Dante
“Sir there is a call for you.” I was sitting in my office when my secretary informed me. “Who is it?” I questioned “It's from the Romano Mansion, Mr. Romano Sr. is not feeling well.” What, what happened now? “Cancel all the meetings I had today and clear my schedule.” I ordered as I walked away. I got in the car as I left for the Romano Mansion. I haven't met grandpa at all after returning from abroad , and it wasn't like I didn't want to, it's just that I didn't have any time. Busy between DR corporations and Romano enterprises and this betrothal, I had zero chance to go and meet grandpa. But I know that in fact even if I do go and see him he is only gonna talk about my marriage and I rather not prefer that topic. Arriving at the mansion I saw two doormen at the front gate. As soon as they saw me they opened the gate hurriedly when I got in, all the servants along the way greeted me. Ignoring everyone I walked straight towards the front of the room but as I was about to knock suddenly a voice came from inside “ Come in.” I pushed open the door and continued to walk in. The room was brightly lit with the sunlight shining on a tall man of his senior age, he turned around as he looked at me for a while and spoke in an extremely frosty tone of voice. “I thought you wouldn't come home at all.” I looked at him, his sideburns had turned grey, but his falcon-like likes still commanded respect. I pulled a gentle smile as I replied. “I haven't seen you in a long time grandpa. You look as strong as ever.” He looked at me knowing that I had seen through his intentions of lying to me, just to bring me home. But because of his big ego, he still snorted coldly as he slammed the table in front. “Cut the crap. Tell me what did you really think when you returned without telling me? Do you still treat me as your grandpa?” I knew very well what he was angry about. He received the news of me coming back a month ago but yet when I didn't come to see him, it angered him more. I had my eyes around him all the time and I know that he is a hot-tempered man, afterall he was a well known soldier once. “It was boring abroad, so I came to help you.” I looked at his startled expression as I continued. “ You will allow me to help you, right?” “You help me?” He repeated my words looking suprise, as he didn't expect me to say such. I nobbed at him as his expression eased up and he coughed softly while he looked at me for a while before speaking. “Just tell me what you want. I know you have a favour to ask, I’ll give you whatever I can.” I shook my head as I walked aside and picked up the still steaming cup of tea and took a sip. My grandfather doesn't say it but I know he is happy to see me after a long time otherwise he wouldn't have prepared the two cups of freshly brewed tea. A smile spread across my face as I looked at him and said. “I don't need any favour or help from you. I am capable of handling my problems myself. What I need is for you to enjoy your tea and rest well.” He still looked at me with some doubt as he asked again. “ Is it really nothing you need help with?” I shook my head again reassuring him that there is nothing. “Hmm, since there is nothing that you want from me. I have something that I want from you.” I looked at him with some curiosity. What is it that grandpa wants from me? “What is it grandpa, tell me I will do it for you.” Grandpa rarely ever asks anything from me after my parents death he sended me abroad so I don't have to deal with shit here. So if he needs something I will bring it for him. “I have noticed that you rarely go to any banquets or parties with other well known families. And that you also refused to go to the Mr Williams art gallery he invited you to.” Well I am not much of a social person, unless it's for business I prefer not to go to those parties. “If that's what you want I will try to attend some banquets related to the Romano family. And I will also attend Mr Williams art gallery.” “That's not the problem.” If not this then what does he want? “I noticed that you go alone to these banquets. Don't you have a date or someone you like to bring to these parties?” Ohh so this was his plan all along, I should have known no wonder he asked for a favour he knew I wouldn't have agreed. “Grandpa I have told you millions of times that I am not interested in any of this stuff.” He looked at me with a serious face as he asked. “Are you gay? If you are then at least tell me I will still support you.” His statement made me laugh, if only he knew. “I am not gay grandpa. If I was, I would have told you, also it's just that no one seeked my interest yet.” I replied “Then I don't see any problems, I want you to go with a partner to Mr. Williams art exhibition, a female partner.” He said remarking the word female, he is smart and he knows me well. “But grandpa” before I could complete he cut me off by saying. “I don't know anything. If you can't find a date for yourself, then I will for you.” He said as he stood up and walked away. He doesn't listen to anyone. I massaged my temple as I thought about it, I don't want to upset him. I thought about it, I don't have someone who would not cling to me and think we are a thing just because I invited her to a party with me. Leaving the mansion I sat in my car as one of my trusted men Alex started driving. He looked at me through the rear view mirror as I fiddled with my dragger. It's an old habit of doing whenever I am stressed. “Boss is everything ok with Mr. Romano Sr. you seem tense.” he asked as he drove back to my house. “Yeah he is alright. He just wants me to bring someone to Mr. Williams party, and I don't have someone who doesn't expect much from just an hour of roaming together.” He looked at me again through the mirror as he frowned. “You can bring Ms. Mancini she is a good option plus you both don't.” he stopped as I can see his hesitation on what he is about to say. “We what? Would you care to continue?” I looked at him as he got a little nervous. Why does he think that Mia is any different from the other women I can call to. “What I mean boss is that she is the only woman who doesn't like you and you still have a betrothal so it's a safe option.” I scoffed as I looked at him. What does he mean by that she doesn't like me? “And how do you know if she likes me or not?” he chuckled as I raised my brows. He shut his mouth the instant and apologised. “Boss it's just that she doesn't behave like women who like you. She roasted you on your face so it's obvious.” “You seem to have enough of your life Alex. I guess it's time to end it.” He looked at me with wide eyes as he shook his head continuously, zipping up his mouth he continued the drive. If he wasn't one of my closest men, he wouldn't even have a chance to complete his first sentence. Taking a long breath I thought about it as I grabbed my phone without thinking twice. I messaged Mia to meet me at one of the cafes I own near the royal elite institute. I got her number earlier. Alex is right, she is the safest option. It's not like I have any right now but still. I hope this time we can come up with a deal where we both agree and incomplete a conversation.Lily Stepping inside the cafe the fresh brewed coffee aroma hit me instantly, the smell of roasted coffee beans with some bitterness filled my nose lifting my stress and tension I didn't even realise I was carrying. The cafe is pretty and has an old money style interior and decoration, which I loved. The cafe gives a nice subtle yet luxurious vibes, the cafe owner has a good taste. I am not a fan of coffee but I appreciate a good cold coffee and some nice aroma you know. I may also come here often after enrolling in the institute, it's a pretty good place to relax and have some peace.Getting in I took a seat at a corner. It has a floor to ceiling glass wall which has a perfect view of the outside and is also close to the door.Looking outside I saw a huge building, more like an old palace renovated as an institute. No wonder it has a name of Royal Elite Institute, it sure does look royal.I thought of the ideas to get into that institute while I waited for Dante to show up his ass.
Lily “Had fun bitch?” I stopped in the middle of the staircase when a voice came from behind. Without caring of who it is , cause I exactly know who the fuck it is.“Why? What do you think happened to make me happy , Norah?” I asked exactly hitting the spot.“You fucking bitch I know exactly what you are trying to do here. Do you think sleeping with Dante or seducing him will be any good?” I turned back to look at her as she continued barking. Oops I mean speaking, as if she knows how to.“He will throw you out after toying for a little while. And I guess you should be more focused on the day after tomorrow, when uncle's and aunt's will refuse to help you get into the Royal Elite Institute.” her smirk left her face as soon as it appeared.“That's the thing Norah I don't need no fucking help to get into where I want to, I make my own path unlike someone beging for it. Don't worry I'll handle things myself.” with that I left for my room.Flipping on my bed I exhaled a long breath. Fuck
Lily“Hey Lily, it's such a big surprise to see you here.” yeah it is , it's is infact a five hundred volt shock that I am having right now.What the heck is happening? What the fuck he is doing here? And why the fuck he is calling Mr. Richard grandpa? “James you knows Ms. Mia Mancini here? I didn't know Ms. Mia, you already know my grandson.” He asked, looking between me and James.“Yes grandpa, we know each other, we were really close when I was in India. But wait why you are calling her Mia. She is lily right.” Shut up you idiot. Come on lily, come on think use your fucking mind.“ Hi, hi James, it's nice to meet you. And what you talkin bout my name is Mia you forget Lily was my nickname.” he looked confused and was about to open his mouth again when I interrupted with an awkward laugh and said.“Actually Mr. Richard Sr. When I was in India my nickname was Lily and everyone usually called me that. Looks like James got confused. Right James.” I turned around and widen my eyes to w
LilyThe next day went by just like that. The whole day was quiet and filled with relaxation, maybe the reward of my hard work till now. It's now evening and I have taken a shower , when mom knocked on my door and told me that we will be leaving soon. So I quickly got ready in some black jeans and top. Nice getting ready I went downstairs when I saw Norah, Nick, Dari and Gabrielle all ready.“Hey brother, where's mom and dad?” I asked Gabrielle and he was about to answer, but how can possibly Norah get away without being oversmart. “Mia I know that you are still little but can you have a little manners. You can clearly see me ,Nick and Dari talking. Can't you wait a little.” She said very overly sweetly.“Norah if only you could use a little of your brain you would know that I wasn't talking to Nick or Dari but in fact I was talking to Gabrielle who was standing behind them.” I replied and smiled sarcastically as I walked past them and went to Gabrielle.Gabrielle and I are getting
Lily“What? Is it true? Gabrielle, you read this for me. I don't have my glasses so I can't read properly.” Grandpa was also shocked and asked Gabrielle to read. He nodded and opened the parcel.“It's an invitation from the Royal Elite Institute.”“That we also know Gabrielle can you just already read what's inside it and who it's for?” Emma asked impatiently. Everyone also nodded since they are also very curious and can't just wait. Gabrielle also did what he was told and started reading the invitation as all of them listened to him carefully, not missing a single word.“I Mr. Richard Sr. personally welcome Ms. Mia Mancini to the Royal Elite Institute and would love to ask her to join our institute and report to us on Monday and we are very glad to have her as one of our students.” Gabrielle ended reading the letter and looked at me with wide eyes.Everyone's eyes were also wide in shock. I simply lifted my glass and took a sip of the water. Breaking the pin drop silence that was ta
LilyThe next day was a sunny bright day. I woke up early since I slept super well at night. It was amazing, I took a nice shower and by the time I came out. I heard my ringtone playing as my phone buzzed.Wearing a bathrobe I went towards my phone to check the person calling me. Now guess who it was, the one and only rude bastard I was about to pick up but the call ended.Shit, but wait a minute why he called he never called he always text. Suddenly I heard a ding catching my attention as I saw the text on my screen popping up. I opened it and it was.“We had to attend an event tonight. It's an art exhibition. The dress and everything you need to get ready will be at your place in an hour. I will pick you up at seven, be ready." That's it, that's all he said.I read it again and again and then put it to the side as I put on some clothes and went downstairs.Coming down I saw Nick and Dari arguing about something.“What's up brothers, why so fighty in the morning huh?” They looked at
Dante“You ready?” I asked her as the driver opened the back door. “Absolutely.” She replied while taking my hand that I offered earlier. We held up the steps to the entrance. The door was opened for us and soft music poured out , and when we stepped inside Mia's eyes widened. Chandeliers hang everywhere with an old style, gold frame arts hanging on every wall.Soon Music, laughter and clinking of glasses reached us. Women walk around in tight dresses and jewels holding onto the arms of men in suits. I looked at my side and I saw Mia being nervous, she might feel out of place. It's common to do so.Even I feel out of place from these fake people kissing each other asses to gain favours. That's why I wear black it make me feel at home. I leaned down towards Mia and murmured.“Fake it love, they all are, all of them are hiding their own dark little secrets. It's all a game, I know that you know how to play it, and so do I. So just chill and relax, none of them is better than you here.
Lily“Hey , what you do-” My sentence got cut off with a gasp as Dante suddenly came closer with a swift moment, and now my back is touching against the wall. “Where were you?” He growled as his pulse beat a furious rhythm, that I can clearly feel and hear.He scanned me from head to toe trying to search for something, but nothing. I looked at him as if he was some alien crash-landed on earth. “I was in the bathroom.” I spoke slowly like I would speak to some child, he looked worried and it's the first time I saw him out of control. It was only when I spoke he looked towards the side noticing the bathroom sign marking the door. “Is everything alright? What happened? Are you ok?” I asked and his jaw tightened and he took a deep breath.“I thought something happened to you.” That's why he is so panicked and out of control, just because he thought something happened to me. “I am all fine ok. Nothing happened, someone spilled champagne on my dress. I was just trying to fix it.” I h