The Contract

Chapter 132-The Velvet Affair

I tucked down the sleeve of the white cashmere top I wore this morning, at least I got up early today.

But somethings never change, like Travis going off to wherever he does this morning and the stillness and quietness of the house.

I got up, I had breakfast in bed and decided to take a little tour of the place. I haven't really seen all part of the house, I really don't think that's possible. This was a castle.

I took the last steps to the end and sighed before looking left and right, I didn't know where to take or where to start from. I eventually chose right and began heading down the hall.

The whole place was adorned with paintings, ranging from the little ones to the huge one that hung across the hall. One particular one caught my attention and I paused and stared up at it.

It was a religious painting of the messiah on the cross, it was beautiful and definitely grounding. I'm sure Rosa had an interest in painting, that was the one thing she was mostly involved in.

A figure suddenly stepped out from the hallway at the left, and I tore my eyes and turned once the footsteps began echoing through the halls. My jaw dropped open and Jeffrey too halted in his tracks, "Mrs Ferrari?"

"Oh my gosh, Jeffrey!" I hurried to him and pulled him into a hug. That definitely threw him aback because he remained still as a board. I didn't mind, I was just really happy to see him after all this time.

I pulled away, a wide smile on my lips, he was still taken aback by my gesture. "How are you? What are you doing here?! I blustered all the questions I had in mind.

He finally got over himself and mustered up words, "I'm doing fine and I got posted here by Mr Ferrari "

That dick! Always the best at not sharing important information.

"I'm glad you're okay now" his bruises had healed up, though there was still faint scars but all in all, he was standing here talking to me.

"I am glad you are okay too" he replied and I grinned. Jeffrey isn't the one to fall out of character but here he was, slipping out of his professional mask.

"Thank you"

"I presume you're here with Mr Ferrari "

"Yes, this is my little vacation" I bragged, flicking my hair and he pulled out a little smile at my statement. "You absolutely deserve it" he responded.

"So, when are you-"

"Pearl!" a voice called out interrupting me and I turned, it was Rosa. She walked down the hall, pulling the black scarf over her shoulder. "Good morning, Rosa" I greeted while Jeffrey bowed.

She paused, her eyes moving between us. "We'll be leaving for the church now" she informed. "Of course" I nodded and she held on one last look before turning on her heels and walking out.

I guess the tour is over. I turned back to him, "See you back in LA, Jeffrey" I said and he nodded with a smile.

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Rosa lingered at that spot staring up at the mural of mother Mary for a little while longer. We had finished paying our respect to the late Roman Ferrari but she didn't seem like she was ready to leave yet.

Her hands clasped, eyes closed and her lips moving but no words were coming out. I cast my head down, ready to stay here no matter how long.

I couldn't say I knew what she was feeling, I didn't, I couldn't tell, I couldn't feel it. She lost her husband and it has to be devastating, she has been strong for way too long and sometimes I get surprised on how she gets through.