Unexpected, But Meant To Be

SICILY~ITALY

A large ship cruised through the Mediterranean Sea, filled with influential people enjoying themselves.

In a suite, an average young man sat on a gold chair, flipping through some papers in his hands. He was putting on a shirt, with the first two buttons undone, revealing his broad, hairy chest.

His emerald green eyes shone brightly, and his perfectly chiseled jaw wore a soft expression. His silky black hair was brushed back, and his pink lips curved into an amused smile.

"Interessante," he grinned.

The door opened, and a young man entered, dressed in a corporate suit. A pair of black shades covered his face as he walked quietly into the room.

"Are we there yet?" Romeo asked, looking up from the newspaper in his hands.

"Almost, Boss. Do you need anything?" the young man asked.

"No, I'm fine," Romeo dismissed him with a wave of his finger, and the young man immediately left the room.

Romeo placed the newspaper on a table beside him and loosened his tie slightly, flexing his toned muscles in the process.

"A perfect news to start a new day," he smiled, recalling the news he had seen in the newspaper.

He picked up his laptop, which was nearby, and began working on it, his fingers rapidly typing on the keyboard.

After a while, he leaned back against the headboard and let out a cocky grin, his eyes brimming with excitement.

Coming to Sicily hadn't been a bad idea after all.

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

Rosetta groaned as she heard the birds chirping, signaling the start of another day. Sunlight streamed through the windows, causing her to cover her face with a pillow.

"Dio santo!{Oh my God!}" she exclaimed, sitting up and ruffling her hair.

It was another challenging day for her. Being a cleaner wasn't as easy as it seemed!

Rosetta dragged herself to the bathroom sluggishly, her legs feeling heavy. It was already past 7 am, and she had to start work by 8 am to clean the hotel before the day's activities began.

Minutes later, she returned from the bathroom, now wearing a pink robe. She went to her closet and selected a white gown along with black flat shoes.

As she dressed, Rosetta couldn't help but curse inwardly, her forehead furrowing in frustration. With no one to provide for her, she knew she would go to work on an empty stomach, a daily struggle she found difficult to get used to.

After getting dressed, she grabbed her worn-out bag and left her room, walking through the short passage that led to the living room.

Her eyes met a sight that didn't surprise her-her parents were in the living room, enjoying a meal that instantly made her stomach rumble.

Rosetta cleared her throat and forced a fake smile on her face.

"Good morning, Mom... Dad," she greeted, but as usual, there was no response from either of them.

Rosetta bit her lip before walking out of the room, not bothering to bid them goodbye since it was clear they didn't care about her anymore.

It was a mystery how her once loving parents had turned into monsters overnight. They used to care for her, even though they were from the average class. She never lacked anything back then.

But now, things had turned upside down. Her parents didn't care about her anymore, not even about her well-being. She was left to fend for herself, feeling like a stranger in her own house.

When she reached the bus station, Rosetta hailed a taxi and got into the car, fastening her seatbelt.

"Knight's Hotel, please" she said to the driver. The cab driver nodded and drove off instantly.

Throughout the drive to the hotel, Rosetta was restless. She hadn't eaten anything since the previous night, and her stomach was painfully empty. It was shocking to her that she didn't even have the right to food in her own house.

Her thoughts were interrupted when they arrived at the hotel. She stepped out of the cab and paid the driver.

Staring at the grand building in front of her, Rosetta licked her dry lips before mustering a smile and making her way inside the magnificent establishment. It was remarkable that an uneducated lady like her had managed to secure a job in such a luxurious hotel, albeit as a cleaner.

"Did you check the time on your phone, Rosetta?" an employee in the company asked.

"Huh? Isn't it just a few minutes to eight?" Rosetta wondered.

She checked her wristwatch, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw the time.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it's already past eight," she quickly apologized.

"It's fine. Just hurry up with your work," the employee said.

Rosetta nodded with a smile and headed to the dressing room to change into her work attire. Once ready, she grabbed a bucket and a mop and immediately began her day's tasks.

********** ~ 12 PM

Rosetta groaned and stretched her tired limbs. She placed the bucket to the side and sat wearily on the floor. She was famished and she feared she might pass out at any moment.

"So tired," she mumbled, rubbing her empty stomach. She checked the time on her wristwatch and weakly stood up. She walked over to where her bag was and opened it, a sad smile escaping her lips when she saw only a few euros inside.

She bit her lip and took out a small amount of cash, leaving the rest for her transportation expenses. Exiting the dressing room, she made her way to the cafeteria, where she purchased a cup of coffee, knowing it was the only thing she could afford.

As she returned to the dressing room, her path collided with that of an elderly woman, causing the cup to slip from her grasp and its contents to spill onto the floor. Rosetta's eyes welled up with tears as she watched her last glimmer of hope flow away before her.

"I'm so sorry, Miss," the old woman apologized.

"It's fine," Rosetta forced a smile and walked away. Her heart ached deeply; this incident had shattered her final hope.

A groan escaped her lips as she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She shook her head, hoping the pain would dissipate, but instead, it intensified. Tears streamed down her face as the unbearable hunger wreaked havoc on her body, reminding her that she had only managed to consume snacks the previous day.

Nearly reaching the dressing room, her vision blurred, and she felt herself collapsing to the ground. Expecting the harsh impact of the floor, she was surprised when her body met a solid chest, with masculine hands swiftly enveloping her.

"Stai bene? {Are you okay?}" That was the last thing she heard before succumbing to unconsciousness.

The first thing Rosetta noticed when she opened her eyes was the beautiful gold chandelier on the ceiling. Her vision was initially blurry, but after blinking a few times, it became clear.

Her eyes wandered around the room, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. Was she already dead? Is this heaven? Those were the thoughts racing through her mind because where she found herself didn't resemble Earth at all.

With a groan, she sat up, her hand instinctively moving to her head. Her stomach continued to ache, and she felt as though she might succumb to hunger soon.

"Sei sveglio?" she heard a deep, masculine voice ask. ("Are you awake?")

She turned her head towards the voice and her mouth fell open in awe upon seeing the man before her. Was he human? She couldn't be so sure.

"è sorda?" she heard him mumble under his breath. ("Is she deaf?")

"No, I'm not!" she retorted, eyeing him intently. How could he think of her as a deaf person?

"Oh... Good thing you aren't," she heard him say.

Rosetta simply stared at him. He was seated on the couch with his legs crossed, his arms folded across his chest, and his gaze fixed directly on her.

Clearing her throat, she attempted to diffuse the building tension in the room. "How... How did I end up here?" she asked, surveying the opulent surroundings.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" he scoffed.

"I think I have to. I woke up here and..." Her stomach grumbled loudly, causing her to abruptly halt her words. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Did he hear that?

It was evident that he did, as a smirk slowly crept onto his lips.

"I think that's coming from... You," Rosetta stammered, looking away in mortification.

"Sul serio?" His lips curved into an amused smile. ("Seriously?")

"I... I should get going," Rosetta stuttered, rising to her feet. However, as soon as she made a move, her stomach grumbled once again, this time even louder. Her eyes shut tightly in humiliation, and she lowered her head, covering her face with her hair.

With a mere snap of his fingers, the door swung open, revealing a waiter holding a tray laden with a variety of dishes.

The waiter seemed taken aback by Rosetta's presence in the room, but she quickly masked her surprise and smiled. The waiter set the tray on the table and promptly exited.

Upon seeing the food, Rosetta couldn't help but involuntarily lick her lips, her mouth already watering.

"Eat up," she suddenly heard him say, his attention focused on his phone.

"Huh?" Her head snapped towards him, only to find him engrossed in his device.

"Tha... Thank you," she stuttered, her pride vanishing into thin air. This was a matter of life and death; pride could take a backseat.

She swiftly seated herself at the table and picked up her cutlery. As she took a bite of the chicken, a moan of delight escaped her lips, savoring the delicious flavor that filled her taste buds.

"non fare più quel suono," she heard him remark, and she turned to look at him. Observing the expression on his face, she quickly averted her gaze and resumed eating her food.

"Mi dispiace," she mumbled. ("I'm sorry.")

Rosetta finished her meal with satisfaction, relishing every bite. It had been years since she had tasted something as delicious as this, and her heart was filled with joy. She couldn't help but let out a loud belch, quickly covering her mouth and glancing at the man from the corner of her eye.

"Thank you for the meal," she said slowly, trying to find the right words to express her gratitude. Rosetta was overwhelmed with various thoughts. Despite her appearance and job, he had chosen to help her. It was a gesture that touched her deeply.

Just as she was about to speak, he abruptly stood up and put on his dark shades, staring at her. Rosetta felt a mixture of confusion and anticipation. What did he mean by "When you're okay, you can take your leave"? Was she kidnapped? The uncertainty made her heart race.

Forgetting that she had just finished eating, Rosetta jumped up and rushed to the door, opening it forcefully. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when the door swung open, confirming her safety.

"I'm safe," she whispered with a smile. Taking one last glance at the room, Rosetta's smile softened before she stepped out, making her way back through the hotel. Navigating her way was easier since it was the same hotel she worked at, although she wasn't privileged to enter the VIP rooms.

•••

BOARDROOM

Romeo entered the boardroom, and the room immediately fell silent as all heads bowed in respect. It had been a while since he had shown up, and the employees felt compelled to show their respect to the boss.

Taking his seat, Romeo placed his phone on the large table and scanned the room with a sense of satisfaction. Everything seemed to be in order.

"It has been a while, Sir Castillo. How have you been?" one of the men in the room asked.

"Good, I guess. Let's move on to business," Romeo replied briskly. He glanced at Diego, his personal assistant, who promptly opened a hardcover book and began reading out some information.

"You have been doing an excellent job so far, and I am impressed," Romeo said, offering a light smile. It was a rare sight for him to appreciate his employees' efforts, and they felt a sense of happiness and validation hearing his words.

"Thank you, Sir Castillo," the voices echoed in unison. They knew how rare it was for their boss to express appreciation, and they felt motivated by his praise.

"I am back for good now, and I expect things to continue running smoothly, just as they were before. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to take action," Romeo declared. His employees didn't need any clarification on what "action" meant.

"We won't disappoint you, Sir Castillo. Welcome back once again," they responded in unison.

Romeo stood up and swiftly left the room, with Diego following closely behind.

•••

Rosetta had finished changing out of her work attire, signaling the end of her day. She neatly folded her uniform and placed it in a basket, taking a deep breath. It was getting late in the evening, and she needed to head home as soon as possible. The transport fares tended to increase late at night.

Her mind drifted back to the man who had saved her earlier in the day. The food she had eaten had sustained her until now, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for his unexpected act of kindness.

"Why had he chosen to help her despite knowing she was nothing but a cleaner?"

The sound of the door opening brought Rosetta back to the present. A lady entered and walked towards her, folding her arms across her chest.

"What were you doing earlier?" the lady questioned.

"What do you mean?" Rosetta asked, adjusting the worn-out bag on her shoulder.

"What were you doing with the boss? A mere cleaner like you, dining with the boss in his private suite?" the lady mocked. It turned out to be the same waiter from earlier.

Rosetta sighed, trying to ignore the provocation. "I was just doing my job," she replied calmly.

The lady, named Anna, continued to taunt her. "Oh, it's crystal clear now. You tried to seduce him, didn't you?" Anna laughed.

Rosetta's patience wavered, but she knew better than to engage in a confrontation. She couldn't risk losing her job, especially with the end of the month approaching.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that from you," Rosetta smiled, suppressing her anger, and walked past Anna.

"Of course, you have to. After all, you're nothing but a cleaner," Anna said loudly.

Rosetta clenched her fists, feeling the sting of the insult. "Keep your opinions to yourself," she muttered under her breath.

Leaving the room, Rosetta took a deep breath to calm herself. She knew she had to focus on her only means of survival and not let the words of others affect her. As she made her way out of the company, she couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the boss, Romeo Knight Castillo, surrounded by his guards.

"He's the boss? The one everyone fears?" she wondered to herself. Her first encounter with him had been in less than favorable circumstances. She shrugged off the thoughts and hurried out of the building before transportation fees escalated.

Romeo stepped out of the car with a gentle grace, his phone beeping in his front pocket. Retrieving it, a lazy smile spread across his lips.

"Perfetto," he mumbled, making his way into the house. As he entered, he spotted his beloved woman sprawled on a chair, glancing at her phone intermittently.

"Bambina," he called out, briskly walking toward her.

She turned, a smile lighting up her lips upon seeing him.

"Romeo!" she exclaimed, rushing into his embrace, enveloping him in a tight hug.

"I missed you so much, you can't even imagine," she murmured against his chest.

"Same here, Bambina. When did you arrive?" Romeo asked, breaking free from the hug.

"Just a while ago. I wanted you to meet me here," she replied, a smile adorning her face.

Romeo nodded and led the way to his room, with her following closely behind.

"You don't miss me?" she asked playfully as they entered his room.

"Why would you think that?" Romeo removed his jacket and headed to his closet, while she trailed after him.

"You've been acting distant. It's unfair. After being gone for months, the least you could do is give me a kiss!"

"You know I'm not one to display affection publicly, Bambina. So, let's keep things in perspective," Romeo explained.

She scoffed, folding her arms across her chest, and continued gazing at him as he removed his shirt, her lips slowly moistening.

"I can't wait to feel your touch," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Romeo smiled, and before long, she was behind him, running her fingers through his chest hair.

"I want you. It's been too long," she murmured, her voice filled with longing.

Romeo turned to face her, his lips instantly finding her neck.

"I'm going to take you passionately, Helena," he whispered against her skin, eliciting a moan from her. She eagerly wrapped her hands around his neck.

"That's exactly what I desire," she whispered back.

Romeo pulled away, lifting her effortlessly in his arms, and carried her towards the bedroom. Depositing her gently on the bed, he positioned himself above her, his hand caressing her bosom.

"When will you make me yours legally? I can't wait to be your wife," she breathed out.

Romeo smirked in response, exerting a firm pressure on her breasts.

"Be silent, Bambina," he murmured before swiftly removing her top.

"Oh, Romeo!"

*********

Rosetta entered the house and found her mother seated in the living room, engrossed in a movie. Biting her lip, she approached her cautiously.

"Mom..." she called softly, but only silence filled the air.

"Do you hate me now? Am I no longer your daughter?" Rosetta asked, her eyes filled with sadness as she stared at her mother.

Again, there was only silence. Rosetta blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.

Her mother stood up abruptly and walked away, seemingly oblivious to Rosetta's presence.

"Mom..." Rosetta bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. With a heavy heart, she retreated to her room.

Lying on her bed, memories of happier times flooded Rosetta's mind. She reminisced about the moments when her family was once content, the joy they shared during celebratory outings for her excellent grades.

But now, her parents seemed unaware of her job and treated her as if she were invisible.

Rosetta closed her eyes tightly, trying to calm herself down and gather her thoughts. She needed to avoid anything that would make her feel even sadder. She hoped that things would improve someday, that better times were on the horizon.

The next day, Romeo observed as Helena fixed his tie for work. He was already dressed while she remained in her nightdress. Once she finished adjusting his tie, Helena leaned in and planted a quick kiss on his lips, her hand resting on his shoulder.

"Be good, okay?" she smiled.

"You too," Romeo muttered. A sudden knock interrupted their moment, and Helena gave permission for the person to enter. A young man walked in, holding a small box in his hands.

"Here's what you ordered, Boss. It was delivered this morning," the man said.

Romeo nodded and took the box from him. Opening it, he revealed a glimmering silver wristwatch, specially made from France.

"Wow! This is beautiful," Helena exclaimed with excitement.

Romeo slipped the watch onto his wrist and smiled with satisfaction.

"Perfetto," he mumbled.

"You certainly have a penchant for lavish spending, don't you?" Helena remarked.

"I worked hard for it, so it's not a big deal," Romeo replied casually, before leaving the house, leaving Helena standing there.

"He can never change," Helena shook her head, resigned to Romeo's extravagant ways.

Rosetta arrived at the hotel, feeling exhausted. She had run out of cash and had to trek all the way to the hotel, which wasn't an easy task, to be honest.

"So tired," she groaned, stretching her legs which were beginning to ache.

"Good morning, Boss."

"Good morning, Mr. Romeo."

"Good morning, Boss."

She heard various greetings being exchanged, and her heart skipped a beat. In an attempt to turn around and catch a glimpse of the Boss again, she stumbled. Her hand instinctively reached out, searching for something to save her from falling. Unfortunately, her hand grasped a wristwatch, and in her attempt to regain balance, the watch slipped from her grip and crashed onto the tiled floor, shattering the glass into pieces.

"Che cazzo! {What the fûck!}" Her heart raced as she recognized the voice.

Lifting her head from the ground, she looked up to see a pair of furious green eyes glaring at her.

"Oh madre mia! {Oh my mother!}" she murmured, her heart pounding rapidly against her chest. What had she done?

"Great timing," she cried inwardly, fearing that she had just sealed her fate and would lose her job. The intense gaze on her only heightened her anxiety.