Ideal Men 1: Russo Mancini (On Hold)

21

"WHY don't we join our children, right hayati?"

Yciella was left stunned in her place as the man in the driver's seat of the car smirked at her politely but wickedly. She was so shocked after seeing Hassan here and even approached her unguarded. Although she thought he was just a passerby who stopped in front of her and was meant to ask for directions, it turns out he is her husband. The man she had kept running from and loathed more.

Yciella pulled out the gun and aimed it at her husband. Hassan was contented with his wife's reaction.

"You never disappoint me, hayati. How many times are you going to point a gun at me?"

Yciella glared. "Shut up. Don't act like we're on good terms, Hassan. You only married me for inheritance. You brought another girl and slept with others after our marriage. You decided our children's lives as if you owned them. You imprisoned and tortured me. The pain, the fear, the anger, the hunger—I didn't forget it. You're sick, mad, and demonic. I will kill you right here, right now."

Hassan didn't hesitate to respond. "Do it."

Yciella's hand trembled. Instead, she threw the gun at him. "I hate you, bastard! Leave them alone!"

"Hayati, you're still soft and angelic. Why won't you kill me after betraying you countless times?"

Yciella looked into his eyes. Hassan's eyes were cold as ice, the reason why she named the twins after it. Despite the suffering, she couldn't end the life of the man who took advantage of her love. Maybe she's a martyr.

"Don't worry, I won't spoil their fun, for now," Hassan said. "For now."

He left the car and held her hand. "Come with me." Yciella struggled, but Hassan was stronger as he forced her inside the vehicle. Then, he placed a handkerchief over her nose, causing Yciella to lose consciousness. As her eyes closed, she felt hands start to caress her face and hair.

ICY HEART pounded rapidly. She examined her shop for a while and sighed after seeing that everything are in good shape. But, the cause of her uneasiness was unknown. She didn't overthink it and continued serving the customers that kept coming.

"Tesorina, I want to help you. You might forgot but your boyfriend is a chef. I can help you on preparing the dough and mixtures."

Iginaya ng dalaga ang binata sa kusina. She assigned him to watch the oven while Icy started doing the ganache.

Russo eyes was pinned to her as she look so hot baking and wearing the cute yellow apron.

"Eyes on oven, amore mio."

Russo cleared his throat. "I am, tesorina."

Icy focused on her baking while Russo became busy on watching the oven and putting the baked goods on the stall. Their night became tiring but enjoying because they're helping each other. When 9 o'clock strike Vandal and Icen already bid their goodbyes as well Jill. Then, Luisa and Alyssa came next.

When the clock pointed at 9:30 Icy decided to close the shop. Russo didn't let her clean on her own. He helped her on every means he can. Icy was delighted with the thoughtfulness he kept showing and doing.

They spend the night together cleaning the desert house and went home tired. Wala na silang lakas ng makauwi sila kaya agad na sumampa sa kama ang dalawa. Found themselves in each other embrace.

"Goodnight, amore mio."

"Goodnight, tesorina."

NEXT MORNING, Icy felt Russo's warm lips on her cheeks as she bid him goodbye, her heart heavy with the weight of the unknown.

"Pupunta muna ako sa desert shop." she explained.

Russo's brow furrowed with concern. "Is everything alright, tesorina?" he inquired, his eyes searching hers for any hint of distress.

With a reassuring smile, Icy nodded. "Okay lang naman lahat. May nakalimutan akong ibilin kay Carla. I'll be back soon, I promise."

Russo reluctantly acquiesced, his worry evident in his gaze. "Alright, but please be careful. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Opo," Icy replied, her laughter laced with affection as she waved to him before heading out the door.

Arriving at her desert shop, Icy was greeted by Carla, her trusted colleague. Together, they retreated to Icy's office to discuss the day's tasks. As Icy handed over the recipes, she learned that Carla had studied pastry making and would be taking charge in the kitchen while Paul manned the cashier.

"Take it easy," Icy reassured her coworkers as she prepared to leave for the day.

"Are you leaving already, ma'am?" Dein asked, concern evident in his voice.

Icy nodded. "Bawi nalang ako bukas."

With a final wave, Icy left the shop, the pleasant weather lifting her spirits as she strolled along the sidewalk. But her peace was shattered when a man in dark clothes emerged from a nearby alley, startling her.

"Sino ka? Bitawan mo ako!" she screamed, struggling against her captor's firm grip.

Ignoring her pleas, the man swiftly bound Icy's hands and silenced her cries with a handkerchief. Panic surged through her as she realized the gravity of her situation.

"Saan...Anong..." she pleaded, her words muffled by the cloth gagging her.

But the man remained silent as he dragged her towards a waiting vehicle, his grip unyielding. Icy's heart raced with fear as they sped towards the airport, her mind racing with thoughts of escape.

Finally finding her voice, Icy demanded answers. "Saan mo ko dadalhin? Pababain mo ko!"

But her questions fell on deaf ears as they arrived at the deserted airport. Despite her screams, no one came to her aid as the man forcibly ushered her onto a private plane.

'Why is thos happening now.' she thought despairingly as she surveyed the unfamiliar faces onboard, but she can assure that these men are Arabic and she believed them as her father's associates.

Her suspicions heightened when she noticed an old woman sleeping in the corner, her presence unsettling in the midst of the chaos.

"Okay lang ba siya?" Icy asked with her voice trembling with fear.

But her words went unanswered as the men ignored her, leaving her bound and helpless as the plane ascended into the unknown. Tears streamed down Icy's face as she thought of her loved ones, her heart heavy with the uncertainty of her fate.

Russo...