The Boss' Babies

Chapter 8

Angelica's POV

Everyone in the room this afternoon was speechless. We all preceded to Luc's mansion with the silent agreement we would all dine together. I was pretty sure it was Antonio who called Alessandra to join as at the mansion. I wonder how the kids are going to react when they will be introduced to their father's friends. Not including their father's ex mistress.

It's almost 7 pm when we all left the office and Alessandra is to meet us at the mansion. I just hope she isn't spoiling the children. The last time she came to see them, she brought all kinds of toys. I was with Luc in his Ferrari while the other two men went in their own cars. Neither of them volunteered to take Miss Allegri with them so she was forced to take a cab since Luc's car only had two seats. His friends seemed to reserve their good manners for people they like.

When we arrived, the kids ran out the door to greet us. The novelty of having a father hasn't worn off for them as they ran straight to Luc instead of me. I wasn't in any way offended with their behavior. I had deprived them of their father after all.

Luc took both of his children in his arms as if they weighed nothing. "Kids, meet Zio Marco and Zio Antonio," he introduced. He used Italian in addressing his friends so that the children could learn faster. They were taught Italian in school since almost every child in their school weren't native Italians and comprised mostly of children of ambassadors, consuls, diplomats and wealthy expatriates. "The woman is Signorina Allegri. She is the daughter of one of daddy's friends."

I'm curious why he didn't let the address her as "Zia." So they don't get attached or to not let them suspect anything? Juan Marco and Antonio took turns to entertaining the children and Maria Allegri kept quietly to herself. She seemed so out of place and neither Alessandra nor I bothered talking to her. I also kept silent but Alessandra was talking to Luc.

The children already had their dinner and Luc reluctantly let them go upstairs. As we all seated ourselves in the dining room, I went to my usual seat on Luc's right side but Maria beat me to it. "I'm sorry Maria but since Angelica arrived, that seat is reserved for her," Luc said without consideration for her feelings. And I honestly couldn't blame him. It was probably because of her that he decided on marriage to me and I know how much he wouldn't like to be tied down yet.

"But Luc, we are entertaining your friends and sister. I have always been your hostess," she said, not thinking whether she'd be offending anyone, like me for example.

He took my hand as I was beside him and led me to the chair in question. "You volunteered your services Maria. I have never asked for you to be my hostess. You just assumed you had the right. But that changes now. Angelica is my fiancé now and she will my hostess and escort in every event. I hope you understand that."

If there was any way the room could get more silent, it would have been now. I don't think anyone was used to this ice cold side of Luc. Even his friends avoided his gaze and Alessandra had a smirk on her lips. If only I could find this situation as amusing as she finds it.

Alessandra took her place on Luc's left and Maria seated herself beside her. The two men were on my side. The staff then came in and delivered dinner which was pasta and some salad. Probably for Maria because it seems she's the only one trying to be stick thin among all of us. The red wine was without fault but I could have been eating dirt for all I tasted. The tension in the room was palpable. Everyone ate quietly.

When everyone finished, we all proceeded to the sitting room just by the front door for the coffee. "So, when is the wedding?" Alessandra asked mischievously. I'm pretty sure that question was for Maria's benefit.

"I haven't even formally asked Angel the question sister. And I haven't met with my future in-laws. We'll get back to you on that okay?" he said with a grin on his lips. A grin I so wanted to wipe out.

"Luc, we only have to tell my stepbrother and stepsister. I'm sure we could do a quiet wedding. They would probably too busy to attend anyway." It was a small pleasure to burst Alessandra's bubble. And Juan Marco agreed too eagerly. He must really want to avoid my sister.

"No, we will have a church wedding cara. You will be dressed in white and my children will have to have a role. I will not have your parents think I cannot afford to give you a wedding you deserve." I was looking at Luc as he said those words and I couldn't help but be amazed. I was under the impression he was just coerced into this marriage but he was more eager than me. Or is it just his pride talking?

"She is right Luc. Maybe something quiet will be better. She isn't one of us after all. Our friends wouldn't probably look at her too kindly. They will criticize her and you. She is only your secretary after all. There is no hurry anyway." Maria was adamant in her objection it was at the point of being tactless and offensive. I rolled my eyes and I noticed Juan Marco and Antonio trying hard not to laugh. What was so funny anyway?

Luc kissed my knuckles and produced a simple diamond in white gold and put it in the right finger. He didn't bother with the question. The act was probably to shut his ex mistress up. "Contrary to what you said Maria, I am in a hurry to marry her. And what friends are you talking about? The people whose opinion matter to me are in this room, namely Juan Marco and Antonio and my sister. Anyone else are merely business associates and acquaintances. She is also the daughter of an American property developer and real estate tycoon. Who she is related to is irrelevant however. You will treat her with respect. You will watch what you say to her and about her. Or else there will be consequences. Am I understood?"

She nodded faintly. She was white with embarrassment. Alessandra and Luc's friends snickered on the side. My grip on Luc's hand tightened. I didn't want him to hurt her too bad. Even I wouldn't humiliate her to that extent. Well, not yet anyway. But if she gives me a reason to, and that is likely to happen, I won't hold back.

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