A Woman's Empire

XXI

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Three days had passed since the married couple arrived back from their honeymoon in Italy. Audrielle struggled trying to fit in under the roof of the Amour's. Some days she felt left out or that they couldn't trust her because many of the people in the manor would speak Italian and she had no idea what on earth they were talking about.

Audrielle understood that Leo had to take care of his multi billion dollar business but what she didn't know was how distant Leo became. Every morning he would wake up at exactly five thirty five a.m and head to the gym for an hour while Audrielle would still sleep. After that, he would go for a shower, freshen up and put on one of his tailored suits that hung in the walk in wardrobe. It wasn't until seven when Audrielle would wake up in an empty bed and make her way down stairs in her robe only to see Leo walk out the doors of the mansion.

By evening, Leo would arrive back and would be just on time for dinner where he would place a kiss on her head before sitting down next to her for dinner. Audrielle would ask about his day but never pushed the boundaries by asking him how the business was running. Although she was eager to ask about her own family business, she had to come to terms that it wasn't her place to ask, because like her mother would say "just because you carry the family name, doesn't mean you have the right to know every little detail that your heart desires".

Today was Thursday and Audrielle had already become sick of being cooped up inside. She wanted to explore, maybe even go shopping. Quickly jumping out of bed, she ran down the stairs, not even bothering to tie up her robe. She needed to catch Leo before he left the building or else it would've been another day inside.

"Leo! Leo! Wait!" She cried as she almost fell down the stairs. Leo suddenly stopped in his tracks, his briefcase in hand when his eyes caught a glimpse of his wife running down the stairs.

"Cover yourself up! I do not want workers to see what is mine." He snapped when Audrielle had finally made her way to him. With her face full of confusion, Leo pulled Audrielle closer to him by the ribbon of her robe. She gasped at the sudden movement but blushed in embarrassment, realising that she had just ran down stairs in nothing but a lace bra and panties.

"Now, what is it my dear?" He asked calmly.

"Oh, well uh, I was wondering if I may go shopping today. I have never been to North Carolina and I would like to get to know it better, since it will be my new home." Audrielle mumbled, her face cast down on the marble floor.

Leo huffed and let out a little groan when Audrielle looked back up to him with puppy eyes.

"I suppose I don't mind. But you will leave with me and return with me. You have thirty minutes to get dressed and any longer, I will be leaving without you." Leo stated, looking down at the Rolex watch on his wrist.

"Thank you!" Audrielle exclaimed with a large grin on her face. She quickly kissed Leo on the lips before running back upstairs towards the bedroom.

Less than half an hour later, Audrielle had gotten dressed into a lovely knee length dress and a black coat to keep her warm due to the wind. She wore barely any makeup except for a little bit of mascara and some dark red lipstick.

Walking back down the stairs with a grin on her face, Leo smirked and couldn't help but wolf whistle as he saw his beautiful wife.

"Sei così bella, mi toglierai sempre il respiro." Leo whispered, kissing her hand before they linked arms.

(Translation: You are so beautiful, you will always take my breath away my love)

Audrielle couldn't help but smile even if she didn't understand what Leo was saying. They both walked towards the SUV waiting outside as the driver stood there with the door opened.