He returned her smile before climbing into the car, settling into the plush leather seat. The driver in uniform closed the door behind him before getting behind the wheel, the engine purring to life as they pulled away from the curb. As the car glided through the quiet streets of the city, Antonio gazed out of the window, his thoughts drifting back to the days spent with Angela. Her laughter, her warmth, her presence – everything about her filled him with a sense of contentment and joy. “Young master, is everything alright?" His driver's voice interrupted his reverie, concern evident in his tone. Antonio turned to look at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Everything is more than alright, Roberto. Angela makes everything better, you know." The driver Roberto nodded although he had no understanding of the knowing smile on his face or of Angela whom he speaks of. That's the first time Antonio addressed him as a human, he had cursed at himself for asking him a question earlier but surprisingly Antonio replied nicely. This is nothing like the young master Antonio of Montero he knew for his many years of working for the Montero's. “What do you think of my bride, Roberto?” Antonio asked out of nowhere. His driver swallowed tightly. Is he really asking him a common driver about my thoughts on his bride? “I…I… think she's a kind and caring lady with a high value…definitely good for you, master”. He replied nervously and screamed inside. He is really having a normal conversation with Mr Antonio Montero. Antonio smiled sheepishly, staring at the window side. “You are right Roberto. She's a special one, sir. I am a lucky man." “You are really lucky, master”. Roberto replied, hoping for more interactions, unfortunately that was all Antonio had to tell him. However he can't wait to brag to the other drivers about his first conversation with Mr Antonio Montero.
****
Angela walked back into their living room, the pleasant memory of the time she and Antonio spent together was still fresh in her mind. She smiled at the flashbacks of their love making and his confessions. He wanted a real relationship,a real marriage. She is not supposed to be nervous but she feels so tense. She dropped down on the couch with a sigh and her eyes closed,a smile playing on her lips. Just then, her phone rang, the sound breaking the peaceful silence of the room. Curious, Angela picked up the phone to see an unknown number flashing on the screen. Hesitating for a moment, she decided to answer the call. "Hello?" Angela said, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "Angela? Hello, Angela. My name is Isabella," a soft voice on the other end of the line spoke. Angela furrowed her brow, trying to place the name. "Isabella? I'm sorry, do I know you?" "We haven't met, Angela, but I need to speak with you urgently. Can you meet me at The Grove restaurant on Main Street? It's important," Isabella's voice was urgent, a hint of anxiety evident in her tone. Angela's heart quickened at the unexpected request. "I'm sorry, but who are you, and why do you need to speak with me?" "It's about Antonio”. Angela's heart skipped a beat at the mention of that name. Who could this lady be…what could be the reason she was calling and to talk about Antonio? “ Please, Angela, I can't explain over the phone. Meet me at The Grove in thirty minutes. It's crucial," Isabella's voice pleaded, breaking into her thoughts. Angela's mind continued to race with questions and concern. What could this stranger know about Antonio that was so important? Despite her apprehension, a sense of unease settled in her chest, urging her to find out more. "Alright, Isabella. I'll be there," Angela finally responded, her voice firm as she made a decision. Jace came out of his room dressed for school. “Jace I need you to get the twins ready for school,the school bus will be here anytime from now”. “But I had to go earlier ,we had our football club meeting this morning”. “Can't they have the meeting after school,I have to go somewhere so please take care of the twins”. Angela said and grabbed her phone,rushing into her room. Jace raised his hands in frustration, he turned towards the twin's room with a frown. “Liya! Lia!” Hurriedly, Angela freshened up and made her way to The Grove, the familiar restaurant now cast in an air of mystery and intrigue. As she entered, her eyes scanned the room, searching for the woman named Isabella. A woman with long black hair in a jade dress caught her eye, standing near the bar with a solemn expression. Their eyes met, and Angela felt a shiver of recognition run through her. Could this be Isabella? She is not as young as her voice sounded but still looks great for her age. Approaching the woman tentatively, Angela spoke, "Are you Isabella?" The woman nodded, her eyes holding a glint of excitement and determination. "Yes, Angela. Thank you for coming. Please, let's sit down. I have something important to tell you."