- What do you mean 'greet you'? I asked as I looked at my puzzled mother. What are you doing here?

- I came to see my daughter who has been ignoring me for three days," she said, sitting down at my desk.

- You should have saved yourself the trouble. You clearly know why I didn't answer, though.

- Your sister is getting married to James in three months.

- And? You talk as if it's any of my business.

- Of course it is, because you're coming. Your presence is required. Try to find a partner till then.

- Let me just say this. I. Will. Not. Attend. Anything.

My mother rises to face me from the top of her heels.

- Trust me, you'll come. Your grandmother thinks you'll be here for the preparations, so be ready.

My grandmother. She's the only person in this family who genuinely cares about me. I can't afford to disappoint her by not coming. And my mother knows that. She's my only weakness in this family.

- We'll see, I replied, walking around the desk. I won't be attending this wedding. Now, get the fuck out of my sight.

I call security to get my mother out of my office once and for all. I'll have to go to London in two months. I'd better get back to work for now.

After a while and several snack breaks, Gabrielo came knocking on my door. He walked in quietly before wrapping his arms around me.

- Mrs Moretti, it's time to go home. Your husband is waiting for you, not to mention the fact that he's hungry and it's getting late.

- All right, just let me finish this part of the dress before you go.

Gabrielo sits on one of the chairs in the room while he waits for me to finish. I continue to embroider and inlay the diamond fragments on the upper part of the dress. I only have a few things left to do before the fittings tomorrow. That's it! Perfect.

- We can go now," I announced as I opened the door to my office.

Gabrielo leads us to his car, which is parked in the hallway. The driver opens the door for us to sit down. I thank him and sit down properly.

- I heard that you sent someone out through security, Gabrielo begins.

- It was my mother. She had come to tell me that I was needed at my sister's wedding. Unfortunately, I sighed.

Gabrielo gives me a puzzled look.

- My 'sister' is marrying my ex. Ex who cheated on me with her for over a year," I added with a bitter smile. I don't think my presence at her wedding is necessary.

Gabrielo's expression is mixed. I can see anger, sorrow and perhaps a little sympathy. I can't figure out what he's thinking. As strange as it sounds. I mean, it's not like I can read people's minds.

- You're going ?" he asks, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips.

- Correction: I'm planning to visit my grandmother," I sighed, feeling a migraine coming on. She didn't really leave me much choice after involving my grandmother in this story.

- I'm coming with you," Gabrielo concluded.

- I wasn't planning on leaving without you," I said with a grin.

- I hope so. When are we leaving?

- In about three months.

- Stop pouting, he said, entering a building. Besides, you've never told me why you're so keen for us to move into a new flat.

- It's just that I think that to start a new life, having a new house is essential. Even more so because we're married. I want to do things right.

- What a dreamer! Who knew I married a dreamer wedding dress designer," he laughs. Did all those weddings made you all dreamy?

- That's not true," I said, tapping him on the shoulder. Where are we anyway?

- In our new house," he announces, winking at me.

- Don't tell me that...

- Yes, I bought the flat earlier. Now all we have to do is move in. What do you think?

- It's amazing," I said, throwing myself into his arms. And my things? It's all still at home.

- I brought it all back here," he announced, opening my car door. If you don't mind, ma'am.

He holds out his hand and I grab it without hesitation. We walk down the hall and all eyes are on us. It's true that we have to be a bit flashy with Gabo, who is almost 6'5 tall and has an imposing stature.

We enter the lift that gives access to the flat. This place is simply incredible. A mixture of modern and ancient. Not to mention the fact that the famous penthouse spans two floors. I jump into his arms and thank him again.

- Now," Gabrielo begins, lifting me up, "it's time to enjoy my second wedding night.

- Is it? I still have work to do. And we agreed to wait a little longer.

- You do realise I'm not going to wait forever? If something bothers you, you can just tell me and we'll fix it together.

- I know that. I just need time to adjust to the new situation.

- All right. Wait a second," he asks as he walks away. I have something to show you.

He walks up the stairs and stops in front of a marble door. After pushing the door open, I discover the master bedroom. This room is huge. I can't believe it, it's as big as my bedroom and dressing room.

- The master bedroom. Our room," insists Gabrielo. If it's okay with you.

I nod and take a look around. I feel like I'm dreaming.

- All your stuff has been moved here. Do you like it?

- Very much," I say, smiling earnestly.

- Get changed for now," says Gabrielo, laying me on the bed. I'm going to make some food.

He leaves the room after removing his coat and tie. I watch him leave and close the door behind to start changing. My phone rings and I stop to answer Meavy.

- Hello?

- In three words, your meeting with your mother-in-law.

- Surprise. Pleasant and... Original.

- What did you get her?" Meavy asks curiously.

It's true I didn't tell her what I was going to get Rosaria.

- The pair of Eternal Twins.

- Sorry," Meavy shouts across the line, making me wince.

- The immaculate, identical 50-carat stones where you can see yourself as if in a mirror, I describe.

- You gave it to her! What about me? You don't love me anymore, I guess. Show me your love in an extravagant way for my birthday.

- As you wish, madam," I replied, smiling.

If only I could see her face to laugh. She can be such a drama queen when she wants.

- Alma!

- What?

- You know very well how much I wanted these earrings," Meav' whined. They're one of a kind.

- Too bad, you had to be my mother-in-law. Stop whining. Meav', I'll get you something nice for your birthday. Okay?

- Okay. But you better impress me.

- Don't worry about it I'll...

Boom! I hear a scream coming from downstairs.

- Meav', I'll leave you. I let my dear husband go 'cook' and I think he made a mess downstairs.

- Go ahead. I'll call you tomorrow. I'll see you Friday for our coffee?

- Perfect. Love you.

I hurry to put on my slippers and get down the stairs. With a bit of luck, Gabrielo should still be in one piece. I hope so.