Torta Piccante !

Chapter 24: Payback is a bitch Malen'kiy!

(Mature Language 18 +)

"Buongiorno signore! Come posso aiutarti, signore?" (Good Morning Sir! How can I help you sir?)

As the store saleswoman greeted and asked him, Ricardo's heart raced like a crazy horse looking at Hazel who was dressed up like the boutique store staff and flashed them a very wide toothy smile.

But with Anastasia's hawk like gaze on him, he knew he had to keep a straight face and control his happiness on seeing 'his' lover.

Clearing his throat, he flashed a super fake sweet smile at Anastasia and looked back at Hazel greeting, "Buongiorno! Potresti mostrarci dei bei vestiti per la festa di fidanzamento?" (Good Morning! Could you please show us some pretty gowns for engagement party?)

Controlling her urge to punch the woman in front of her who was clung to 'her' lover, Hazel shot another fake smile and nodded her head saying, "Certo signore, per favore, venga da questa parte." (Sure sir, please come this way.)

As Hazel stepped away in the direction of the party gowns aisle, he let his gaze linger across the hall and saw Cici and Sierra looking at some dresses. Knowing everything was going as per their plan, he turned his head in Anastasia's direction and flashed a smile at her asking, "Shall we?"

"I thought you must have already selected a dress for me." Anastasia asked in a sceptical tone eyeing him from head to toe while his jaw clenched and his sane and insane frame of mind screamed, 'Perché cazzo scelgo un vestito per te, maledetta strega?' (Why the f*** will I select a dress for you, you bloody witch?)

Controlling his desire to bark those words right on her face, he cleared his throat again and smiled at her saying, "You see, I would have definitely selected a dress for you but I thought it would be good if I let you decide. You know a man should always listen to his woman."

As the word 'woman' crossed his mind, all he could see was Hazel. She is the woman in his life. The love of his life!

Unable to control anymore, he stole a glance at 'his' lovely woman who was standing at the 'party gowns' aisle and smiled at him.

His heart melted seeing how she was here to help him and to give him the much needed support at this difficult stage. She was not only working for her father's justice but also for teaching the evil brother-sister duo a lesson for targeting Elisa. What more could he wish for?

He couldn't stop thanking god for sending such a loving person in his life and would have continued to do so, if it wasn't for Anastasia's ugly voice that broke his revere of thoughts.

"Oh wow! You are super sweet Ricardo." Anastasia chirped pressing his cheeks which only irked him more than ever. Putting her head over his arm she added, "But let me tell you one thing, I want you to select a dress for me. I want to wear something of your choice. Go ahead."

Of course he earned a glare from Hazel and hurriedly moved Anastasia's head away saying, "Alright, if you insist malen'kiy."

He was so desperate to send this maniac into the trial room and have quick chat with Hazel that, he really didn't care what kind of gown he was suggesting. Whatever his hands could grab, he gave it to her saying, "I think this will suit you."

Taking the gown from his hands, Anastasia checked the gown saying, "Actually, it doesn't look bad. In fact I like it Ricardo. Thank you so much. And why not? Looking at me everyone will know what a great taste you have."