1 Chapter 1 [Who Am I? — My Real Name Is...]

Beep! Beep!! Beep!!!

I woke up with a frown on my forehead, to the angry chant of my alarm clock. Of course the pretty bird deserves to be pissed because I remember waking up at intervals to snooze it to a later time.

I sit up on my bed and am inclined to run my fingers through my short curly black hair. I question myself on the possibility of this massive luxury before me and how plausible it is that I have become the owner of the exquisite hotel Magnífico in Palermo, within a twinkle of an eye.

Some ten years ago, I had read about the famous owner, Gustavo Rodríguez, constantly. He is late now. Although his family are completely oblivious about his demise, however I am not the slightest bit ignorant.

Haha! Now why are you all gaping like I am some savage man-eater? Well for the records, I am not! Haha!

Okay! I know you must be wondering what ill fate brought such good luck my way, but I must first shut up this proud machine before proceeding with my story.

I felt a sensational relief after putting off the alarm clock because if I had delayed any longer, I fear that it would have caused my ears to bleed from screeching so annoyingly much.

Back in my seated position, I adjusted myself before shutting my eyes to afford me the daily duty of rubbing them roughly with my fingers to ward off any lingering sleep. This was a habit I particularly learnt during my childhood. So pardon me readers!

Oh! Now isn't that a beauty so divine sleeping by my side? I am immediately alerted by a pale-skinned beauty on the king-sized bed where I am seated.

Don't joggle your thoughts so much alright! She is Belinda Rodríguez, the wife of the late Gustavo Rodríguez; who is now my wife.

Good gracious!! How did this beauty become mine?! My immoral mind is self-persuaded, as always, to bask in the sheer admiration of this enchanting mermaid— the glassiness of her skin, her long dark hair softly diluting her transparent back skin in a facile manner, the smoothness of her oval face. Even her right hip stayed curved and uplifted as she lay on her side.

Of course, I am beguiled to think that this Enchantress must be a Princess from long-ago Atlantis. Or maybe Atlantis still exists. At least some persons still nurse that possibility in their minds.

Even I think it exists. Or maybe it does not exist. Aargh! Never mind what I just said.

So, back to what I was saying. It all started out like this.

Oh! No! Yet another interruption. My wife is awake. She's smiling as she sits up to kiss me on my lips. The softness of her cherry curved lips cause me to shut my eyes as one in a state of hypnosis. But her lips taste like strawberry. Ironical? No, Yummy! Is what I'd opt for.

Shit! I think I may have blushed a little. How embarrassing! I hope she didn't take note.

But wait! Her lips are curled like she is about to say something as soon as I open my eyes after the kiss.

"Good morning mio amore. You look so tasty this morning." She ends her speech with a cute smile. The cute hollows in both her cheeks become more visible.

She called me 'tasty'? But, of course, I know I look charming. I am well aware of my own beauty. But that doesn't make me a narcissist. Does it? I hope not.

I smiled back at her, revealing my sparkly white teeth, beautifully arranged in my mouth. Oh! Please!! I am well aware of how much of a god I look like when I smile but hey! That doesn't make me narcissist alright!

"You are awake mi corazón. Good morning! Although I'm upset because you interrupted me from watching you sleep like a baby." Pretending to be in love with Belinda, is as easy as pretending to be a six-year old re-learning the recital of a nursery rhyme. Or maybe I am slowly falling in love with her. But could that be wrong?

She places both her pretty fingers on my v-shaped face and plants a respectful kiss on my forehead.

'This woman is determined to see me blush like a fool, constantly,' I mutter beneath my breath. Nonetheless! It is a matter of factual truth that I enjoy being loved by her. Wink*

With a broad smile on her face, she spoke, "Ever since you got back from your journey to the suburbs, you have become a changed man. The love you shower on me is intense. I sleep happier and wake up to even a much brighter day. I love you Gustavo. Thank you for rekindling the love that had departed from our home ever since the death of Maria, our daughter."

Maria Rodríguez was age five when she died or so I had read in the papers. Late Gustavo had gone out of Italy for a bit, leaving their daughter, Maria, in his wife's care.

He returned to find out that his beloved Maria, had drowned in one of the pools in the grand hotel, which was partly their home. Belinda was attending to some of her friends who had come visiting. She lost sight of their daughter for a bit and the accident happened.

Late Gustavo blamed her every day since then.

The public were however unaware of the effect the incident had had on the lovely couple and their blissful marriage.

Roughly a month ago, I was as ignorant as the rest of the public because the couple never made any public appearance creating any room for such suspicion.

I know this now that I have assumed late Gustavo's role.

On seeing tears form in her eyes, her emotions overwhelmed me and caused my big heart to break, almost instantly. Even a blind bat could sense that the potential tears of this magical beauty had stemmed from the fact that she direly missed her beloved Maria. Though it is also obvious that she is very happy that her husband —myself —has become more understanding. But I am positive that her tears span from my initial argument.

Could late Gustavo's continuous taunts have caused her to feel... Guilty?!

"Mio amore! It is a beautiful morning. Let's appreciate every moment we have now... together. I love you, and I am sorry for being harsh to you in the past. Please don't cry. I only want to see you happy. Now smile for me."

A sigh of victory!! Because the tears that were threatening to drop, were now retreating back to her tear glands and I can't help the feeling of accomplishment. Haha! Great job Santo! Oh yes, actually my real name is Santo. But, don't hurt your heads pretty ones, we would get on with my story in a bit. Wink*

So she is happy and I am happy. But, I am not just happy, my insides are beaming with divine joy just from knowing that she is mine.

"I love you Bella. Now go and freshen up. I would join you in the shower in a minute." I hold her tiny hands and kiss them tenderly before watching her strut off to the bathroom.

Okay let's not get carried away. Now, let's get back to my story. How it all began...