Marriage Merger

Chapter 47

Waking up the next morning, Ximena stretched out her arm on the bed subconsciously only to be met by thin air. Peaking through one eye, she noticed that the other side of the bed was empty, and it was cold indicating that Adriano had long since vacated it. Turning around so that she was now lying on her back, Ximena moved up onto the pillow. She held the sheet against her bare chest and soon covered her face in the process due to embarrassment.

Last night, and earlier that morning had really happened. She had thought she was going to wake up only to find out that it was only but a dream but her lack of clothing said otherwise. Having no prior knowledge or experience to the subject at hand, she couldn’t help but wonder why Adriano wasn’t in the bed next to her when she woke up.

Had she been bad? Oh, the horror of thinking about being a bad lover had her blushing red like a tomato. But he had been amazing; in fact, it was absolutely mind blowing that she couldn’t help but wonder why she had been hesitant to do it earlier. As much as she hated siding with Amanda, she was right about Adriano being energetic. It was crazy!

Sitting up straight, Ximena stretched her body before wrapping the sheet around her body and rising from the bed. The slight pain she felt reminded her that she was no longer the same Ximena she had been before. Smiling to herself, she made her way over to the bathroom and performed her morning routine. Once out and fresh, she went over to her side of the closet. It was just she had left it; all her clothes, shoes and accessories were in there. She was really glad that her mother had opted to leave her stuff over there. It’s like Dolores knew that her and Adriano would reconcile and it would be like nothing ever happened. After applying lotion, she dried her hair and changed into a denim skirt, matching jacket, a white tank top and sneakers. It was winter, but it was not as chilly yet.

Opening the drawer of her vanity dresser, she took out a box she had placed in there a while ago. She brushed her hand on it before slipping it open to reveal a Philippe Patek watch she’d bought for Adriano for his birthday, which had already passed. She had wanted to give it to him then by fate had cruelly changed everything and she never got the chance. On the back, it had a small engraving that read ‘From Your Spoiled Brat’. Though it was derogatory at first, she had grown to love the pet name because it meant he was smitten by her.

Exiting the room, she began to make her way downstairs when she heard voices coming from the kitchen, along with the unmistakable aroma of food. One voice belonged to Adriano obviously, but the other she hadn’t quite figured yet. On nearing the door to the kitchen, she halted in her tracks and leaned against the wall. Yes, eavesdropping was wrong but whatever the two were discussing managed to pick her curiosity.

“-thought you’d be happy that I found her. Isn’t that what you wanted? To confront her. You can put an end to all this madness once and for all, and finally rest in peace,” the voice hissed impatiently. It sounded an awful lot like Santiago.

“First off, why would I want to rest in peace? What am I, a ghost? Secondly, you chose the wrong time to spring this news on me,” Adriano fired back just as irritated.

“And why exactly is it the wrong time, Adri? Don’t tell me you’re starting to have second thoughts about Ximena. Is that it? Are you now seeing someone else?” Santiago accused.

Adriano scoffed loudly. “Don’t be ridiculous! I love that woman, and I couldn’t possibly think of replacing her ever,” he affirmed confidently, and Ximena’s heart soared at his words. Having had enough of lurking about in the shadows, she emerged into the kitchen with a sheepish smile on her face. Both men stopped their argument and looked over at her.

“Good morning,” she chirped shyly, and Adriano came over to her. He placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?” he asked her with a teasing smile, causing her to blush instantly at the underlying meaning of his words. The truth was she was feeling a bit tired, having not slept much at all. But on the other hand, he looked refreshed and fit…how could he be? He gave her a once over. “Don’t you look adorable today.”