Chapter 36
Niccolo Point of View
I whistled a random tune just so I can show someone that I am quite happy at the moment.
I raised my hands and placed them behind my head and leaned back comfortably by the bedpost. My leg is still wrapped, but after two days of constant care from fussy Mrs. Jones, caring Nonna and a very beautiful and entertaining wife, I feel so good right now.
My leg hardly hurts now all thanks to these three beautiful women who has been worrying about me these past few days.
This is what I missed so much. The warmth and care from the family. When Bella and I were together, she used to be a person who filled that place of a family. She is by no means in my Nonna’s place not my nonna can occupy Bella’s place in my life. They just like different organs of a body which has their own role but all are equally important.
Seeing Bella get riled up due to my inconsiderate nature made me realize one thing; she loves me so much, more than I thought she did. And she made a legal and permanent relationship as a cure for all her insecurities.
I was quite stunned when she questioned me about the arrangements Nonna was making for me to marry someone else. When she used the wife card on me, I felt like monster and a douche bag for hurting her emotions.
That when I learnt something more about her. I thought the matter about whole self confidence and courage directly depends on her past profession but now I understand that though she has less confidence on herself due to that, she was also a woman who has no experience with a man other than me.
She didn’t know how and what to expect from the other person. Her version of security is not just love; it is also a legitimate right. To her, a solid tag is greater than love and I kind of understand that now.
She might’ve not realized this yet, but I grasped it in these two days of lying in bed and having nursed by her.
She was jealous, desperate; worried about me and the marriage proposal Nonna has got for me.
I really wanted to slap myself for not considering about her insecurities.
“Niccolo, get ready honey, Serena will be here for dinner in an hour.” Nonna walked inside my room and sat beside me. I looked around to see that Bella has already left my room when I was so busy cursing myself.
“Is it really necessary Nonna? Can I not do it?” I asked, almost sulking at her like a kid.
Nonna smiled mischievously at me and winked at me, “Well, we do have a task of getting your wife jealous and finally get her to accept her relationship you publicly and proudly.” She chuckled patting my cheek affectionately.
“I know you feel bad about putting her in a tight spot, honey, but I need to make sure she doesn’t leave you and run away again when trouble knocks her down. Being your wife itself should give people a lot to talk bad about her. You are Russo and it will always be a burden to her rich or poor, classy or no class. You already had to experience the worst due to your father, honey. I know your Bella is not at all like him and she is a good person but even though a person is good, bad situations can turn the tables for survival purpose.” I nodded and heaved when she completed explaining me why she is doing what she is doing.
“I know Nonna. You know what, I know you are right in your place and Bella is right in hers and that is why I am so reluctant about this plan.” I know where Nonna is coming from. Her own son betrayed her and the family for money and power. She had raised my father with so much love and care and still he made the wrong decisions.
“I know, I know. I just don’t want her to leave you again. I cannot see you with broken heart for the third time, Niccolo. When your mother died and your father left you to fend yourself, I took you in not just because you are my grandson, it is also because you are his son and I vowed to turn you into a great person. You, Niccolo Russo, are my pride. You are the only person other than your late uncle that I have blind faith in to be there whenever something went wrong. You are not going to cry and get alcoholic again like how you were weeks ago. Understood?” Tears rolled down from my eyes when she said I am her pride.
Who said crying is not manly? Times like this, words like these and tears like these makes you more of a man than any time.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
I was so overwhelmed by her confession and cannot stop thanking to God for giving Nonna to me. He is the best. There is no joy in the world that can compare the feeling of getting praised by a parent. The moment when your parents tells you how proud they are of you and how great you have turned out to be.
Not even carrying your first child in your hands for the first time can compare that moment.
I threw myself at her and crushed her small body in my arms. Oh, how did I so lucky to have such wonderful women in my life!
“Thanks Nonna. I love you too.” I kissed both her cheeks to which she giggled like a teenage girl. “I haven’t talked to Luca in about ten days when did he say he was coming?” I asked when sudden thought about my brother crossed my mind.
“Ah, Luca that frog. That boy can give real headache to this old lady I tell you. Apparently he still have to stay there for few more weeks due to project analysis.” Nonna scowled playfully but the adoration for her younger grandson is quite visible in her eyes. I had to hold in my chuckle thinking about the times Luca intentionally does something to rattle Nonna.
“Trust me; he must be enjoying some ‘Yo’ life with girls.” She shook her head and a genuine frown formed on her face. Luca Russo is like an oxford definition of a playboy. He is cunning yes but that boy is too crafty and sneaky than you could think of.
Not to mention, he loves to do things which make Nonna irritated or angry. He loves bringing out worst of the people and his very first specimen is our very own Nonna.
One time, when he was visiting us for few days on a vacation, he was bored in the calm and peaceful rural place so to make some noise and entertain himself, he called all his ex and current girlfriend to the mansion on the same day same time when Nonna was out for some work.
Just when she got back home, she saw thirty girls fighting with each other for Luca and the latter was eating popcorn at the live entertainment. Nonna had to threaten the girl and sent them away. That was not the end; Luca’s main target was Nonna. He wanted to get Nonna angry and get scolded by her because apparently he finds her very cute when she is disturbed with his actions.
Oh God, that boy can turn an angel to devil in seconds.
“I will talk to him Nonna. Don’t worry. He is in another continent so let him travel and enjoy his free time. I will warn him my way.” I said softly giving her a kiss on her head.
“Alright now, get ready and come down, we have a date to impress and a wife to make jealous. Just remember honey, no matter what happens, do not go for Phoebe’s rescue. She will have to swallow or puke her feeling so give her some time. Also, you can only convince her with your acting when you can convince yourself with it.” I raised an eyebrow at her and smiled at her amused.
“Are we teaching acting now, Mrs. Senior Russo.”
“I was a queen in acting and theatrics in my university days, boy. Don’t look at me that way. I am giving you some tips.” She smiled at me playfully and patted my shoulder before standing up and walking out of my bedroom.
Argh, now I need to impress someone else before my wife.
What Nonna said has point. Bella and I should evolve more from our mistake and know each other’s worth.
So, what should I do to make her jealous?
Goodness, why am I so nervous at the prospect of hugging another girl? What if Bella hit me with a bowl? She has some good temper when provoked.
I hope she gets riled up and claim me as her husband. This will be done once and for all and we can live together happily ever after.
~*~*~*~*~*~