Chapter 7
I try on my fifth outfit. I just can't seem to look attractive enough to drive Lorenzo wild when he sees me.
I know he doesn't love me and never did, but in bed... that's where I had him. We had incredible chemistry, and of course I never admitted I cheated on him.
It's his word against what I want him to believe. I was such an idiot—I really thought that bastard Accioly would give me a good life, and what did he do? Kicked me to the curb the moment I left Lorenzo. His only interest was in the Caruso family.
And now he's with that other woman, who I'm pretty sure is his real passion. All I can do now is try to win Lorenzo back.
I don't think I'll have trouble getting into the mansion since everyone knows me, and since Lorenzo didn't make a fuss about our breakup, maybe I still have clearance.
I'll pretend nothing happened. Act like I'm just getting back from a trip and couldn't wait to see him. I pick one of my sexiest dresses, get ready, and go.
I arrive at the iron gate with its enormous wolf's head crest splitting the two sides. The guard looks me up and down, like he remembers me but isn't sure if I'm allowed in. I speak almost on autopilot.
“Good morning. I'm Veronica, Don Lorenzo's fiancée.”
He quickly checks a list, jots something down, and the gate opens.
“Go ahead.”
I head in, following the same path I've taken countless times. I walk into the living room and come face to face with Yná—the housekeeper who acts like she's Lorenzo's mother, a pushy old woman. She gives me a dirty look.
“Veronica. What an unpleasant surprise.”
I look at her with disdain and turn away, giving her the bare minimum of attention—because that's all she deserves.
“I want to speak with Lorenzo.”
“I'll see if he wants to speak with you.”
While she heads toward Lorenzo's office, I hear voices from upstairs.
When Lorenzo comes into the living room, he's scowling at me, but his attention shifts to the figure coming down the stairs with another very young girl.
I watch the scowl melt away, and the gorgeous brunette brings out a smile in him—the same smile I used to bring out when we first got together. He looks at her and speaks.
“Where are you two going?”
“To the beach,” the younger girl answers. She looks like the other one.
“With who? Lola, you're not going to the beach alone,” Lorenzo says, turning to the brunette.
The girl looks at him, furrowing her brow.
“What? What do you mean?”
“Wait for me, and we'll sort this out.”
He turns to me, his expression hardening again.
“What are you doing here, Veronica?”
“Hi, my love. I missed you so much.”
I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls my arms away. This Lola watches him with a serious look, clearly pouting. Lorenzo grabs my arm and leads me to the office.
“Have you no shame? What are you doing here?”
“Don't be so harsh, love. Lorenzo, I'm sorry. I realized I love you.”
He smiles mockingly.
“Seriously? You think I'm an idiot?”
“It's her, isn't it? This Lola? Are you sleeping with her?”
“Don't be ridiculous. It has nothing to do with that.”
“Then promise me you'll think about us, and we can talk later?”
“Is that all?”
“Lorenzo, I...”
“Veronica, I have things to take care of. Goodbye.”
He opens the door and I walk out. Yná comes into the living room.
“Lorenzo, the gardener who was supposed to come today backed out. We need to find another one.”
“I'll deal with that later, Yná. Lola, wait for me in the office.”
He walks me to the door. I get in my car and leave, then call Rick—one of my trusted guys and a hookup.
“Rick, send someone to apply for the gardener job at the Caruso mansion. Tell them to keep their eyes open and report back to me.”
“Got it. I'll send someone today,” Rick responds.
“Okay.”
I hang up and think about how it won't be easy to reclaim my place in Lorenzo's life—especially with that Lola in the way. I'll have to deal with this obstacle. A very young, very beautiful obstacle.