I settled into bed quite quickly after my return.
I was surprised to see him turn his car around as the vehicle I was in was right behind him but apparently I did not need to accompany him to wherever he was heading because the driver taking me sped ahead.
I had just spoken to my brother, telling him to come visit because I had not seen him in a while. He seemed reluctant but after some insistence, he said he'd come around soon. Soon was not a specific date but at least I knew he had agreed to come around. If only he realized how much I missed him.
I shut my eyes and plugged in my airpods, listening to some slow music from one of my favorite artistes, Adele. Her songs wrapped around me like a warm blanket and somehow they helped me clear up my muddled thoughts.
I was so caught up in this world of mine, I didn't hear Jace come in.
I felt a tug at the blanket wrapped around me and then I opened my eyes to meet his.
He had one hand behind his back and he gestured for me to take out my airpods with his free hand.
I sat up and did that, wondering why he was back so soon and already bothering me.
"I wasn't expecting you to be here so early." I said. It wasn't even up to two hours since I got home.
"I have something for you." He said.
I sighed, assuming it was yet another flamboyant designer gift.
To say I was shocked was an understatement when he handed me a bouquet of roses.
"For me?" I had to confirm.
"Who else would it be for?" He said with a light chuckle.
I picked up the card and read it. Was I dreaming or did I just read that he was sorry?
I looked around for the camera. Maybe I was being catfished. In fact it was probably another one of the things he was doing for the public and all I had to do was post a picture to prove he was the doting husband and incapable of being a criminal drug lord.
"Um, thank you." I managed to say, still figuring out how to process the gesture.
"You're welcome. I should not have been so aggressive over such a minor issue." He said.
"You typically blow things out of proportion so I'm not surprised." I blurted out before I could stop myself.
"Not helping Mira."
"Sorry." I whispered.
I took a closer look at him. I had never seen him look so uncomfortable. This was the closest thing to an apology he could possibly give.
"I have to head out now so I'll see you when I return." He said and walked away without waiting on a response from me.
Typical.
~
I was taking a walk to the kitchen when I heard the sound of a familiar voice. I almost thought I was imagining it until I went into the kitchen and saw Donna Carmela in there talking to the chef.
"Donna, I had no idea you were back." I said.
"Hello, Mira." She said, giving me a small smile.
To my surprise, she opened her arm for an embrace. I went into them, trying my best to mask my surprise.
When we pulled apart she took a good look at me.
"You look well. You're glowing in fact."
I pushed strands of hair behind my ear as I looked away shyly.
"I should be saying that to you instead. It seems like you had a wonderful vacation." I said, trying to return the compliment.
"Oh yes I did. I almost didn't want to come back but my son would lose his mind without me being here when he's out of town."
I paused.
"He's out of town?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh yes. He's going on an international trip. He didn't tell you?"
I shook my head. "No. He only said he was heading out."
She sighed, sounding exhausted. "Oh Jace. That boy never listens."
"Do you have any idea when he would be back?"
She shrugged. "You should know your husband by now. He's so unpredictable. But I hope he comes back soon so you wouldn't be so lonely."
I forced a smile. "Yeah, true."
There was something about her tone that made it sound like I was being mocked but I could not outrightly point it out.
"Let's sit outside and talk, shall we?"
I swallowed. "Um,"
"I don't bite Mira. Join me." She stated and walked off.
I felt my heart pounding as I followed her to sit by the poolside.
I took my seat opposite her as a maid served us some cocktails to sip.
I watched her take a sip.
I had no idea where this conversation would go and the fact that Jace wasn't even here to shield me from any form of drama made it worse.
"I know you think I don't like you," she started off.
"I never-"
She tsked, wagging her manicured index finger. "Let me finish, Mira."
I clamped my mouth shut, waiting for her to speak.
"I still do not know exactly why my son married you. He doesn't want to tell me why. He doesn't even listen to me when it has anything to do with you." She continued, looking puzzled as she spoke.
I listened with rapt attention, not letting my mind wander as she spoke.
Her eyes stared into mine as she said, "I made him buy you those flowers today so he would think I'm finally approving of this union. But the truth remains, that I don't."
Her not approving of our marriage wasn't a shocker. Even I did not approve of it. But the flowers, that hit hard a little.
"I have nothing against you as a person Mirabel. But you do not fit in here. You do not possess the qualities a Don's wife is supposed to have and he keeps shielding you from the reality of this world which is absolutely wrong on his part. But he never listens."
I sat there wondering what exactly she was heading to.
"I have an offer for you," she continued.
I nodded, ready to hear it.
"Give him an heir."
Wait, what?
~To be continued~