Chapter 9: Taking advantage of the situation
Ellasandra's POV
I asked that question because I want him to be honest with me and share what's on his mind. I want to understand his true thoughts without my own biases affecting the conversation.
He sighed and looked at the ceiling. "If I said that I wanted you, would you even believe me?" Rafael remarked.
I could see the sadness and hopelessness in his eyes. He turned his face towards me and our eyes locked. I could see how sincere and serious he was. I noticed that in his tone as well. I laughed softly and looked away.
It looks like my plans will go smoothly. All I want is for him to fall deeper in love with me, to the point where he wants to be with me exclusively. It's time for me to savor this moment and be the woman pursued by the man she loves.
"I didn't say that I will never believe you. I'm just concerned about your situation with that girl. What is her name again? The one who upset you. I apologize for what I said," I remark.
He just scoffs. The sour expression he makes is priceless. I suppose it will be easier to teach Ashley an important lesson. I can use him against that woman. Rafael pins his hand on my side and looks at me.
He whispered, "As time goes by, you will come to know certain things. For now, let me cherish this time with you." After kissing my forehead, I blushed, unable to deny the effect of his flirtatious words. I can't even fool myself anymore.
He leans against the wall, patiently waiting while holding my hand, until the elevator starts working again. Once we're in our hotel room, I carefully brew the complimentary high-grade coffee offered by the hotel. I set his mug and the sandwich I made for him on the counter, making sure everything is just right.
Before settling in, I take a moment to check on Vivian and my son who are sleeping soundly. "Tomorrow, we'll be leaving this hotel. My house is all set, and here's the address. "
I showed him my phone, and he smiled upon seeing that I had included my phone number. He took a picture and saved my number. Rafael met my gaze, and his eyes were shining with affection. I chuckled and shook my head, taking a sip and savoring the taste of the freshly brewed coffee.
"Feel free to come over anytime. My son really likes you and even calls you daddy," I whispered.
He grinned and gazed at me with love in his eyes, prompting me to flirt back. Stepping towards him, I stood by his side and planted a brief kiss on his cheek before stepping back. "Thank you for this lovely evening, Rafael. I truly enjoyed being with you," I murmured.
He drew me closer, wrapping his arms around my waist as we looked at each other while sipping our coffee. I was relieved that Vivian was asleep; it would have been more embarrassing if she had seen us like this. "I had a great time tonight. I'll definitely be coming over more often than you think. Count on it," he says.
I laugh and gaze into his beautiful eyes. "No problem. You can even come over every day and join us for dinner. You can also help put my son to bed," I offered.
He smiled and appeared to like the idea. I don’t mind if he actually comes by every day. I want my son to feel his dad’s warmth and become attached to him without realizing that he's living with us. I know it's a cunning and selfish plan, but I will do whatever it takes for our family and my revenge.
After finishing our coffee, I see him off. "See you tomorrow. Thanks for the coffee, Ella."
I smiled and nodded as he grabbed the doorknob, but then turned around to look at me. After kissing me, he walked out the door, which made me laugh. I went into the bathroom to take a shower, unable to stop smiling and feeling excited. Finally, I could have him!
The next morning, we arrived at my mansion before lunch. Everyone was happy to see me back after two years of living abroad under a false identity. They all smiled and look on us, "Welcome home, ma'am Ellasandra!" they all said in chorus.
My butlers were both women and men, and I had ten maids who worked separately. I checked the nursery room to see if the interior designer had followed my instructions. I smiled when I saw that everything had been done according to my wishes. Satisfied with the nursery room, I then went into the master's bedroom.
I was glad to see that my instructions had been followed there as well. As I looked at my son sleeping in my chest while using a baby carrier, I felt no shame. I take pride in being a working mom. After putting my child to bed, I unpack my things in the luggage.
The head maid shows Vivian to her room. Once I finish tidying up, I head to the balcony to resume working. I will be returning to full-time work at Winters central office on Monday, but I want to make the most of my weekends. At five in the afternoon, my phone buzzes.
"Hello? This is Ella, may I ask who's calling?" I inquire.
"It's me, Rafael," comes the reply. I smile and stand up from my seat on the balcony, noticing a car outside the gate of my mansion.
He waves as soon as our eyes meet. "Can I come inside?" he asks over the phone.
I raise my hand and make my way down. It takes me five minutes to reach the gate and open it for him. "Bring your car inside," I suggest. He grinned and got into his car. One of the butlers noticed my actions. "I'll handle the gate, ma'am. You should have informed us," he said. I just smiled.
"It's no problem, Eric. Thank you," I replied. He grinned. I left him and waited for Rafael to emerge from his car. I hadn't anticipated his visit today. It seemed like he was serious about seeing us every day. He glanced at my house.
"You truly are a wealthy heiress, Ellasandra," he remarked.
I nodded and took the lead. He followed me as we walked side by side. "That's why I told you I'm not your wife. We're different from what you've described about her."
His expression soured, making me a little nervous. "We'll always disagree on that. I believe in what my heart tells me, regardless of how much you deny the truth, Ella," he whispered.
As the door opened, everyone in the household greeted him with a bow. I smiled, and they understood the meaning behind it. Just like me, everyone in my household was skilled in acting. They were aware of his identity, and I instructed them to assist me with my plans, to which they readily agreed.
"Please bring some food upstairs," I quietly instructed one of the maids.
I then directed him to the library in my mansion, ensuring he could easily find the door with his name on it without getting lost in the corridor. Heading upstairs, I first checked on my son in his room, wondering if he had already left. I was surprised to hear Rafael's voice from inside.
Upon fully opening the door, I found my son sitting on Rafael's lap as he read a book to him. "What are you doing here?" I inquired, conveying my puzzled state. He gestured for silence with a finger to his lips and smiled knowingly.
'Did he just tell me to shut my mouth? What the heck!'
My baby exclaimed, "Mommy! Dada reads books for Mikael." I smiled and sat next to them, noticing that he was already on the third page of his favorite story.
He loves to have this story read to him every time he wakes up, finding inspiration after a long sleep or nap. Rafael reassures, "Don't worry. From now on, daddy will always read your favorite book for you. I promise."
I gulp, about to ask, but Mikael speaks up, "Daddy, do you love mommy?"