88
Logan’s P. O. V.
I thought that all I felt for this woman was mere lust but there was more to it than just wanting her body. I’d kept her on my side through all the good and bad. And now, we were both walking into something good.
For so long I believed I was passed redemption. But Layla came and showed me that I wasn’t broken beyond repair. She showed me I could be loved too. She showed me she could love me regardless of everything and this wedding arrangements proves it all.
I knew my mother would finally be proud of something about me. I knew Graziella would be happy especially, it was all over the phone when I called.
The car drove us to the house, and I could tell from the way she looked at it that she was impressed by the gigantic mansion I lived in as a kid.
We walked hand in hand until we stepped from the foyer and into the sitting room. Everywhere is quiet and for a fact I wasn’t expecting to see Dylano tonight but there he was, standing beside the fireplace, arms folded, eyes waiting expectatingly just like the rest of the family.
Graziella is seated on the single chair at the right side of the entrance, well dressed in a rusty green plain gown, her hair pulled back into a wavy ponytail. At the front sat my mother on her usual seat, her make up well made and her white dress beautiful as always.
When I’d call to tell my mother about bringing a woman to her, I’d never expected an extended family attendance but there sat Elina, seated right next to my mother. Asides from them, the large room was completely empty.
” Welcome home guys” my mother exclaims as soon as we walked in, standing up with her arms spread apart for Layla. Layla let’s go of my arm and embraced her.
” Good evening Mrs DeAngelo”
Pulling away, my mother spoke ” please, call me Annalise” Layla beams with a smile ” you are absolutely beautiful my dear”
” Thank you.”
Graziella sneaks through the back as my mother went ahead to introduce her to Elina. She slaps my back and whispered into my ear “so it’s black haired now huh? I always knew you had genuine feelings for black haired women”
” I guess this one completely stole my heart ” I replied.
“After this whole thing, you’re gonna tell me again how you two met because I honestly think she’s too beautiful for you” she winks at me and I knew exactly what that meant. She was trying to start up trouble again.
Layla turns back to see us and I quickly gestured towards Graziella ” I want you to meet my favorite person, love. This is Graziella. We grew up together. ”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
Layla beams with a smile as she stopped before her and put out her hand ” hello, it’s finally nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you ”
Graziella gives me a slight frown before throwing her a smile and saying ” Logan on the other hand takes pleasure in not saying a thing about you ” and pulled her for an embrace. I saw the shock in Layla’s eyes but soon her face settles before pulling away.
Dylano walked out of the room before Layla could say hi. If anything I was glad that he left. Layla is quick to notice his back disappearing through the door. Graziella noticing the awkward situation interlocks her arm with Layla’s and exclaimed ” come, everyone’s at the back. I’m sure you’re hungry ”
“, I’m starving” Layla replied courteously with a broad smile as they both turned around.
Looking up the stairs for my my father, I walked behind them like a guard.
A set of stone steps led us to the garden path under arched trellises thick with vines and roses so lush and fragrant that the scent was intoxicating. The shrubs lining the path were green and fresh. A white bench sat conveniently on the side if anyone wanted to relax and enjoy the blooms. At the end of the path was the gazebo, highlighted by soft lighting.
Layla’s eyes twinkled with pleasure at the grand display of blooming flowers.
” This is stunning. I can’t believe you grew up here. And the house… It’s incredible-and huge.” She whispers to me.
I chuckled. “I used to play hide-and-seek with Graziella and my…… brother here. They could never find me. I had all the good hiding places. We can hide from everyone now, if you want. They’ll never see us. Wanna?”
“If only.” She sighed softly. “I always knew you were rich. But I was wrong. You are extremely rich. No, scratch that-you’re wealthy. I was very intimidated when the butler ushered us inside your house. It’s ridiculous to call it a house. It’s a castle.”
“I’ll give you one if that’s what you want.” I enjoyed how much her mood seems to have lifted after we started this walk. I never expected it.
She let out a soft laugh. ” What would I do with a castle? Besides, it’d just give you more floor space to litter with your clothes. I’d be exhausted every day picking them up.”
“I’ll pick them up.”
She rolled her eyes, but I only grinned, bent down to pluck a red flower from the garden, and tucked it behind her ear.
She smiled up at me sweetly. “I don’t want a castle, Logan. I never did. I just want a home. A simple one. With you.”
My heart somersaulted. How could she still do this to me? I didn’t want it to ever stop.
“Then I’ll give you one,” I said, lacing our fingers together again while we strolled towards the yard “I have a couple houses lined up for us to look at. Make time for me this week, love”
” Oh that’s enough, Logan, ” Graziella whom I’d totally forgotten was right behind us cuts through, grabbing my arm again “we all know how romantic you can be. But save it for some other time. Tonight, I just wanna feed Layla our Italian dishes”
I chuckled lightly as we stepped into the back.