Chapter Thirty-Five
Author's Pov
Rose had always been a strong-willed and determined woman. She had come back to fulfill her vow to seek revenge and make them pay for leaving her stranded on the side of the road. But now that she was standing here, her path would cross with someone she did not expect to see soon.
As Rose settled into her new life in Canada, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being followed. She suspected someone had a hand in it but kept quiet.
But tonight, here he was—Alfonso, her contract husband, standing beside her, looking all handsome and hot.
They had only married as a means to an end for each of them— a business arrangement to help each other achieve their goals.ut now, seeing him here, so far away from Italy, made her question everything.
Unable to ignore the persistent presence of Alfonso any longer, Rose decided it was time to confront him. She had learned to be wary of others, but something about Alfonso's unwavering dedication to her intrigued her.
After getting back from the party, it was a cold autumn evening, and as the leaves fell gently from the trees, Rose found herself standing in front of Alfonso. Her heart raced as she struggled to find the right words to express her confusion and frustration.
"Why are you here, Alfonso? Why did you follow me all the way to Canada?" Rose asked, her tone laced with a mix of curiosity and anger.
Alfonso looked at her with sincere eyes, his usually stoic expression softening. "Rose, I couldn't abandon you. I couldn't let you face this alone; I thought I might be of help one way or another, okay? Besides, the media back in Italy are questioning our separation."
Rose's heart skipped a beat at Alfonso's words. In that moment, she realized there was more to their connection than just a business agreement. She saw glimpses of genuine care and concern in his eyes.
"But why, Alfonso? We both knew what our marriage was about. We were never meant to be anything more than partners," Rose replied, her voice tinged with confusion.
Alfonso took a deep breath before opening up about how "I couldn't bear the thought of you going through what you went through before again, Rose. I saw your pain and your determination for revenge, and I wanted to protect you. I want to show you that not everyone will leave you behind," Alfonso explained, his voice filled with sincerity.
Rose softened, her anger melting away as she listened to Alfonso's heartfelt confession. In that moment, she realized that her revenge plan had consumed her, blinding her to the possibility of finding love and support in the most unexpected places.
"Alfonso, I... I didn't realize the depth of your feelings and care for me; I was blinded by the fact that this marriage was an arrangement, forgetting that we could actually be friends in it. I was so focused on my own pain that I failed to see the kindness and care you've shown me," Rose murmured, her voice trembling with vulnerability.
Alfonso reached out and gently took her hand in his, offering her solace and understanding. "Rose, I am here for you, not just as your contract husband but as someone who genuinely cares for you. Together, we can heal your wounds and find happiness again, okay?" He said he was comforting her.
Rose nodded her head, smiling at him, deciding at that moment that it was time she forget her revenge for a moment and enjoy the moment with her newly found partner and friend.
After all, they say, Enjoy it while it lasts.
--------------------------------------------------
Alfonso received a frantic phone call from Picasso late one evening. Picasso's voice was filled with anguish and desperation as he explained that he needed Alfonso's help in winning back Rico, as he had tried everything and was frustrated.
Alfonso could sense the pain in Picasso's voice and knew that he had to travel back to Italy to support his friend.
As Alfonso stepped off the plane in Rome, memories of his past with Picasso flooded his mind.
They had been inseparable during their younger days, laughing and dreaming together. But as they grew older, life took them on separate paths, and they drifted apart.
Reconnecting with Picasso after all these years, Alfonso felt a mix of emotions. He couldn't let his friend suffer, but he also knew that meddling in matters of the heart can be complicated and unpredictable.
Rico was an elegant and intriguing person, which Alfonso knew because he worked for him.
Rico radiated confidence, and his eyes held a sadness that intrigued Alfonso. It was apparent that Rico and Picasso had shared something special, but circumstances had torn them apart.
Alfonsobhaf spent enough time with Rico to understand why Picasso wanted him back. Rico had a magnetic presence and a personality that drew people in. However, there was also a guardedness to him—a wall that needed to be broken down before love could be rekindled.
Alfonso sat down with Picasso and listened as he poured out his heart, recounting the mistakes he had made and the regrets he carried. Picasso's love for Rico was apparent, but it was also clear that he had hurt him deeply.
Alfonso knew what Picasso had done to Rico, which he did not support except from his friends, but seeing the love that had followed in his eyes anytime he mentioned Rico's name made him help out.
With empathy and understanding, Alfonso asked Picasso to consider his own actions and how they contributed to the current situation. He urged Picasso to truly reflect on what love meant to him and to take responsibility for the pain he had caused Rico without complaining.
One evening, under the warm glow of city lights, Picasso laid bare his soul to Rico. He poured out his love and apologies, acknowledging the pain he had caused and promising to be the partner that Rico deserved.
Rico, initially hesitant, listened carefully to Picasso's words and observed his actions. He saw the sincerity in Picasso's eyes. Slowly, Rico allowed himself to open up to the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation.
But he gave a condition, and that was that they would only stay friends.