A/N: AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER AND THE NEXT UPDATE!
PLEASE READ.
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A Touch of Reality
~
August 28th, 2019
Manhattan, 2019
Thirty-fifth Week Pregnant
Vera's P.O.V.
8:02 pm.
I threw the last throw pillow onto my king-sized bed in my fully furnished apartment. I embraced the sentiment of accomplishment as I was officially finished decorating my home. I glanced at the crib next to my bed, imagining my beautiful, healthy baby boy to be sleeping there within a month now.
I had to come up with names since I couldn't keep calling him 'he' anymore.
My baby boy will be due in a few weeks. I couldn't believe nine months have breezed by however it felt like it had taken forever. It appeared as if yesterday I found out I was pregnant.
I was grateful as I gazed in the mirror, observing the faded bruise that was left on my neck by Ezio's lips. Leone and I have barely seen each other for the past few weeks since his work began to consume his time. Though, when we did see each other, I would cover the hickey with concealer, hoping he wouldn't take a second glimpse.
My mind was constantly worrying if I should end our relationship one and for all. I couldn't bear the guilt consuming me as the thought of Leone wanders my mind.
Ezio was right. It was wrong, yet it felt so right.
I didn't want to admit it, but here I am two weeks later after the kiss, yearning for his lips again.
Even if I ended things with Leone, I shouldn't chase Ezio. The man gave me mixed signals for the past few months, and I don't want to be dealing with any more heartache.
I couldn't anymore. I learned the hard way.
I grunted as my back met the plush mattress of my mattress. It's been hell as the due date is reached closer. I manage to rest on my back, but not on my sides anymore. My body pillow provides me with the satisfaction of another. I preferred that body pillow than having an actual person lying next to me.
I heard a knock on my front door. I checked the time, expecting Leone today. My hickey was gone by now, but the tingling feelings that Ezio left was still evident.
Opening the door, my eyes met Leone. He gave a soft smile, making me feel regretful. He pecked my forehead as I let him in.
"Last time I was here, it was completely empty." He remarked. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you."
I shook my head, brushing it off. "Don't worry about it. Lilly helped me."
He didn't give an answer, instead, he sat in the living room, testing out my plush sofas.
I don't think neither of us enjoyed the silence that mingled in the air, but it was better than talking about something meaningless. It appeared as if he had something on his mind, but I didn't want to pry.
"I don't have anything to eat, so I'll have to order if you want anything." I broke the silence, realizing there was nothing for us to eat after I opened my refrigerator. "I could've brought take out." He added, turning his head back to look at me.
I didn't respond, not sure how to reply. I grabbed my phone, checking the news. Leone refrained from watching celebrity news around me, fully aware that there was some things online relating to my family to stress me out. Although I did keep tabs if there was any news surfacing regarding Xavier, same as usual, there was nothing.
I wake up wishing to hear anything concerning him, yet, I'm constantly let down at the end of the day.
I wasn't sure if I should be relieved or not. I wouldn't want him to be on the front page of the papers if that meant his family had hurt him. I wished his aunt hadn't touched him in any way.
I scrolled through my phone, my eyes caught on Ezio's rugged, yet sexy appearance yesterday. He hadn't been seen by the cameras for a few weeks, if you didn't include the picture he took that night. My finger hovered over the icon, contemplating if I should read the article.
"Ezio's breakup resulted in a sexy comeback!" Was the article's title. He wore a skin-tight black button-up as he held his suit jacket in his arm. He seemed to be doing better than the last time I'd seen him. It appeared the breakup didn't affect him at all at this point.
I skimmed over the article. Summarizing, they're complimenting his sexy appearance and I couldn't disagree. I squeezed my thighs together as more pictures emerged of him.
I bit my lip in anticipation.
"What are you doing?" Leone asks, startling me. I look up, noticing he was nearing the kitchen. I exit the app, locking my phone as I shrugged. "Not much."
He stared at me in doubt. "I wasn't looking at the news if that's what you were wondering. I was just checking for emails." I lied through my teeth, hoping Leone would buy it.
He nodded, pulling out a barstool to sit at the island counter. I placed my palm under my chin, resting my head.
"I have to talk to you about something," Leone spoke, grabbing my attention. I nodded, expecting him to go on.
I grabbed a banana from the bowl filled with fruits in the center of the island. I felt a little hungry, but not enough to order anything. He cupped his jaw tightly as if he was in distress.
"You know I've been busy for a few weeks with work," He began, trailing off as I bobbed my head. "My team offered me an amazing contract—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Vera." He dragged my nam, his voice laced with guilt.
"Oh." Was all I could manage to muster up. I didn't feel any emotion which should've happened, but I felt nothing. I was feeling blank, not knowing how I felt and what to say.
"What's the contract?" I asked, not entirely eager to know the answer.
He sighed, crossing his arms. "They said it'll require me to drop everything for a year and go on a world tour for the team." He explained, appearing miserable.
I bit my lip, nodding my head in a reasonable manner. "So what does this mean for us?" I whispered, not wishing to, but having to.
He remained silent. Both of us were aware of the answer, but I was sure we had a different opinion on it. He seemed to be upset while I couldn't muster up s hint of remorsefulness.
"Maybe it was meant to be." He whispered, avoiding my eyes. I didn't respond, but I began to zone out into my thoughts. I wasn't sure what I was thinking about, but there were many thoughts fleeing through my mind.
"Maybe." I agreed quietly. "When do you leave?"
"This Sunday, if I were to accept." He answered back somberly. I crossed my arms. "That fast?" Now, I began to feel a tinge of sorrow.
I was mindful of the fact that I wasn't treating Leone right for about a month now, and I blame that on me entirely. He didn't deserve my withdrawal away frm him. He didn't deserve someone who cheated on him the second she had the chance.
"If you think I shouldn't go, then I'll stay. I promised to be here for you and your baby. I think I love you, Vera." He broke the silence, causing my heart to pound as those three words left his lips.
My eyes flicked up to his. "It's okay if you don't feel the same way. I saw the way you've been acting for the last month. You're going through a lot." He added, aiming to make me feel better, but it did no such thing.
"I'm sorry." I whimper as tears cloud my eyes. "You don't deserve me. You deserve better. Trust me." I hoarsely answered. I didn't want to elaborate on why I meant what I said, and he seemed to catch onto that. That didn't mean he agreed.
He stood up, cupping my cheek. "I'll stay, just say the words." He whispered, wiping my tear that managed to escape.
"I'm wanting what you want, Leo. If this is an opportunity you don't want to risk losing, then take it. I'll be here, but that opportunity won't be if you don't." I managed to mumble. I wanted to be completely honest with him, but he didn't deserve that. I didn't deserve him.
Damaged people will always find damaged ones. I've always been damaged.
"I can't just leave you. I want to try long-distance, but we're already so rough, baby."
I closed my eyes, a few more tears escaping my lids. "Do you think you love me, or do you love me, Leo?" I asked quietly, my glossy eyes meeting his. He didn't say anything. His eyes averted other than my own, his silence was an answer for me too.
"Take it," I reply, referring to his opportunity. He remained silent, but a lone tear escaped his eye as he lied a kiss on my forehead.
We held each other in our embrace for a moment. Enjoying being in each other's arms, we felt at ease.
A phone chimed, bringing us back into reality. My eyes darted at my screen, acknowledging my father's call. I furrowed my eyebrows, grabbing for my phone.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Vera? I have my driver on my way to you—" My father's voice began, but I interrupted. "—What? Why? I can just drive to yours—"
"—It's Xavier. He was at our doorstep covered in bruises and almost lost consciousness. He's alright, but please, stay calm..." My father's voice began to trail quietly. I stood there, feeling my body freeze as my phone slipped from my grasp, cracking against the wooden floors.
"Vera? Vera, are you okay?" Leone exclaimed. My eyes remained dilated as he bent down to pick up my phone, placing it to his ears.
"Xavier." Was all I could whisper, not sure if I was about to burst into a panic attack or in tears.
"We're on our way. I'll get her taken care of." Leone spoke into the phone. I could hear my father's muffled voice, not able to figure out what he was saying.
Leone kissed my forehead, grabbing me the medicine that I had to take it my blood pressure would increase abruptly.
Once he made sure I took my medicine, he flew into my bedroom, hearing a few clusters before he emerged once again. He grabbed a small coverup for me to wear, the weather likely to be chilly.
He laid another kiss on my forehead, bringing me a tinge of comfort. "Let's go,"
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hey guys! i know i said i was back, but i took a few days to work on something else instead of editing this chapter.
and guys, you will be wanting to read the next update carefully because it's so incredibly important!!!
i hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. hoping to see if our xavier is alright ): plus, how do you guys feel about Leone possibly leaving?
also, even though the movement is not trending as it was when i posted my last chapter, but i will still be spreading awareness. black lives matter so please, sign petitions to get justice for people of color dying from police brutality and inequality. and sign more petitions to get justice!
hope you guys are safe and healthy!
Don't forget to Vote, Comment, and Share!
- alli