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My eyes pooled with tears, and I hugged her again. “I don’t even know what to say except thank you.”
She chuckled against my shoulder. “No dear. I should be thanking you. We all should. You have given Mr. Greco purpose other than his businesses and a smile we’ve never seen.”
I took a step back, wiping my tears with my thumb.
“He was not always so easy to work for,” she chuckled once again, “but you have softened his heart toward people, and you will make a great wife for him.” I pulled the necklace out of the box and handed it to her, then turned around. I held my hair up. She took it between her fingers and wrapped it around my neck as she continued. “You are the sun in our house because you have brightened it with your smile and love. You’re going to make an amazing mother too, Miss Ayala.”
I spun on my heels. “What?!” I nervously giggled, fanning my face. I felt myself turning red as my cheeks became warm. “Stop. You’re going to make me ugly cry.”
“Mr. Greco is expecting you in the garden, so you better hurry.”
“Thank you again.”
She bowed her head. “You’re welcome, Miss Ayala, and happy birthday again.”
I took a quick shower and applied makeup before dressing in the attire chosen for me. Helen only laid out my clothes now when Valentino told her he wanted me to wear a specific outfit. I knew it was important I wear this for him today.
I slipped on the low-cut, long, wine-colored wrap dress which offered an elongated split up the side. Feeling self-conscious about my chest, I adjusted my breasts a bit in the mirror, taming them, unsure if anyone else would be joining us. I slipped on the stilettos before giving myself one last look in the mirror then I headed for the patio.
As I stepped off the elevator, I was met with the babbling of many people and racket of objects being moved around. I overheard one of the staff members giving orders to people as a breeze blew through the hallway. I held my dress just in case as I rounded the corner into the grand foyer. People sped by, holding party decor as a woman with a clipboard held her hand to her earpiece and read off a list of different tasks.
Trying to appear small, I hurried through the buzzing formal room toward the back terrace. All the French doors and windows were open. The chic cream curtains danced in the wind. As I stepped outside, I saw William and Tanya standing with Valentino. Tanya cradled Aston in her embrace. Their conversation ended as they all turned their attention to me.
“Happy birthday!” Tanya cheered.
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to youuu.” William sang sarcastic opera, waving his hands in the air. “That’s all you get, sorry.”
Embarrassedly, I giggled and playfully curtsied. “Better than Pavarotti, Liam.”
“I know, right?” He grinned, taking a drink of something that appeared to be orange juice, but I was guessing it was a mimosa.
Valentino shook his head, smiling, and stepped over, wrapping an arm around me. He pulled me to his mouth for a kiss, then spoke against my lips. “Happy birthday, my beautiful love.”
Goosebumps sprouted on every inch of my body when he spoke in his low tone. Instantly, I craved his naked body against mine. He slid his hand down to my backside, offering it a squeeze. Taking a deep, shaky breath, I cleared my throat, feeling myself blushing. He then tapped it lightly, chuckling. He knew exactly what he did to me, and he was proud of the effect he had on my body every hour of every day.
“Thank you, handsome.” I tucked my bottom lip between my teeth.
He took his hand in mine and led me to the table. One of the staff members stepped over, but Valentino lifted his hand, stopping him. He pulled my chair out for me instead. As I sat, he bent over and pressed his lips on the top of my head before taking a seat next to me.
“Crazy.” My eyes widened. “So much food.” I giggled, scanning the table for the first time since I came out outside.
The chef had prepared an abundance of food; meats, cheeses, fruits, pastries. An assortment of jams sat next to a pile of perfectly round crepes and toasted bread.
Another staff member strode over with a silver tray of fresh juices in fine crystal goblets. “Mimosa? Cranberry, orange, or raspberry, but I can get you another flavor, Miss Ayala.”
Shaking my head with a smile, I gestured to the empty glass on the table. “Just regular juice or water is fine.”
“Right away, Miss Ayala.” He signaled for another employee to fulfill my request.
Once he was far enough from the table that he could not hear me, I leaned over to Valentino. “It’s still so weird for people to be so official with me.”
He propped his arm on the back of my chair and shrugged with a smirk. “They won’t be calling you that much longer, Mrs. Greco.”
Snickering, I poked his thigh under the white tablecloth. “You know what I meant.” My eyes trailed to Tanya, who was staring at me, arching a brow as she placed Aston in a small bouncer swing next to her. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “I plan to drink tonight.” I snorted. “I know what you’re thinking, and you better stop.”
She pursed her lips, squinting as she lifted her orange juice to her lips slowly and took a sip. “Mmhmm.” She hummed against to rim of the glass.
As we dined, event staff zipped by back and forth, setting up for my party. Occasionally, they would stop by, asking Valentino a question. It surprised me he did not seem more annoyed. Usually, he got grumpy when people interrupted our meals.
