the comfort of his own home. He hated socialising and wanted nothing to do with the nosey guests. Maria shared that same feeling.

Her eyes flickered over to Leonardo and she parted her lips, about to ask him if he wanted a drink after having a look at the refreshments table until she heard a loud, feminine voice calling for her excitedly, "Maria!"

Her head turned immediately at the sound of the squeal and its source was Camille.

Camille Lemaire looked absolutely stunning; she was a gorgeous woman. Her hips swayed sensually as she walked, she had a natural flair of attractiveness. Her eyes were intensely honey and widened in elation at the sight of Maria. She wore a silk, glittery halter neck dress that showed off her hourglass figure and vividly noticeable breasts. The fabric barely covered her and her skin glowed under the lights.

She flicked her smooth hair over her shoulder as she approached Maria who stood up and smiled widely at her friend, moving to get closer to her.

Camille's nude lipstick left a mark on Maria's cheek after she planted a kiss, after their tight hug, causing the two to giggle like little girls as they attempted to fix the mark. Leonardo watched how the two interacted happily; they were child like, already talking as casual friends as though they had known each other since they were kids.

"I'm so glad you came! I've been so bored without you!"

"I missed you so much while you were abroad! Tell me all about it!"

Leonardo wondered why women did that; why were women lying to each other for the sake of maintaining a friendship. He knew they were friends but not to the extent of missing each other like blood related sisters when in fact, they had probably forgotten about one another whilst living their own lives. He sighed in boredom and was about to check his phone after feeling a vibration whilst the two continued to reminisce on their past encounters blissfully until Maria mentioned him.

"This is my fiancé, Leo." Her tone was so endearing that he looked up in surprise and met her gentle eyes. It was as though the two hadn't been distant all week. He could see the younger her in that moment, that familiar genial smile she used to give him.

He stood and Camille's jaw dropped as she took in his glory. "Mama!" Camille exclaimed, linking arms with Maria with a squeal. "You got yourself a papa sexy ici! {sexy daddy here}"

Maria burst out laughing, the wholesome sound filling Leo's ears. He went to shake Camille's hand, greeting her, but she pulled it, giving herself a hug which he did not respond to. Maria gave him a playful wink on the other side as Camille moaned sexually, her head on his shoulder, her hand moving up and down his bicep. "I'm divorcing, Ria - you can take Francis!"

Leonardo gave Maria a look of desperation and slight disgust, and she chuckled, watching him suffer. She didn't mind Camille as she knew her intentions weren't ulterior. Camille gave him a soft kiss on his cheek and finally pulled away, allowing Leonardo to loosen himself, surprised at how touchy she was.

"It's great to finally meet you, Mr Armani," Camille greeted in a friendly voice, her green eyes beaming at him. Leonardo nodded in agreement, still slightly shaken at the unexpected intimacy he had previously endured. "I'm sure you and my husband have a lot to talk about." She linked her arm with Maria's again, the two beautiful women standing so close to each other.

"You could say that," Leonardo simply replied, glancing over at Maria who seemed content with Camille.

"He's got such a charming voice," Camille attempted to whisper to Maria, though it was loud enough for Leonardo to her. Maria chortled, her silver eyes meeting Leo's again. She smiled knowingly, "that's one thing I like about him."

She turned her head to Camille and shifted the focus of the conversation."Birthday girl, when do you want me to sing? The song choice was interesting." It wasn't easy preparing for such an almighty song. Camille heartily laughed, "I know, I know! But you can do it, my love. Come on, I'll show you your room."

"Leo, put the birthday gift on the table over there," Maria told him in a sweet voice as she pointed across the room. The women began to move. She purposely didn't display any signs of concern for him, ready to leave with Camille.

He was alarmed at the fact that she was about to abandon him alone with all those people. He wanted her to stay, he didn't like the sudden distance between them.

He opened his mouth, about to somehow interject but the two women already turned, laughing and chatting as they left the room, both their walks extremely feminine and alluring.

Leonardo sighed, sitting back and looking over at the massive birthday bag beside him.

What could he possibly do with himself until she came back?

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

~ Author's Note ~

NEPENTHE HAS HIT 100 VOTES!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE READING AND VOTING FOR NEPENTHE, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

It's really funny seeing Leonardo being so socially awkward. He really hates social events!

Camille is a new character! First impressions of Camille?

Camille and Francis's relationship will be dived into a little deeper as the story progresses. Opinions on them?

Francis definitely has a special introduction next chapter!

Thoughts on this chapter?

Please vote, comment, share and follow.

Votes and comments really help me know how the story is going, if the book is going well or not, and helps boost my confidence for more updates :)

Thanks for reading!

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘