Unforeseen

Chapter XXII

Within a matter of months, the wound had healed up very nicely. All that remained was a scar that with time, the doctor assured, would turn out to be almost invisible. During that period, I had formed my own conclusions of which of the men I could trust and which I couldn't. Gabriele and I were pretty good at judging characters and we were both on the same page except for maybe one or two of them. But as he had warned I was cautious when I was around all of them. This was probably the worst part because I felt as if I was constantly on edge in my own home which should be the safest place for you. Thankfully Gabriele had done as he said he would and got cracking on the gate and fencing almost immediately following the incident.

Six months had passed and we were back to our normal selves. The fence had been put up, running the length of the property, and the front gate had been installed. There were a few stragglers still working on the construction of the guard shack, but Gabriele quickly sent them off before the job was finished. He insisted that since this was to be Raphael's men's post that they shall have to finish the job on their own. They didn't mind this at all though, they liked having something extra to do since it concerned them. Especially because they had time to kill with less ground to cover as the fencing now surrounded the perimeter. When we had gotten the boost in men for security Gabriele appointed Raphael head of security since there were too many men for just him to keep an eye on. The original six were also given a more distinguished title though I couldn't remember what it was, they were mainly second in command to Raphael in keeping a close eye on the newcomers.

Following the departure of the extra security team, Raphael kept his title while the others diminished away. Gabriele had been so impressed with how he had handled the whole team that he wanted to continue with him in charge of the original six. When we returned to the normal size staff, I tried to convince Gabriele to teach me how to drive so I could come and go as I saw fit. I was sure not to word it like that to him knowing the answer would undoubtedly be a no, but unfortunately, as I found out the hard way it wasn't ever going to be about convincing or persuading him. He skipped right over me learning and himteaching me how to drive part because he knew ultimately that would lead me to go off on my ownand have some independence. He already had hismind and his reasoning set, explaining that he didn't want me to be going places myself for safetyreasons. If I needed to go somewhere one or two of the men would accompany me there. The word chauffeur came to my mind but he wouldn't dare describe it as such nor would I say it out loud.

Unbelievably another year had passed right by our eyes. On our two-year anniversary, I hadn't seen Gabriele most of the day I didn't even attempt to ask where he was as I assumed; he was busy with business which had been a pattern following our first-year anniversary. For dinner I wanted to wear something nice to celebrate this next milestone that we would be passing, however, upon reaching the bedroom I found a three-tier white box set with a red ribbon wrapped around it, laying on the bed. 

I started unboxing from the top down, the smallest box contained a silk clutch encrusted with diamonds. The medium-sized box had been divided into separate sections inside. The first holding a sautoir with a tassel hanging at the end, the second a dog collar necklace made up of multiple chain links and pearls. A row of silver chain links lined the top and bottom with a line of pearls placed perfectly in the middle. Not only that but every bottom chain link had a smaller pearl dangling from it. It held a decorative oval-shaped pendant in the middle with an additional pearl positioned directly in the center. 

Taking the form of an upside triangle were two singular chain links that were attached to both bottom corners of the pendant which cascaded down into another pearl and another chain-linkdropping down into the bottom center piece, a teardrop shape pearl. It was exquisite, no other word came to my mind other than that one. I repeatedly ran my hand down over it, rippling the connected chain links, in fear it may disappear in front of my very eyes. A crystal forehead headband occupied the third compartment while its matching earrings sat in the final spot.