š„š·āļø…. MEANS
TO
LOVE …..āļøš·š„
Authoress FG…
CHAPTER 2 Ā°Ā°Ā°
TEN YEARS LATER
Another argument broke out again in Bruno’s room.
“Maria can you at least tell me what you’ve been up to lately?” Bruno asked seriously.
“What do you want me to say to you? It’s not like you would believe me if I tell you anything so just let me do my thing” Maria Jose said seriously and Fernanda c@mĀ£ into her parent’s room.
“Fernanda go outside, your mum and I are having a serious discussion here and how many times have I told you to always knock on the door before coming in” Bruno scolded and Maria glared at him.
“I’m sorry Daddy” Fernanda said slowly and Maria walked to her.
“Everything’s okay sweetie, you don’t have to be worried and don’t wait for me today. You should go to school with your brothers today” Maria said softly patting her hair.
“Okay mummy, I will go ahead now. Bye daddy” Fernanda said slowly.
“Go ahead sweetie, I’m sorry I raised my voice at you. Don’t worry your mum will pick you up from school today” Bruno as-sured and Maria glared at him.
“What are you saying Bruno? I remember telling you I have other plans today so you would have to go pick the kids up from school” Maria Jose said defiantly.
“Fernanda go ahead, you don’t want to keep the boys waiting” Bruno smiled and she left the room.
“Maria how can you sound so careless in front of your child like that? You should have waited for her to leave before you say that. Why are you ma-king it sound like I’m giving you so much work when you know this is your time of the week to pick Fernanda up from school” Bruno uttered seriously.
“I also want to pick my daughter up from school but I can’t do that today because someone’s life is in danger here” Maria said and Bruno scoffed.
“Maria you nee-d to take a look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself the truth, you’re not a police or investigator. Why do you like being nosy? You’re not in a position to worry for others, we have a family of our own to protect and be there for so plea-se whatever thing you find suspicious, let it go. The police will do their jobs” Bruno advised tiredly and Maria sighed.
“If you had believed me, I wouldn’t have gone this far. I have no idea why you find it ha-rd believing my hunch” Maria said slowly and Bruno laughed.
“Don’t tell me this is still about your suspicions about Luciano?” Bruno asked sarcastically.
“I’ve been trying to convince you for ten good years, I can’t believe all my efforts was in vain”
“It’s not like I don’t want to believe you, I just can’t endanger my life by digging into what will bring me closer to my grave. If Luciano is truly hanging out with bad gangs then he should go ahead as long as it doesn’t affect my family then I have nothing to worry about so get it off your mind and pick Fernanda from school today, I’m off to work” Bruno said calmly as he peeked Maria then left for work.
“How can I get my mind off something like that? It didn’t seem like he was enjoying himself, it was as if he was being f0rƧĀ£d to be with them. He’s your brother for goodness sake so why would you ignore something like that” Maria mumbled and sat on the be-d tiredly.
FLASHBACK*** “Luciano will be getting his freedom tomorrow but you know my rules, no one works for me and ask for freedom” Agustin the boss of the drug dealing business announced.
“So what do you plan on doing boss?” One of his men asked and he smiled wickedly.
“Tomorrow should be the last day Luciano breathes” Agustin uttered seriously and Maria covered her mouth with her palms in shock as she sneaked into their hideout. *** FLASHBACK ENDS.
Bruno got to the office but was a bit late.
Bruno works in a fashion marketing enterprise. He’s the manager in Nova designers.
“Good morning sir” Bruno’s secretary greeted as she c@mĀ£ into his office.
“Did the designs come out beautiful?” Bruno asked with his eyes on his l@ptĀ©p.
“Yes sir and some of our investors are requesting for your wife to model for our latest design” She said politely and Bruno looked at her.
“What do you mean? You know so well that my wife stĀ©pped modelling since we had our last child” Bruno said seriously.
“I know that sir and that’s why they said the job is perfect for her. She has three kids alre-ady but still looks like she’s in her twenties, Mrs Maria got the perfect figure for our products. The focus of our latest design is on mother’s looking younger sir” She explained slowly and Bruno scoffed.
“Do I look like I have no idea what that is? Did you speak to my wife about this?” Bruno asked curiously and his secretary hesitated before answering.
“Yes sir, I’m sorry about that sir but she declined the offer. She said we should speak to you first that she’s too busy to take up any modelling contract” She said professionally and Bruno looked away.
What’s she trying to put up? Why is she ma-king it look like she’s the only one working so ha-rd at home when she was the one who said she’s done being model. Bruno muttered in his mind.
“You can go now. I will get back to you when I’ve discussed it with my wife” Bruno said and she left his office.
Bruno dialed Maria Jose’s number but she wasn’t picking..
“What’s she busy with that she can’t pick up her phone?” Bruno mumbled with his phone on his ears.
“Do you miss me that much alre-ady? It hasn’t been long you left the house” Maria tea-sed as she took the call.
“Of course I miss you but that aside let’s meet during lunch break” Bruno said slowly and Maria smiled.
“You don’t call me out for lunch without having any ulterior motives. What are you trying to convince me into doing?” Maria joked around ma-king Bruno smile.
“You definitely know your hubby, don’t worry when you get here let’s discuss that”
“But I will have to pick Fernanda from school before coming, they don’t have much clas-ses today” Maria informed and Bruno nodded.
“Alright but don’t keep me waiting for too long, bye. I love you Maria Jose” Bruno said pas-sionately.
“I love love love you Bruno” Maria smiled then hung up.
I’m sorry Bruno but I have to do this. Maria g@sped in her mind as she drove off with her car.
1:30pm
Bruno sat at the cafeteria close to his workplace waiting for Maria Jose when he had a glance on the News on TV.
“Oh on…. The driver ran away without a trace. He sh0t her straight at her heart”
“Wait a minute… Isn’t she Maria Jose the figure star” some customers murmured to themselves as they watched the breaking news.
Bruno stood up from where he was sitting as he went closer to the TV, only for Maria Jose’s picture to appear on the TV.
Ā°Ā° Breaking news… So sad how we lost one of our models Dante Maria Jose on a flying bullet. The police are looking into it right now but we hope to find the criminal responsible soon Ā°Ā°
The newscaster on TV announced and Bruno ran out of the cafeteria with h0t tears rolling down his cheeks.
Fernanda c@mĀ£ out of her school gate and found policemen and an ambulance across the road.
“What’s going on? Did someone get into an accident?” Fernanda questioned looking around as parents hurriedly take their kids home.
She spĀ©tted Maria Jose’s car across the road and she smiled.
“Mum’s here alre-ady” She g@sped out smiling as she tried to cross to the other side of the road but she stood still the moment Maria Jose’s bĀ©dy was placed on a stretcher.
“Mum!” Fernanda called out first in a lower tone as she tried to get closer but the policemen blocked her.
Maria Jose’s favorite br@celet fell off from her hand and Fernanda boost into tears as she struggled to surpas-s the policemen.
“Mummy! Mummy! I want to see my mummy. Where are you taking my mummy to” Fernanda cried heavily as they carried Maria Jose into the ambulance.
“Kid you’re not allowed to be here” The policemen blocking her announced.
“Fernanda!” Bruno called out in tears as he rushed down to Fernanda’s school.
“Daddy they’re taking mummy away” Fernanda sobbe-d heavily as Bruno ran to her giving her a ti-ght hvg.
š„š·āļø…. MEANS
TO
LOVE …..āļøš·š„
Authoress FG…
CHAPTER 3 Ā°Ā°Ā°
FERNANDA
That was how it all went down the drain like nothing happened to mummy. It’s twelve years alre-ady and it feels like everyone have completely moved on.
“Fernanda, daddy nee-ds a favor to ask of you” Dad said as he rushed into my room.
“Daddy you’re back from work early, did something happen?” I asked curiously and he placed his hand on my shoulders.
“Dad I don’t like this feeling I’m getting” I protested and he laughed awkwardly as he slowly re-moved his hand.
“Fernanda it’s a great thing that you followed your mum’s footsteps into becoming a model but I don’t think you’re doing it the right way, if you would accept a little bit of change in your role. It will be perfect” Dad said sharply and I stood up from where I was seating.
“What do you mean Dad? I’m pla-ying my role perfectly and that’s why I haven’t heard any complains from my manager because I’m ma-king money for the company so what else do they want?” I asked getting pissed and Dad helped me sit back.
“Fernanda I know your side of fashion is based on tomboy and uniS-x outfits but as a model you nee-d to work both ways”
“Daddy there’s nothing wrong with my s-en-se of fashion and personality as long as I feel comfortable in it” I rebuked and Dad held his head tiredly.
“Fernanda you’re the princess of Dante family so can you act as one because right now you’re no different from your brothers. Everyone behaves alike is it because we’re living un-der same roof” Dad nagged just then Abuela walked in with a baking tray on her hand.
“Bruno stĀ©p nagging my granddaughter. Who cares if she dresses like a boy as long as she looks beautiful in them then no nee-d to worry because my Fernanda looks perfect in whatever she puts on. Try some of these doughnuts” Abuela said smiling as she fed me.
(Abuela means grandma in Spanish)
“They’re so delicious Abuela. Did you just make them?” I smiled chewing the piece on my mouth gently and she ca-ressed my hair.
“Yes my dear. Alejandro and his family are visiting tomorrow so I’m trying new recipes” Abuela said smiling.
“Oh no tomorrow’s going to be super busy and h0t” I mumbled as I wi-de-ned my eyes.
“Mum everyone at home is so busy with work as it stands so can’t we just postpone their visit to some other day. Alejandro and his family always cause a scene whenever they come visiting” Dad complained.
Uncle Alejandro sure does know how to stir up trouble. I g@sped in my head.
“What are you saying? He’s your brother and I don’t see anything wrong with him visiting tomorrow so take a leave from work tomorrow. I will go ahead Fernanda” Abuela said as she rolled her eyes at Dad.
“Abuela I will join you at the kitchen when I’m done with Dad” I muttered out and she smiled.
“Take your time dear but I will be waiting for you at the kitchen” She smiled and went out.
“Daddy I know this isn’t about my dressing code. There’s something else right?” I asked curiously and he looked away.
“Jeromino Guzman finally accepted to sign a contract with our company” Dad said slowly and I sm-irked.
“You mean Jeromino Guzman world wi-de model from the united states?” I asked flabberg@sted.
“Yeah him, he will be modeling for one of our latest designs and Mr Enzo wants the both of you to give it a sh0t so you will have to switch your role. Will you do this for your Daddy?” Dad asked softly and my phone started ringing but I ignored it.
“But daddy I’m not the only model we’ve in the company, I’m the least person they would offer something like that. Our company is a hvge one so why would they want me to do something like that?” I asked curiously staring straight at Dad but my phone kept on ringing.
“Go ahead Fernanda, it might be urgent” Dad said and I picked the call.
“Hello dude, you nee-d to rush down here immediately. Someone’s messing with your posters in our territory” Leo said sharply then hung up.
Leo is one of my besties from highschool, although he was my sĀ£nior same clas-s with Fernand but we were still friends. He runs their family’s business.
“Dad I have to go now. We will continue this conversation when I get back” I cut in sharply as I picked up my face cap from my lamp table then wore it swiftly.
“Fernanda is everything okay?” Dad asked curiously and I win-ked at him.
“Leo nee-ds my help with something, it’s no biggie anyways” I said putting on my shoes.
“If it’s not Leo, it’s Jasper. I have no idea what you see in those guys. You have no idea how happy I will be if you introduce any female friends of yours to me” Dad whined and I scoffed.
“Not to worry yourself out, I don’t mingle with girls. Bye Dad” I said then ran out of my room.
“Fernanda where are you heading off to? You said you would as-sist me in the kitchen” Abuela reminded and I gave her a flying k!ss.
“She’s always off to somewhere in a hurry. You should get used to it Abuela” Damian my first cousin said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes at him then head out.
I drove down to Leo’s restaurant and I saw him having a glas-s of jui-ce.
“What the hell! Didn’t he say…” I uttered frustratedly then pushed the glas-s entrance door ha-rd with a mean look as I head to where he was sitting.
“What was that call for?” I shouted as I punched him ha-rd on his muscles.
“I’m sorry okay, I had no choice but to do so. You know so well that I’m a hvge fan of Jeromino” He winced ru-bbing his arm.
“What’s that supposed to mean? What brou-ght Jeromino into this” I said sarcastically and he smiled.
“Jeromino c@mĀ£ to my restaurant today, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him. I was putting on your latest posters on the counter wall when he walked to me, he will be here in no time. He went out to take a call” Leo smiled.
“So?” I blurted.
“What do you mean so? Of course Jeromino asked me if I was close to you and I said yes. He requested he meets you in person and I had no choice buddy” He explained and I rolled my eyes.
“Leo do I look like I’m in the mood for any jokes? Jeromino is Jeromino, do we look like we have any connection. Don’t call me out on such requests again, I’m heading back home” I protested then turned around to leave but Jeromino was at the door alre-ady.
He’s good looking, perfect height, Lovely eyes. He sure nee-ds to be on our company’s magazine as well. I g@sped in my head sizing him up with my eyes then he walked to me.
“Will you just keep on staring?” He asked and he voice echoed in my ears like that of an Angel.
Holy moly, where did he fall out from…
“Fernanda don’t be rude. Say hello” Leo whispered from behind and I got myself together.
“Hello my name’s Fernanda Dante” I said giving out my hand for an handshake but he didn’t receive my handshake. That was quite embarras-sing.
“Do you think I wouldn’t know what your name is?” He shrugged and I scoffed.
“First impression matters but why are you not giving those vibes. I didn’t come all the way here to meet you okay so if that’s all you want to say to me, I will take my leave now” I said seriously and Leo sneaked out.
“Just like I expected you’re one stubborn girl” He said looking away then I scoffed about to walk out but he blocked me with his hands.
“What do you think you’re doing right now?” I g@sped out seriously and he smiled.
As if that will work on me…
“I want you to go on a d@tĀ£ with me” He requested and I couldn’t help it but boost into laughter.
“What did you just say?” I mocked and he c@mĀ£ closer to me.
“Go on a d@tĀ£ with me” He repeated and I continued laughing.
“On what grounds? Not to make things any ha-rder. I’m sorry but you’re not my type and I bluntly reject your request” I said with a smile and in a blink of an eye he gave me a ti-ght k!sson thel-ips.
My eyes went wi-de open cause I didn’t see that coming…
TBC….