CHAPTER SIX

Gianna's POV;

The brightness of the morning was slowly starting to disperse across the sky. My eyelids were burning because of my lack of sleep. I personally had trouble sleeping because of what Adriano said last night after the dinner so I just lay down and listened to nothing but silence which most people hate but I honestly enjoyed this morning.

I sniffed thinking about what Adriano said last night. I have never been humiliated by anyone like that in my entire life before.

I slid off of the bed with a frown on my face because of how exhausted I felt. I felt as if I haven't slept in years so I thought it would be best for me to take a quick shower to help relax my mind. 

I stood in front of the sink where I brushed my teeth and washed my face. After that, I stood under the warm water and slowly I felt my energy coming back so I had to cut the shower short. I scrubbed soap throughout my body and left my hair unwashed because I washed it yesterday. I spread a small amount of lotion on my body and then I walked to my drawer to take out my uniform for work. A black and white uniform and a black sneakers. I also put on my underwear and sprayed delightful deodorant on my skin after putting on my outfit.

I stood in front of my mirror, looking at myself in shame because of how low Adriano thinks of me. But who cares? My family and friends love me the way I am. I know I shouldn't go to the restaurant until after my day off is over but I might have an emotional breakdown if I stay at home. I needed to be with people who would keep me busy and happy. And I wanted to tell Laura about Adriano, the marriage proposal and the dinner date.

"Gianna," my stepmom called out and I went downstairs.

"Good morning, bride to be." My stepmom showered my face with kisses.

"Good morning mom," I responded with a kiss on her cheek trying to sound happy. She threw her arms around my neck and snuggled her face into my hair.

"What did you and Adriano talk about last night?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"Nothing much, mum. He was just asking about my likes and dislikes, that's all." I said sitting down to eat my food.

"Did you like him? And don't you dare say no because we all caught you staring at each other during the dinner." 

"Yes, I do. He's hot," I blushed.

"Uhumm," she hummed, gesturing to me to continue.

"He's handsome and perfect." I completed it.

"Where is dad?" I asked changing the topic.

"He went to the office earlier in the morning because Eddie said he was coming over today to check up on him at the office,"

"Okay,"

"But why are you dressed up in your uniform? I thought you were off work today." She asked in confusion.

"Yes, but I'm going to work because I am tired of being idle. It's really tiring. And plus I miss Laura and my colleagues so much, so that's why I'm resuming,"

"But you know you're getting married in six days right? You need to resign from that work. You're moving to Italy to live with your husband. Anyways today is the perfect day to tell your boss, Laura and your colleagues about the marriage. And tell them that they are invited, okay?"

"Yes mom, you're right."

After having a bowl of cereal, I quickly rushed out of the house to catch a taxi because taxis are really hard to get in the neighborhood.

The taxi stopped in front of the restaurant. I got out of the taxi and made my way into the building that I have grown to cherish but will be leaving it soon. I couldn't tell my stepmom about the conversation I had with Adriano because she was very happy and I didn't want to ruin her mood. When I finally got inside the restaurant I was greeted by my colleagues.

"Good morning, everyone." I waved at them. I walked to the back so I could put my purse in my locker. When I was done with that, I washed my hands in the bathroom and made my way to the counter.

"Hey cutie," I heard from behind me and I instantly knew who it was. 'Laura'

"Good morning," I say before wrapping my arms around her.

"Hey, what's wrong? You seem off." She asked and I shook my head "I don't look off, I am really off. I just feel depressed right now. This is a lot going on with me and it's just too hard for me to take on."

"What is it Gigi? You know that you can tell me anything right?" She said and I nodded.

"So tell me what happened?"

I drew her back to the locker and began telling her everything.

"So, do you still remember that day my dad asked us to pick Oliver from school?"

"Yes," she shook her head.

"Okay, so after you dropped us off and I went into the house. I met an old man who is my dad's friend. After the introduction and everything he asked for my hand in marriage for his grandson who happened to be Adriano Altamira, that guy who tops your list of crushes. My family and I accepted the marriage proposal and we all went to a dinner date with Adriano and his grandfather." I paused to see if she was listening to me.

"Go on," she said.

"After the dinner date which was last night, Adriano spoke so lowly of me when his grandfather and my parents gave us some space to talk and get to know each other."

"What did he say?" She asked

"He said that I am not up to his standards, that I am a lame girl, that I should tell my dad to call off the wedding." I sniffed.

"And did you tell your dad?"

"No, I couldn't because my parents are so happy about the wedding. Oliver is looking forward to being an uncle." I said chuckling.

"What should I do? I don't know what else to do or say. What do you suggest I do?" I asked for her opinion.

"Well, If I am to be honest with you then you should proceed with the wedding only if you like him. I mean you and I both know that he's right. You're not in the same status as him and he is older than you."

"Wait, I don't understand what you mean. You are taking sides with him and you are also saying that I should go on with the wedding at the same time." I asked because I was shocked that my own best friend is taking sides with a guy she doesn't even know. Anyways I don't blame her because she has a huge crush on him.

"What I mean is that if I were you, then I would never let this opportunity slide. You are not in the same status with him doesn't mean you can't adjust and get familiar with his luxurious lifestyle after getting married to him. You're going to be his wife. And his grandfather accepting the marriage proposal means that his entire family are all looking forward to it, so you should just relax and enjoy your life. Not everyone gets an opportunity to even see him, not to even mention go on a date with him and his grandfather."

"So you're saying that you are supporting me to marry him."

"Yes,"

"But did you and your family fly all the way from Florida to Italy just for a dinner date with Adriano and his grandfather?"

"No, no, no, we had the dinner date here in Florida at an expensive restaurant Adriano owns." I said and she nodded in response.

"So, let's get back to work," I said, getting up from the chair I was sitting down on. I asked her about her boyfriend and she just shrugged off the question. I didn't ask any further questions because I noticed that she was off and not in the mood to talk. I guess maybe she was surprised about the shocking news I told her.

After serving food to the customers for about four hours, our boss came in swinging his hips and singing in happiness. 'Now is the time to spill the news to everyone since my boss is happy i guess'

"Umm, everyone I have something I have to tell you." I started and my boss and colleagues turned around to look at me.

"What is it?" They all asked, making me feel nervous.

"Okay, I will be getting married in six days and I'd like to say that I will be resigning from work today after my shift." I stated.

Some were looking at me in surprise, while some all cooed at me teasing me which made me blush and smile.

"But why all of a sudden?" My boss asked sadly.

"I'm so sorry boss. I couldn't tell you because I was off work. The wedding will be in six days. I'm so sorry sir." I pleaded.

"It's okay Gigi. I will just go and get your payment for this month." He said turning around but I grabbed his arm gently.

"No sir. Please, I don't want it. I'm already sad that I'm leaving here after promising to resign only after five years of working with you. If you give me the money, I will feel bad and more guilty. Please, it's okay, don't worry about the money." I explained.

"Gianna, you don't have to feel guilty about anything. After all, look at the positive side of the situation. You will get to rest and your mind will be at ease. You won't have to worry about getting here early in the morning and sometimes leaving in the middle of the night. And we will all be fine here. We all understand your situation and I wish you a happy married life."

"Thank you sir. And I will be honored if you come to the wedding because you are cordially invited."

"Wow, I will be there just in time I promise and you don't have to thank me, I should be thanking you because you really helped this restaurant in many ways." He said and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Now finish this shift." He said playfully like a command.

"Yes sir." I saluted chuckling and obeyed him like a soldier.

I worked until two o'clock in the afternoon and said bye to my boss. After that I hugged everyone and left the restaurant in tears. It was so hard to leave because I have worked here for a year since graduating from college and I have become attached to the people here and the environment.

I walked all the way back home crying loudly that got passersby to look at me in confusion. They probably think I was dumped by my boyfriend.

"Gigi," Oliver screamed, jumping up from the sofa.

"Hey Oli, how was school today?" I asked, nuzzling my face in his neck as I hugged him tight.

"Cool as usual," he sighed.

"Where's mom?" I asked him looking around for my stepmom.

"She is still at work and dad is in the backyard." He said pointing at the doorway that leads to the backyard.

"Work? By this time? She's late today." I said and walked to the backyard to greet my dad.

"Dad,"

He turned around and stood up the moment he saw me "Hey baby, how was work today?"

"Fine,"

"Hey, what's up with you? You look sad. What's wrong? Did anyone hurt you at the restaurant or on your way back home?" He asked gently.

"No, nobody did anything wrong to me. It's just that I quit my job today. Mom said it's better I tell my boss and colleagues about the wedding and quit the job after my shift today." I said.

"Oh, that's right baby. I know it was a hard thing to do but you don't have to look sad. You were going to leave there anyway. You only worked there to help with our financial status." He said rubbing my shoulder gently.

"What's all this?" I asked, pointing at the magazines and papers on the table.

"Oh yes, Eddie sent me the images of the wedding venue and reception location. He said he picked one specially for you because all the women in the Altamira family chose a similar color. And guess what? The wedding reception decor is a mix of lilac and yellow color. Come and take a look at it." He gave me the tab, swiping through the screen, I saw the reception decor that has lilac purple and yellow and I instantly chose it because I love lilac and yellow color.

"Yes, I knew it." He said and we both chuckled.

"Before I forget, do you like him? It's okay if you don't. Just be sincere to me please. Do you like him? And are you ready for all of this?"

I sighed and breathed out "Yes dad, I am ready. And I like him. And I trust that this marriage will be for my own good."

"Okay then if you say so." He said and pulled me into a tight hug.

"I'm gonna go take a nap for now."

"Wait, what about lunch? Aren't you hungry?"

"No dad, I'm not hungry. I had a burger at the restaurant. I will just come down for dinner, and mom will be back home by then." I said and ran upstairs joggling in happiness. 'I'm getting married to Adriano Altamira in six days, woohoo. I'm going to be number one on the billionaire ladies list of the world'.