Waking up the next morning, Ximena stretched out her arm on the bed subconsciously only to be met by thin air. Peaking through one eye, she noticed that the other side of the bed was empty, and it was cold indicating that Adriano had long since vacated it. Turning around so that she was now lying on her back, Ximena moved up onto the pillow. She held the sheet against her bare chest and soon covered her face in the process due to embarrassment.

Last night, and earlier that morning had really happened. She had thought she was going to wake up only to find out that it was only but a dream but her lack of clothing said otherwise. Having no prior knowledge or experience to the subject at hand, she couldn’t help but wonder why Adriano wasn’t in the bed next to her when she woke up.

Had she been bad? Oh, the horror of thinking about being a bad lover had her blushing red like a tomato. But he had been amazing; in fact, it was absolutely mind blowing that she couldn’t help but wonder why she had been hesitant to do it earlier. As much as she hated siding with Amanda, she was right about Adriano being energetic. It was crazy!

Sitting up straight, Ximena stretched her body before wrapping the sheet around her body and rising from the bed. The slight pain she felt reminded her that she was no longer the same Ximena she had been before. Smiling to herself, she made her way over to the bathroom and performed her morning routine. Once out and fresh, she went over to her side of the closet. It was just she had left it; all her clothes, shoes and accessories were in there. She was really glad that her mother had opted to leave her stuff over there. It’s like Dolores knew that her and Adriano would reconcile and it would be like nothing ever happened. After applying lotion, she dried her hair and changed into a denim skirt, matching jacket, a white tank top and sneakers. It was winter, but it was not as chilly yet.

Opening the drawer of her vanity dresser, she took out a box she had placed in there a while ago. She brushed her hand on it before slipping it open to reveal a Philippe Patek watch she’d bought for Adriano for his birthday, which had already passed. She had wanted to give it to him then by fate had cruelly changed everything and she never got the chance. On the back, it had a small engraving that read ‘From Your Spoiled Brat’. Though it was derogatory at first, she had grown to love the pet name because it meant he was smitten by her.

Exiting the room, she began to make her way downstairs when she heard voices coming from the kitchen, along with the unmistakable aroma of food. One voice belonged to Adriano obviously, but the other she hadn’t quite figured yet. On nearing the door to the kitchen, she halted in her tracks and leaned against the wall. Yes, eavesdropping was wrong but whatever the two were discussing managed to pick her curiosity.

“-thought you’d be happy that I found her. Isn’t that what you wanted? To confront her. You can put an end to all this madness once and for all, and finally rest in peace,” the voice hissed impatiently. It sounded an awful lot like Santiago.

“First off, why would I want to rest in peace? What am I, a ghost? Secondly, you chose the wrong time to spring this news on me,” Adriano fired back just as irritated.

“And why exactly is it the wrong time, Adri? Don’t tell me you’re starting to have second thoughts about Ximena. Is that it? Are you now seeing someone else?” Santiago accused.

Adriano scoffed loudly. “Don’t be ridiculous! I love that woman, and I couldn’t possibly think of replacing her ever,” he affirmed confidently, and Ximena’s heart soared at his words. Having had enough of lurking about in the shadows, she emerged into the kitchen with a sheepish smile on her face. Both men stopped their argument and looked over at her.

“Good morning,” she chirped shyly, and Adriano came over to her. He placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?” he asked her with a teasing smile, causing her to blush instantly at the underlying meaning of his words. The truth was she was feeling a bit tired, having not slept much at all. But on the other hand, he looked refreshed and fit…how could he be? He gave her a once over. “Don’t you look adorable today.”

Santiago’s jaw had slackened. The last time he had seen the two, they weren’t even on speaking terms and now they well acting all lovey-dovey? He cleared his throat, making them shift their attention to him. “Wait a second, why is she here?” he asked, dumbfounded. Adriano rolled his eyes.

“Maybe because it’s her house too?” he remarked sarcastically and Ximena giggled at his comment.

Santiago gave him a flat look. “Well, thanks Captain Obvious! What I meant was, I thought you two were fighting but now you’re back to calling each other names and kissing like a couple. Did I miss something?” he gasped out loud. “Are you back together? DID SHE SPEND THE NIGHT HERE?” he yelled dramatically, to which Ximena covered her face with her free hand, heat creeping up her neck.

Choosing to ignore his overdramatic companion, Adriano turned back to Ximena and pulled her closer by waist. He eyed the box she was holding. “What’s in the box?”

Biting her lip, Ximena held it out to him. “It’s umm something that I got for you. Open it.”

He took the box and did as he was told, his eyes momentarily pausing over the pricey watch. He just stared at it, his face not giving anything away. Ximena was beginning to worry that he might not like it and mentally scolded herself for getting it in the first place. Maybe she should have just bought him a new Bugatti, he seemed to like those.

“Why?” he asked, his forest-colored eyes meeting hers once more. His voice was raw with awe, disbelief and… sorrow?

Great, he doesn’t like. “I-I got it for your birthday months ago but never got to give it to you because of…the accident. But if you don’t like it-,” she was cut off by him surprising her with a bone-crushing hug. At first, she froze on the spot but reciprocated it a few seconds later.

“Why wouldn’t I like it? I love it. It never ceases to amaze me how thoughtful and sweet you are,” he smiled once more at her, his eyes flicking to the watch. He took it out of the box and held it in his hand like it was a fragile piece of glass. Flipping it over, he read the words engraved and released a small, not to mention tantalizing laugh. Rolling up the sleeve of his denim jacket, he put it on. “This is really something. Must have cost you a fortune.”

Ximena placed her hand on his chest. “Anything for my insufferable brute,” she teased him and reached up to connect her lips with his.

A clap erupted in the room and completely ruined the moment. “Aren’t you two just the cutest? Not gonna lie, I teared a bit just for a second there. God bless whoever is the reason behind this reunion,” he cooed at them, rising from his seat and engulfing them both in a hug. “You two are hands down relationship goals. I mean, you even synchronize your outfits!” he exclaimed excitedly.

Adriano groaned and shoved him off. “Always are ruining every special moment in my life, aren’t you? And to answer your question earlier, yes, we are back together and yes, she did spend the night,” he smirked after the last sentence. Ximena glared at him, whilst Santiago’s face morphed in disgust and backed away from the two.

He rubbed his body. “In that case, please stay very far away from me. I don’t not want to end up reeking like whatever happened between you two last night,” he sniffed derisively.

Ignoring Santiago again, Adriano re-routed Ximena to the kitchen island where an array of food stuffs was aligned. It was so much that it could probably feed the whole neighborhood and it looked so delectable that it made her mouth water. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I just made this,” he told her as he made her sit on the stool. He kissed her forehead. “Bon apetit.”

Santiago pouted. “What about me? Don’t I also get a kiss and some food?”

“Just grab a plate and sit down quietly, Santi,” Adriano droned as he sat beside Ximena. They all ate their food with occasional chatter, Ximena trying so hard to focus on her food and not on her nosy thoughts. They had been discussing something before she came downstairs and her intuition was telling her it had to do with Amanda.

Clearing her throat, she placed her utensils down and grabbed her cup of coffee. “So, what were you talking about before I came in here?” she prodded casually, not wanting to sound suspicious or anything. Of course, they had made up, but she was still a bit wary of Adriano. She felt he still kept some secrets, which is understandable. But would he lie to her again this time?

Both men shared a look before Adriano took a sip of his orange juice. “Well-,”

“We have been tracking down Amanda for some weeks now because she had gone incognito. I’ve finally located her and now your husband is refusing to go and see her. There, I said it!” Santiago effectively cut Adriano off before he could have a word out.

Adriano glared at him. “Thanks a lot, buddy,” he aired sarcastically and Santiago held his hands up in surrender.

Ximena took a moment to digest the information. So, she had been right. “Why don’t you want to see her? Isn’t it you need her to confess to her being a part of your father’s grand scheme? Why not just put an end to it once and for all?” When he didn’t respond, she took his hand in hers. “What are you afraid of?”

“I had wanted to find her, only because I needed evidence to prove myself to you. But you believed me so I see no point as to why I need to talk to her anymore…” he trailed off, giving her hand a small squeeze.

“You do realize that everybody else still thinks you’re the bad guy right, including her parents. And you can’t just go up to your father without facts because he’ll just deny everything. Lastly, what do you have to lose. You’re already on a winning streak here. Let’s just finish the job,” Santiago butted in as he took a generous bite of the sausage in his plate.

Adriano looked at Ximena once more. “Are you okay with this?” he asked cautiously. She could tell that he was still very much afraid of him losing her once more but she was determined to just get it over it. Only then could they rest easy and live their lives in normalcy again.

She nodded her head. “Yes. And I’m going with you.”

***

It was not much of a shocker that Amanda had relocated all the way to Orlando. No doubt she was running away from all the filthy things she had done. It was good to know that she had a bit of a conscience but it was a little too late for regrets now. Ximena’s accident might have not been completely her fault but she had much to do with it. Adriano still couldn’t fathom what her M.O behind it all was. Money? Perhaps, but she went to great lengths to ensure that his marriage was destroyed.

Boarding of the jet, the car Adriano had rented to drive them to their destination awaited them on the hot runway. Driving would have taken too long so he had opted to fly there instead, that and the fact that he was eager to confront her. He was a bit wary of the fact that Ximena was there with him but he really needed her support. Without her by his side, he wouldn’t have found the courage to do it.

The ride to where Amanda was staying was silent. Ximena sat by his side, watching the sites as they flew by. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking but he knew she was just as uncomfortable as he was, if not more. This was the woman had filled her head with lies and made her feel insecure.

When the car pulled up to the curb of the elite apartment building, Adriano jumped out and assisted Ximena to do so as well. Holding her hand, he made his way into the complex and straight up the elevator. He didn’t bother to consult the lobby man since he knew where exactly he was going. Stepping out of the elevator on the ninth floor, they padded across the spacious hallway until they found the door that read ‘No. 32’.

Exhaling audibly, Adriano willed himself to knock on the door. A few seconds later it came ajar to reveal a bewildered Amanda.

“Hello, Amanda.”

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