Destined to be with you

CHAPTER 31

The weekend arrived much sooner than I had anticipated. Even I didn't want to admit it I was a nervous wreck throughout the week. Since the news about Massimo and I slipped out, the tension around the office and the curious and seldom haughty glanced I got from the employees followed me like a damn plague.

I was pretty sure that in this charity event, Massimo and I would be the feast of the starved pressed.

"How do I look?" I asked Massimo who looked strikingly magnificent in his dark suit.

Massimo turned and put his hands on my hips. He stared at me through the reflection of the full-length mirror.  "You look beautiful." He complimented. Stupid blushed colored my cheeks and as always Massimo noticed it and gave me his notorious cocky smile.

I was wearing a bloody red dress, but it was more modest than the last one that I had brought. It was a beaded red mermaid dress with lace long sleeves. Massimo ensured that no skin should be visible, except for my hands, neck, and face. Nonetheless, the dress was pretty and hugged my curved perfectly.

A smile curled my lips upon remembering how we argued on who was going to pay for it. I didn't want Massimo to spend more money on me than he already had and I wanted to buy it myself but he was not having any of it. In the end, Massimo won as he threatened the poor store's cashier that he would tell the owner of the boutique to fire her if she wouldn't use his card for the payment, and she wasted no time swiping his card.

"Come on," Massimo said before he took my hand and led me out of the room. We saw Maria waiting right outside the threshold. Upon noticing us she gave us a warm and sweet smile.

"We're heading out now," Massimo greeted before embracing her. She patted his back still with her smile before nodding her head.

"You look beautiful, Piccola." She expressed adorably before encasing me in her fragile arms and pecking my cheeks. "Just enjoy the night, sí." She said Massimo and I both nodded.

But I guessed she rather had bid me Good luck, considering my twisted mess nerves.

⚜⚜⚜

When we arrived at the Moretti grand hotel, I was mesmerized by its beauty. It was a lofty building with a red carpet flowing down the stairs. Cameramen were standing, snapping pictures of I assumed where influential people filtering out of the cars and entering the hotel.

To say that I was nervous would be an understatement I was scared shitless. My legs turned to jelly and I was sweltering cold. Lorenzo opened our car door and my anxiety doubled. Massimo took hold of my hand, giving me comfort and strength.

"If you don't want to do this, we can always go back." He murmured.

I looked at him abruptly. "No, it's okay— I'm okay. I can do this." I said,  he looked at me for a moment assessing me, and I assured him with a smile. He nodded and we both slipped out.

As my feet touched the ground flashes of cameras bombarded us. Massimo guided me towards the entrance door and his hand never left mine. The moment we were inside the premises of the grand hall, I sighed heavily and relief rained on me. But it was cut short as I noticed the scrutinizing gazed from other guests.

"Massimo, Piccola you two finally arrive!" Luca greeted exuberantly,  some other guests glanced at us. Like Massimo Luca was impeccably dressed in a black suit. Ella in his arms was stunning in her dress. It was a sea-green mermaid dress almost the same color of her eyes,  with a sweetheart neckline. She gave us a partly apologetic smile.

Upon reaching us, the two men embraced each other in a brotherly hugged. While Ella and I hugged and kissed each other's cheek.

"Are you okay?" Ella whispered softly.