TOXIC (Dark Mafia Romance)

Chapter 21 (1 of 2)

I FELT drained and sleepy as we got into the vehicle. Then I practically dragged myself to bed the moment we got into the penthouse.

"Eat something first, Principessa," saad ng binata habang nakaupo ako sa higaan.

"I'm just so sleepy, Alessio."

The past few days had just been exhausting.

I slumped onto the bed face down and moaned as my eyes drifted closed, then I felt him sitting on the mattress by my waist, and his large hand clasped my nape and gently massaged the strained muscle there. I made small noises because it felt so good.

Alessio chuckled behind me as he rubbed my nape. "You need to eat. I'll order a light meal, eat it here, then go to sleep."

I grunted but kept my eyes closed.

I felt him get up, but after what felt like only a few minutes, he returned, and the smell of something hot and aromatic wafted to my nose. Then I felt my stomach rumbling. I was probably hungrier than I thought. Half-asleep, I got up and ate the light chicken and kale carbonara.

Then I trudged to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Then I was back in my bed, face down, and falling asleep again. I felt Alessio pulling my blanket over me.

"Sleep tight, Principessa."

Then I heard his footsteps and the soft clicking of the door.

Maliwanag na sa labas nang magising ako. At nang sinipat ko ang digital clock sa night stand, nagulat ako nang makitang passado alas-diez na ng umaga.

I hugged my knees and pressed my cheek against it as I stared at the dark drawn curtains across the large windows. I didn't know if it was the good cry I had at the cemetery or I just had great sleep, or maybe it's both, but I felt light and refreshed.

Running my fingers through my long hair, I let my eyes drift close for a bit. The cool air of the AC felt good on my skin. Memories of what happened yesterday floated back to me. My visit to Riza, the flower shop, the cemetery...

I had never intended to share all those things with Alessio, but the words just tumbled out as we sat there in front of my baby sister's grave.

Opening my eyes, I shook my head, got up, and went straight to the shower.

After quickly washing up, I slathered creams on my face and body, then I put on a coral strappy maxi dress with a square neckline and floor-length tiered skirt.

Plano kong bumisita uli kay Riza, pero ngayong gabi rin ang dinner para sa kaarawan ni Don Almeda, at sa tingin ko ay wala na akong oras bumalik dito sa penthouse para magpalit ng damit pagkagaling ko sa 'ospital.

So I opted for this dressy outfit even though it seemed a little too much for a hospital visit. But I kept my long straight hair down without curling it or doing anything much to it to make my whole look simple. I just blow-dried it and applied the usual serum. I hardly put any makeup on either, just a dab of tinted moisturizer, brow gel, a sweep of wing liner, and red lips and I was done.

I texted Danica and told her Riza had woken up, and that the child wanted to file charges against her father. But since I didn't have time to talk, I told Danica in my message that I'd call later.

Iyon lang at binalik ko ang phone sa luggage at kinuha ang isang beige clutch bag. Inilagay ko roon ang phone na binigay ni Alessio at ilang mga bagay gaya ng wallet at lipstick. Dinampot ko rin ang black paper bag na naglalaman ng regalo ko kay Don Almeda. It was a first edition book of The Prince since I remembered that it was one of Don Almeda's favorite books. Nung isang buwan ko pa iyon in-order para sa kaarawan ng ginoo.