Chapter 43 Goodbye, Alessandro.
VICTORIA'S POV
Sometimes life leads you to the exact place to end things from where they started. It comes without a hint and goes as if it never took place.
This is the whirlwind of life, very unexpected and unpredictable.
As I shifted my position towards my right, a stunning sight met my eyes-Alessandro, the person I love the most. However, my affection seemed not reciprocated, as he was fast asleep, looking serene and undisturbed.
No doubt, this man is gorgeous, and women are behind him. Sometimes they never even cared if he was married or not and flirted in front of me as if I never existed.
But, I never saw him providing attention to any other woman, including me in the list. He only cared about Camilla. Maybe, his love lies there. Although I can't blame him, Camilla is beautiful, and of course, he has that weak point of being saved by her. I have heard this story so many times that I have lost count. It's possible that I've heard it a million times, but I'm not sure.
I focused on the man again. His flawless features are breathtaking. He appeared serene while sleeping and had a slight radiance.
Glancing at his arm that encircled my waist, it was apparent that to an outside observer, we could easily be misconstrued as a romantic duo, even though we are not.
We were never one. It was always like this. Occasionally, he would come to me when he needed a release, and sex happened. From my side, it was always love, but from his side, it was always his needs. Every time after sex, when he fell asleep; I used to watch him like this. This was the only way I could see him so close to me. I raised my hand and caressed his cheeks, careful not to wake him up. And finally, I withdrew my hand from him and cautiously removed his grip. He moved a little, and I stopped. When he had settled again, I slowly stepped out of bed and wore the nightwear always set in resort rooms for guests.
My clothes were torn, and they were not in wearable condition, so I had to work with nightwear.
With the intercom, I called reception, asking them to open the door for me and bring my assistant along.
When they opened the door from outside, I silently walked out before looking at him for one last time. This is the last time I am watching him because next time, even if I wanted to, we wouldn't see each other, and I have decided what to do before this intimate moment happened between us.
When I decided to announce my real identity, I also took one unknown decision. I will reveal it today after the party.
"Goodbye, Alessandro."
Sigh...
I closed the door behind me.
"What are you doing here? Everyone is searching for you," Daniel exclaimed the moment he saw me.
I hushed him and turned to face Sage, my bodyguard."Keep your eyes on this room. If anyone wants to get inside, stop that person immediately, and when the man inside walks out on his own, then you can leave."
He seemed slightly confused at the sudden order but didn't say anything. He only nodded and stood at a side quietly.
I really hoped that Daniel could behave in a similar manner, but he persisted in asking me questions until I had to give him a stern look, after which he finally stopped talking excessively.
As I entered my real room, I saw my whole family waiting for me. They all seemed so tense, and mama was pacing around, urging papa and Antonio to call me repeatedly.
When her eyes fell on me, she rushed toward me, checking me all over with worried eyes.
"Where have you been? We were really concerned about you.”
Thank God the nightwear is reserved, and all the marks my ex-husband left on me are not visible. Alessandro would be dead right now.
While holding her hands, I smiled. I was feeling exhausted and thinking about resting, but unfortunately, I dozed off. I apologize for that.
I lied, of course.
Mama let go a sigh of relief as papa nodded, "I'm sure you are feeling alright now, princess?"
"Yes, papa. Very much" I smiled, and Antonio nodded.
"Get ready, then. We will be attending the host till you arrive."
Everyone walked out of the room. Though mama wanted to stay, I refused immediately. I can't let her see my state!
When they were all out, I removed the nightwear and took a shower. After freshening up, when I sat for makeup, I could see a meaningful stare from my makeup and hair stylists" So, this is why you're late," Maria, my makeup artist, murmured, and I merely smiled, shushing her.
"Don't disclose this to mama; she will be mad."
"Oh, of course. This is the age to be rebellious" She is a cool lady and didn't ask much before starting my makeup.
I kept the eyes simple as I wanted dark red lipstick with my royal blue dress.
Finally, I got ready with my short highlighted hair set in a retro wavy style.
****
I stood in the stairs' dark area, watching Antonio take a mike for the announcement. I won't deny my nervous excitement that is making my hands cold. It's just not only knowing as Victoria Edwards, but it also includes lots of responsibilities. "Ladies and Gentlemen," I heard Antonio saying, "today we have invited you here to celebrate with us for my sister, who is finally ready to take her position in E Shine and do her public appearance for the first time. I couldn't be more thankful to everyone who decided to be beside her on her new journey. So, without wasting time, let's call her. The CEO of E Shine and my sister, Victoria Edwards."
He said as I made my appearance, walking down the stairs. Now, all the attention is on me. Some gasped, and some were shocked, while some stared at me with admiration.
No matter what their expressions were, all the attention was on me. Although I have never liked being the center of attention, I am embracing it tonight. I now love the idea of inheriting what is mine.
As I came down, my family hugged me one after the other, and then Antonio and my parents introduced me to their friends, colleagues, and others.
All the while, I could feel two pairs of gazes following me around. I know who they are. Camilla and Lisa. I had seen them the moment I walked down.
The most amazing thing was to look at their traumatized faces as if they had seen a ghost.
I ignored them and didn't even bother to look at them. But that doesn't mean I would let her go that easily. I didn't forget the drug part. I don't know why, but I am certain she is the one who did this. Though I don't know why she would send me with Alessandro when she wanted him so bad, is it because she wanted to accuse me of drugging him? Well, even though she won in the first part, her main plan failed miserably.
After formal meetings and greetings, I stepped away from my parents and texted Daniel to do something for me.
Then, I walked toward the two women who were watching me awkwardly. Suddenly, I felt a footstep behind me; as I turned to see, it was mama.
"What are you doing," I asked, surprised.
"I know your eyes have been on them since you came down, and I won't let anyone bully my daughter. Not anymore," she assured me with her firm tone, and I felt so lightweight all of a sudden.
I stopped before Camilla and Lisa with a smile on my face.
"Good evening, ladies; I hope it's a comforting evening for you two?"
Lisa glared, but she was more cooled down in fear. Only stood straight while Camilla gritted her teeth.
"You have proven liar, again and again, Victoria. You are such..."
However, I heard a cold drifted tone before she could finish, "watch your words, woman. I am sure you won't like to take retirement from your career."
Mom's words rolled down calmly as if she wasn't threatening.
Camilla stopped and gulped. My mother is known in the entertainment world for all cruel reasons. She is knowingly famous not to mess with. And Camilla knows well enough that if Arianna Edwards came in the way, no Devonte could help her.
After all, mama is not only Edwards but also belongs to a mayor family. Just to mention, my grandparents are both famous politicians. So, that leadership mama inherited from them.
With her support, I am on cloud nine. Suddenly, it felt like all my hard time was passed by for all the good now.
I kept the same smile on my face as I shook my head. "Camilla, I was in love and never cared about money. You know this now, and others will find out soon, but that's not why I'm here to talk to you. I have another reason," I said, giving her a meaningful look that left her puzzled.
Oh, she is really a good actress, I must say.
"What reason?" Lisa spoke for the first time."An...and where is Alessandro?"
My brow arched at her words. "Oh?"
"How would my daughter know where your brother is?" mama asked, but I needed to lie a little.
"Come with me; I will let you know," I said to those two women and turned to mama.
"Can I be alone with these two for some time?" Her gloomy face told me she was not satisfied with the decision and was about to say no, but before that, I added, "don't worry, mama. I have Daniel and Sage with me. Just let me end this drama here. Do you trust me?"
She stared at me for a few seconds and then nodded. Without a word, mama left but didn't forget to send a glare at them.
Both of them followed me silently, except for Lisa, who asked, "where are you taking us" twice out of curiosity. However, she remained quiet after I gave her a stern look. It was both unexpected and definite.
I brought them to my room, where I found four individuals already present: Daniel, Sage, the waiter who guided me to Alessandro's room, and the resort's manager.
I walked in, maintaining my weight, and sat on the huge sofa in the living room with my legs crossed.
My eyes fell on the waiter; he was nervous and pale, lowering his head. I focused my eyes on his nameplate.
"Robert," I said his name, and his hands fidgeted as he gulped visibly. "I won't ask the same question the second time, so answer me truthfully, and I will not send you to the police."
"What the fuck are you doing? How does this concern us? Why are we here?" Camila barked annoyingly. But I wasn't angry. I only smirked.
"You will know soon," then turned to the waiter again.
"I am waiting, you know?" I said as he immediately got on his knees.
"I am so sorry ma'am. I didn't know you were Miss Edwards, or else I wouldn't have done that! I... I am so sorry, ma'am. Please forgive me." His words coursed bitterness in me.
If I were really Blake, other than Edwards, the scenario would be so different by now.
"The truth only. Who asked you to do that?" My voice fell harsh in the silent room.
The waiter gulped hard as he slowly raised his hand, pointing his index finger at Camilla. "Miss White asked me to do this."