Waves at once

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

By the time we reach Milan, things were weird. For everyone.

Our darling Felicity had managed to keep herself under the radar and only spent time with us when she had to. Andrew and I were pretty much spending most of our time together, not necessarily having sex but just genuinely enjoying each other's energy. Or what was left of mine... in a way, I was trying to feed off him. Ellie had been ...Ellie and that would never change no matter the circumstances.

What was really weird though was Oliver. I suppose after my tantrum and he's scolding, he somewhat got his act together. He had been quieter and spoke to me softly with a delicate choice of words. He was acting in an apologetic manner but never actually apologized. But I suppose we know Oliver never apologize and if he does he doesn't mean it.

"Juliet, I just really need to talk to you?" The brunette boy followed me through the lobby of the hotel disrupting, what was, my peaceful check-in process

"Oliver, what is there to speak about?" I snapped viciously. I was terribly hungover over and he didn't seem to understand that "We spoke in Paris" I adjusted my dark sunglasses and I offer the receptionist a thin smile "Juliet Valentine" Is all I say and she nods while beginning to organize everything

"Yes but I don't think you understand what consequences of your Persian activities are at the moment... have you been on your phone at all?" He asks incredulously. So much for delicate speaking.

"Oliver, I'm hungover and exhausted. I don't have time to be reading vogue" I retort  before the receptionist hands me my room card while the bellhops begin grabbing my luggage as I  follow him to the elevator

"Well you should consider reading it, there's a lovely article on you" He mutters as we enter the elevator and that's when I freeze to look at him

"Excuse me?"

"Oh yes, rather entertaining, isn't it. Juliet Valentine and model Jacob Ryans leave the club for a little more privacy at his hotel" I felt my stomach drop as we exit the elevator

"What magazine is that?"
"TMZ" Of fucking course it is "Is it true?"

"Doesn't matter now, I'm single right?" I pushed my sunglasses up as I sent him a cold look

"Well it's gonna matter when your parents find out"
"hmm" I rolled my eyes as we finally reach my room, I allow the bellhop to enter with my bags as I allow myself access to the room.

There was a moment of silence as with of us analyzed my suite. It was okay, not the best but okay. The roof was decorated with classic Italian artwork and an arch lead to my bathroom which had dark marbled floors, prestine what bathtub in the centre of it all and a lavish shower.  The balcony offered an amazing view of the city. On my coffee table were copies of Italian Vogue and a complementary snacks with a note from the hotel addressed to me.

The bellhops walk out awkwardly.

"Perhaps, you do not understand the severity of your consequences" Olly tries to rationalize with me, but there was no time for that. I was a woman on a mission and that mission was to make the Versace show.

"No I do, but I don't have the time to entertain the theatrics, now please leave me to get ready" I threw my sunglasses on the bed as I removed my black trench coat.  With a sigh, Oliver nods his head and exited without another word.

Italy was a lovely place, although I preferred Tuscany and the Amalfi coast, Milan was lovely too. But this week could've seen better weather. I mean, of course I was prepared for the windy autumn season but I was so use to coming here in the summer, it was odd seeing cloudy grey skies.

I needed time to myself, that's what brought me here. That's why I was in an isolated cafe, sitting down and drinking an iced coffee. Fun fact- to not look like a tourist, you don't order a cappuccino after eleven. It's a dead give away otherwise.  Anyways, as I sat here- I decide to indulge in Oliver's concern as I search up TMZ. And low and behold, there was a photo of Jacob and I entering a black SUV together.

Now, I could get around this. I knew that. TMZ was known for not being the most reliable source but this time they had photographic evidence - this making it a bit more difficult. Perhaps I'd tell my parents that Jacob was escorting me to my hotel and ensuring my safety?

My thoughts are interrupted when my phone begins ringing.

"Hello?" I didn't even bother looking at who was calling, I'd find out one way or another

"Juliet Antoinette Valentine!" My mothers shouts into the phone, her voice is stricken with horror. So I rightly assume she knows of the article

"Hello Mother" I sigh, already bored of the conversation, there was no point in even trying to fight back.

"Explain to your Father and I why there's an article on TMZ , of all fucking places, of you and some model going back to a hotel together?" She was appalled.

Now, I had two choices. Be honest - and get no where, Lie and get no where. I chose the former. It held fewer consequences.

"Is Father there?"I question as I raise an eyebrow

"Yes Juliet I am" My fathers' formal voice rings through the phone. Impressive. That's how I knew I was in serious trouble, my father was giving me direct attention.

"How's work?"
"Juliet skip the pleasantry" My mother snaps and I sigh. It was worth the shot.

"Well... If I'm being completely honest, Oliver and I broke up" There's a long since on their end as I wait for a response.

"Excuse me?" My mother hisses at the phone

"Don't make me repeat it" I mutter as I feel my heartstrings being tugged at again.

"That is absolutely unacceptable" my mother starts as her high pitch voice causes me to wince. She begins going on a tangent about how the Lexingtons and Valentines were so close and how it was crucial Oliver and I stayed together for generational wealth purposes, business purposes and all sorts of status reason "And I don't doubt for one second that poor Olly has tried to fix it, I know my own daughter and I know you're too stubborn to care about your family if it compromises you" I don't know what hurt more - the facts that she assumed the worst of me or the fact that it was true.

"He was cheating on me, consistently!" I tried to defend myself, only to be followed by another silence.
"With who?" My mom voice had gone cold

"Felicty Huffman" I kept a flat tone, not trying to give too much away. There's another moment of silence and I realize I'm gonna need to say more for them to speak again "And it hurt mum" I tried, with a bit of honesty

"Listen, Juliet" My mother starts "Men, are like dogs at times and you need to pull a tighter leash on Olly. You can't let him lead astray" I kept quiet as I listened to Ito the advice "Remind him that you're his one and only priority"

"What do I do about Felicity," I ask quietly as I stared into my empty glass

"Go for the throat darling" My dad jokes, elevating the tension as both my mother and I giggle

"what your father is trying to say to put her in place. But I trust you have Ellie to guide you with such" And I nod to myself. My mother knew how Ellie was and found it quite admirable at times

"Okay" I sigh nodding my head

"But Juliet, we need you to sort this out. Now- okay my love?" My mothers' tone had suddenly sweetened as she knew she had won this one.

"Yes, of course"
"I want you and Olly back together before you return"
"I understand" I sigh as I straighten myself up, preparing to leave. I say my goodbyes to my parents before I finish paying for my drink.

My mind was scattered as I was now on a mission to fix Oliver and I's relationship. At all costs.