(Angel's POV)

"Yay, it's done!" Cynthia squealed happily, and I chuckled as I tidied up the table, putting away the extra flowers we didn't use. Cynthia did a funny dance, looking so pleased with herself, and I shook my head as I giggled watching her.

She puts the centerpiece on the separate table along with the others, ready to be delivered.

I remember I need to talk to my aunt and Tristan. I quickly pulled out my phone from the back pocket of my jeans, then swipe it, unlocking the screen, then saw Tristan's missed calls.

I wonder how did I miss it? I remember I put it on silent, but the vibration is on.

I was too focused on the centerpieces that I didn't even feel it vibrate.

Cynthia and I were too fixated working while sharing jokes, laughing and chatting over nonsense things.

I started tapping on my phone, tapped on my missed calls, confirming the time he had called me, and I groaned when I saw it was two hours ago. It's already three in the afternoon.

"Hey, Cyn," I called out, averting my gaze from my phone to her, she stopped from her work and stared at me expectantly. "Would you mind if I'll just make a call?" I asked, giving her my puppy dog eyes, and she just waves her hand off, then continued working on the bouquet.

I quickly headed to the back of the shop, then dialed Tristan's number.

"Rose," came his reply, and I smiled upon hearing his deep voice. He has such a very masculine voice, almost sounded as Isaias, just adds a little gruffness to it, and I couldn't tell who's who.

"Hi!" I replied quickly. I felt like I haven't talked to him in a long time. Is he back? "I'm sorry I missed your call. I was busy helping Cynthia with the centerpieces for the wedding tomorrow for one of our clients. " I quickly explained.

"It's alright, Rose. I forget that you're working already. I called mom, and she told me you're at Mrs. Fair shop." He explained briefly. "Anyway, I'm back, and I want to see you. Can I take you for dinner? Mom is going out with friends again. " Tristan explained, and I contemplated. I need to talk to them both tonight and let Martino know my decisions.

Just then I remembered I don't have his number.

Drat!

I heaved a deep breath, attempting to summon all my courage, then spoke steadily. "Tristan, I need to talk to you and zia Estella."

He fell in silence, causing my heart to stuttered as I waited for his reply.

I caught my bottom lip between my teeth and nibbled it gently as panic attacked. My eyes trained on the ground underneath me. "Is there something wrong, Rose?" he asked, worry underlying his tone. I swallowed hard, clearing the lump that felt like stuck at the back of my throat.

Should I say to him now over the phone?

No! My other brain interjected.

"Nothing, Tristan. I just want to talk to you and zia Estella about something." I replied swiftly. "Is zia Estella home right now?" I asked.

"Yes, in fact, here in our house. I thought you were here. Mom just came home, too. She's just taking a shower now. She'll be down, soon." He explained.

"Well, I can go home now. I'll just let Cynthia know and the rest that I'm leaving," I said, and I turned on my heel, heading back inside.

"I can come and pick you up," he offered, but I quickly declined it.

"I can walk, Tristan. It's not that far!" I said, and I heard him groaned.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Of course!" I let out a chuckle as I strode towards Cynthia.

"Alright. I'll see you shortly. " Then he ended the call.

Dropping my hand on my side with my phone, I called Cynthia's attention. "Cyn!"

She looks up at me, frowning. "I need to go home," I said, and she smiled as she nodded. Averting her eyes back at the half done bouquet, she replied. "I'll see you tomorrow then," she said as she added another rose to the bouquet without glancing up at me.

I went to look at Mrs. Fair, she's at the cashier's desk. "I'm off, Mrs. Fair," I called out on my way to the back room, and she looks up at me, and gave me her Mrs. Fair's signature smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she replied back.

I quickly untied my apron and hung it back on the hook, then collected my stuff. I text-ed Isaias, telling him that I'm off already. Otherwise, he'll be disappointed if he finds out I left already.

Not long, I got home. I headed straight towards the living room, and Tristan quickly rose to his height over 6'4, and he looks as tall as Isaias. I had to tilt my head up to meet his eyes that look like the leaves in the spring. It was bright and very expressive.

He smiled as soon as he saw me, and narrowed our gap. He quickly pulled me in for a hug, and I returned his hug.

He kissed my forehead, then pulled me away at arm's length, hovering over me, his hands holding me on both my shoulders, as he ran his eyes on me, up and down.

"I'm glad that asshole didn't leave his mark on you," he said and I frowned.

"What are you talking about?" I gave him a quizzical stare, and he chuckled.

"I'm just joking. Come, I have something for you," he curled his long fingers around my wrist and tugged me to the sofa. He picks up three paper bags, and my eyes bulged as I stared at the three expensive looking paper bags in orange, white, and black.

Hermes

Céline

Saint Laurent Paris

"I have no clue which one would you prefer, so I asked Bryn (brihn). She almost wipes out all my savings, just so you know. I hope she's right that you'll gonna love it," he frowned playfully, and I giggled.

I stared at the three bags, he was still holding up, and unceremoniously, I jumped at him, and hugs him tight, squeezing the bags against him, too. I am so happy.

"Oh my God! Are you kidding me? Are all of this, mine? They look so expensive. The name already sounded like a fortune." I giggled, as I pulled myself away from him, and he chuckled. I took the bags, and one by one, I inspects inside.

"She loves the Kelly, but she adored the Céline, but then she saw the Saint Laurent Paris, she couldn't put it down, so I had to purchase it, too." Tristan crossed his hands over his broad chest and grimaced playfully.

"Thank you!" I said I'm sure my eyes are sparkling with happiness. I gazed back at the tan color Kelly bag, then the black Saint Laurent, and the blue Céline. I don't know which is about be my favorite. "Oh, I already love that Bryn," I giggled, and hugs the three bags, forgetting my intention as to why I came home early. "And who is Bryn?" I asked when it dawns on me the name wasn't familiar.

I saw Tristan's eyes lit up. He looks happy upon catching her name. I cocked my eyebrow. "Just one of my friends," he explained a little defensive, and I nodded, but I could see something that he's not ready to share.

"I see," I nodded as I stared into his face in an intent perusal.

Looks like my cousin had found his happiness. "What?" he asked, dropping his hands to his sides, causing me to chuckle at his defensive manner. "She's just a friend, Rose!" he pointed out defensively.

"I didn't say anything," I giggled, thoroughly amused.

He shook his head as he chuckled.

Suddenly, I remembered zia. Did he also bring something for her?

I could share her one of the bags. "Did you bring something for zia? She can have one of these." I said, holding up the bags involuntarily, and Tristan shook his head.

"Don't worry about her. I bought her favorite shoes and sunglasses," he replied, then sat back on the seat he vacated. Just then I noticed, the TV was on.

"Mom bought some cake, it's in the fridge if you want to have some snack before dinner," Tristan said with his eyes trained on the screen.

"No, I'm fine. I'll just go up and change, then I'll come back down," I said, and he agreed.

I quickly ran upstairs with the three bags, smiling happily as I glanced at the bags once in a while. I was so excited. I can not wait to use them.

I decided to take a shower, then changed into my comfy cotton pants, and a loose t-shirt.

I let my damp hair cascaded around my shoulder and back, then headed downstairs. I saw zia sitting next to Tristan. They stopped talking when they saw me.

"Rose, honey. How was your day?" zia Estella asked as she rose from her seat. She met me on my way to the armchair adjacent to the sofa.

She gave me a hug, and I returned it happily.

"Tristan told me that you wanted to talk to us?" she began as soon as she sat next to Tristan. I looked at Tristan. He turned the TV off, then place the remote on the coffee table, then leaned his back against the backrest of the sofa, then he looked straight at me. I sat, then heaved a deep breath trying to calm my nerves.

I suddenly felt my throat dry as two pairs of perusing eyes were looking at me expectantly.

"So, what is this you want to tell us, Rose?" Tristan started, and I swallow hard. Clasping my hands on my lap. I forced my eyes to meet theirs as I spoke.

"I met with zio Dante this morning, and Martino Constantino," I said warily and I saw Tristan's face turned stony as he bolted sat upright.

"Martino Constantino?" he repeated, and I nodded apprehensively. Tristan doesn't look happy, not liking what he was hearing. His playful smiles vanished, and he looks murderous.

"Do you know this man, Rose?" Tristan asked, his tone was gentle, but filled with danger.

I shook my head. "I just saw him today. He's dad's business partner." I subtly reasoned out, and he shook his head furiously.

"Yes, he is! And possibly his murderer!" Tristan clenched his jaw and slowly rose from his seat. I tilted my head, my eyes followed him as he paced back and forth across the room, hand in his pocket, and the other passing through his hair in frustrations. He stopped, then looked at me, frowning. "What did Dante said? Why did they have to see you?" Tristan probe. I shifted my gaze at zia Estella who was just listening, but worries etched all over her face as she stared at me.

"He—" swallowing hard. I was looking at him. "He offered me a job since my father is a partner in the company. And maybe, for me to learn the ropes of the company, then be a part of it," I explained, and Tristan shook his head. He is not convinced.

"You said, he is possibly my father's murderer?" I asked cautiously, and Tristan stared at me. He seems reluctant to tell whatever he knows.

"That night in Cuba," he started. "Martino was there, too. Martino wants to buy your father's share, but he refused to sell it. Martino threatened him not just once, but many times, but no witness to prove that he was there at the bar." He unconsciously scowled at me with ferocity. "I don't see any reason why he asks you to work with him. He's not a safe man to be around you, Rose. He is a rapist!" His eyes glinted ominously.

As soon as my head processed his words, I suddenly felt all the hairs on my body, stood up in fear and I shuddered violently inside. An image of him attacking me flashed through my head.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"He raped his stepdaughter, but the evidences wasn't enough, his case was then dismissed. He told everyone that the girl seduced him. People believed him because the girl apparently working in the strip bar. She was just 18," zia Estella answered, and I saw the fear in her eyes, reflecting mine.

"He said, his plane is leaving tonight, I shall give my decision." I croaked, and Tristan looks grim.

"You are not going anywhere! Your father has so many enemies, and I'm sure they now found out about you. They won't stop until they wipe out his bloodlines. Your mom didn't die in an accident. It wasn't just an accident. Someone sneaked in that car and sabotaged it!" Tristan grits out, and dread filled me.

"Stop, Tristan. It was an accident. The car had a short circuit. Don't scare her!" zia Estella rose from her seat, and gave me a look, don't-believe-him.

"I'll get something to eat, I'm starving," zia said and left us alone.

"Is Isaias aware of this?" Tristan asked after a while.

I shook my head. That's one thing. Once, he discovered that I went with a stranger, I'm sure he'll be very mad.

Mad is an understatement.

He'll kill. Oh yes, that's right.

I could imagine his face, and surely, I won't leave the place without a minion following me or him following me everywhere. The thought sounds appealing, though.

I grinned inwardly.

I didn't mention that to Tristan. I could already imagine his face.

"So you're dating that asshole?" he asked randomly. I snapped my eyes at him. Just when I got to take a good look of his face.

He's on his full height, and he looks just like an angry God as he interrogated me. A frame of ripped muscles. An epitome of tall, dark, and handsome, and don't forget, he's loaded. He looks younger than his age at 33. He had dirty blonde hair, cheeks caved in, highlighting his already prominent cheekbones. His jawline was strong, almost chiseled, with a well defined dimpled chin. He has piercing green eyes that shine like an emerald when he's happy, a now a glint of anger.

I wonder why he's not dating anyone, though I've seen him with different models before. Oh, he's too good looking, to waste such genes.

I didn't like how he calls Isaias. "He has a name. You know?" I sulked. And he didn't move nor blink. He was only staring at me, with a dark aura. "He's not that bad?" more like a statement as I smiled tentatively. Biting my bottom lip as I gazed at him warily.

"I need to talk to him," he suddenly said, and strode towards the armchair next to me. He gave me a very disapproving look and shook his head.

"You are very stubborn." He remarked, and then leaned his back against the backrest of the armchair, both arms propped over the armrests, he looks deep in thought as he stared fiercely into the distance.

"He is coming to pick me up," I said, shifting in my seat to face him.

He turned his head lazily and meet my eyes. "Good. I need to know his intentions!" He sat upright, then move closer to the remote control, then grabs it, turning the TV on.

"You're not gonna beat him, are you?" I asked, eyeing him intently.

He just shrugged his shoulders to my annoyance. My heart suddenly beats out of my chest.

I stood up briskly and clenched my hands as I confront him, vexed. "I swear, Tristan if you touch him, I'll hate you forever!" I seethed, and his face distorted in disapproval.

"I know that man since I began working at the Delta, Rose. I know his kind, and I'll tell you, Rosie. He's not a good man unless you have another definition for a good man?" Tristan said brusquely, and I narrowed my eyes at him. Just as I was about to retreat back to my room, zia Estella came back with snacks and drinks, and Isaias trailing behind her.

I snapped my head to Tristan who was now at his full height. Eyes narrowed in a grim line, looking at Isaias with suppressed anger.

"Marconi," Isaias greeted coldly. He looked grim, as both stared down at each other with animosity, and the growing tension in the room, thickened.

It is very clear that the two hated each other's gut, nonetheless, I could feel the respect for each other.

Man and their big egos.

"I'm glad you came, Vitale. I just want a word from you." Tristan said, and Isaias just nodded his head. "Rose is dear to us, and I don't appreciate if you break her heart!" Tristan ground out, his tone was dripping with a warning.

"Tristan!" zia Estella snapped at him with a warning, but Tristan didn't budge.

"I'm not going to hurt her, Marconi. I'd rather kill myself than hurting the woman who gives me a reason to live," Isaias said without blinking. I felt my heart swelled with happiness. I was staring at him lovingly. My eyes felt like it's going to pop out with so much love.

"Good! She's so innocent. I'm sure you're aware of that. There are things she never knew, and I hope you'll not take advantage of—"

I felt my cheeks reddened as his words sunk in my brain. He'll gonna explode once he finds out that these things I never knew. I had seen it, touch it, and well, felt it.

"BOYS!" zia Estella called out their attention, cutting the tension permeating between them. They totally forgot that they have two other companies. They shifted their hateful gaze towards zia Estella, and their steely face softened promptly. I choke back the giggles bubbling up in my throat. "Let's take it down a notch, will you. Tristan dear, be a charming host." zia Estella gave her son a warning glare, and then shifted her eyes to Isaias who was already beside me. He is sure faster than lightning. And before Tristan knew what was happening, his lips brushed on mine, briefly.

It was just a brief kiss, but enough to send all my senses to oblivion.

I grinned happily, tearing my eyes away from Isaias, I caught Tristan scowling at me, questioningly. My smiled withered. "He's my boyfriend," I answered, lips breaking into a guilty grin.

Tristan's ominous eyes snapped to Isaias, dripping with disapproval.

"Tristan!" zia Estella snapped, causing Tristan to slump in his seat, then gave his mom a look of resignation. Zia Estella just gave his son a warning smile, and then averted her eyes, shifting between us.

"Please sit, Isaias." Zia Estella motioned the sofa, and Isaias reluctantly moved and sat on the sofa. Zia Estella placed the tray down on the coffee table and then pours some juice on the glasses. He handed each one a glass of cold juice, including me.

The glass sweats after a while, it felt colder underneath my sweaty palm.

I couldn't taste the juice from the tension that's suffocating me. The way the two were staring at each other, I felt like I was in between two boulders. I'm beginning to hyperventilate. What if Isaias learned about Martino?

The thought scared me.

"I don't think this is a really good idea!" I blurted out in frustrations, cutting the tense silence. All eyes bore into me, questioningly. I looked at zia Estella who was suppressing her smile. "These two can't stay in one room. I'm off." I stood up, but Tristan spoke, causing me to come to a halt.

"Oh, but you're not. Until you tell us, what's your decision about Martino's offer?" I quickly snapped my eyes to Isaias who was watching me with a deep frown stuck on his handsome face. "I want to know Isaias' opinion, too," he continued, shifting his gaze between me and Isaias. "I won't leave this house until I know you're safe, neither you!"

...........