20. Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty
A ntonio
I strolled downstairs, expecting to find Kendra already seated at the breakfast table. Instead, I found my stepmother expertly orchestrating the staff as they finished setting up.
“Good morning, Mom.”
“Good morning, Antonio,” she replied crisply, giving the table one last scrutinizing glance. “Did you sleep well?”
I nodded, glancing around.
Damon emerged from the library, his hair mussed, eyes glued to his phone. “Morning,” he muttered, flopping into a chair.
I glanced at my watch: 8:45. “Has Kendra come down yet?” I asked, an my stepmother answered.
“Not yet.”
Frowning, I shot off a quick text and waited, but no response came. Just a few feet apart, yet we’d spent half the night texting like love-struck teenagers until sometime past 3 a.m. I’d finally drifted off after waiting over fifteen minutes for her reply, which never came. Apparently, she was still out cold.
Just then, my father descended the stairs, his expression softening as I greeted him.
“Good morning, Dad.”
“Morning, son.” His gaze swept the room quickly before landing back on me, a small frown tugging at his features. “Where’s Kendra?”
“Still in bed, I think. I’ll go check.”
He nodded, heading over to Vivian and planting a gentle kiss on her cheek before walking to the living room.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, enticing my senses, but I resisted the urge to pour myself a cup and jogged back up the stairs instead.
I made my way to Kendra’s room, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. I knocked lightly and waited. When no sound came, I slowly eased the door open, a smile spreading across my face.
Kendra lay sprawled across the bed, her dark hair fanned out like a halo against the pillow. Her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, and the corners of her lips curved in a faint smile, as if lost in a pleasant dream.
I stepped inside, hesitant to disturb her. Instead, I settled into the armchair beside her bed, content to simply watch her sleep.
The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over her peaceful form. I didn’t know how she could still be asleep with such bright sunlight pouring in, but I didn’t want it to rouse her before she was ready. Quietly, I moved to the window and drew the blinds closer together, dimming the room.
Returning to my seat, I was surprised when one of the housekeepers entered with a gentle knock. "Time for breakfast, Miss Ryan," she murmured.
I pressed a finger to my lips, signaling her to be quiet. “Let her sleep,” I mouthed.
She nodded and retreated silently, closing the door behind her.
I returned my gaze to Kendra, studying her delicate features. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep; it radiated from within. The more I looked, the more I felt myself getting attached—too quickly, too deeply. The thought of waking up beside her every morning made my heart pound faster. I was undeniably, hopelessly smitten.
My phone buzzed, shattering the tranquility. Jake’s name flashed on the screen. Reluctantly, I stood, casting another glance at Kendra before slipping into the bathroom to take the call.
“Hey, man,” Jake’s voice boomed. “What’s up?”
“Just watching a sleeping beauty,” I replied with a grin. “Later on, we’ll be taking Kendra on a tour of the estate.”
“Look at you, all head over heels. Who knew this day would come?” he teased.
“I know, right?”
“And who do you have to thank for that?”
“Uh, God?”
I heard Jake hiss dramatically on the other end, and I’d bet a thousand bucks he rolled his eyes too. “What if I’d chased her out of the building as you wanted?”
“Alright, alright. Maybe you kinda, sort of had a role to play,” I said, chuckling.
“ Maybe, kinda, sort of ?”
“Fine! Thank you very much, Jake. None of this would have been possible without you.”
“Better. That’s more like it.”
“Uh, is there a reason you called?”
“Actually, yeah. I sent a business plan to your email.”
“What business plan?” I asked, confused.
“The friend I told you about—the one interested in starting a winery. You said you’d review his plan.”
“Oh, yeah... I’ll check it out later.”
“Alright. Catch you later, lovebird.”
I pocketed my phone, my thoughts drifting back to the woman still sleeping peacefully just on the other side of the door. I could’ve stayed there all day, just watching her. But when I opened the door quietly to return to my seat, Kendra was already sitting up, eyes on me.
“Oh my, did I wake you?” I stammered. “Was I loud? I tried to be as quiet as—”
“It wasn’t you,” she replied softly, covering a yawn.
“You’re breathtakingly beautiful,” I breathed, walking over to the bed.
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, like the first light of dawn spreading across a summer sky. Kendra’s eyes sparkled, and her lips curved into a shy, heart-stopping smile.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small box. “I brought you something.”
Her eyes widened. “Another one? You already gave me so much yesterday. Now I feel bad for only getting you one thing.”
“Just having you in my life is a gift nothing could compare to. So please, let me.” I opened the box, revealing a charm bracelet.
Kendra’s gasp filled the room as she gazed at the delicate silver chain. It shimmered in the dim light, adorned with intricately crafted charms shaped like grapes, leaves, and tiny wine barrels. A small diamond hung from the center charm, catching the light.
“Oh, Antonio, it’s stunning!” she exclaimed, tracing the charms gently with her fingertips.
I leaned forward, fastening it around her wrist. The soft clink of the charms against her skin sent shivers down my spine.
“The family is waiting for breakfast,” I reminded her reluctantly, not wanting the moment to end.
She sprang out of bed, her hair tousled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ll be right down. Just need to freshen up.”
I laughed as she chased me out of the room, both of us grinning like children.
“Don’t be long,” I called over my shoulder.
***
Later that morning, I helped Kendra into a pair of sturdy boots in the estate’s mudroom.
“Perfect fit,” I murmured, adjusting the laces, then straightened, letting my hand linger on her knee for just a moment longer.
My father, Damon, and I accompanied Kendra on the vineyard tour, the scent of ripe grapes heavy in the air. The estate vineyard, where it all began, was now mostly used for experimenting with new crossbreeds as we expanded production to larger sites.
“As you can see, we have several varieties,” I explained, gesturing to the neat rows of vines stretching out before us. “Our flagship wine, Don’s Essence, is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and two secret ingredients.”
Kendra’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “How did you come up with the formula?”
Father’s smile held a mix of pride and nostalgia. “Years of experimentation and trial,” he replied softly.
“And the name?” she asked, her gaze shifting between the two of us.
“ Don’s Essence is a tribute to my best friend,” Father said quietly, the sadness in his tone unmistakable.
Kendra’s expression softened. “Tribute?”
“He died before the world could have a taste of the masterpiece we created.” I answered, recalling everything my father had told me. I couldn’t believe how biased I had been, thinking the worst about him.
Eve gave me fragments of the story, and conveniently left out certain details to make him look like the villain. I’d never understand why he kept protecting her, caring for her, and letting her threaten the company. “The name was dad’s way of honoring him, keeping his legacy.”
“So you had a partner?” Kendra pressed gently.
“Something like that,” Father murmured, his eyes distant as if seeing someone no longer there.
As we continued down the vine-laden path, Kendra’s questions turned to the technical side of winemaking—soil quality, irrigation systems, harvesting techniques. Father answered each query with enthusiasm, clearly enjoying the exchange.
“You really are one inquisitive lady,” George chuckled. “Someone might think you’re planning to write a report on us.”
Kendra laughed nervously. “No, nothing like that. I’m just… fascinated.”
Damon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, chimed in. “If I had half your curiosity, I’d probably have my own wine label by now.”
We all laughed, the lighthearted moment dissolving some of the earlier tension.
When we reached the old production facility, the sounds of machinery echoed softly in the distance. This was where the winery had taken its first steps toward becoming an international brand.
“This is amazing! Can we see the cellar?” Kendra asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Father nodded. “Of course. The cellar here used to be the heart of our operation before we moved to the main facility. It’s not as busy anymore, but it still holds our history.”
“Well, this is where it all began, right? Makes the tour all the more interesting,” she said, smiling brightly.
After another thirty minutes or so of exploring, we headed back toward the main building. Kendra slipped her hand into mine, leaning against my shoulder as we walked. I smiled, feeling a contentment I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
“Thank you for the tour, sir,” she said warmly, directing her gratitude toward my father. “This has been incredible.”
His smile widened. “Anytime, my dear. You’re part of the family now.” He glanced at me meaningfully. It was an unspoken hope—for more. Much more.
As Dad and Damon went inside, Kendra and I lingered behind. Just as we reached the entrance, a small white Bentley pulled up, kicking up a plume of dust on the driveway. I stiffened as the door swung open, and Eve stepped out, her raven hair cascading down her shoulders, eyes as piercing as ever.
My grip on Kendra’s hand tightened involuntarily.
“Antonio,” she greeted, her voice a smooth blend of confidence and condescension.
My expression turned cold. “Eve.”
Kendra’s eyes darted between us, her fingers trembling slightly in my grasp. I knew she’d recognize the name.
Eve’s gaze flickered to Kendra, and then back to me, a sly smile playing on her lips.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” she asked, her tone dripping with false sweetness.
“Babe, this is Eve. The woman who… gave birth to me.” I forced the words out, the bitterness unmistakable. “Eve, this is Kendra, my girlfriend.”
“Excuse my son’s attitude,” Eve said with an airy wave. “He’s too shy to call me mother . Charmed to meet you, my dear.” She extended her hand, eyes gleaming with interest.
Kendra’s hand slipped out of mine before she hesitantly took Eve’s. “Nice to… meet you… ma’am,” she stuttered.
Eve turned her gaze back to me, the faintest hint of triumph in her eyes. “I see you’re still as welcoming as ever, Antonio.”
My jaw clenched. “What do you want, Eve?”
Her smile widened, all innocence and mock sincerity. “Oh, I’m just here to discuss...” She glanced at Kendra, choosing her next words carefully. “ Business with your father. Is he in?”
Before I could reply, Eve’s gaze shifted past me, locking onto someone behind us.
“Ah, George,” she purred, stepping forward with the grace of a predator closing in on prey. “We have a lot to talk about.”
The air seemed to thicken around us, heavy with old grudges and unresolved tensions.
As Eve’s gaze flicked between Kendra and me, a sickening unease twisted in my stomach.
This wasn’t going to end well.