Chapter 6

She smiled because she had just found a new friend in her chaffeur. One she hoped was more genuine than Edmundo's.

"Where did you go?", Edmundo asked.

"Oh, no where. I just took a stroll because I was feeling the heat get to me", Rita said.

"Come, let's go greet some of my friends before we leave", he said.

Rita sighed inwardly. No doubt, this would be another round of boring talks and short conversations that never seemed to lead anywhere.

She endured it all and when they were done, she felt much happier.

"Such a lovely party", Edmundo said.

Rita sighed, wishing to never experience any of that again.

The next morning, Rita paid a visit to her dad. Lawrence Anderson was getting on in years. His usual brown hair had a lot of grey undertones. He was a man of medium height with an oval face and a strong jaw. Rita took his complexion, a bright caramel that seemed to sparkle under the sun. His eyes were a deep blue, just like the ocean. It usually drew people in especially prospective investors.

It was no wonder why he had a lot of clients, wanting to associate with the Anderson group. Apart from his attractive physique, Lawrence Anderson was blessed with the gift of convincing people. He had a sugarcoated mouth that moved investors and clients and before they knew what was happening, they had already signed a deal. It wasn't a surprise to anybody that his daughter had taken his traits, one she used judiciously in running the empire.

"Hi Dad", Rita beamed, pecking his cheeks.

"Glad of you to come see me, it's been so long. How are you?",he said.

"I'm sorry dad, I know my visit is long overdue. I've been so busy that at times, I don't even have time for myself", Rita sighed, taking a seat.

"You should make out time for yourself my dear. No one can take care of you better than yourself, always remember that. I know it's not easy running an empire as large as ours but I know you can do it, all the more reason why I put you there", Lawrence said.

Rita remained quiet for sometime, mulling over his words. Her father was a wise man, one who hardly makes mistakes. She had a lot to learn from him especially if she was to run the empire smoothly.

"Dad, something has been bothering me that's why I came to see you. I tried talking to mum about it but she wouldn't listen to me", she sighed.

"Go on, I'm listening. What's the problem?".

"Dad, I can't marry Edmundo. I just can't", she blurted.

For several minutes, the patriarch remained quiet, thinking about his daughter's words. Rita could see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to give her a reply.

"You have to marry Edmundo", he said quietly.

Rita slumped on her chair, defeated. She hoped, just a little that her father would support her on this but as it was, her parents were bent on her getting married to Edmundo, a player and a pompous man.

"I see. I'm sorry for wasting your time", Rita said, walking away.

"In time, you'll see the reason for this decision", he said before Rita finally left his home office.

She made her way downstairs, needing to be far away from everything. It was one thing for her to attend the party yesterday and another thing to spend the rest of her life with someone she loathed.

"Just drive Rodrigo, I don't know. Anywhere but here", Rita said.

Rodrigo sighed, speeding away. Sometimes, he wished he could help her but as poor as he was, there was nothing he could do.

"I'm sorry", he said quietly, looking at her through the rear view mirror.

"You don't have to be sorry, you didn't do anything. It's now confirmed that I'll be spending the remainder of my life with someone like Edmundo. So I think it's best I enjoy this little freedom before it's all over", she said.

Rodrigo smiled sadly at the state his employer was in. He drove round the area for several minutes until he finally stopped in a clear open field. Rita came down from the car barefoot, not bothering to put on her shoes. Rodrigo joined her and together, the duo walked towards the open field.

"It's really beautiful, I feel free here", Rita said.

"I knew you'd like it that's why I brought you here. My mum said my father used to take us here when we were little. I don't remember much of it because I was only little then", he laughed.

Rita couldn't imagine how one person could be so handsome and kind. She always looked forward to seeing him and now that they were here, she loved every minute of it.

They sat down on the open field, trading stories of old. Rita got to learn a lot about him and she also told him some things about her.

"Are you kidding me, you began cooking at the age of nine?", Rita asked.

"Yeah, my mum made us learn. Even though my sister wasn't bothered about it, we still learnt and I can proudly say that I'm an accomplished cook", he laughed.

"Well, I guess I should really have a taste of your cooking one day", she said.

"It would be an honor. Just inform me when you're ready so I would prepare beforehand", he said, throwing a little stone in the air.

He faced her, staring into her eyes. Rita could tell that the moment had changed, there was a static feeling in the air laced with deep emotions they felt for each other.

"You're really beautiful", he said, cupping her face.

Rita looked away, shy all of a sudden at this show of emotion. He traced her lips with his fingers, a soft gentle touch thst had her swooning.

"Thank you", she simply said.

Without warning, Rodrigo kissed her. Rita was a bit surprised but she waved it off, kissing him back with everything she had. She had waited for this moment for a very long time and now that it was here, she wouldn't ruin it.