Together but Separate

Chapter 33: A Connection

Nicko Ferragni

I opened my eyes and smiled. What happened this morning was so beautiful, and I would never forget it in my whole life. Being intimate with my wife was one of the most amazing things.

I was ready to greet her, but my smile faded when I didn't find her next to me.

Where was she?

Did I sleep that long? Or was she taking a revenge on me for leaving this morning without telling her?

I rolled to the side to see the clock. It was three in the afternoon. I really did sleep long. So, I got up slowly and grabbed my robe to put it on. I was tying my robe when I noticed a stain on the sheets. I didn't like seeing blood, but this one made me smile. As a husband, this gave me satisfaction and happiness. I felt so honored.

Eager to see my wife, I went quickly to the bathroom to take a shower. I was humming a song the whole time. I was just so happy. I even chose a bright color to wear to match my mood. It was a yellow shirt paired with my white knee-length shorts.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I asked one of our helpers who passed by. "Hello, did you see my wife?"

"Umalis po, Sir."

My brows furrowed. "How long has it been since she left?"

"Ang alam ko po ay umalis si Maam Kate nung umaga bago mag-lunch. Nagluto nga po ako ng lunch dahil akala ko ay dito po siya kakain."

I nodded my head and thanked her before I dismissed her.

Kate would usually leave the house without informing me. That was not new since our marriage started as a set up. I would only find out where she was if I asked her bodyguards or if I would call her. I was not the type of person who obliged her to tell me all her whereabouts. Knowing how independent my wife was, I would not do that. I would still give her the freedom and privacy to do what she wanted to do or go wherever she wanted to go. As long as she brought her bodyguards with her, I somehow felt relieved, knowing there were people protecting her and keeping her safe.

Because I was getting hungry, I went to the kitchen to get some food and ate in the dining room. After eating, I checked my phone to see if she had any messages or calls for me. Unfortunately, there wasn't any. I was going to put my phone back in my pocket when it rang. I immediately thought it was Kate but when I checked the screen, it was my cousin, Rocco.

"Ciao, Rocco."

"Ciao, cugino!" he greeted back. "How was your Christmas with your in-laws? Hmm? Was it fun?"

"Yes, it went well. How's yours?"

"First of all, I don't have in-laws. Secondly, I was stuck with my parents on Christmas. Worst, they introduced a woman to me again! It was awful!"

I chuckled when I heard his irritated voice. Almost every special occasion, my aunt would introduce a lady to Rocco. They wanted him to date and get married, but my cousin was just not interested. His parents became more persistent about the idea of dating when they knew I got married. They wanted Rocco to settle down too.

"How is it awful? I'm pretty sure auntie would recommend someone beautiful, gorgeous, classy and intelligent to you. Someone who checks all the boxes."

"You know very well that having a pretty face, gorgeous body and intelligent mind are not enough to date or marry someone. Otherwise, you would have been married a long time ago," he said sarcastically. "You know what I want, cugino."

"I don't," I shrugged.

"Oh come on, Nicko Ferragni! You are my cousin for a reason. I am as picky as you when it comes to a woman." I laughed because of what I heard. "You are laughing because it's true. You may not admit, but I believe that you spontaneously made a decision to marry Kate because you felt a connection when you first met her. And I am looking for that too - a woman who will take my breath away. It's all about the sparkle and connection. Am I right?"