Chapter 8 Unexpected Event

Valentino led Lirio to his room, where he made her sit on the sofa and helped her dry off. However, his mind was elsewhere, dismayed by the rebellious young woman who dared to raise her hand against him. He felt a mix of anger and confusion towards her, his deep hatred growing for her behavior. He was not willing to submit to his fiancée, even though she was the benefactor who saved the factory. “Do you see what they did to me? I almost drowned, you know I can’t swim,” complained Lirio, pulling Valentino out of his thoughts. “What the hell were you doing there?” he reproached her, surprising her. “I wanted to solve this problem on my own, but with your presence, everything got even more complicated. My father will surely complain. I already have enough with that woman who drives me crazy.” “Now it’s my fault?” She looked at him with teary eyes. “That woman was able to hit you. Did you want me to just stand by and do nothing?” “What I want is for you to stay away from any matter in which she and I are involved. Anyway, I will solve this,” he said, taking off his wet shirt. “I don’t want any more problems with my father, much less with that woman. She’s driving me crazy.” “Why did you confront her? Didn’t you like that man touching her?” she asked, and Valentino tensed. “Answer me, Valentino, why did you get so upset with her?” “I simply don’t like her deliberate behavior in the mansion, that’s all.” With that said, Valentino headed to the bathroom and took a shower, while Lirio remained pensive, not entirely convinced by what he said. While they were in the pool, he seemed quite upset just because his fiancée was being lightly touched by another man. He wouldn’t have made such a scene if he didn’t care at all about that young woman. Lirio was smart and thought things through carefully. She chose not to confront Valentino to avoid upsetting him. Instead, she went to the bathroom where he was showering and, in a seductive manner, approached him from behind and hugged him. Valentino was surprised, and felt a bit uncomfortable, but he didn’t reject her, instead, he let himself be carried away by her. They had relations while bathing; however, something unexpected happened. As Valentino had her against the sink, being a bit rough and wild in his penetrations, he didn’t exactly see her. In his mind, he visualized lighter and softer skin, like when he had taken her by the arm, curvier hips, a much larger buttocks, and a slender back. A smaller body and black hair. This image projected unexpectedly in his mind, causing his body to become completely rigid as he continued his movements, while imagining it was his fiancée. The rage he felt at that moment for having thought of her was so intense that he ended up being rough with Lirio, who, for a moment, complained when she noticed his strange behavior, but did not stop him. She finally let out a sigh, releasing herself and becoming completely agitated in the midst of the scene. Meanwhile, Valentino felt extremely strange not reaching his climax. Despite having been intimate with Lirio on numerous occasions, always touching and kissing her, this time, despite the Intensity of the moment, Valentino couldn’t reach release. He didn't even experience the pleasure he used to feel. His mind was in chaos, and his body didn't respond to the touches of the chestnut-haired woman in front of him. “Is something wrong?” Lirio turned to him, noticing his strange silence. “It’s nothing, I’m just a little tired,” he replied, forcing a fake smile. Perhaps his fatigue was due to the recent stress of his fiancée’s arrival. Or was it the result of overwork? The real reason he couldn’t complete the act might be deeper, related to the sexual desire awakened by a certain dark-haired woman. Multiple thoughts tormented his mind, but his pride prevented him from admitting that he thought of Athena and couldn’t reach climax. He couldn't desire someone he considered a nuisance In his life. “I’m just tired,” he thought silently as he showered with Lirio. Although she tried to initiate another round of intimacy, Valentino refused, claiming he was tired. She didn’t know that her beloved hadn’t been satisfied during sex, because the person he wanted against the sink wasn’t her, but a bothersome and untamable little woman who deliberately showed her body in the pool, projecting that image in his mind. It was an unpleasant and unusual experience he didn’t want to repeat. Valentino left the shower and left the room, leaving Lirio alone as he changed, since there were still some of her clothes in his closet. Momentarily, he felt confused imagining his fiancée in an intimate scene instead of Lirio, who was intrigued by Valentino’s behavior. Although she didn’t know what was happening, Valentino attributed all the blame to Athena, who he believed was constantly provoking him. “Valentino,” his father called, pulling him out of his thoughts. “Let’s talk.” Silently, Valentino nodded and followed his father to the study, where he poured himself a drink. “Do you realize your recent behavior?” his father began, while Valentino silently took a seat in front of him. “Son, Athena Volkova is the beloved daughter of the Volkovs; we need to get along with them, as they will be the saviors of our factory,” his father calmly explained, pouring himself and his son a drink. “Father, I’ve already set my conditions; they just have to meet them, and I’ll do the same,” he replied coldly. “Are you not aware that the woman I want is Lirio? You can’t force me to love another woman.” “This is not about feelings, Valentino. It’s about giving her her place in this mansion. She will be your wife.” “She doesn’t cooperate,” he frowned. “She just keeps bothering me with her damn arrogant behavior. She’s rude and arbitrary.” “You have to know how to handle her; she’s a rather capricious young lady, but she’s sweet and kind,” her father told him, finishing the liquor in his glass, while Valentino just swirled the liquid in his own. “Our factory is now the priority, not feelings. The Volkovs have done their part to help us; it’s time for us to do ours.” “I just ask that Lirio be kept out of all this,” he conditioned. “It’s you who involves her, bringing her to the mansion just to provoke your fiancée; all you cause is discord,” he sighed. “Do you think Miss Volkova has any interest in Lirio? She doesn’t even care.” “Well, it doesn’t seem like it.” “Valentino, son,” his father looked at him seriously, “Do you really love that woman? Don’t let yourself be carried away by that superficial feeling, don’t get confused. Lirio was just there for you during a difficult time when we lost your mother.” “We’ve been friends for years, Dad,” he replied. “Do you love her?” he asked again. Valentino fell silent, looking away from his father. In the end, he just sighed and stood up, leaving his glass of liquor on his father’s desk without even finishing it. He turned his back, but before leaving, he added: “She’s important to me,” he concluded and left the study, to which Clodan let out an exhausted sigh. Throughout the day, Atenea and Valentino did not cross paths at any moment, immersed in their own worlds. While he worked in his room in front of the computer with Lirio resting on the bed, Atenea enjoyed a tan by the pool with her friend, followed by a shopping trip to distract herself. It was only In the evening when everyone gathered at the dining table. It was the first time Valentino shared a meal with Atenea, and the only reason was Lirio’s presence, who also stayed for dinner as agreed upon by him in the morning. In addition to Lirio, Layla also participated in the dinner, forming a group of five with Clodan at the table. During dinner, an uncomfortable silence took over the place. Atenea moved her utensils calmly, not looking up as Lirio and Valentino were right in front of her. Layla remained impassive, trying to cope with the increasingly uncomfortable situation for her, as she could not bear the idea of Valentino having his lover in the same space as Atenea, whom he didn’t even spare a glance, showing how little she mattered to him. “Who prepared this dish?” Valentino broke the silence. “Lirio is allergic to bolognese sauce.” “I ordered this dish, it’s my favorite,” Atenea replied simply. “I had no idea about your lover’s allergy.” “Are you sure you didn’t know?” he raised an eyebrow, appearing cold. “The chef of this mansion knows perfectly well that Lirio is allergic.” “Then take it up with him; I don’t have time for such trivial and unimportant things,” she shrugged. “Darling, don’t worry, I’m fine,” Lirio said in a sweet and calm voice. “Valentino, Lirio is just a guest, not from me, but she is. However, the chef prepares what the lady of the house indicates,” declared her father, trying to calm the situation, while Layla contained her anger. “I will give the order to change the dish immediately, no problem.” “Oh, dear father-in-law, you are so considerate, you remind me of my father,” commented Athena with a smile. “It must be because they are friends, right? Although… I wouldn’t accept this situation in his presence, it's a bit… dishonorable?” “Athena,” warned Valentino, realizing her intentions. “I’m sorry to put you in this situation,” her father-in-law replied. “I will make sure that things improve in the future,” he looked at his son and Lirio seriously. “Valentino will soon realize his mistake.” “Athena, my friend,” intervened Layla, “Why don’t we talk about your wedding instead?” Her gaze discreetly landed on Lirio, who clenched her fists, containing her anger. “Soon you will be Mrs. Rizzo; I imagine Mr. Clodan wants to know more details.” “Oh, of course,” Clodan nodded eagerly. Valentino and Athena exchanged glances; she smiled, but he looked at her with distrust and finally got up from the table, taking Lirio with him, informing them that they would dine outside. His father sighed, tired of the situation, as his son only made things worse, unlike Athena, who just smiled and continued eating calmly, while Layla almost pierced her plate by stabbing the meat as if imagining Valentino’s face.