Chapter 7

Date Night~

~Olivia POV~

When he arrived, he was dressed in a stylish Armani suit. I wore a lovely short black dress with black heels. I looked well if I could say so. I was so excited to go out with Rico. This day has been long in coming.

Olivia, you look so beautiful tonight, Rico replied. We're heading to an Art Exhibit and dinner at a delicious Italian restaurant tonight. Thank you, Rico; I'm happy to leave the house tonight. It is my pleasure to serve your brother with the annulment papers. I want to celebrate my freedom.

Is your offer still open? I want to get to know you personally. We've been dancing around each other for three years. Sometimes I wish it was you I was arranged to marry. I may have had children by now.

The only good thing about our union was business. Rico smiled at Olivia. I would love to date you and get to know you. Rico sighs; I have strong feelings for you. She smiles at him brightly. Well, let's go before we're late.

~Rico POV~

I'm happy that she finally had the annulment paper process completed. Now I can move this relationship along. She doesn't know it yet but will be my wife shortly. I knew she was my one when I saw her at my brother's wedding. When we touch it, an electrical charge shoots through my body.

Damn, she is beautiful. I helped her get into the vehicle. I can't wait to take our relationship to the next level.

I kept looking at her so beautifully. She is intelligent and funny. Have you ever loved someone based solely on their personality? I don't understand how my brother walked away.

So, Olivia, how do you feel about being single? She beams with a bright smile before answering.

"Oh, Rico, going on a date feels good. I like you and look forward to dating you. I have to admit I was nervous about this. I know this isn't our first night out. Olivia said it was our first time stepping out knowing we could be together." Does that make sense, Rico?

Rico couldn't believe she had said that. It was pure bliss for his ears. He couldn't help himself. He kissed her long and sweet. It was challenging for him to pull back from her.

When I looked at her, she smiled. I like you too, Olivia. We held hands while driving to the art exhibit. I pulled her hand into my mouth and kissed it. I decided to turn the radio on until we got there.

Mariano's POV

I didn't expect her to walk away. I visualized that happening differently. When I called my brother, he acted funny toward me. I decided to go to her house. I got a big surprise when I pulled up. My brother kissed Olivia.

I don't understand why I'm so mad about this situation. I should have given her a chance. Now I know I made the wrong decision. When I saw that, I knew my events were over. They look in love now. Goodness, it hit my gut.

By taking my wife, my brother double-crossed me. I couldn't get her out of my head when I saw her dancing with my family. I'm glad they didn't see me. I realize what I miss. This is what reality feels like. Would you happen to know how I will get past this situation?

Olivia's POV

We talk about everything, including business. First, we headed to the art exhibit. He even acquired some art for one of my offices. Then we headed to an Italian restaurant, never on the riverfront. After dinner, we walk along the river holding hands. It was so magical when he kissed me; I knew this man was meant for me.

"Olivia, you are so beautiful. Rico, I want to get to know you as well. I want the chance to make me yours," Rico replied as she smiled at him and kissed him back. Rico smiled at his woman and walked her back to the car.

The night was exceptional. I wasn't ready for the night to end. So I invited him to watch a movie. I told him to sit while I got drinks at the bar. When we arrived at my home, he asked for a nightcap. Rico smiles as we enter my home.

So Olivia, what are your plans now that you are a free woman? Replied Rico. I plan to get to know you and see what it's like to date. I've been married for three years. I've never cheated, even though he had a mistress the entire time.

This is going to be new to me. Many people need to learn that I lead a sheltered life. When I was a teenager, I never dated. We were taught what was expected of us at a younger age. I always knew I would be in an arranged marriage. It's a tradition in my family. I won't be surprised if my father doesn't approach you about another marriage proposal.

My father is a pure breed Sicilian. He believes his daughter is taken care of. Rico smiled again. How would you feel if you had to be married again? Replied Rico. Honestly, I would like a real marriage. I'm excited to be single but scared at the same time.

Rico moves forward to kiss me. I follow through with a deep tongue kiss. I've never felt this way before with anyone. He makes me feel special.

Then he pulls back from my touch. I better go. I want this relationship to move slowly, Olivia. I genuinely want to get to know you and give you an authentic dating experience, replied Rico.

I don't want you to look back and say I've never done that. I walked him to the door, and we kissed again before he got into his car and drove away. I leaned against the door. Tonight was perfect. I like Rico. He was my first friend. Now we can officially be more. I hope my father approaches him about marrying me.

I wouldn't mind another arranged marriage with him.

I want kids and the entire marriage experience. As I told him, my sister and I was taught how to be Sicilian brides. I speak many languages, cook, and sew. I never thought I would be a businesswoman instead of a housewife. I'm satisfied I enjoy traveling and the business world. I'm a known businessperson. I want my family to share that with me now. I have my sister and her kids, but I like it all. Is that too much to ask for? I want something different from the average person my age.

Most likely because I'm biracial, I would think differently, even if my parents arranged marriage. My mother was born into a family of African American and Sicilian descent. She comes from an old wealthy family. Her father was Sicilian, like my father. Her mother is an African American supermodel. I met my grandfather while traveling, and they fell in love and married immediately. You see, my grandmother can pass for a white woman even though she is 100% black. She has fair skin.

Sicilian is my first language. My grandfather expected an arranged marriage, especially on my father's side. Now my father's side has ties to the Mafia. They even came to my wedding when I married Mariano.

I never thought I would still be a virgin at my age. It honors my father for keeping me pure. I was raised in Sicilian traditions. We believe in keeping you pure for your future husband. Even though Rico makes me want to ignore that tradition, he has been by my side for three years. Watching him date after I developed a crush on him was extremely difficult. It took me three years to realize that his brother didn't want to marry me. At first, it hurt to think he never gave me a chance. Rico, please help me realize that.

I didn't need him. I enjoy business parties and events. I encourage you to step into the business world.

He was always by my side as my escort. Many already think he is my husband.

Rico's POV

It was a struggle to leave Olivia tonight. I wanted to go further with her. She is an exceptional treasure that my brother missed out on. Now is my chance to have the woman I want as my wife. If her father approaches me, it will be automatic, yes. I've already told my father to come to him about her anyway. Sicilian men always wanted their daughters to be married.

My father already sees her as a daughter. They are incredibly close. It's funny sometimes. My parents visit her house every weekend. When they are in town to have dinner with her, she calls him Papi, which makes him smile.

I wasn't shocked to see my brother's car when I pulled into my home. He is just seeing what he misses about Olivia. Now she doesn't crush on him anymore. I find it funny that now he wants her when it's too late.