CHAPTER 8

POV OF ALEXANDER

*

"I hope the travel plans have been made? We cannot waste any more time.

Please, he'll behave himself. On the telephone, the man begged. I gritted my teeth in disgust as I quickly moved my left hand through my hair and closed my eyes.

I had no understanding of why he was pleading now when we had already discussed this. No amount of pleading would help; if necessary, I wouldn't hesitate to use extreme measures.

"No! That wasn't the deal, though.

"I propose,"

"You want me to say it again, sir? He poses some kind of threat. I muttered.

He simply views it as play for children.

Playing with my relationship like a child? This is not a game for kids. He must leave because he poses a threat. It didn't matter how much of a threat the boy would be if he stayed here any longer; my bond with Isabella was more crucial.

He let out a troubled sigh. "Sir? I'll talk to him, I swear. I would be broken, sir, if you go ahead with your intentions and sent him there. My only child is him. Although it almost made me feel bad, I had to do this to a man I had known for years. He was one of the many people who threatened me.

Even if he is young and naive right now, the grand plans I have for my own future could be ruined by his actions. Being prepared means being forewarned.

"I've made up my mind, and I'm sending him away for a bit. Please convey my compliments to Josephine; I'm sure she'll be pleased to see him.

He let out another exaggerated sigh. "Good morning, Sir. Now I have to attend to my business. Duty demands. His tone conveyed defeat, and I could tell.

Although the conversation we had just before didn't sit well with me, I knew I couldn't change my mind once I realized why I had taken the action I had. I had to take the necessary action since it was best for Isabella and myself.

"Hmm." I responded with a groan and cheerfully hung up. I was unable to tell whether an employee was furious because they never hung up on me, but he obviously knew better than to be angry with me. Anger refused to put clothing on his back or food on his plates.

My chest filled with relief as I realized what this evening was about. I was happy to finally have Amore Mio to myself, even if it was only for a short period of time. Why did I even interact with her in the same manner that I did with everyone else?

I pondered it while furrowing my brows. I could definitely not assist with it. It just naturally developed as a result of how I began acting as a teenager and the fact that I was accustomed to being around her. She was a permanent fixture in my life.

I was aware that she wouldn't want to be so near to me if I faced her with iron determination. In the ninth grade, I used to hang out with typical girls, but she wouldn't be like them.

Those girls rapidly became annoying to me because they constantly invaded my personal space, twirling their hair in a ponytail between their fingers whenever I was nearby. They were also giggling nonstop. A female laughing wasn't improper, but when I heard half the girls in my class and occasionally my entire school laughing everywhere I came in with my two buddies at the time, it irritated me.

As a result, I developed a dislike for giggles.

Strangely enough, I once had a dream about a girl who had large, red-painted lips and was giggly inconveniently close to me. What a terror!

Since then, I've generally limited my conversations to tomboys who won't bother me with their giggles and tomgirl-like girls who don't have a crush on me.

Despite the fact that I didn't understand girls, I didn't want Isabella to be like them. I knew girls were crazy like that, and I didn't want to become tired of Isabella, so avoiding her for years seemed the best course of action. She was probably crushing on me and had some stupid dreams.

It wasn't like she could run away or something because I would still see her every day. But now, everything was different. She was developing into a woman quickly. One that caused males to look up and take a big inhale. She was a stunning woman, but she continued to be unaware.

Perhaps she had never before been in a committed relationship. I concentrated on my task, occasionally letting my thoughts wander to the girl.

I made sure to phone my stylist and ask her to send one of her best outfits for Isabella, giving her specific instructions on how it should appear.I finished and then departed for my house. Because Isabella was present, it was indeed home and not simply a house.

I was excited even though I didn't want to think about it! I was unable to stop thinking about her, and my entire body began to tingle as if she had just touched me. Goodness!

Why am I, Alexander Knight, experiencing a macho tummy flutter because of a girl? I appeared to be a mico.

Even my 43-year-old secretary, who only occasionally entered my office at my direction, was shocked when she greeted me today and saw the sides of my lips curl up into a tiny smile. I found it surprising.

Isabella.

She didn't even try when she did this to me. When she was there, I didn't struggle to do any tasks. When she was there, breathing was effortless, and whenever I thought of her, I fell asleep without a struggle. It could only be done by Isabella.

Even my mother struggled to make me smile as a child since I was raised to be a resentful adolescent. Even though I was harming everyone around me, I would continue to be inflexible, unflappable, and unsympathetic despite her best efforts.

I was still in awe of how well I had taken care of myself simply by thinking about Isabella; the knowledge that she was present but that I couldn't have access to her had sparked that excitement. I recall murmuring her name and even imagining that her strawberry aroma was about to overwhelm my hand and cause me to jerk.

I took a mental break. I came to the conclusion that it wasn't really a good idea to think about her because I didn't want to be uncomfortable the entire day due to tightness in my pants.

"Welcome, Sir." When my chauffeur parked the car, my gardener waved at me and I stepped out of the car holding my briefcase as I entered my home. There was nobody there when I looked around.

Thursdays used to make me tighten up a bit because of the inevitable seriousness that came with the end of the week, but today was an exception.

Like I was accustomed to doing at work, I didn't dismiss anyone's hello. She had no idea that Isabella was also involved. I entered and dressed differently.

After taking a shower, I made the decision to eat dessert before taking a little break.

~°~

POV of Isabella

*

"It's unbelievable, I can't believe it!" My close friend yelled.

She was so excited that she really hopped about her room like a small child. She laid the phone down again, took a few deep breaths, and smiled broadly as if her lover had just proposed to her, as I saw her fake dark brown hair fall all over the phone screen.

"I also found it hard to believe." I attempted to contain a slight smile as I replied to Phina since I could feel the pain in my cheeks growing.

Sponge Bob was smiling up at me from my bikini bottom bedspread as I relaxed and sat on my bed, yet in the last hour, I had yanked at my hair more times than I could possibly count. It was an off-shoulder long dress with a beaded lace bodice that was intended for formal occasions, and my mom's icy boss dispatched someone to buy it for me.

I looked up from my phone and smiled when I noticed the air moving past the curtain. My curtain had blue and yellow patterns that complemented Sponge Bob's sunny smile as he looked at Patrick and the blue background with the people of Bikini Bottom.

My dad and I both love the color blue, so that is another reason why my wall has a blue painting on it. A hue that I grown to appreciate as a result of how stunning the sky and sea are.

Are you certain you didn't add a few zeros to the amount? I returned to the present when Phina coughed once more. I rolled my eyes at her query and laughed.

We both realize I didn't.

She exhaled dramatically once more. "You're one lucky freak, baby!" Although she mumbled, her expression was grave. She seemed to be sharing a state secret with me.

If you specify." I groaned.

Isabella Mio, believe me. This person isn't as nasty as you make him out to be. For a time, she had a thoughtful expression on her face before saying, "You just did something to make him treat you as you said, and for all I know, you could hate his guts for no apparent reason."

I shrieked. "That's not accurate. I'm sorry for what you just said.

"I'm not going to do that. I'll keep saying it, but he doesn't seem to be as horrible as you make him out to be.

I rolled my eyes. If not for her equally attractive lover, who was also looking after her, this girl would be at her young master's throat. It was strange that Lucas ignored her constant fangirling, and perhaps they occasionally quarreled over it. But I had never witnessed him do it. Every time she gushed about a male model or musician, he simply laughed.

If anyone I dated or subsequently married never felt jealous of me—not overly, but also not seeming like he didn't care when I gushed at other men—that wouldn't sit well with me. If he attempted that with me, I would undoubtedly become envious, and I didn't enjoy giving anything away. I was still single because of this.

I absolutely did not want to be hurt! I was apprehensive about committing and providing more.

But truly, how can you ignore his gesture without being moved? We'll set aside the fact that he's genuinely a billionaire and all that since it's difficult to trust you when you're cool and collected after he's done this. Since the beginning of time, you have been saying awful things about him. For all fish's sake, look at the dang zeros behind that five on the tag, sweetie, look!"

"I'm used to it, Phina." Was all I replied as she struck me with a glance from her New York City suite. I've already come to the realization that nothing could surprise me again after living here alone. We had been residing in this mansion-sized home since the youthful master built it three years prior.

How could this be surprising considering that he was well-off and that we all had access to royal cuisine? We were given many advantages because my mother was close friends with the young master.

Even though I expected it given all the expensive items I saw every day, he bought it for me and the wealthy boutique employee who delivered it neglected to take off the price tag out of apology for not doing it earlier. She tore the price tag before I could check it a third time.

Please, not for the third time! Where are the eggs you received yesterday, Isabella? Mama popped her head in the door and inquired.

They're inside the shop. I haven't yet brought them out.

The grapes, too?

"Same."

The onions, what about them? Despite my repeated requests for her to cease, she continued to stand in that position at the entryway. She simply persisted in doing it. She appeared absurd in all her round beauty.

The garden is where they are. Despite not turning around, I responded.

"Garden?" She called, but I didn't hear her inquiry since I was laughing about her concerns about the Ducklings and talking to Phina.

Will you talk to me now, Isabella, or will you just leave me standing here while you continue to ride that thing? I'll see you there right away. She made a sharp exit, slamming the door tight. My mother didn't like it when she asked me a question and I was thinking about something else, so I got up to answer her right away.

"I'll speak with you later, alright? I have no idea why Mama is doing it again this time.

I need all the specifics of whatever transpires in that occasion, so be sure to phone me, okay, babe? She made a threat. She appeared—sad. What would I do without you, Phina?

It's unfortunate that you can't be here. I still made fun of her and smirked evilly. They called her over for an important "family" discussion, so she had to depart for her parents' home in New York.

"You can make fun of me all you want, but be sure to include everything and enjoy yourselves. I adore you. I nearly ran downstairs at the same time as I ended the video conversation and told her I loved her too when she pouted.

"Polló, get the fresh grape juice for the young master so he can join me. It's time to serve his dinner. I followed my mother's instructions as I walked into the kitchen, gaping at her with open lips. She then started referring to me as a chicken, just like Phina loved to do. I would have assumed she was Phina's mother if it weren't for the fact that I had known her since I was a child and we shared some traits.

"Okay." She contacted me once more as I was leaving for the store.

"First, get the onion. Before frying, I need to add it to my oil.

"What about the ones that are in the freezer?"

They can't be used because they've been combined. They're all frozen, too. I gave a quick nod while remaining still and reflecting. She didn't appear to mind if the young master took me out. I wasn't even asked about it by her. Why was the young master at home, too? Not even 3:30 had passed yet.

The question is, "What are you waiting for?" Mama questioned me as I silently stood in the center of the large kitchen.

But mama, it's only three o'clock. Why did he return so soon? I was naturally curious. I quickly closed my eyes in an attempt to filter out the flashbacks of last night. He appeared to be really happy.

I closed my eyes as a warm, fuzzy feeling engulfed me. I instinctively rubbed my legs together.

It was funny how I mistakenly believed he was calling my name as he was enjoying himself. I wished he hadn't noticed me because...

Focus. I shook my head and gave it some thought. I was sure he didn't notice you, Isabella. If it weren't so embarrassing for him, he would have told you about it. I agreed and nodded.

He wants to rest before leaving because he is going to the event. He will only accept fruits at this time; cease interrogating him. Go." I walked away and went to the garden to gather the mittens and grapes. I don't even know why I brought the mitts here. When I spread the onions outside, I think I forgot about them and didn't bother to go back and get them.

Before she reminded me that I needed to acquire a dress, I went inside and prepared with her in the kitchen. When I considered the dress hanging in my closet, a smile spread across my face, but then I scowled. I hadn't mentioned the clothing to my mother.

I already have a dress, mama.

She gave me a narrow-eyed look. "How did you get a new dress so quickly that would be so appropriate for such a function?"

I should have told her earlier, but I didn't.

Excellent Isabella, exactly what you required. Mama disliked it when I withheld information from her. Whatever it was, whether someone shot me or a bug stung me, it didn't matter. She was exactly that way. She began to scream anytime I did anything since Papa passed away, even falling down the stairs.

"Actually, mama, but"

"I bought the dress," I was speaking to myself when I heard the voice I didn't like.

My heart underwent an odd flip. Interesting only.