Chapter 3 III

When it comes to Mr Ricci, one can never say no. Which is why, I am now standing right in the middle of the Ricci's living room, in my most expensive suit waiting for Alessandra to come downstairs so I can take her out on a date for the first time.

It's been two days since Mr Ricci dumped the news about me marrying his granddaughter on me, and two days since I've agreed to marry Alessandra Ricci and become her grandfather's heir.

I don't know how I feel about the whole thing yet, but I know for sure that I am ready to do everything for the man who made me who I am today. 

Anna saw me standing there in the living room and she came towards me with a soft, sad smile. "Hey Rowan."

I returned her smile, although I had no idea why she was looking at me with pity in her eyes. "Hey Anna. Is there a problem?"

She scratched her neck awkwardly. "Well I heard what Mr Ricci told you that day you came back." Her eyes went back to being sad, "are you okay?"

I shrugged. "Of course I'm fine. What makes you think I wouldn't be?"

She grew flustered. "Well, I just thought..."

"Rowan?" That soft velvet voice cut our conversation short. My eyes rose towards the stairs where I heard the voice come from, and when I saw Alessandra Ricci, my heart did a flip.

It's been quite a long time since I last saw her. We were probably seventeen then, but right now, the woman before me isn't seventeen anymore. She has blossomed into a very beautiful woman that would probably steal breaths away when she walks by.

She was wearing a stylish red dress. The front came high above her knee, but the back had a tail that flowed gracefully with every movement she made. Her brown hair was pulled up in a stylish bun adored with beads, and more golden jewelries adored her ears and neck. Her green eyes were bright like emerald jewels, and I immediately came to the conclusion that Alessandra Ricci is incredibly beautiful.

I gulped down nervously as she strolled down the steps in her heels. A large smile was on her face, and she looked so elegant like a goddess.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone so beautiful.

At the last step, I left Anna's side and moved towards the steps offering my hand to Alessandra like the perfect gentleman.

She giggled as she took my hand and I helped her down the last step. "Thank you Rowan. You haven't changed a bit. You're still as gentlemanly as ever."

I couldn't help blushing at her words. "Well you have changed quite a lot. You look more beautiful than ever."

The stain of red that stained her face made me smile. She is a charming young lady.

"W...well, I guess youre right." She rubbed her neck nervously, "I did take extra care to look good for you."

I smiled politely, "and you look absolutely perfect Alessandra." Her blush deepened and I smiled. I like it when she blushes. I held out my arm, "shall we?"

She gulped and link her arm with mine slowly. "Yes please"

As we walked out, Alessandra waved goodbye to Anna. I have completely forgotten that we were in the middle of a conversation before Alessandra interrupted, and when I looked at Anna's face as I left, I couldn't help but think her smile looks forced.

But I thought nothing of it.

---

Dinner was sort of awkward, but it was nothing too bad. Being in Alessandra's prescense is actually refreshing. Once in a while, a man got to have dinner with a gorgeous woman.

We have been seated her for minutes, but we haven't said a word to each other. I had no idea where to start talking from. Mr Ricci asked us to go out regularly and get to know each other, but I have no idea what questions to ask first.

Thankfully, Alessandra spoke first. "So, can you uh...tell me about yourself. We sort of grew up together, but we never really got to know each other."

I sighed in relief. That's a really good question to start with. "Well there's not much to know about me. I'm an orphan who was blessed to be adopted by your grandfather. Thanks to him, I have a life. I'm the CEO of Ricci's enterprise and I'm living a comfortable life."

She nodded, "what about your likes and dislikes?"

I thought about it. I have no idea what she's asking exactly, but I'll try my best to answer. "I like the snow and I like to read."

"Favorite food?"

I gulped. Why these questions? 

Oh, I guess she's just trying to know me. "Pasta, I think."

She giggled. "You think? Which means you're not sure."

I blushed in embarrassment. "Well I like a lot of foods, so I guess I'm not sure."

She smiled softly and took a spoon full of her food. She chewed elegantly and gulped it down with wine, then she asked again. "Tell me, what's your exact type?"

I raised and brow confused at the question. "My type?"

"Yeah. Your type of women." She explained.

I shifted in discomfort. No one has ever asked me that before. I've never thought about what my type of women would be since I've never dated anyone and I've never really thought about dating, but I have to give Alessandra a satisfying answer.

"Um, I guess I'm attracted to beautiful women." I answered keeping my gaze long on her so she'll get the message. She did. A blush stained her cheek and she slipped her wine again.

"One more question," she said and I noticed how her tone turned serious which made me nervous. Although I had no idea why I'm suddenly nervous. "Do you really want to marry me, or are you doing it because my grandpa wants you to?"

I never expected she'll ask, but now that she did. I need to answer as honest as possible. "I respect your grandfather Alessandra, and maybe I was reluctant at first, but seeing how nice and charming you are, I won't mind getting married to you."

Her blush deepened. I realized she blushed a lot. She must love compliments. "So, you're not seeing anyone before now?"

"No I'm not." I frowned. "Are you?"

She shook her head quickly, "I'm not! I guess I'm just surprised. I've known you for years and you're amazing. You're nice, handsome, a perfect gentleman and you're hardworking. I thought you'd already be taken." 

I was taken aback by the way she painted me so good in her head. I had no idea she ever even took notice of me all these years.

"Well I've never really had an interest in anyone."

Her eyes widened. "You never liked anyone? Not even a crush?"

I thought about it a bit and shrugged. "I don't think so. I've always been a workaholic so I barely had time for stuff like that."

"Oh, I see." I watched her smile to herself wondering what she was smiling at. "That's great then. I'm happy to be your first."

I smiled back and decided to ask. "What about you. Am I your first?"

She blushed so red that I feared it was from something else. "I... I... I have had boyfriends before, but I... I know I've had a crush on you for the longest time." She pulled her hair behind her ears shyly. "I never knew how to tell you. In fact, when my father told me that he wants me to get married to someone, I was against it, but when he mentioned you, I was more eager than ever. Because you're that one crush that never faded away Rowan."

I felt uncomfortable after she poured out her feelings for me, but I did well to mask it perfectly.

I reached across the table and grabbed her hand in mine. "I'm glad you're not forcing yourself to be with me Alessandra."

She looked down at our hands still blushing and I could see the happiness in her eyes. "I'm glad you're not forcing yourself too." She thought for a while and then asked hopefully, "you're not forcing yourself right?"

I shook my head with a smile. "No I'm not." 

Even as I said it, I knew I was lying.