C17 Surviving the family gathering 2

Rafael's pov ~

As my dad left us leaving Maria and I together I felt a momentary relief but I knew that the night was far from over. I turned to look at Maria and all I could see was how pretty she was in the dress I got her. I didn't know what made me buy it but I got it for her and it was the first time I was buying something for her and I felt a sense of pride seeing her in that dress.

I wanted to compliment her and tell her she looked so lovely in that dress but my mind kept on drifting off to Leticia . I keep telling myself I love her but do I really love her? I mean I am already married to Maria and I don't know if it was possible to leave Maria for Leticia cause as long as my dad was alive he wouldn't let it happen.

I knew I had to end it with Leticia and soon before anything messy could happen. I looked at Maria again and smiled. She was a quick learner and she was already trying to navigate through this night just because of my own selfish reasons.

And then, just as I was starting to relax, I saw him. My father, Mr. Dante Santino, made his way towards me with a look of determination in his eyes.

"Rafael” he said, his voice low "I think it's time we had a little chat."

My heart began to race as I nodded, knowing that this was it. This was the moment of truth. And I couldn't help but wonder what secrets would be revealed, and what lies would be exposed.

I followed him out of the party room to his own room and stood beside him as I waited for him to say something. Next thing I knew he was throwing a bunch of photos of me.

“What is this?!” He asked, his voice suddenly filled with anger.

I picked up the photos with shaking hands to behold the sight of me and Leticia dancing together and sitting together at the club. I was so confused and shocked so many thoughts were running through my mind. How did he find out? Who sold me out? Who recognized me there?

“Are you not going to say anything to me?! His voice thundered in my ears. “You go out there and you disgrace me and you think you are worthy enough to be my son let alone inherit my company.”

“I'm so sorry dad, I c…can ex..explain” I said my voice shaking and lanced with fear.

“I hope your wife does not know about this” he asked me and that's when I noticed that Maria's face hadn't appeared on any of the pictures. Could it be the person doesn't know about Maria but about me or was it Maria that did this to me?. She'd seem pretty intent the last time we quarreled but I had thought we were finally on good terms at least.

My dad brought me out of my thoughts by saying “I want you to clean up this mess and make sure it doesn't get out and that your wife doesn't find out about it”

Of course I wasn't going to tell him that she was there and she saw me too cause that would only cause more trouble right now.

“Yes dad” I replied.

“And make sure you end things with that your girlfriend whatever her name is”

“Yes dad”

He then left me there and went back to the party. I picked up the photos and put them together in an envelope and stepped out of his room and suddenly I felt a hand stopping me. I turned in annoyance to know that was and I was faced with my step mother Alice Santino. We never really got along well. She always said I was the reason she couldn't have any children for my Dad because I placed a curse on her. Very silly thought for a former beauty queen if you asked me.

I shoved her hand from me and asked her “ what do you want from me?”

“Oh nothing son, can't I say hello to my son or I still can't call you that?” She asked with a creeping smile on her face.

I rolled my eyes and was about to walk out when she said something that made me stop.

“What if I tell you that I know who gave those photos to your father?” she said.

“And even if you do know the person, what's in it for you?

“Oh nothing much, I just want some of your shares of the company”

“You want what!? How dare you even think of mentioning that?

“Easy my dear son, just think it through and when you are serious you know how to meet me” she said and walked away leaving me standing there questioning what she was up to.

I was feeling so overwhelmed with just this incident that happened today, I decided to go look for Maria and take her home.

When I looked up I was surprised to see Maria looking at me from afar. She was standing with some relatives that I don't even know their names anymore but I was worried about one thing though.Had she seen me with my stepmom and thought something else? I shaked the thought of my mind and went towards her.

“We need to go now”

“Why is there a problem ,we haven't even stayed for up to two hours?”

“Don't ask me any questions, I'm the one that brought you here and I have decided that we need to go back” I said and then took her by her arm and was about to drag her out when my stepmom came and stood in front of us.

“Are you already leaving the party my dear son?” She asked and I cringed I really hated it when she called me that. She turned to Maria and asked “I'm Alice Santino, Rafael's stepmother. I know he doesn't say much about me but I'm glad to meet you again. I haven't seen you since the wedding. You are looking more beautiful than the last time I saw you”

Maria smiled at her words and said “ thank you very much and it's a pleasure to meet you officially”

“You are welcome my darling, if you ever need anything you can come to me, i will be glad to help out since you are my daughter-in-law”

“Thank you so much” Maria said and she bowed lightly . I was confused as to whether it was acting or Maria was really being respectful to her but I felt anger that she showed respect to this type of woman.

“Since you are done with talking to her, mother, we would be on our way now thanks for having us” I said without even glancing at her and then with Maria's hand in my mind I took her outside to where our car and driver were waiting for us. We got into the car and Maria suddenly wanted to hold a conversation with me but I stopped her.

When we arrived home, I went up straight to my room without even saying a word to her. I really didn't want to say anything to her or anyone else tonight.

Maria's pov~

The night had gone smoothly in my own eyes but I didn't know why Rafael was angry or what got him so worked up he didn't even say anything to me in the car despite the fact I tried to hold a conversation with him but yet he shunned me. Was it because of his stepmother, I saw when she was talking to him in front of a room and the look on Rafael's face told me he wasn't really pleased with her talking to him. I wondered why he hated her that much.

Or was there something else I do not know? It wasn't as if he told me much the time he was training me on how to act at the family gathering. I thought at least he would tell me that he was pleased with my performance tonight.

I sighed and took off my cloth, it still looked very pretty and then I took a long and nice relaxing bath before settling in the bed. What a long day I thought to myself. I reminded myself that I needed to call Estelle first thing in the morning to tell her about today and also about the day we would start work. I was so excited already.