Antonio
I called the team to come as Rea was unconscious. It must have been because of the trauma, I was impressed by Rea''s bravery. She really loved Arya (and myself) very much. She overcame her trauma and Arya asked if Rea was going to make it.
"Rea simply passed out Arya, she is still alive."
"Okay," she replied, a mixture of fear and relief.
It then sank in. Arya spoke.
"What did you say?" I asked Arya to repeat what she asked.
She simply stared at me. I was sure she said something.
1 hour later
After asking Uncle to take Arya home, I sat alone, waiting for Rea. Some time later, I saw two nurses approaching me with Rea on a wheelchair. I stood up.
"Mrs De Luca is doing good and no sign of any injuries, thanks to you."
"What do you mean?"
I saw them look at Rea but then nodding.
"We will take our leave. She can go home anytime from now."
"Thank you-"
Just then, Rea stood up slowly and hugged me. I froze in place for a few seconds before returning the hug.
"Were-"
"I''m glad you''re okay."
I tightened the hug after hearing her words, "I am glad you are okay too."
After some time of emotional intimacy, we then went home. She fell asleep so quickly that I myself was sleepy for the first time. As soon as we got home, Rea was fast asleep.
Carrying her in, I was met with Jackie seated by the counter table.
"Is Arya okay?" I asked.
"She is well and asleep sir," she replied, "How is Rea?"
"No injuries, and all tests came out normal and good. She simply passed out from the fire."
But the most impact was the trauma that flashbacked as soon as the explosion happened.
I called my assistant, Aulo.
"Yes sir?"
"Please get me information on Rea Bianchi."
"Yes."
***Rea
I woke up being in bed. I looked around for Antonio but he was nowhere to be seen. I then heard the door opening. I quickly closed my eyes, pretending I was asleep.
I could feel Antonio''s eyes on me. I could feel his presence more closer, my heart stopping for a second. He leaned to the right and I opened my eyes.
"You thought I would do something?" He asked, a chuckle coming out of him.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"No."
"Were you awake this entire time?"
"I just woke up," I replied, "What happened?"
"You were asleep as soon as we got home. I carried you here."
"Oh?" I asked, "Well, thanks."
We fell silent. He switched off the lights and the room immediately went pitch black.
"Antonio?" I called out.
"I''m here," he replied, holding my hand, "Are you... scared of the dark?"
"No, but I just wanted to feel your presence."
He kept quiet until he got into bed.
"Your results came back," he said, "They were good."
I nodded.
"And about what you said."
I looked at [him] though it was dark.
"You are starting to open up."
"Well, I was thinking about Alejandro''s words. About us keeping secrets."
"True, but I feel like it takes time."
"Time to do what?" I asked.
"To open up and speak about what is truly in our hearts," he replied.
"..."
"Rea?"
"Hmm?"
"Since I won''t be going to work due to my injuries, why don''t we go out?"
"Where?" I asked.
"Just the two of us, and about the place, it''s a surprise."
"Sure," I said, "I would like that."
...
It felt more awkward but comforting being in the dark. I was about to speak when Antonio beat me to it first.
"Antonio, I-"
"Rea, I-"
"You go first-"
"Ladies first."
I smiled a bit, grateful that Antonio couldn''t see.
"It''s nice hearing your voice."
"You think?" I asked.
He chuckled.
"Well, I wanted to say thank you for helping me."
"I''m confused."
I tilted my head, puzzled by his statement.
"You are my wife, Rea. I would always throw myself in the fire to rescue you."
"Even in a room full of snakes?" I asked.
"Even in an ocean of water."
"That can happen," I muttered.
"But," he spoke, "Thank you for rescuing me and Arya. Not just once but three times."
"You are welcome," I said, not wanting to say much.
"But there has to be some motive behind it, right?"
I could feel myself heating up.
"Good night Antonio," I said, fixing my pillow and turned to the other side.
"Don''t turn your back on me ma''am."
I thought he was joking until I turned and met his eyes.
"More like it," he said, "Let''s sleep like this every night, okay?"
"Okay."
I forced my eyes shut and tried sleeping. Antonio, then placed his arm around my head, patting my head. He took hold of my hand as well.
"Good night, Rea."
"Good night."
Then, within seconds, sleep washed over me.
***Morning came and I was still tired. Perhaps it was the two days, or rather three days of restlessness that I felt tired for the first time.
We were still in bed, and in the same position we slept in since last night. I looked at Antonio, who looked so peaceful.
"What am I doing Rea?!" I shouted at myself internally.
I then shut my eyes but only to hear a chuckle from Antonio.
"So Rea can be soft," he said, looking at me, "Good morning."
"Morning," I replied, "And besides, I am human too."
We then heard the door opening and we both closed our eyes.
"They are still asleep?"
I heard Alejandro ask himself. He was the only person who could rock up in the house and open doors. I refrained myself from laughing but Antonio pulled the blankets to cover us.
Opening my eyes slowly, I saw Antonio with a smile on his face. I subconsciously smiled back too, surprising him a bit.
"Did you want to see them, or...?" We heard Jackie ask.
"No. I wanted to see how long they can keep pretending to sleep."
"Argh."
We removed the blankets and looked at uncle, annoyed. He, instead, had a grin on his face.
"Good to see the family is doing well," he said.
"You are disturbing us," Antonio said, letting out a sigh.
In seconds, his expression turned serious.
"I need to take you both somewhere, so be quick," he said as he walked out of our room.
"Why?" Antonio and I asked, both of us exchanging looks.
"It is with regards to the De Luca Empire."
Antonio then became stiff.
"Get ready."