Chapter 6 : Questions?

Ever since that faithful day, Dante and Bella barely see each other seeing he was busy with his work while Bella has the whole mansion all to herself. She had left tons of messages for her family to reach out to Beatrice. Most of it was to tell her sister that there was never the necessity to return seeing she has everything here under control.

Her first real conversation with Dante has been confusing and just plain awkward. She wanted to scream out of humiliation whenever she thinks about their last conversation with her glued to the wall while Dante cornered her like a predator.

"Oh... you mean.. Y..yes. I am...I am ugh bisexual. I love women and ... I think I love men as well."

Jesus Christ, thank God no one else was there to witness her embarrassing herself. He must've thought she is a freak now. Maybe not seeing him was best for everyone.

With Miss Nona by her side, she was actually familiarising herself with the mansion pretty well. She understands every gist of her new home and the daily duties of her new servants. Meanwhile, Dante's work schedule was hard to keep track seeing owning a billionaire dollars company is not an easy feat. He would either be traveling or not returning home most of the time.

Kind of a ridiculous way of treating his new wife but Bella didn't blame him. Even after yesterday's conversation, she knows how much her presence bothers him. Nevertheless, sitting down and doing nothing was never her favorite pastime.

Sure she comes from a rich family herself and though not as loaded as the Messina, she tries to be independent as possible and made sure that even without her parent's money, she was able to support herself and Juju.

Writing novels is such a fulfilling work and though she didn't get many benefits working as a writer compare to a proper/official job, she was happy. Back in her little world without her parents to breathe down her neck every chance they got. Renting a small apartment and getting her own version of independence, finally making decisions all on her own was the proudest thing she has done for herself.

Looking out at the window of the living room, Bella sees a small water fountain with flowers growing around it. Making the left side of the house looks like a garden and just a little to the fountain's left was a shed. In front of the shed were a few gardeners, both females, and males working on the mini plants and vegetable garden.

They were laughing and even when the sun above them was shining so brightly, no doubt heating them in their gardening coats and hats, they look like they were still having fun.

That's when the idea of gardening comes to mind. She had done so in her old homes so why not spend time in the mansion doing that and maybe a little novel when she has extra time for herself.

She went out and have a little tour of the mansion's backyards. Delighting her sight with the beautiful landscapes and even bringing Juju along with her wherever she goes, bringing her newfound boyfriend everywhere with her.

Louis was as lovely and cuddly as his face. His boss was so intimidating and huge yet Louis was just plain adorable. The black and white English bulldog seems to like her and Juju. It saddens her a little that she can't let them be alone all too much since Juju and Louis are both fertile. She didn't get to spay Juju before due to her busy schedule but seeing this cute little giant always flops in front of her made Bella realize how he meant business. Not just friends at least and their public display of affection from licking, walking together, and sleeping side to side was one of the most beautiful things she has ever seen.

She didn't know Dante so much and the fact that she does values her Catholic teachings and the vow she made to him, she wishes to use her time wisely. Maybe get to know her husband other than the information of him being a billionaire and having families that may or may not be related to the local mobster.

Before she could finally find her way to the vegetable garden, a voice behind her calls her out.

"Beatrice! Piccolina, there you are!"

Bella turned around and is definitely surprised to see her father-in-law, Lorenzo walking toward her with his custom-made cane. She knew it was custom made since the holder was solid gold and have a family emblem carved on top.

Their last conversation was during the wedding and she remembered how lovely he was to her. Much lovelier than his son actually.

"Papa!" She smiled and ran to him, almost knocking him over when she struggle to stop. Lorenzo didn't mind since he laughed and hugged her back. She was grinning the whole time until she looks up and immediately her smile dropped.

The same man who had scared her when she hold Lorenzo before glaring at her and she quickly lets Lorenzo go. Lorenzo notices this as he turns around and slaps Tio's shoulder. Both of them were almost the same height and Dante was no different.

"Stop scaring her, Tio. This is my daughter-in-law." He chuckled at Tio but, the glare he gave him made even the burly guard look down and back away.

"Now…" Lorenzo turned to her. "Let's get some lunch together. You know where my boy is?"

…

There was a mini gazebo in the house. Just near the dining room was a room with a glass ceiling and walls. A round glass table with beautiful green chairs where the frame of it is a carved floral design. Thank God even at her home was she taught the proper etiquette to eat a simple lunch with one of the most powerful men in the world.

She was overwhelmed with anxiety and fear yet Lorenzo was happy enjoying the steak that Miss Nona made. She even visit them and hugged Lorenzo.

Seems like an old friends these two are.

"Awful, boy that Dante. It's not even a week since you two got married and he had to leave you alone. I taught him better than that."

"It's alright, papa. He is a hardworking man and I totally understand. Don't worry about it." Bella replied.

"But still… sheesh." He grunted again and she actually finds it adorable. Lorenzo looks up at her and smiled. He placed his utensils down and lean back.

"You called me papa."

Bella blinked. Her smile disappears and she tilts her head, feeling a bit nervous...

"Should I … not, sir?"

He waved his hand in disagreement. "No, no. Don't call me that. Don't ever call me sir. You calling me papa is like music to my ears. I have no daughters, piccolina and to have you in our life makes me very happy."

Her heartfelt so warm. Damn, that just makes her happy.

"I appreciate that, papa. I hope to be a good wife to your son and a good daughter-in-law. You won't be disappointed."

"I know I won't. I've selected you personally and I have never made a mistake in my life. Call me arrogant but I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't make a bad decision."

Her heart fell and she immediately grip her other hands. Scratching it light and smiled awkwardly. A habit of hers ever since she was a kid anytime she felt guilty or kept a secret. Disappointing Lorenzo made her chest aches.

"How is your family, Piccolina? Have you spoken with them ever since you came here?" Lorenzo shifts the question.

"Just through text. They are busy and I uhm… know better than to disturb them when they are busy."

"Ah, I know, Piccolina. That father of yours has been busy this past few months. Saving whatever he can from losing that company of yours. I have never asked you this but, I did feel some guilt for making you accept this marriage since I know you have never seen my son before. How are you been fitting in as the daughter-in-law of Messina?"

"It's one step at a time," Bella says while nodding her head. "Your family is… big. It's not just any ordinary family and I understand the class, the respect, values, and name you have made and set for yourself so, I know it's a lot at first but I'm sure I will make you proud. I am a quick learner. I'll do… good."

"Believe me when I say this but, you are already perfect just the way you are, Piccolina. Like I said, I have chosen you myself. I make no mistakes."

Again, his words cut her deeply. Disappointing others and the guilt from it just hurts so badly.

"Speaking of mistakes, where's that sister of yours?" Lorenzo continues to eat as if there's not a worry in the world. Unless making Bella jumped from her seat and tongue –tied.

"S..sister?" She stuttered. Putting down her utensils, she hides her hand under the table and let it shivered all it want.

"Yes. Your twin. Where is she these days?"