MRS RÓDRÍGUÉZ - EPISODE 18 AND 19

Audrielle forced her eyes open.
It was morning already. She stretched a little and felt her eyes a little heavier than usual.

This was a different room. Her previous room.

Flashes of what transpired last night hit her and her mood blurred.

Antonio.

“You’re awake”

she turned to see Tarsia’ standing by the side of the window. Obviously facing out.

She gave a slight nod and Tarsia’ beckoned to her.

“You slept heavy last night, how do you feel this morning?” She asked. Feeling Audrielle’s forehead with the back of her palm.

“Alot better.. what time is it?” She dabbed her eyes tiredly.

“Almost time for breakfast. I think you should get ready”

“I think so too. But I’m not in the mood. I feel sick”
Audrielle stated with a bitter expression. Her cries of last night must have really affected her health.
She’s fragile when it comes to worries.

“Oh my? Should I tell the queen about this?” Tarsia’ asked, caressing Audrielle’s warm hand.

She shook her head “No don’t. I’ll be fine”

“What if she asks why you weren’t present at Breakfast?”

Leave that to me. I should be heading back to my Chambers. I don’t know if the prince is still there”

” he’s not” Tarsia’ nodded negatively.
“I saw him ride out on his steed not long ago”

Audrielle’s mouth formed w short ‘O’ in suprise.

“Okay then.” She sighed in relief, pulling herself out from the bed. She staggered a little.

“Are you sure you dont want to tell the queen… you don’t look well to me”

“I’ll be fine okay. If she asks what the problem is what do I tell her? Your son has been giving me teary nights lately. Geez. It’s barely two days we got married. I shouldn’t start filtering complains about the man I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with”

Tarsia’ sighed out with a nod.

“I won’t then. Just don’t fall sick okay”

” I won’t. Don’t worry I don’t intend to work off myself for someone. I don’t want to be seen as a weakling and act all like he’s getting to me. I think that’s what he wants.

He wants me to suffer. He wants to hurt me. He feels I’m the cause of it all and he’s doing everything to frustrate me. But I won’t give in. I won’t give him the reaction he wants.”

“That means you really have to be strong then. You are soft hearted Audrielle, not denied. This is really going to be tough for you”

“I know. But the toughest decision I ever took was exchanging vows with someone I barely know over the years. Spending the rest of My life with someone that has zero affection for me. That’s the toughest decision I ever took. So I stand by whatever I say here and now. I’ll be fine”

She gulped down her words.

This is really going to be hard. She knows, but she has nothing to do. That’s the only solution she can resolve herself to now.

Tarsia’ nodded pitifully at her friend.

“At noon, we’ll go visit Montane field. I really need to ease off”

That said, she walked her way out of the room.

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

“Where is your wife Antonio? Haven’t seen her this morning” lady Castel said, chewing on her food that morning.

Antonio stared at her mom with a suprised look.
“Since when did I become her personal guard?” He scoffed, picking some piece of beef into his mouth.

It’s obvious he’s just coming from a morning stroll, besides they never slept in the same room so he sees his mother’s question as something irrelevant.

“She is your wife. You came down here without her. She isn’t here yet for breakfast. Aren’t you supposed to be concerned”

Antonio breathe hard and ignored. The last thing he wanna so is argue with his mother. Besides, it’s just the two of them settled on the the dinning.

“Where’s father?”

“The Same reason I asked for your wife. I have something important to tell you two”

“Is father sick?” He suddenly asked, like he suspected.

“Yes. He’s not well and I’ll be riding out with him to get better treatment for his health. I do not know how long it’d take or how long we’ll be away”

“Okay then, I’ll pass the information to her. When will you be leaving?” He asked.

“Few days. Haven’t decided. For now, let him bed rest. And while we’re away, you and your wife are expected to handle the guests. I think there’ll be few of them. Non-the-less , I’ll address your wife before I leave” Lady Castel waved off.

“I’ll be…

The door suddenly swung open, revealing a palace guard.

“Sorry to disturb your majesties, you have a guest waiting outside”

“This early? Who is it?” Lady Castel asked. .

“It’s a ‘she’ my queen, she’s actually here to see my prince. She goes by the name Alexandra”

Antonio stopped eating almost immediately. He turned towards the guard from where he sat.

“Alex?” His breath almost ceasing.

“Who’s that Antonio?”

Antonio ignored his mom’s question. He got up and walked towards the guard.

“Where is she? Take me to her”

The guard bowed and did as he commanded.

Antonio’s mind wandered as he took slow but swift steps.

Alex is here. His woman.

She came a the way here. God! He’s happy and also shattered by the realization of it.

He’s married now. How will she take the news? The bitterness in him channelled towards Audrielle and his hate for her grew more than ever.

He Soon Increased his pace as nervousness cascaded through him. He misses her so much and can’t wait to see her.

“She is right outside”

Antonio nodded and walked out through the entrance door. There, he saw his woman. Her back facing him. She seemed to be staring round everything that she didn’t notice his presence.

“Alex?” He called.

The voice rang like a tune in her ears. She wasn’t mistaken. That’s the voice she has Missed so much.

She turned her front, just to see the man she flew all the distance to meet.

The man she claims to love.

“Antonio?” She scoffed with a deep smile of satisfaction. Swerving into his Inviting arms.

He held her so tight like his life depended on it.

“You forgot me didn’t you” her voice bittered. As her face pressed against his broad chest.

“I’d never. I’ve just been busy lately” he said. Trying to hide the fact that he’s married now and his life has changed automatically.

He wouldn’t want her to find out, at Least not this way.

She released herself from him and brushed her lips against his. Savouring his lips. He kissed back without a relent. Even though a part of him counted how wrong it is. Kissing someone who isn’t his wife…. His Queen.

“Gosh! I’ve so missed you. You’ve grown taller, broader and looking more handsome. I can’t wait to have you holding me the way you used to… I miss every part of you” she ethused.

A smile creased Antonio’s lips. He just wish everything was right in place.

He caressed her smooth face with his right hand.

“I have to tell you something” he said,
And if Alex wasn’t too full in the moment, she’s notice the urgency in his voice.

“That can wait. I just need you to order a maid for me. I’m so exhausted. I need to be fixed a warm bathe. Then I’d get a Spa… No a massage first by any able guard.

Mehn…I need some manicure and pedicure. And lastly a lonnnnggg sleep. Still can’t believe I boarded a plane by 4@m down here. ….

“Or it’s best I give the orders myself. I’m your girlfriend anyway…. ” She Chuckled… Feeling so high of herself.

“… And also Antonio, I need some good food. Then a fixed desert and….

“Will you just please listen!” He cut her off impatiently.
She won’t be this excited if she gets to know the truth.

“Listen to what? Antonio I just told you what I needed. I really want it to be urgent.!” She furrowed a brow at him.

Antonio exhaled sharply.

So stubborn!

“You should listen to whatever he has to say young lady.”
The voice sounded intrusive.

They turned to see lady Castel at the door entrance.

“Who’s she? Has she been there all along?”

“That’s my mother”

“Oh.” Alex rolled her eyes. Staring at the woman who stood at the door’s entrance. She know the look on her face isn’t a welcoming one.

*Huh! Mothers* she grunted within herself.

“I could help my son do the favors. I see it’s so hard to spit it from his mouth” casteline continued.

“Antonio is now a married man. I can see you aren’t aware. So I do not blame you for trespassing”

The words hit her so hard that at first, she chuckled like a lunatic. As if in doubt. Then, when she noticed the seriousness and sad expression on Antonio’s face, her world came crumbling.

“You not gonna say anything? Is your mom saying the truth?”
Her voice broke out in bits.

Guilt flushed through Antonio. Unable to answer his question.

“So it’s true. You’re married now. … Really? After all these — oh my gosh!! I can’t believe this. Is that why you’ve been ignoring me? The texts? Even the letter I sent… You never wrote back. Is this how you chose to repay me? After everything??…”

She couldn’t hold back the tears that itched her eyes.

“I didn’t receive your letter I swear.” He tried to hold her…. His eyes screaming sorry.

“Don’t you dare like to me!!! Don’t you touch or fvcking lie to me!!! ” She shouted in an American accent.

” That letter was sent. You were just too busy with your new life to have my time. Isn’t it??”

“I swear to you Alex, I didn’t receive any letter. I would have written back….” He pleaded. His eyes screaming innocence.

“Oh… So you sent the letter? That was few days ago… The letter was delivered to me.. I haven’t opened it yet. I didn’t realize it was for my son. Guess the marriage ceremony really clouded my thinking” lady Castel shook her head.

She had actually received the letter as day to Antonio’s marriage with Audrielle.

The letter was delivered to her and she. Hasn’t checked the content.

She must have forgotten about it.

“Whatever. I don’t care anymore. Coming here was a total waste if Time.” She sniffled. Rubbing her eyes.

“Alex please. Please Alex let me explain” he tried to reach her but she slapped bis hand off.

“Have fun with your new wife”
She swallowed hard.

Good thing the chaffeur hasn’t left yet. Her things were still in it.

Without sparing a glance, she hopped into it and rode back to wherever she was coming from with a bleeding heart.

Tears plastered on her face.