THE ITALIAN'S FUGITIVE WIFE AND SECRET BABY

CRISTINA'S POINT OF VIEW

My eyes dwelled on the toddler in my arms as he suckled on my bosom while intermittently throwing his tiny legs upwards. Anything to get my eyes away from the large man seated across me on the couch.

His presence in the room made it feel small as he dominated it with his form. That man is my husband, Alexandro Piero.

"You do realize that you and my son are coming back with me to Italy, right?" He suddenly asked, breaking the palpable silence between us.

Like his usual self, the words didn't come out as a question like it was intended, it came out as an order.

"Please, Alexandro. I do not want to go back with you..."

"You do not have a choice, Signora. Denying me the liberty to see my flesh and blood is enough atrocity committed by you, do not add to the list by defying my order," he said, the lines of his face set in a frown.

His words stung me hard like a poisonous bee and I looked away in guilt, memories of why we were there, rushing back.

***************

I stared at the urine test strip in my hands with its two red lines, while I sat on the water cistern. I was indeed pregnant for my husband of two months, Alexandro Piero.

I had just gotten married to Italy's most handsome, popular and wealthiest billionaire two months ago. The wedding was graced by the crème Dela crème of Italy, and it's sundry as everyone marveled at how the daughter of a common farmer was able to win the heart of the almighty Alexandro.

It is a mystery to me on how Alexandro had picked interest in me the very day he visited the restaurant I worked in. I had just resumed as a waitress and was asked to attend to him and his friend since my colleague who did the job was on sick Leave.

He was seated with one of the most beautiful ladies I had seen in my whole life; hence I was shocked and curious when, after their meal, he walked up to me behind the counter and handed me his card.

The rest they say is history, as I got married to him two months later without proper courtship. All that mattered was the fact that I loved him, and he adored me.

Sighing heavily, I stood up from the water cistern. I walked to the hand sink and washed my hands before walking out to the room. I will wait as he will soon be back from work, and then I will go to his study and inform him about the pregnancy.

Anticipation and impatience ate at me as I sat on the bed, waiting to hear his car driving into the compound. My wait was not futile, as the sound of the sleek gray Audi driving into the compound got me up on my feet.

I hurried to the window and parted the curtains just in time to see him stepping out of the car as the evening sun cast an orange glow on his masculine, handsome form. As usual, my breath caught in my throat as I took his features.

Raven black hair, brown eyes, broad shoulders and biceps that his gray suit did a poor job hiding. I still couldn't believe that this man who could pass for a Greek God was my husband.

I hastily turned from the window and walked to my dressing table as I took hold of the La Perla In Rosa perfume he got me. Sporadically spraying it on sensitive parts of my body, I took hold of a robe to cover my body, as the little gown I wore left little to the imagination.

Walking down the hallway to his study, my face turned a hue of color as I remembered the night he made love to me there. On the table, to be precise.

The sound of his voice, on a call, pulled me out of my reverie as I realized I was close to the study door. I was about to open it when his next words stopped me in my tracks.

"All I need is a baby. I hope it is a son, so father can will the properties to him. I do not trust Alvino..."

That was all I needed to hear as I retraced my footsteps back to my room. All he wanted was his baby?

Tears were streaming down my eyes as I got into my room and slammed the door after me. Did he marry me only because he required an heir and not because he loved me? He required someone to bear him a son for some sort of inheritance?

Oh, how callous can men be? I was merely a baby maker and had no special place in his life? Was that the reason he has never told me he loved me?

Different thoughts plagued my mind as I became confused. What would become of me if the baby finally arrived? Would he annul our marriage? Was the baby the only leverage I had over him?

At that moment, I decided that I would not let him use me as a baby maker and then toss me aside after his expectations had been met. It was a good thing he was not aware of my pregnancy. I will leave for my aunt's place in France, where he would never have access to my baby.

With that thought in mind, I walked to the door and bolted it. I began to throw in things that I would be needing for my escape journey. I was panting heavily by the time I was done.

And then, I changed into a black hoodie and joggers, with sneakers. Looking out the window, I realized the sun was gradually retiring for the day. I will stall until it is late. Alexandro won't come to my room anytime soon, he would merely send a maid to call me down for dinner.

That gave me enough leverage to plan my escape. Immediately, everywhere was dark, I took hold of my bag and snuck out of my room.

Stealthily, I walked down the hallway, intermittently looking behind my back to see if anyone was coming behind me. Satisfied that the coast was clear, I took the turn that led to the secret door that would lead me out the garden.

In the garden, I kept walking under the shadows of the night, careful not to get caught by the light. Soon, I was at the gate. It seemed the heavens were supporting my cause because the gate man was nowhere to be found. Gently, I opened it and snuck out.

Out on the streets, I began to run. The rest was history as that marked my escape from Italy, away from my husband, to France, to my grand aunt.

I had Alexandro Piero Jnr nine months later, and despite my aunt pleas that I inform his father of his birth, I turned a deaf ear. He was my son, and my only consolation. I won't watch my husband take him away from him.

The unexpected had happened this morning. I had just finished bathing and feeding Alexandro Jnr and I was about to go grocery shopping since we were running low on supplies.

Strapping Jnr firmly in the baby carrier, I walked towards the door with the grocery bag in hand. I opened the door, and gasped in surprise at the sight in front of me.

Alexandro was standing in front of the door, his face drawn in a frown. A soft scream of terror left my throat as I attempted to close the door, but he stopped the movement with his leg.

"Don't you dare, Signora," he said defiantly, and reluctantly, I let him into the room.

He cast an arrogant look at his surroundings before settling his massive form on the couch. Our little scuffle had upset Jnr because he was soon wailing loudly.

I sat on the bed as I unstrapped the baby carrier and settled Jnr in my arms as I brought out my breast, and he immediately took the nipple in his mouth.

"You do realize that you and my son are coming back with me to Italy, right?" He suddenly asked, breaking the palpable silence between us.

ALEXANDRO'S POINT OF VIEW

"Boss, she has been found," the investigator said over the phone.

I stayed silent as I swirled the ball pen in his hand. She has been found? After months of fruitless searching? I was finally going to get back my son. And her too, of course.

"Forward the information of her whereabouts to my email. I will send your payment balance and a generous tip after now," I finally said.

After the call ended, I walked to the wine bar and poured myself a glass. The buzzing of my phone alerted me of the arrival of the email. I took hold of my phone as I perused the content.

"A ranch in France?" I gasped as I thought of my heir living in some poverty-stricken ranch. How much that little girl would not cease to amaze me.

Quickly, I dialed the number of my bodyguard.

"Alberto, we will be leaving for the address I'm about to send to you, first thing tomorrow morning. Treat this matter with urgency."

My second call was to my pilot to get my private jet ready for the next day. After the numerous calls, I was beginning to feel like I was going on a kidnapping mission. Well, on the contrary, I was going to bring my wife and son home.

A damn ranch! I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress the rage growing inside of me. She was raising my son on a ranch, while she fed horses. Who was looking after my son while she tended to those four–legged animals?

Cristina was a calm, quiet and loving young lady. She was as open as a book, so easy to read. Who would have thought that she could abscond with my unborn child without a notice?

I had chosen her because of those qualities, over all the daughters of noblemen that had presented themselves to me. I had given her everything that would keep any woman basking in contentment.

Immense wealth, a luxurious home, closet filled with the finest of dresses, shoes, jewelries, and perfumes. Yet, what was the reward for my generosity? She had run away with my child. Quiet women indeed need to be watched.

Sighing heavily, I drew my thoughts away from my fugitive little, cunning wife. I spent the remaining hour at work, going through paperwork.

Soon, it was closing time. I cleared my table as I picked up my briefcase and walked out of my office. I locked it firmly before getting into my private elevator, and it let me out at the reception area. I walked out to my private parking lot and Jared, my driver, was already waiting.

"Good day, Boss,"

I nodded and got into the car as he drove home. At home, I alighted from the car and walked into my sprawling building. It was one of the best, if not the best house in my hometown, Veneto.

Inside, I got to my room and stripped off my clothing. I walked into the bathroom and had a long, cool shower. Returning to the room, I slipped into a casual outfit before walking over to my study. There, I rang the kitchen, asking that my dinner be brought to my study.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. On my permission, the maid walked in, bearing a tray that had my dinner and a bottle of limoncello.

After she left, I uncovered the food and sighed in contentment at the sight before me. Food was one of my favorite things.

Dinner was a seafood dish– fruitti di mare, which is made with various fresh seafood, tomatoes, and garlic.

After eating, I had the limoncello before immersing myself in the paperwork stacked on the table. My life has always been that way. The same routine, work, a few events and time with the family as much as I can.

A few hours later, I glanced at the clock and decided it was time to retire to bed if I wanted to rise early for my journey to France. I stood up and made my way out of the office, not without ringing the kitchen to ask them to come take out the dishes.

As soon as my body touched the king-sized bed, I gave way to sleep. I woke up the next morning and immediately prepared for my journey. With one glance at the mirror, I walked out of the room.

I got into the waiting car as it sped towards the airport. On arrival, I was led to my waiting jet by Jared. I took my seat and Massimo, my pilot, began the journey.

The journey to France would take approximately one hour and thirty minutes. To kill boredom, I indulged myself in reading the political magazine Jared provided me with.

We soon arrived and Massimo landed on the spacious Ranch ground. I scoffed in disbelief, as I got out and looked over the large mass of land. Contrary to what I had envisaged, the ranch was quite spacious and rich looking. Well, it still doesn't justify Cristina raising my heir in it.

With determined strides, I walked with Jared and Massimo behind me as I knocked on the door of the bungalow. An elderly woman opened the door, and she gasped immediately when she saw me. She recognized me, I presumed.

"Come on in," she said, after regaining her composure.

"I'm afraid, I'm not here for that. I want to see my wife and son," I said, making no attempt to hide the anger in my tone.

"I knew you would find her one day," she said, and then turned to point at a much smaller bungalow, "That's her house over there. I'm afraid I can't come with you because I need to take my meds,"

"You don't have to worry. Thank you for your cooperation," I said and walked towards the house.

I knocked on the door, and after months of not seeing her, I came face to face with my wife. My eyes darkened, as I saw the baby carrier strapped to her chest. That was my heir in it.

She gave a low, terrified scream as she attempted to shut the door, but I was fast enough to stop her with my leg placed on the door.

"Don't you dare, Signora," I ordered defiantly.

Reluctantly, she let me in and I shut the door behind us. I cast an angry look at the room as I settled on the couch. I couldn't believe she would raise my son in a place like this.

I watched her as she unstrapped the baby carrier to breastfeed my son. Our little scuffle must have scared the little one because he began to wail loudly. I smiled subconsciously in pride. He was a true Piero.

"You do realize that you and my son are coming back with me to Italy, right?" I suddenly asked, after a few minutes of silence.

"Please, Alexandro. I do not want to go back with you..."

I quickly interrupted her, "You do not have a choice, Signora. Denying me the liberty to see my flesh and blood is enough atrocity committed by you, do not add to the list by defying my order," I said, frowning.

She went mute and focused on feeding my son.

"Once you are done feeding him, we are heading back to Italy. There, you will have your punishment,"

I saw her cringe in fright. The hell? Did she think I was going to let her off the hook so easily?

"Can I at least park our things?" She asked with imploring eyes.

I scanned the room briefly with my eyes and shook my head, "There is no need for that. Everything you have here will be replaced,"

The little one was now kicking his legs up in the air as he attempted to dig his tiny hands in his mother's hair. I smiled yet again. A true Piero he is.

After she was done feeding him, she strapped him back in the baby carrier as I led her out. Her aunt was waiting outside, and I gave them the privacy to talk to each other for the last time. After they were done, I led her to the waiting jet.

We were soon on-board, and the jet took off.

"Alexandro, I do not want to go back to the grand house at Veneto. Please take me and Jnr to the house at Lombardy," she suddenly said.

I looked up from the magazine I was pretending to read and cast her a blank look, "You do not have a say, Cristina," and without another word, I returned my attention to the magazine.

CRISTINA'S POINT OF VIEW

Damn arrogant Italian. The hell? I do not have a say in where I want to live? I looked down at Jnr's sleeping form in his baby cot and my heart turned jelly.

He is the reason I did what I did, and I don't regret my actions for once. How would I survive not being a part of his life if his father suddenly decides that he does not have need for me anymore?

And then, there is the scary thought of meeting his family after running off with their blood for more than a year. I'm sure he must have told them about Jnr. How do I face his family, especially his father, the grand monarch of the Piero family?

Phew, I exhaled deeply. I just wished Alexandro would let us stay at the house at Lombardy until I was ready to meet his family again.

I was jerked out of my reverie by an announcement over the public address system that the jet would soon land. Reluctantly, I braced myself for our landing.

The jet soon landed at the airport and I scooped Jnr out of the cot. I held him firmly in my arms as I alighted, with Alexandro behind me, watching my every move with the eyes of a predator.

Two limousines were waiting at the tarmac, obviously to drive us home. A tall, slim, beautiful lady alighted from the second car, her ginger–colored hair glistening under the sun.

My heart did a somersault. Marianne Hoxford! What the hell was Alexandro's ex doing at the airport? Immediately, I turned to him, anger and a questioning look in my eyes.

"What the hell is she doing here? I thought you were both no longer in contact?"

He gave me a bored look as he kept walking, and it riled me up.

"Alexandro, why the hell is Marianne here?"

He halted and gave me an irritated look. "Can you quit being dramatic? She is here because she is family. And oh, the fact that she is my ex doesn't make her an enemy,"

"Family?" I asked, having a puzzled look.

"Yes, family. She is now engaged to Alvino. Now shut up, you are scaring my son." He said and resumed walking.

I stood rooted to the spot for a moment, while I tried to digest the new information. Marianne was now engaged to Alvino, Alexandro's junior brother? What game was the bitch playing at?

Instinctively, my eyes went to the scar on my wrist. Marianne had inflicted me with the injury on my bridal shower night with her long artificial nails. Somehow, she had persuaded Alexandro to let her be a part of the bridal shower train that night.

The bitch had denied, lying, that it was a mistake. Everyone had believed her when she started shedding crocodile tears, including Alexandro. I had no option but to let the issue slide. As an ex fiancé to Alexandro, she had the love and admiration of everyone, so it was my word against hers.

Ever since then, until my impromptu trip to France, I made sure I stayed away from her. Now, seeing her again after months, I can't help but feel a surge of rage and bitterness, all directed at her.

"Oh my, oh my, is that you, Cristina?" Marianne exclaimed, as she walked up to me.

"Oh hi, Marianne." I said coolly, my eyes skimming over her, my face expressionless.

"Is that our heir we all have been expecting?" She asked, peering down at jnr. "Can I carry him?" She added quickly.

"Ummm... I'm sorry, but Jnr has a phobia for strangers. It's a stage all babies go through, I guess." I replied. Hell no, there was no way I was letting her carry my son, else she might end up digging her claws like nails in his skin. Anything was possible with Marriane.

"Oh, that's right." She replied, trying to mask her disappointment.

"Yeah," I replied in a dismissive tone. She must have caught the hint because she sashayed away to Alexandro.

"Wait in the car, Cristina," Alexandro instructed.

I gave him a puzzled look. Wait in the car? I was tempted to argue, but shut my mouth even before I could open it. Alberto walked ahead and opened the passenger door of the first limousine, and I climbed in. Settled on the plush chair in the car, I gazed back out at Alexandro as he stood with Marianne discussing what I wished I knew.

My heart raged in anger as I wondered why he asked that I wait in the car while he spoke to that fake Barbie of a Marianne. Realizing that straining my neck was not worth the effort, I turned my eyes away. My focus was now on a playing Jnr in my arms, as he grabbed a fistful of my hair, attempting to shove it in his mouth.

A few minutes later, Alexandro got in beside me and the car drove off. When the car kept taking the familiar turns that led to the house at Veneto, I realized that Alexandro's mind was made up. But then, there was no harm in still trying to see if he would change his mind, right?

"It is still my wish to spend some time in Lombardy," I said in a suggestive tone.

"Be rest assured that you won't be visiting Lombardy anytime soon, and if you insist, you will have to go alone," he said curtly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Do I need to spell it out to you? If you care so much about running off to Lombardy, then you will have to do it without my son," he said, and gave me a daring look.

I cringed, as terror enveloped me. Was he threatening me with my son? My grip around Jnr tightened immediately.

"You don't intend to take him away from me, do you?"

"I will. If you leave me with no option, Signora. You can't run off with my child again. Not under my watch," he said defiantly.

My eyes were misty now as I looked out the window. I was right. All he cared about was his son, and not I, his mother. Oh, why didn't I see the handwriting on the wall earlier? What was I thinking? That a man like Alexandro would leave all the beautiful ladies from noble families for the daughter of a farmer like me, without wanting something in return?

Of course, he knew what he wanted. He wanted an heir, and he wanted one from an innocent lady. Little wonder, he asked if I had known any man on one of our dates. The impressed look on his face,, when I replied in the negative told a lot.

With the tales of how wayward and infertile most of the daughters of the nobles are, it only made sense why he would opt for someone like me to give him an heir.

"I want to ask you a question, and I need nothing but an honest answer from you," I suddenly said, turning to look at him.

He gave me a puzzled look, as he watched me beneath those very dark and long lashes. "Go ahead. I will answer it if I'm at liberty to," he replied.

"Did you ask me to marry you because you loved me or because you wanted an heir?"

He stayed silent momentarily and kept watching me. "You would rather not hear the answer to that question, Signora." And then he peered out the car window, "We are home. Get rid of those tears in your eyes. You do not want people having the wrong impression, do you?" Without waiting for an answer, he opened the car door and walked out without a backward glance.