Chapter26

"Do you want my honest opinion?",he asked. "Gosh Yes!". "I feel that he's going to be on board with us. I mean, your father is not a heartless man, I see some sense of understanding in him. The real problem we'd be facing is Edmundo and his parents and of course, your mother". "You just said all the words raging through my mind. Can you believe that's what I've been thinking all these days. No doubt, my mother wouldn't support my involvement with you but u really don't care what she thinks". "Darling, you should. She's still your mother no matter what happens", Rodrigo said, gently. Rita sat up, biting her fingernail, an habit she never failed to stop since she was little. She knew he was right but she wasn't going to agree with him at least for now. "Theresa knows about us", she said quietly. Rodrigo remained quiet for a while and Rita cursed herself for telling him. She hated not knowing the expression on his face. "Oh, I see now why she was smiling at me when I saw her in your house this morning", he chuckled. This was news to Rita but she smiled, relieved that he didn't take offence which made her think about what could really make him angry. "Wait, you were in my house?",she asked. "Well, yes. Your mother had me drive her to a little get together of all her friends downtown but then I met Theresa who came to visit your father", he said. Rita found this odd but she decided to let it slide. She would ask Theresa when she sees her but for now, she just wanted to talk to the love of her life. "Okay, I guess she just came to drop something off with him. Her husband holds some shares in our company", she said. "Okay. So where is your fiance", he chuckled. "Oh please don't call him that, makes me feel entitled to him. He's asleep and that's the only way i could call you if not, I wouldn't even be here talking to you", she said. "Does he ever gives you a break? I really do not like that man, he's too clingy", Rodrigo muttered. "Me too but don't worry, we'll be together soon", she smiled. "I know. That's why I love you, for sticking with me even when I can't offer you diamonds or cars or gold. Thank you for staying with me", he said, smiling into the phone. "Rodrigo, I'm not with you because of all that. I have those in abundance". "Sometimes, I wonder what you see in me when I can't clearly offer you anything". "You know what I see in you? I see a strong, brave and honest man. A man who loves unconditionally and wouldn't want to see those he loves in pain. Take for instance what you do for your mother and how you saved my life the other day. It only takes the heart of a honest man to do that", Rita said. "Sugar girl, do you want to make me cry", Rodrigo chuckled. "Well I think so. Come to think of it, I didn't count you as one who crys", shw laughed. "Well, I did once. Twice in fact, when my sister died then my mother informed me that my father died a long time ago and when my mother was diagnosed with the recurring ailment. Shoot, make that thrice". "Oh Rodrigo, I'm so sorry", she sighed. "You don't have to apologize my sweet. It wasn't your fault, everything only made me stronger and I'm glad I met you, the source of my strength". "You're a really sweet man", she blushed. "You want to know how sweet I am? When I put my mouth on those lovely lips of yours and in places you never imagine". "Oh gosh! You're just so naughty", she laughed, holding her side. "Only for you sugar, only for you". "I've got to go now, but I promise I'll call you tomorrow after the damn wedding". "Don't worry, I'll call you even before you think about it. I love you sugar girl". "I love you too Rodrigo, more than you can ever imagine", she said before cutting the call. She placed her phone on the table but not before deleting his number from her call log. She couldn't trust Edmundo not to search her phone when she wasn't there. Later on, she prepared for bed, smiling as she recalled the conversation she had with Rodrigo. She drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face. Unbeknownst to her, Edmundo had finally gotten the answers he was looking for concerning her involvement with her chaffeur. "Do I really have to wear this?", Rita sighed, staring at herself in the mirror. "Yes, you have to. You're my fiancee, soon to be my wife and dressing shabbily wouldn't speak well of me", Edmundo said, fingering the necklace on her chest. Rita had never worn a gown as revealing as this. The gown was really short with an open back that clung to her hips, bringing out all her shape. She felt uncomfortable on it but she persevered only because she didn't want Edmundo to suspect her. If reverse was the case, she would happily wear this gown for Rodrigo knowing that he would appreciate it more. "Now, hurry up or we'll be late", he said. Rita stared at him through the mirror,. He adorned a navy blue suit over a white bow that made him look handsome. Rita wasn't fooled by his appearance. Deep within him, he was a gutter fighter, a ruthless man who never stopped until he got what he wanted. As they walked out of the penthouse towards a limousine no doubt belonging to him, Rita couldn't imagine that as perfect as they looked, there was no love between them. As they drove in, Edmundo stared at her unbeknownst to her. He couldn't help but admire her beauty but he didn't know why he couldn't love her. True, she was the daughter of one of Spain's most richest men, but he had dated so many heiresses in the past. Now, with the news he got only yesterday, he wanted to teach her a lesson. He held himself from asking her all about him, that would only make him suspicious which would foil all his plans.