/BOOK 1 - PROPOSAL SERIES/
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"Your body language says you're enjoying yourself" Leo chuckled still glancing at his menu card, Getting no response he looked up to see the grumpy faced Aishwarya who oozed out that she wants to be anywhere but here...
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// Seville, Spain
As evening fell, the bright daylight dimmed into a rich amber hue, casting an orange glow across the countryside. Leonardo's black Bentley moved smoothly along the roads of Seville, passing vast stretches of greenery and quaint cottages. Through the rearview mirror, he noted the absence of any cars trailing behind and, with a quick glance of satisfaction, pressed down on the accelerator, propelling his "black beauty" forward. The car curved gracefully around a bend, then sped up a gentle slope, where, at the summit, Leonardo's villa awaited—elegant and imposing against the backdrop of rolling landscapes.
The villa gates swung open as the watchman quickly activated the controls, recognizing his arrival. As Leo approached the grand staircase, he tossed his car keys to the waiting butler with practiced ease and climbed the steps, pausing halfway to admire the familiar trees his parents had planted near the entrance. A faint smile tugged at his lips—a nod to the roots he cherished—before he reached for the grand entrance. But before his hand could even touch the handle, the doors opened wide, revealing his mother standing on the other side with a disapproving frown.
"Madre," he greeted warmly, leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead. Her frown softened at his touch, though she looked up at him with mock severity.
"Shouldn't you be telling me why I have reason to frown?" she asked, raising a brow and shaking her head, though her lips hinted at a smile.
Leo's expression turned mischievous. "And how did you know it was me?" he asked, feigning innocence as he stepped into the villa's spacious foyer.
Elisa crossed her arms, a knowing glint in her eye. "You promised you'd be here at 6:30, caro," she said, nodding at the clock on the wall. "And look—it's exactly 6:30, mio giglio."
Leo shot her a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his head. "Right on time," he said, chuckling. He glanced around at the empty, grand living room and spread his arms. "But why is this place so quiet, Madre? Feels like a ghost town."
Elisa gave him an amused look, her eyes twinkling. "Just wait a moment, and you won't be asking that question again. Sit here, tesoro," she said, patting the couch beside her.
Before he could take a seat, a loud voice boomed from the far end of the hallway, "Perché qualcuno non mi ha informato che mio nipote è qui?!" (Why didn't someone inform me that my grandson is here?!)
From down the hallway emerged Trista Clemente, Leo's grandmother, holding a fluffy white cat in her arms. She wore a light red dress with a wide-brimmed hat perched at a jaunty angle, and her flip-flops slapped noisily against the floor as she hurried over, her expression both indignant and delighted.
"Nana!" Leo exclaimed, opening his arms, but she was quicker, pulling him into a tight hug that nearly made him lose his balance.
"I suppose it's time we fire all these lazy culos," she muttered, shooting a pointed look at a nearby maid, who immediately placed a glass of water on the side table with trembling hands before scurrying away.
