I closed up the restaurant and walked outside expecting Adriano but I saw Romano waiting

I approached him in a questioned face

"Where is Adriano?"I asked

"We have a business meeting today"he informed"we are invited for quick a drink with Mr. and Mrs.Saleh"He said

I glanced at my watch its 10 pm

"Can you drive?"I asked looking at him sweating

"I can manage Frause now get in"

I obeyed and got on

While we are in the car,there was an awkward silence.

"You want to ask something?"He asked with a furrowed eyebrows

I guess he noticed I kept looking at him

"Why did you do it?"I asked

"did what?"He asked

"You got what you wanted thats why you moved to someone else...but why do you have to hurt me further?"I send anticipating answers

he clenched his jaw and stared straight

"You said it,I did it because I got what I wanted,Im not hurting you you just get hurt because of your feelings"

A lump was painful in my throat

"You cruel, cruel bastard"I managed to say parts of the words in my head

"I suggest to forget your affections and lets get on with our business"He said keeping his eyes straight and I noticed the car ran faster.

We were greeted by the couple inside a bar with only us in and one bartender

"Are you alright son?"Mr. Saleh asked looking at Romano

He smiled

"Its nothing,Im fine"He replied

Then we started drinking finally!

I took shots while they chat until I got tipsy.After talking me and Romano walked to the car and drove home.The silence was painful.As we got at home I went to my room.I sat on my bed with a low laugh

You really are a fool!

***

The next day the routine went on I ate my breakfast alone but this time they did not flirt because Romano did not leave his room.

"Talk to him"Lily said

I just looked at her passively

"He insists on working he is very sick"

"Why dont you do it you're the loved one"I said,but inside I am very worried

She was silent and walked away

I went upstairs to grab my bag then I saw him in the hall way

he halted to look at me,I ignored him then continued to grab my bag

I got out and saw him leaning on the stair railings

I walked pass him but his loud difficult breaths halted my legs

No..Andrea ..No

I shut my eyes tight and looked at him

"Put your arms on my shoulder"I said

"Go away Frause I can take care of myself"

"Will you stop being stubborn or I'll let you roll down these stairs"I said but still he opposed in silence

I glared at him then grabbed his arm and helped him to his room.

"What are you doing?"he asked

"You are not going to work today"I informed opening his closet and a large walk in greeted me with very organized clothes.It smelled great too.I got to my senses and grabbed some of his clothes and put it beside him

"Change into that"I ordered

"Just what do you think are you doing Miss Frause?I am going to work"He said in irritation

"No you are not"I persisted

he looked at me with great annoyance

"You have no idea how you are in trouble right now"He said warning me

"Go ahead!do something I'd like to see you try"I said confidently knowing he is very weak to do something

He looked at me then let out a low and weak laugh then started to remove his coat and his tie with great difficulty,he is sweating too

I helped him feeling his burning heat

I put on his long sleeved white shirt.I took his sweatpants and handed it to him

"Put this on too"I said then turned around

"No peeking"He teased

I rolled my eyes

He havent teased me for a while I smiled that he did

After he is done,I put his suit away

"Call your girlfriend if you need anything"I said even saying it is painful

"Where are you going?"My feet paused

"Work"I said

"You are not going to work today"He said with his closed eyes and furrowed eyebrows

"I'd like to see you stop me"I said

His teeth showed as he laughed weakly

"damn"he whispered

***

"Let go!"A woman demanded as I exit the house

I saw Felicity held by the guards

"Andrea!"She called as she saw me,she struggled to break free then grab my arms and looked straight at my eyes

"I told you to get away!he is a dangerous m---"

"That's enough of your accusations"Adriano came holding her shoulders"You should leave"

"Andrea listen to me"She grabbed once more

"Maam you should leave"Adriano's voice rose

I watched her taken away while she screamed her warnings.

Who are these people?

I silently asked looking at the people wearing black suits.

***

After work,I walked upstairs and peeked in seeing Lily sitting beside his bed.I walked away seeing she looks better at his side.

I changed my clothes and about to go to the living room,I would normally go to the terrace but I hate the view of the sea.I saw Lily exit with upset face.She just looked at me then walked downstairs.

Out of curiosity,I was about to peek in wen the door opened revealing Romano looking like shit

"Ah Miss Frause"he said

"Mr.Romano you should lay down"I said

"I want to go out"he said

Out?look at him!he cant even walk straight!

"No your are not,come on"I said helping him back to his bed

"Enjoying the power Miss Frause?"He asked

"Very"I replied then stood up to leave

"Wait"

"What?"I asked turning around

"Sit down"he ordered

"Why should I?"I crossed my armds on my chest

"You sit right now or I'll come and get you"

I scoffed

"I'd like to see you try"

His teeth showed again

"You are damn lucky I am ill right now"he said

I kept what he said in the car in my head to fire up my anger but I found myself weaken and walk to sit down.I dont feel angry,I feel desperate for him to look at me the same way before.

"You like me right?" he asked looking at me

I was stunned by the question

"Yes"My mouth moved by its own

"The will you do anything for me?"he asked

I felt uneasy

"Kiss me"He said

My eyes climbed to look at him for a second

"What?"I asked

He sat up and put his legs down on the floor

I stood up and stood in front of him with a feeling inside me,I am happy yet sad and confused.

I inhaled when his hand climbed to hold my waist and sit me down on his lap.He stared deep in my eyes and I started to believe what he said in that car was a lie.I put my lips on him and felt happiness and something exploded inside me.

I drawed back and looked at him but he started to laugh in mockery.I was wrong he was playing again.

I stood up and slapped him then left.I closed my door and my hand climbed to my lips but then I was happy and did not care if he was playing all I want him to look at me again even if its pretend.

***

The next day I went inside his room finding Lily in

"Get out"I ordered

"Excuse me?"She asked

"I am his wife I will be taking care of him from now on"I said

Her eyes stayed on me then to Romano then she stood up silently then left

I watched his face while he was asleep and felt my heart bloom in a bittersweet smile.I put my hand on his forehead,his hand climbed to take my hand off his eyes opened to look at me

"Miss Frause what are you doing here?"He asked

I smiled

"You're stuck with me"I said

After a while Lily came in with his porridge.I started feeding him but he turned his face away

"I can feed myself Frause"He said in annoyance

then took the spoon from me

***

The next day I entered his room with glee

"Good morning!"My voice filled his walls

"Oh God"He whispered with furrowed eyebrows

The following days were filled with small rejections,I try everyday for him to like me but he merely rejected me.I also looked the best I can but he never noticed.

Now I am here in his room while he fixed his tie

"Let me"I offered

"I can fix my own tie Frause"He said with as always a furrowed eyebrows

"Why is your eyebrows always furrowed you will look very old very soon"I said tip toeing to touch his forehead but he grabbed my hand and threw it away

"Its because you annoy me Frause,if you are very concerned then do not show your face to me"He said

ouch!

I guess he noticed my lit down face

"Why do you do this Andrea?Why do you keep trying to the man who doesn't want you?do yourself a favor and stop"He said looking at me

I shut my eyes tight then looked at him,stood to the tip of my toes then kissed him.He grabbed my shoulders and looked at me

"Please just for a moment just act be the player you are again"I pleaded holding unto his coat.My eyes looked at his but his eyes bared no affection

I let go then nodded

"Im sorry Mr.Romano"I said feeling my heart break again