All rights reserved ©2015 by MsDreamerGirl84

FYI: There are Russian words along the story. Thank you to @mindurway for correcting it for me. She's my Russian Editor. Thank you again.

"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to us, they find their own order the continuous thread of revelation." - Eudora Welty

Third Person POV

Pushkin Russia, Markovich Palace

"Мы нашли вашу внучку ,  ваше Высочество !" (We found your granddaughter, your highness.) The butler bowed in respect to the grand duke and spoke with so much passion and high regard.

"Как она выглядит?" (What does she look like?) Nikolai Dmitri Markovich, Grand Duke of Russia spoke regally, hands clasps on behind his back as he stood few centimeters away from the high mirrored window walls in his study, watching his vast estate with an empty feeling. He needed an heir to reign over his estate. 

When his daughter died of depression because of his doings, he felt nothing but regrets. He lived with remorse. A life full of misery. Sending her unwanted grandchild away, was the worst decision he ever did which caused him to lost his only daughter. She was supposed to marry the prince of France but she was impregnated by one of his respectable Lords. He sent him off when the Grand Duke found out that they were discreetly seeing each other without his awareness, and where the Lord died in a battle. He thought he succeeded in separating them but soon after, his daughter, Alexandra Tatiana Markovich, Grand Duchess of Russia, the only heir of Nikolai Markovich, died a year after I sent her daughter away, due to severe depression that caused her to end her own life. The old Duke blamed himself for the death of his only child and soon regretted sending away the only legacy his daughter left, Tatiana Anzhelika Markovich. 

"Она точная копия покойной великой княгини Александры, Ваше Высочество !" (She is the split image of the late grand duchess Alexandra, your highness). The butler replied respectfully. Then his face saddened with the thought of the sweet, charming, witty, and strong-willed Duchess.

Since the passing of the Duchess, the estate has become gloomy. Everyone was moving like a robot. The old Grand Duke changed tremendously, from warm to cold. When his wife died in childbirth, he spent his time raising the child that only reminded him of his late wife. She was born spoiled and strong-willed that even the strict Grand Duke couldn't bend when she reached marrying age. She grew beautifully, that every prince of different countries wanted to catch the interest of the wild Duchess. But Lord Benedict Romanov, a respectable knight caught her attention and she set her eyes on only him to the extent of defying his father's wish. 

Their love was blessed with a beautiful girl, but the Grand Duke discreetly paid and threatened her daughter's lady-in-waiting (Companion) to take the baby away before the scandal will reach the ton. The Grand Duke promised to support the baby until she had a degree but then Maria died and the granddaughter ran away and from then, they heard nothing about her. 

The Grand Duke rarely comes out from his study and he was always drinking liquor which he never did when her daughter was still alive.

"Продолжайте следить за ней и докладывайте мне обо всём. И принесите мне все  её фотографии, я хочу знать  как она выглядит и как у неё дела. " (Follow her and update me often of her lifestyle. Get me a lot of photos of her, as I want to see how she looks and how is she doing.) He ordered in his authoritative tone.

"Да Ваше Высочество!" (Yes, your Highness!). The butler bowed and left the study as quietly as he entered. 

****
Clara Bell's POV

It's been three months since we shared that passionate kiss, but until now his kisses were tattooed in my heart and my mind. I could still feel his lips on mine. My finger involuntarily ran over my bottom lip, recalling how good it feels his lips against mine. 

Arggh.. I groaned loudly as I tried to shake the thoughts off, causing Arianna to shot me a quizzical look.

"Nothing!" I smiled. She looked back at the computer as she was trying to plan a theme for the next event that was coming this month.

I'm glad that we are so busy this past month that I forget him at least when I'm at work. Although I get a lot of sleepless night because of that lingering kiss we shared.

It's not fair. I haven't seen him after that kiss. He was gone, no calls, no emails, nothing. He just disappeared without a word. It's not that I'm expecting him to tell me his schedules or routines, oh hell, I do. 

"Why would he bother missy? Look at the girl he was dating compared to you?" my subconscious mind chided. I mentally scolded myself of dreaming that the Infamous Valiente would fall for me. 

"Remember, he said he won't date someone like you, so get a grip Clara Bell!" I mentally implanted it in my head. I was watching Arianna, as she made a note and kept on browsing on the computer while blabbering suggestions but her words just ran through my ears, my mind wasn't processing it. They were like the air that just passes me by. My mind was still reeling on the only person my heart was aching to see since that kiss.

"How about purple and white with a touch of green?" Arianna asked beaming at me. 

"Sure!" I replied but with a lack of interest.

"Clara Bell Bennet!" Arianna spat loudly catching my attention completely. "Are you with me, honey?" she asked raising her eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, Arianna. Yes, I'm all yours!" I replied sweetly giving her my full blown smile.

"Good! Because I need your help here so we can start soon!" she exclaimed then she resumed making a note while rambling on and on.

**** 

Rafael Alejandro Valiente's POV

I just closed the deal with the new owner of the Valiente Headquarter building here in Madrid. I had to beg my Dad to sell the building since none of us were living in Madrid anymore. My parents are currently living in London and I already eyed a new prospect in London and I need the money that our building would make off the sale. Dad reluctantly agreed on selling it, but  he as a wise businessman, he knew it was a dead investment if he keeps it when nobody was using it. I'm glad it was officially sold.

"Until next meeting, Morrison" I stood up and shook his hand. The young Morrison was also known as the cold-hearted tycoon in Barcelona. 

"Until then, Valiente" he nods and left with his lawyer trailing behind him.

I let out a satisfied grin and glanced at my time. It's almost lunch time. I wanted to fly back to New York. I missed her terribly. 

I had to fly here the next day after that night because my Agent found a good location and a business building in London that he believe they will sell it at affordable price knowing the owner just passed away and the only child was a drug user and irresponsible.

I had to stay longer than I expected because I was eager to sell the building. I know the paparazzi's had spotted me in a gathering a few weeks ago when I went to attend the charity ball our family was always supporting. Kristela was with me and I don't know why I agreed to her scheme. I know she wants us to rekindle the relationship we had shared before but I'm hundred percent sure I don't love her anymore. My mind was reeling to a blonde all the time. The kissed we shared was indescribable. 

And I realized I want her more than anything else. 

The irony of life, those standards you set usually don't happen. I never found blondes attractive before. I thought they are all dense and all they want is fame, money, and sex, and I never expected I would fall for one. And now, she's all that I want.

**** 

Clare Bell's POV

"Clara Bell!" Enna's screechy voice roaring around the whole room. 

"This better be important missy!" I mentally hissed. This is her umpteenth time calling me. I should have done vacuuming if she just kept her mouth shut and just do her thing.

Argh ... I stomped my foot heading to the living room. She was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, laptop resting on her lap. She was staring at the monitor while her other hand was holding a glass of orange juice. "What?" I spat unable to hide my irritation this time.

"Sorry!" She smiled toothily as she looked up at me. I'm standing in front of her with my hands resting on my hips.

"I should be done the cleaning by now if you just keep your business to yourself. What do you want this time?" I whined with a disgruntled face.

"I thought you would wanna see this?" she smiled cheekily as she showed me a picture of Rafael and that girl I saw that night he called Kristela.

I felt like my eyes popped out from their socket as I stared at them too close in that whatever party. The girl was holding Rafael's arm like her life depended on it and that scoundrel, he looks so happy with her. I felt like my heart just exploded with the sudden jealousy. 

"Are you Ok?" Enna asked after a long silence. I was rooted to the floor, still gaping at the photo. I could feel my eyes getting moist, while trying to calm the beating of my heart. 

"Of course!" I managed to respond without faltering.

Enna turned the monitor to face her and read the article. She didn't notice that my mood had changed abruptly.

"The Elusive Billionaire, Rafael Valiente, previously engaged to the Super Model Alessandra De La Vega was seen with his ex-girlfriend Kristela Sullivan at the Catholic Foundation Charity Ball last night, looking exuberant. Is it the reason why the supposed wedding of the year was off? Rafael was again rekindled to his long time Ex-Girlfriend? Is a real wed—"

"Stop!" I blurted out almost yelling. I don't want to the rest of the article. 

So Alessandra was his ex-fiancée and Kristela was his longtime ex-girlfriend. I felt like I was crushed a million times over and over. 

I spun on my heel and head back to Enna's room and resumed vacuuming with my head reeling with the news. Thank God Enna thought I was just not interested and I just want to finish cleaning that she didn't say anything and continued on browsing her laptop.

I really need to get rid of this stupid feeling. I'm no match for those girls he dated. He's right. I'm not the kind of girl he ever dated. 

What am I gonna do? I have no way to avoid him because he's my boss? And where am I going to find a job? 

Maybe to another planet, for sure.

God, how am I going to forget him If we hang around in the same room?

I finished cleaning the whole place in no time. I vent out all my frustrations on vacuuming and dusting. Enna was looking happy as she watched me cleaning. I'm glad she stopped calling me and just sat there comfortably while humming. 

It was already four in the afternoon. Enna and I were sitting on the couch. Enna looked refreshing after napping for almost three hours. I wanted to sleep but I couldn't. 

I'm still pre-occupied with the thought of him with that brunette, Kristela. 

"We are paying this cable for nothing. All the shows are crap!" Enna mumbled frustratedly as she kept on flicking the channels faster than lightning, over and over. 

"It's four in the afternoon, missy, and it's Saturday, usually shows are either sports or news. Get over it!" I exclaimed with knitted brows. 

Just as she disappointedly placed the remote on the table my phone rang.

I picked it up from the coffee table and check who it was. Sister Theresa's name was on the screen. I connected the line. "Sister Theresa, it's nice to hear your voice!" I began gleefully!

"How are you, Clara?" That's how she called me. She said I reminded her of her sister who has the same name as me. She died when she was seventeen in an accident. That's why when she first saw me she felt an instant love for me that she became like my second mother and she even sent me to school until College. She was very sweet and supportive. 

"I'm doing fine, Sister Theresa. It's almost Christmas. I was thinking to come home and spend it in the orphanage with you and the other kids!" I exclaimed happily. Enna was just watching me with her smile plastered on her face. 

"Oh, that's lovely, Clara. I have missed you a lot so as Father Thomas. For sure everyone here will be happy to have you at Christmas," she exclaimed happily. I could feel her eyes were twinkling with joy. Her enthusiasm is so infectious which caused me to smile. 

So we talk a lot about things in the orphanage. About the new sponsors whose kindhearted enough to donate to the charity foundation yearly. After like an hour, we said our goodbyes.

"I was thinking to invite you to our house for Christmas but that's ok, last year you were with us!" Enna said smilingly. I could see a tinge of disappointment in her eyes but she hides it pretty well.

"It's been three years since the last time I went to visit them because I was always in London, so I thought it's time to pay them a visit. And I miss Sister Theresa," I explained truthfully as I smiled at her, while fiddling with my phone.

"I understand, Bell! Maybe I could come with you and maybe you tour me around your hometown," her eyes bulging with her sudden idea, almost bouncing on her seat excitedly. I froze for a moment Enna was too excited with the idea that she didn't notice when my smile fades and my face turned stony.

I don't know if I would still want to see where I live, not while he's still alive.

"I'm sorry Enna, as much as I'd love to tour you around my hometown, I can't," I said apologetically. Hopefully, she will dismiss the idea. 

"But why?" She asked after as she looked at me with curiosity. 

"Because I can't remember where I live ..." I trailed off, trying to find the right words but I found myself lying. I'm not ready yet to tell anyone my nightmares.

"I just woke up one day in an orphanage. That's all I can remember," I added softly as I looked down on my lap. 

"Oh, I'm sorry, Bell! I don't mean to remind you of the saddest part of your life," she said apologetically as she scoots closer to me and pulled me for a hug. 

I felt a pang of remorse for not telling it all, but my past is not a fascinating story at all.

"That's fine. Then maybe I can have Christmas with you and the kids in the orphanage. That would be fun," her mood changes promptly as she pulled away and settled back to where she was seated while ago.

"Sure," I replied forcing a happy tone. 

She glanced at her watch. "It's almost six, Bell. We have to get ready," she exclaimed as she frantically stood up almost tumbling off the couch. 

I was invited to their house tonight for dinner since her eldest brother, Angelo, who lives in Italy arrived yesterday. I met him after two years of living with Enna. Enna has two brothers and she is the youngest. Angelo Giudici was the eldest and Andrew the second. Enna's dad is an Italian and they moved to New York when she was just five months old according to her. They are all good looking. Angelo was already thirty, Andrew is twenty-eight and Enna just turned twenty-seven.

"You're not coming?" Enna's screechy voice snapped me out of my trance, raising her eyebrow at me as she stood in front of me. 

"I'm getting up," I said lazily and pulled myself up. 

Before it struck seven, I heard the doorbell ring. I was about to walk out of my room to open the door when I heard Enna's clicking heels heading to the door. So I shrugged and went back to resume tying my thick hair in a messy bun and put on my flat knee length boots. I was wearing a black thick legging and a nude color knitted winter top with button linings on the shoulder as a design. The hem just reached my hips. 

I'm not too dressy. I know it's winter and it's freezing outside so there's no point of wearing a sexy dress which might be the cause of my death. 

I grabbed my red winter wool coat and my purse and walked out of my door. I saw Angelo and Enna exchanging pleasantries, as they pulled themselves from hugging.

Angelo's face lit up when he saw me. He was like a brother to me. "Oh my God, Bell? Is that you?" He asked with exaggeration. I rolled my eyes. Sometimes, he overacts but I love him. He's very sweet.

"Yeah, no one else," I brag with my full blown smile.

Angelo walked closer to me and swept me off my feet and spun me around. I squealed and giggled and automatically wrapped my hands around his neck. He always likes to do that, and I knew he was going to do it but I always get surprised. He kissed my cheeks and then put me back down on my feet. He was actually tall, not taller than Rafael maybe about 6'2" somewhere around there.

He looks so handsome in his black trousers and iron crisp blue long sleeves. He just folded the sleeves up to his elbow giving him a bit semi-formal look. 

He's lightly tanned, lighter hair than Enna, and golden brown eyes. Pretty doesn't begin to describe his looks. If you let me describe him with the gorgeous faces in Hollywood, I would say, Jamie Dornan, only he has brown eyes. He's sexy, but for some reason, I find Rafael hotter. I love Angelo but only as a brother. Not like he's courting me.

"How have you been, Bell?" Angelo rested his hand on my shoulder making me feel shorter. 

"Not bad, Mr. Giudici," I giggled as I playfully yanked his hand away from my shoulder making him groaned melodramatically.

"Since when did you get muscles?" He playfully teased as he rubbed the wrist I just gripped. 

"I wish I had!" I said rolling my eyes. Enna was laughing. 

"Let's go brother before Mom will get bored waiting for us!" Enna chided playfully and she walked out the door. I followed her and Angelo trailed behind me. I could feel his eyes assessing me from behind and for some reasons, all the fiber in my body was reacting.

"Angelo!" I chided turning my head to glare at him.

He just grinned and chuckled after. I rolled my eyes. I knew he won't stop teasing me. 

I locked the door before we headed to the elevator. When we get to his BMW he opened the door for us. Enna and I seated on the back seat. 

"Great! You guys just made me your chauffeur," he complained petulantly. 

Enna and I giggled as we look at each other. He slid into the driver seat and gunned the engine to life. Not long we reached their place.

Mrs. Giudici was at the door waiting for us as we climbed out the car. Enna walked closer to her mom and gave her a hug and kissed her cheeks. Mrs. Giudici then pulled me for a hug and I kissed her cheeks.

Mrs. Giudici said that her husband was on the phone in his study when Enna asked for her dad. Andrew was just walking down the stairs. 

"Hey little sis, pretty Bell," he smiled cheekily as he approached me first and gave me a hug then Enna. I was so grateful that the Giudici accepted me and treated me as their family. I felt overwhelmed sometimes because they were really sweet and very warm to me. Especially Angelo, he's sometimes very protective. With them, they fulfill the kind of family I longed for.

We had dinner and we all chatted in their living room after dinner. Andrew as usual, dominated the whole group. He's the hyper one. We just laughed when his story is funny. I was sitting in between Angelo and Mrs. Giudici. Mr. Giudici joined us at dinner. He asked about our activities and Enna told the same story. I'm still aloof at him but he just shrugged it off. I don't know why. Maybe because of my father, I guess?

Not long, Enna's boyfriend Zander arrived and Enna was surprised. Zander is a pilot. They met at the New York Airlines. They have been dating for five years. I used to work with him too until I was fired. He was very sweet and charming, too. He's an Irish. 

At twelve midnight, we decided to leave, Enna went with Zander, then Angelo offered to drive me. Enna already left and I was waiting for Angelo. He had a call from Italy. He's also a businessman. He's running an architectural firm. He is an architect.

"Ready?" He asked after he stuffed his phone in his pocket. 

"Yeah" I replied briefly as I stifled a yawn. 

"Sorry. I didn't expect that call would be longer," he apologized as he led me to his car. I just wave my hand to dismiss it. He started the engine and soon we were on the road. We kept talking on our past experience. He told me that he was too busy in his business that he doesn't have time to find a girl when I joked about him to know if he's dating anyone. 

"How about you, Bell? Are you dating someone?" He asked in a serious tone as he glanced at me once in a while and back to the road.

"No!" I replied curtly. 

"Were you waiting for someone?" He asked randomly and I look at him and shook my head.

"No. I was too busy working. I've had no time for that," I explained softly as I looked out the window. There are not many cars since it's already midnight and people are already sleeping.

Not long, we reached the building. I noticed the gray Sports car, looking very expensive. I can't see the person inside since it's tinted. I ignored it. 

Angelo opened the door for me and helped me out of his car. He walked me to the entrance door. Before I reached the door he called me and I looked at him. He was staring at me intently as he shoved his hands deep in his pocket. "Bell, I have something to tell you," he stared at me warily, hesitant as he opens his mouth again to speak then closed it again, looking uncertain. I waited for his words. We were oblivious around us. I didn't notice Rafael was already walking closer to us. My heart was racing with fear anticipation. I waited for his words as I stared into his golden brown eyes. I felt like I was slowly hypnotized. "I love you, Bell since the first time I met you," he finally confessed, eyes looking straight to mine, hard. 

Did he say he loves me? It never dawned on me that Angelo would love me. 

"SHE'S MY GIRLFRIEND ASSHOLE!" Rafael's voice thundered around the quiet night, snapping me out of my confused thoughts. 

*****

ENJOY!