Means to love

The Dante family is an extending family and they live under same roof.

Abuela is the mother of the house, she was blessed four sons, Bruno which is the first son and his wife, a pregnant Maria jose their two sons.

Benicio the second son and his wife Florence had two sons as well.

Luciano the third son of Abuela isn't married yet, and the fourth son, Alejandro and his wife Paulina had only one kid.

Alejandro and his wife stay alone, they refused to live together with the whole.

An argument broke out in Bruno's room as he disagreed strongly on his wife ( Maria ) suspicion,

"Believe me Bruno, Luciano isn't hanging out with a good gang, I saw a gun in his wardrobe the other day and lately he doesn't come back home early" Maria explained seriously.

"Enough of the agreement, you maybe seeing things, I remembered sneaking back with you to confirm what you saw but there was no gun in his possession, Maria I want to believe you but this doesn't make sense if we base our suspicion on what you are saying"

"Luciano is my brother and the most trustworthy member of this family, He's is only grieving over his late fiancee nothing more that's why he stays out late, honey I would like the idea of you not saying anyone about this, it would only make mother worried" Bruno requested.

Why can't you believe me Bruno? I would never say anything that would ruin Luciano's image if not the truth so why are you finding it hard to believe your wife?" Maria shouted seriously and her water broke.

"Honey are you okay?" Bruno asked as he went closer to help her sit.

"Bruno I think the baby.... "Maria pushed bitting her lips hard as she felt so much pain.

"Mum!" Bruno shouted holding her wife's hand.

" Mum! Florence! Maria needs your help" Bruno shouted helping her up so they could head to the sitting room

Fred ran into his parent's room..

Fred is Bruno and Maria's first child, he's seven years old and his younger brother Fernand is four years old.

"Mum!" Fred called out as he held his mother's hand.

"Fred you have to take care of Fernand when your mum and I are not home,you have to look after him" Bruno instructed.

"Maria are you okay?" Abuela asked nervously as they all head out of the sitting room.

"Bruno where are you car keys?

"I have it with me" Bruno said.

"Leave it to us Bruno, go get the car started" Florence cut in sharply and they helped Maria into the car.

"Bruno hurry, Maria can't hold up for too long" Abuela said anxiously as Maria screamed in pain.

Running around anxiously as all the Dante family with pregnant Maria jose.

"What are you looking at? Can't you see she is in so much pain" Benicio shouted at one of the nurses and swiftly she called for help with a stretcher along side her.

Hours later......

"They are taking long in there, do you think everything is alright? Florence asked worriedly.

"What are you saying Florence? You know this isn't the right time to talk about jinxed words. Maria is fine" Abuela said.

The doctor came out of the delivery room removing his nose mask, he was sweating all over.

"Doctor how is my wife doing?" Bruno asked curiously as he rushed to the doctor.

"Congratulations Mr Dante, it's a girl, both the mother and baby are fine" The doctor said smiling and the baby cry was heard.

"Thank so much doctor" the whole family choruses in excitement.

"Congratulations Bruno" Abuela said as she hugged him.

"Lucky Maria, she got blessed with a girl this time around, congratulations Bruno" Florence said with a wide smile

"we've got a princess in the house, congratulations bro" Benicio shouted excitedly and Bruno couldn't help but smile through.

"Thank you so much, we finally have a princess in the house" Bruno smiled.

They all head to the ward to see Maria Jose and the baby.

"Isn't she so adorable? She looks just like me" Florencia smiled with the baby in her arms and everyone frowned.

"What's wrong? She looks just like her aunty" She repeated and Abuela carried the baby from her.

"I would love it if she looks like anyone else in this room but not you so don't say things like that again" Abuela pouted and everyone boost into laughter.

"Benicio why are you laughing as well?" Florencia frowned but Benicio hvgged her from behind.

"Sweetheart don't take it the wrong way but what mum said is the truth" He tea-sed her and she frowned even more.

"Come on Florencia, with your face like that there's no way our princess will look like you" Maria Jose said jovially and Florencia smiled wi-dely.

"That's why I love you so much Maria, you're always on my side but what will be our princess's name? She's the only little girl in the family so her name should be remarkable don't you think" Florencia suggested with a smile.

"I love the way you think Florencia" Bruno praised.

"I think Mum should do the naming" Maria said and everyone stared at Abuela with the baby on her arms.

"Let's name her Fernanda, Fernanda suits her perfectly" Abuela smiled.

"Mum not again,do you plan on naming all Bruno's kids name with the first letter F" Benicio uttered flabbergasted.

"What's wrong with that? Bruno or Maria are not complaining so why are you?" Abuela said sarcastically and Maria stared at her husband with a silly smile.

"Mum they're not complaining because they always ask for your opinion" Florencia whined and Bruno laughed.

"Mum's choices are always the best so let's not argue about that" Bruno uttered out bitterly.

MONTHS LATER..

"Bruno I don't think I can stand this anymore" Maria Jose gasped out trying to catch her breath at the rooftop as her mother and Abuela pick a fight on who to look after Fernanda in their be-droom.

"Don't you think we should at least say something, we shouldn't let them have their way" Bruno suggested and Maria nodded.

"You're right" She uttered and they went back to their room.

"Isabel why are you causing a scene here? You should go back to your house because I can take care of my granddaughter" Abuela shouted.

"This isn't Bruno's first child so why are you ma-king such a fuss about it? Staying here for few weeks won't kill so leave me alone with my granddaughter" Isabel Maria Jose's mum argued.

"Enough the both of you!" Bruno shouted and they all glared at him.

"Bruno stay out of this. I can handle Isabel on my own" Abuela said seriously.

"Mum, mother-in-law have the both of you noticed that Fernanda haven't been able to fall asleep because of your fuss. Why are you causing a scene in our be-droom when you can actually do that outside as long as you don't disturb the kids nap so plea-se can the both of you leave our be-droom and go continue your argument outside" Bruno said seriously.

"Bruno's right, let's go talk outside" Isabel uttered and they both left the room. Swiftly Maria locked the door.

Fernanda started crying after that...

"What's going on? With all the noise she didn't shed a tear and now everywhere's quiet, she's crying. Give her to me" Maria Jose said as she sat on the be-d and Bruno placed the baby on her arms gently but she didn't stop crying.

"Bruno would you mind opening the door, I think it's quite stuffy in here" Maria requested trying to feed Fernanda breast milk but she kept on crying.

"But your mum and mine are still arguing at the sitting room" Bruno uttered slowly.

"Just open the door" Maria shouted and he shrinked, swiftly he opened the door and just like he said they're still causing a scene at the sitting room.

"Bruno she stopped crying" Maria gasped excitedly and Bruno sighed tiredly.

"She's add!cted to noise. She sure is going to be trouble grows up" Bruno gasped wiping off the sweat on his forehead.

TEN YEARS LATER

Another argument broke out again in Bruno's room.

"Maria can you at least tell me what you've been up to lately?" Bruno asked seriously.

"What do you want me to say to you? It's not like you would believe me if I tell you anything so just let me do my thing" Maria Jose said seriously and Fernanda c@m£ into her parent's room.

"Fernanda go outside, your mum and I are having a serious discussion here and how many times have I told you to always knock on the door before coming in" Bruno scolded and Maria glared at him.

"I'm sorry Daddy" Fernanda said slowly and Maria walked to her.

"Everything's okay sweetie, you don't have to be worried and don't wait for me today. You should go to school with your brothers today" Maria said softly patting her hair.

"Okay mummy, I will go ahead now. Bye daddy" Fernanda said slowly.

"Go ahead sweetie, I'm sorry I raised my voice at you. Don't worry your mum will pick you up from school today" Bruno as-sured and Maria glared at him.

"What are you saying Bruno? I remember telling you I have other plans today so you would have to go pick the kids up from school" Maria Jose said defiantly.

"Fernanda go ahead, you don't want to keep the boys waiting" Bruno smiled and she left the room.

"Maria how can you sound so careless in front of your child like that? You should have waited for her to leave before you say that. Why are you ma-king it sound like I'm giving you so much work when you know this is your time of the week to pick Fernanda up from school" Bruno uttered seriously.

"I also want to pick my daughter up from school but I can't do that today because someone's life is in danger here" Maria said and Bruno scoffed.

"Maria you nee-d to take a look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself the truth, you're not a police or investigator. Why do you like being nosy? You're not in a position to worry for others, we have a family of our own to protect and be there for so plea-se whatever thing you find suspicious, let it go. The police will do their jobs" Bruno advised tiredly and Maria sighed.

"If you had believed me, I wouldn't have gone this far. I have no idea why you find it ha-rd believing my hunch" Maria said slowly and Bruno laughed.

"Don't tell me this is still about your suspicions about Luciano?" Bruno asked sarcastically.

"I've been trying to convince you for ten good years, I can't believe all my efforts was in vain"

"It's not like I don't want to believe you, I just can't endanger my life by digging into what will bring me closer to my grave. If Luciano is truly hanging out with bad gangs then he should go ahead as long as it doesn't affect my family then I have nothing to worry about so get it off your mind and pick Fernanda from school today, I'm off to work" Bruno said calmly as he peeked Maria then left for work.

"How can I get my mind off something like that? It didn't seem like he was enjoying himself, it was as if he was being forced to be with them. He's your brother for goodness sake so why would you ignore something like that" Maria mumbled and sat on the be-d tiredly.

FLASHBACK*** "Luciano will be getting his freedom tomorrow but you know my rules, no one works for me and ask for freedom" Agustin the boss of the drug dealing business announced.

"So what do you plan on doing boss?" One of his men asked and he smiled wickedly.

"Tomorrow should be the last day Luciano breathes" Agustin uttered seriously and Maria covered her mouth with her palms in shock as she sneaked into their hideout. *** FLASHBACK ENDS.

Bruno got to the office but was a bit late.

Bruno works in a fashion marketing enterprise. He's the manager in Nova designers.

"Good morning sir" Bruno's secretary greeted as she came into his office.

"Did the designs come out beautiful?" Bruno asked with his eyes on his laptop.

"Yes sir and some of our investors are requesting for your wife to model for our latest design" She said politely and Bruno looked at her.

"What do you mean? You know so well that my wife stopped modelling since we had our last child" Bruno said seriously.

"I know that sir and that's why they said the job is perfect for her. She has three kids alre-ady but still looks like she's in her twenties, Mrs Maria got the perfect figure for our products. The focus of our latest design is on mother's looking younger sir" She explained slowly and Bruno scoffed.

"Do I look like I have no idea what that is? Did you speak to my wife about this?" Bruno asked curiously and his secretary hesitated before answering.

"Yes sir, I'm sorry about that sir but she declined the offer. She said we should speak to you first that she's too busy to take up any modelling contract" She said professionally and Bruno looked away.

What's she trying to put up? Why is she ma-king it look like she's the only one working so ha-rd at home when she was the one who said she's done being model. Bruno muttered in his mind.

"You can go now. I will get back to you when I've discussed it with my wife" Bruno said and she left his office.

Bruno dialed Maria Jose's number but she wasn't picking..

"What's she busy with that she can't pick up her phone?" Bruno mumbled with his phone on his ears.

"Do you miss me that much alre-ady? It hasn't been long you left the house" Maria tea-sed as she took the call.

"Of course I miss you but that aside let's meet during lunch break" Bruno said slowly and Maria smiled.

"You don't call me out for lunch without having any ulterior motives. What are you trying to convince me into doing?" Maria joked around ma-king Bruno smile.

"You definitely know your hubby, don't worry when you get here let's discuss that"

"But I will have to pick Fernanda from school before coming, they don't have much clas-ses today" Maria informed and Bruno nodded.

"Alright but don't keep me waiting for too long, bye. I love you Maria Jose" Bruno said pas-sionately.

"I love love love you Bruno" Maria smiled then hung up.

I'm sorry Bruno but I have to do this. Maria gasped in her mind as she drove off with her car.

1:30pm

Bruno sat at the cafeteria close to his workplace waiting for Maria Jose when he had a glance on the News on TV.

"Oh on.... The driver ran away without a trace. He sh0t her straight at her heart"

"Wait a minute... Isn't she Maria Jose the figure star" some customers murmured to themselves as they watched the breaking news.

Bruno stood up from where he was sitting as he went closer to the TV, only for Maria Jose's picture to appear on the TV.

°° Breaking news... So sad how we lost one of our models Dante Maria Jose on a flying bullet. The police are looking into it right now but we hope to find the criminal responsible soon °°

The newscaster on TV announced and Bruno ran out of the cafeteria with h0t tears rolling down his cheeks.

Fernanda came out of her school gate and found policemen and an ambulance across the road.

"What's going on? Did someone get into an accident?" Fernanda questioned looking around as parents hurriedly take their kids home.

She spotted Maria's car across the road and she smiled.

"Mum's here alre-ady" She gasped out smiling as she tried to cross to the other side of the road but she stood still the moment Maria Jose's body was placed on a stretcher.

"Mum!" Fernanda called out first in a lower tone as she tried to get closer but the policemen blocked her.

Maria's favorite bracelet fell off from her hand and Fernanda boost into tears as she struggled to surpas-s the policemen.

"Mummy! Mummy! I want to see my mummy. Where are you taking my mummy to" Fernanda cried heavily as they carried Maria Jose into the ambulance.

"Kid you're not allowed to be here" The policemen blocking her announced.

"Fernanda!" Bruno called out in tears as he rushed down to Fernanda's school.

"Daddy they're taking mummy away" Fernanda sobbe-d heavily as Bruno ran to her giving her a tight hug.

That was how it all went down the drain like nothing happened to mummy. It's twelve years alre-ady and it feels like everyone have completely moved on.

"Fernanda, daddy nee-ds a favor to ask of you" Dad said as he rushed into my room.

"Daddy you're back from work early, did something happen?" I asked curiously and he placed his hand on my shoulders.

"Dad I don't like this feeling I'm getting" I protested and he laughed awkwardly as he slowly re-moved his hand.

"Fernanda it's a great thing that you followed your mum's footsteps into becoming a model but I don't think you're doing it the right way, if you would accept a little bit of change in your role. It will be perfect" Dad said sharply and I stood up from where I was seating.

"What do you mean Dad? I'm pla-ying my role perfectly and that's why I haven't heard any complains from my manager because I'm ma-king money for the company so what else do they want?" I asked getting pissed and Dad helped me sit back.

"Fernanda I know your side of fashion is based on tomboy and unisex outfits but as a model you nee-d to work both ways"

"Daddy there's nothing wrong with my s-en-se of fashion and personality as long as I feel comfortable in it" I rebuked and Dad held his head tiredly.

"Fernanda you're the princess of Dante family so can you act as one because right now you're no different from your brothers. Everyone behaves alike is it because we're living un-der same roof" Dad nagged just then Abuela walked in with a baking tray on her hand.

"Bruno stop nagging my granddaughter. Who cares if she dresses like a boy as long as she looks beautiful in them then no nee-d to worry because my Fernanda looks perfect in whatever she puts on. Try some of these doughnuts" Abuela said smiling as she fed me.

(Abuela means grandma in Spanish)

"They're so delicious Abuela. Did you just make them?" I smiled chewing the piece on my mouth gently and she ca-ressed my hair.

"Yes my dear. Alejandro and his family are visiting tomorrow so I'm trying new recipes" Abuela said smiling.

"Oh no tomorrow's going to be super busy and h0t" I mumbled as I wi-de-ned my eyes.

"Mum everyone at home is so busy with work as it stands so can't we just postpone their visit to some other day. Alejandro and his family always cause a scene whenever they come visiting" Dad complained.

Uncle Alejandro sure does know how to stir up trouble. I gsped in my head.

"What are you saying? He's your brother and I don't see anything wrong with him visiting tomorrow so take a leave from work tomorrow. I will go ahead Fernanda" Abuela said as she rolled her eyes at Dad.

"Abuela I will join you at the kitchen when I'm done with Dad" I muttered out and she smiled.

"Take your time dear but I will be waiting for you at the kitchen" She smiled and went out.

"Daddy I know this isn't about my dressing code. There's something else right?" I asked curiously and he looked away.

"Jeromino Guzman finally accepted to sign a contract with our company" Dad said slowly and I sm-irked.

"You mean Jeromino Guzman world wi-de model from the united states?" I asked flabbergasted.

"Yeah him, he will be modeling for one of our latest designs and Mr Enzo wants the both of you to give it a sh0t so you will have to switch your role. Will you do this for your Daddy?" Dad asked softly and my phone started ringing but I ignored it.

"But daddy I'm not the only model we've in the company, I'm the least person they would offer something like that. Our company is a hvge one so why would they want me to do something like that?" I asked curiously staring straight at Dad but my phone kept on ringing.

"Go ahead Fernanda, it might be urgent" Dad said and I picked the call.

"Hello dude, you nee-d to rush down here immediately. Someone's messing with your posters in our territory" Leo said sharply then hung up.

Leo is one of my besties from highschool, although he was my senior same clas-s with Fernand but we were still friends. He runs their family's business.

"Dad I have to go now. We will continue this conversation when I get back" I cut in sharply as I picked up my face cap from my lamp table then wore it swiftly.

"Fernanda is everything okay?" Dad asked curiously and I win-ked at him.

"Leo nee-ds my help with something, it's no biggie anyways" I said putting on my shoes.

"If it's not Leo, it's Jasper. I have no idea what you see in those guys. You have no idea how happy I will be if you introduce any female friends of yours to me" Dad whined and I scoffed.

"Not to worry yourself out, I don't mingle with girls. Bye Dad" I said then ran out of my room.

"Fernanda where are you heading off to? You said you would as-sist me in the kitchen" Abuela reminded and I gave her a flying k!ss.

"She's always off to somewhere in a hurry. You should get used to it Abuela" Damian my first cousin said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes at him then head out.

I drove down to Leo's restaurant and I saw him having a glas-s of juice.

"What the hell! Didn't he say..." I uttered frustratedly then pushed the glas-s entrance door ha-rd with a mean look as I head to where he was sitting.

"What was that call for?" I shouted as I punched him ha-rd on his muscles.

"I'm sorry okay, I had no choice but to do so. You know so well that I'm a hvge fan of Jeromino" He winced rubbing his arm.

"What's that supposed to mean? What brou-ght Jeromino into this" I said sarcastically and he smiled.

"Jeromino came to my restaurant today, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him. I was putting on your latest posters on the counter wall when he walked to me, he will be here in no time. He went out to take a call" Leo smiled.

"So?" I blurted.

"What do you mean so? Of course Jeromino asked me if I was close to you and I said yes. He requested he meets you in person and I had no choice buddy" He explained and I rolled my eyes.

"Leo do I look like I'm in the mood for any jokes? Jeromino is Jeromino, do we look like we have any connection. Don't call me out on such requests again, I'm heading back home" I protested then turned around to leave but Jeromino was at the door alre-ady.

He's good looking, perfect height, Lovely eyes. He sure nee-ds to be on our company's magazine as well. I gsped in my head sizing him up with my eyes then he walked to me.

"Will you just keep on staring?" He asked and he voice echoed in my ears like that of an Angel.

Holy moly, where did he fall out from...

"Fernanda don't be rude. Say hello" Leo whispered from behind and I got myself together.

"Hello my name's Fernanda Dante" I said giving out my hand for an handshake but he didn't receive my handshake. That was quite embarras-sing.

"Do you think I wouldn't know what your name is?" He shrugged and I scoffed.

"First impression matters but why are you not giving those vibes. I didn't come all the way here to meet you okay so if that's all you want to say to me, I will take my leave now" I said seriously and Leo sneaked out.

"Just like I expected you're one stubborn girl" He said looking away then I scoffed about to walk out but he blocked me with his hands.

"What do you think you're doing right now?" I g@sped out seriously and he smiled.

As if that will work on me...

"I want you to go on a d@t£ with me" He requested and I couldn't help it but boost into laughter.

"What did you just say?" I mocked and he c@m£ closer to me.

"Go on a date with me" He repeated and I continued laughing.

"On what grounds? Not to make things any ha-rder. I'm sorry but you're not my type and I bluntly reject your request" I said with a smile and in a blink of an eye he gave me a ti-ght k!sson thel-ips.

My eyes went wi-de open cause I didn't see that coming...

AUTHOR'S POV

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Fernanda shouted as she pushed Jeromino away and he wiped his lips with his palm like a real per-vert.

"What does it look like I'm doing, of course I'm convincing you otherwise. Yourl-ips are soft and sweet" Jeromino said flir-tatiously and Fernanda scoffed.

"Too bad, you met the wrong person. You shouldn't force yourself on people that's called S-xual haras-sment. Excuse me" Fernanda said seriously then walked out of the restaurant but Jeromino ran after her.

"You can't decline my request. Don't make me f0rce you to do it" Jeromino forewarned.

"You're a public figure so put your act together and stop behaving like a psychopath. What a nuisance!" Fernanda cursed then entered her grandma's car.

Fernanda got back home and lunch was served alre-ady. Everyone was seated at the dinning table.

"I'm back" Fernanda announced as she dropped the car keys on the shelf.

"Fernanda let's have lunch" Florencia informed and she walked to the dinning table.

"Daddy why are you still here? I thought you went back to the office" Fernanda inquired as she took her seat.

"Mum said I should have my lunch before leaving. It would have been perfect if your brothers were here as well" Bruno exclaimed and Fernanda smiled.

"Come on Dad, you know they would have been here if they aren't so occu-pied with so much work at the office and that's why I love my job" Fernanda smiled as she dipped her fork into the plate filled with burritos.

"Fernanda I think your job is the most hectic one here but you happen to always be at home. Don't you want to grow your career?" Benicio asked and everyone stared at him.

"It's obvious she's using the advantage that her dad is the vice president. Uncle Bruno don't let Fernanda get her way else she will be lacking behind in her career" Damian suggested and Fernanda rolled her eyes.

"You're right Damian. Now that we're on the topic, Fernanda dear you have to accept Mr Enzo's offer so your name will be heard around the world. You should use Jeromino as a stepping stone and he's re-ady to be used as a stepping stone. I heard Jeromino telling the CEO he wants you to shoot for the couple outfits with you. He's going to cancel the contract with our company if you don't agree" Bruno explained worriedly.

"Wow that kinda sounds like an amazing offer. Fernanda don't lose such an opportunity" Florencia cut in.

That darn Jeromino... He even threatened the CEO but why's he so obsessed with me when I have no idea who he is. Is this really a great opportunity or a tra-p. Fernanda thought chewing her food gently.

"Come on Fernanda, what do you say? Mum help me here" Bruno said slowly as he stared at Abuela.

"Fernanda dear, you really don't nee-d to do much and the shoot wouldn't take the whole week if that's what you're worried about. Go ahead and do it dear. Let's save your dad's face at the company" Abuela advised and Fernanda sighed tiredly.

"Dad can you give me some time to think about it because putting on feminine clothes kinda feels so uncomfortable. I nee-d to think it throu-gh" Fernanda said slowly and Bruno smiled.

"That's a good start as long as you will think about it" Bruno smiled as he continued eating and Abuela cleared her throat grasping everyone's attention.

"Mum do you nee-d some water?" Benicio asked concerned.

"I'm fine. Fernanda do you have any boyfriendyet?" Abuela asked and an awkward silence swept the dinning table.

"What are you saying Mum? Fernanda is still too young to have a boyfriend" Bruno rebuked.

"Daddy what do you mean? Of course I'm old enough to have a boyfriend. I've graduated from college alre-ady" Fernanda reminded.

"Still that doesn't mean you're old enough to have a boyfriend" Bruno protested.

"Bruno why are you sounding so old fashioned when kids of eight, ten years already have boyfriend's " Benicio laughed.

"Benicio everyone's different and I'm against it. Fernanda isn't allowed to have a boyfri£ndtill she turns 25" Bruno announced seriously and argument broke out at the dinning table but Abuela hit the table, getting everyone's attention.

"Bruno I'm against your rule"Abuela protested with a frown.

"Mum, Fernanda is my daughter so I decide what happens in her life" Bruno said seriously.

"That will only happen if you can cancel the blind date I set for her tomorrow" Abuela blurted.

"Blind date?" Everyone chorused in shock.

"Mum why would you set a blind date for my daughter without letting me know first" Bruno whined.

"She's my granddaughter. I also have the right to make decisions in her life so what do you think about the blind d@t£ Fernanda?" Abuela asked smiling.

I always end up getting tied up in the middle of every argument in this family of mine.

"Fernanda choose wisely, if you decline Abuela's offer uncle Bruno would never allow you have a b©yfri£nd" Damian cut in with a silly smile and Bruno glared at him.

"St©p confusing her, let her decide on her own" Bruno shouted with a frown and Fernanda drank a glas-s cu-p of water as she hesitated.

It's just a blind d@t£, if it doesn't work out well. I can just leave. Fernanda g@sped in her head as she swallowed ha-rd before answering.

"Dad it's just a blind d@t£, it's not a big deal" Fernanda said slowly and Bruno stood up.

"I'm off to work, see you when I get back" Bruno said coldly then the dinning table.

"Benicio your brother can be quite childish sometimes" Florencia tea-sed as Bruno left the house.

"It's only natural that he's strict about his only daughter having a b©yfri£nd. Fernanda is our only princess and that's why we're quite protective sometimes" Benicio smiled.

Daddy looked a bit disappointed, I hope I didn't make the wrong decision. Fernanda muttered in her head staring at the door.

"Fernanda dear don't worry about Bruno, he will be fine after taking some cu-p of coffee. About your blind d@t£, it's 4pm tomorrow. I will text you the address" Abuela said smiling wi-dely.

"Okay Abuela"

"But mother how did you come up with a blind d@t£ for Fernanda?" Benicio asked curiously.

"I got a notification on my blind d@t£ app and that's how I set a d@t£ for Fernanda" Abuela said smiling.

"Mum you have a blind d@t£ app?" Florencia asked in surprise.

"Of course, I have so many grandchildren and it may be ha-rd for them getting a d@t£ because of their busy schedule and that's why I downloaded the app" Abuela explained.

"Wow so thoughtful of you Abuela but too bad I have a girlfriend alre-ady" Damian announced with a silly smile.

"I didn't intend on looking for a d@t£ for you to begin with" Abuela g@sped and everyone laughed.

NEXT DAY

FERNANDA

I woke up and I heard such a loud noise at the sitting room.

"It's so early, what are they arguing about" I said sluggishly as I got out of my be-d, stretching my arms tiredly.

"Abuela, Fernanda have never d@t£d anyone before so why should we begin her dating history with a blind dat" Fred argued and I smiled as I saw Fernand sitting at the other side watching TV.

Even uncle Luciano is home today. Franco is here as well.

Franco is my second cousin, he's Damian's junior brother.

"Wow, everyone's home today" I shouted excitedly as I ran to give Fernand a hvg.

"Baby sis, how're you doing?" He tea-sed ru-bbing my cheeks just then the door cracked open and uncle Alejandro with his family walked in.

"Bro let's talk later" I said swiftly then ran back into my room.

Why do they have to come so early?

"Bruno I can't find Fernanda around. On our way here I thought of something very important. Fernanda is of age now so when do you plan on marrying her off" Uncle Alejandro said slowly and an huge argument broke out between the brothers in the sitting room.

"This isn't ending anytime soon" I mumbled then on my bed.

Hours later...

I opened my eyes slowly and it landed on my wall clock.

"Oh my gosh, how did I end up dozing off for so long. It's almost time for the blind date" I gasped out in shock then ran into my bathroom.

Freshened up quickly, put on some nice jeans and t-shi-t then I head out to the sitting room.

"Fernanda are you not hungry? You haven't had your breakfast and lunch yet?" Abuela reminded and I smiled.

"Don't worry Abuela, I will gr-ab something outside. Hi uncle Alejandro" I greeted as I sneaked the car keys into my purse then I ran out of the house.

"They're probably talking about how rude I am" I uttered out laughing then I drove off to the fancy restaurant.

I got seated at a table as I waited for my d@t£.

Shouldn't it be the other way round anyways let's get this over with. I muttered in my mind with my eyes on my wrist watch.

"Hello Miss Fernanda!" A voice echoed and it sounded familiar, I raised my face up but I was shocked to the bone when I saw Jeromino sitting in front of me.

"Are you stalking me?" I asked seriously and he smiled.

"Of course not... I'm your date. Didn't your informant tell you that"

"I told you, you can't decline my request"

I stood up immediately he said those words.

"Where you going? I just arrived" Jeromino said with a silly smile and I clenched my fist.

"I'm heading back home. I think I'm done with the date before it even started" I said seriously and he held my hand gently.

"Don't touch me" I jked off his hand as I sat down.

"What don't you like about me because it seems like you're holding grudges against me" He said calmly and I sm-irked.

"Cut the chess and tell me what you want from me. You're appearing everywhere in my life and I'm not comfortable with that, we've never met before so I doubt we have any scores to settle so just go ahead and tell me what you want from me" I said seriously and he placed his hands across each other.

"You're right we've never met each other before but I've heard a lot about you and I guess that's when it all started" He smiled then the waiter to our table.

"What started?" I asked curiously and the waiter came to our table.

"Get us the best dishes on your menu" Jeromino instructed and the waiter left.

"It all started when I saw your sh0ts for last winter wears" He said slowly.

"You've lost me there. Can you be more clear, what started? Don't tell me you have feelings for me?" I asked curiously and he scoffed.

"That's too forward so you shouldn't put it that way. I'm not sure about what I feel and that's why I came back to Mexico to confirm it. I'm only requesting for two dates and I'm pretty sure we will be done before we're done with our couple shoots this month" He said softly.

"I never said I would agree to the shoots with you" I cleared out and he smiled.

He smiles so often, it will be ha-rd guessing what's on his mind...

"Seeing the way things are still calm that means you will do it. It's just a few shs there's nothing wrong with changing your personality for a few minutes and for my two dates I will reward you handsomely both in your career and your bank account" He said with a smile and the waiter brou-ght the dishes to our table.

"Why me?" I asked a bit confused.

"Trust me, you're smarter than you think. You will definitely make the right decision, two dates won't be much of a big deal to you right and again you're getting paid for it" He said slowly with his eyes on the dishes.

"I don't jump to conclusions easily so you will have to give me sometime to think about it" I cut in and he nodded.

"You have till tomorrow morning, I will wait for your call. Here's my number" He said swiftly as he dialed his number on my phone.

"Let's eat, the food is getting cold" He added as he began to eat.

How can he eat so comfortably around a stranger? He's so strict in getting what he wants. It's surprising how popular I've become in my career to the extent of Jeromino Guzman hearing of me. I hope to meet up to mum's reputation in the industry. She's long gone but so people still talk about her. I gasped in my head sadly as I chew on my food gently.

"Your mum was an amazing model, so many models look up to her. You must be proud of her" Jeromino cut in out of the blue and I stared at him in a different light for the first time.

"I'm no longer surprised on how you know of my mum and of course I'm proud of her and I'm also looking up to her" I uttered with a smile and he wiped hisps with a wipes.

"I can make you walk on those red carpets your mum walked on, I can make you famous that's only if you agree to go on two dates with me" He said softly.

"If that's my reward after the two dates then I accept to go on a date with you" I swallowed ha-rd and he smiled.

"I have a condition" He uttered and I held my breath for some seconds.

"I knew it, this deal was too good to be true"

"Relax ok, you will let me show you affection in public even during our shoots. That's my condition" He explained.

"What kind of affection, if you don't mind?" I asked curiously.

"It won't be any fun if I tell you right now so let's wait till then. After our first shoots, we will go on a date" He muttered out and I couted with my fingers the days left before the shoot.

"Don't you think that's too soon" I whined and he smiled.

"It's just a date and I don't have much time to spend in Mexico city so it's better to get it done while I'm still available"

A WEEK LATER BEFORE THE SHOOT....

"Fernanda dear are you okay?" Abuela asked worriedly as I joined her on the couch.

"Haven't you been eating properly? You look so exhausted" Dad exclaimed.

"It's so exhausting being a fit model. Daddy I never had to go on diet when I did my commerical modelling" I said tiredly.

"Your mum never skipped meals or stayed on diet when she did fitness modelling. Fernanda you've got a perfect body and that's all thanks to your mum. You don't have to go on diet, it make you look only pale so go gr-ab some food in the kitchen" Dad instructed and I smiled wi-dely.

"I love you so much daddy" I said and ran to the kitchen with the last strength left in me.

"If she was so hungry why did she starve herself? Benicio was right, Fernanda's work is the ha-rd est in this house" Abuela uttered out jovially and Dad laughed.

DAY OF THE SHOOT...

I put on one of the dress and everyone flung their mouths open as I walked into the studio.

"It fits but it feels like I can't breathe" I complained trying to adjust the dress and Jeromino walked to me.

"It feels like an angel walked in here" Jeromino said softly as he ca-ressed my hair to my ears and dad couldn't get his eyes off me.

"I've always knew my daughter's so beautiful. She got the looks of an Angel" Dad complimented from where he was standing.

"Come on, you're ma-king me feel awkward" I mumbled as the make up artist tried to adjust my make up.

"Okay let's get started" The director announced and Jeromino and I walked into the setting.

"How are we supposed to pose? I've never really done this before" I said slowly and Jeromino grabbed me by the waist closer to me with that seductivelook in his eyes.

"That's it, you're getting it" The ph0togra-pher complimented as camera began to flash lights on us.

"Okay that's good, let's go for another pose" The director said and Jeromino swiftly turned me around his hand around shoulders and w@!st as he hvgged me from behind.

"Wow I'm loving this, this is the reason why Jeromino is popular in this industry" The director complimented and for no reason my heartbeat began to race.

"Don't you think we're a bit too close" I whisper to him and I could hear him chuckle from behind.

"I haven't even started yet" He smirked and the director clpped his hands.

"Let's have a ten minutes break so we change the setting" The director announced and the artist walked to Jeromino and I but I noticed the look on daddy's face so I walked to him.

"Fernanda what's going on? Don't you think your poses are quite inti-mate? The both of you haven't met before but why does look like the both of you know each other?" Dad asked curiously and I placed my hands on my waist.

"Daddy it's just poses, there's nothing attached to it and nobody reads meaning into such things because it's our job to look good for the public" I explained.

"Jeromino and Fernanda hits a beautiful chemistry. Do you think they're in a relationsh!p?" Some workers murmured to themselves and dad glared at me.

"What were you saying just now?" Dad whined and I looked at Jeromino and we had an eye contact. Dad got a call and left the studio.

What did he mean by he haven't started yet?...

"Okay everywhere get to work" The director announced and I went back to the setting with Jeromino and this time we're to seat on a couch.

"Why are you tense? You should relax a bit so this comes out beautiful and it's not like I didn't tell you about this" Jeromino whispered to me and I swallowed hard .

"Okay, give us a pose" The photographer requested and Jeromino placed me in between his legs as he placed his hand on th!ghs caressingthem gently.

I could feel his erected cockon my back and his touch slowly turning me on...