CHAPTER 71

Casabella’s POV
Everything has been really great between Mark and I. He has been the sweetest ever and the best partner anyone can ever wish for.
I really wish I could open up to him about my real identity but I’m being selfish of how his love for me will turn into hate and that’s the last thing I ever would wish for.
Seeing the way he loves me so much and doing everything in his power to see me happy couldn’t make me bring myself down to see me hate me so much for cheating him on his love.
Dad and mum keep advising me to open up before he gets to find out on his own. I just wish I can but it is not really easy to see the love a man has for you turn into hate just in a day.
I don’t have much time as the burden keeps getting the better of me. I will have to tell him about everything because the sooner I reveal myself the better.
Today, we were having a picnic at Mark's mansion. Rosy was the one who came up with the idea of us having a picnic to spend a fun time together along with Mary who has become part of us.
The three of us have become really best of friends and mostly spend the time together without the men. And talking about them, we didn't want them around us for a while, as they keep acting over protective of us and never wanting us to have girls talk like usual.
However, I really miss Mark a lot. I haven't set eyes on him apart from the video call we had this morning. I just hope he's doing great with Alex
I applied the lip gloss on my lip staring at my reflection when a knock came on the door.
“Come in.” I uttered, politely and stood up from the chair to see Mary walk in.
“Are you ready Maddy?”
“Yeah, I am. Is the car ready?” I enquired, picking up my bag and scarf, wrapping it around my neck.
“Are sure you’re really okay?”
“I am fine Mary, let go. I’m sure Rosy is waiting for us.”
“Okay.” She answered as we both made our way out of the room.
“You both are set to leave?” Dad asked as we approached him in the living room reading a magazine.
“Yes dad. Where is mum?”
“She went to get something for you guys in the kitchen.”
“Oh… okay.” I mouthed, checking the time to see it almost twelve noon.
I hope she shows up early. Rosy must be feeling bad that we’re not going to show up.
“I’m sorry for keeping you guys waiting. I made pancakes, sandwiches and cherry jam for you guys' little picnic.” Mum rushed in with a basket in her hand.
“Thank you so much mum. You are going to enjoy it.”
“It's nothing, baby. Send my greetings to Rosy.” She added, handing the basket to Mary.
“Sure. See you guys later.”
“Bye baby.” Mum replied as Mary and I walked outside.
“Good afternoon Miss Madison.” Norman and about five other bodyguards greeted me.
“Good afternoon Norman. Is everything set for the picnic?"I inquired.
"Yes Miss Madison."
"Okay. Let go." I responded and got into the car along with Mary before we took off to Mark’s mansion..
***
"Oh my gosh! You both finally made it. I was thinking you guys won't make it." Rosy rushed up to us and hugged Mary before me.
"Good to see you Rosy." Mary uttered.
"Same here Mary."
"I'm sorry we made you feel a little bad. Mum actually made a little picnic snack for us. That's why we got delayed and she also sent greetings to you."
"She's really sweet. Send my greetings to her as well."
"Sure. Is everything we need ready?"
"Yep. It's all organised, let's head to the garden."
"Norman, please send two of the bodyguards with the items to the garden."
"Okay Miss Madison."
Mark’s POV
“Do you think the ladies are really having fun together without us?” Alex asked while I kept typing on my laptop ignoring the question.
“I’m talking to you buddy.” He added.
“And I’m too busy to listen to your little chatters.”
“You’re just freaking annoying.” He groaned.
“You’re always overreacting unnecessary, man. I’m sure they are spending their best time together and the least you could do is seat down and help me with these damn files.” I got on my feet feeling frustrated.
“I’m just missing my baby, that's why I am feeling uncomfortable.”
“And so do I but we have to leave them to enjoy their peaceful moment."
"You can say that because you just got back into a relationship after so many years."
"Be practical, man and stop acting like a dickhead."
"Let me be, buddy." He protested.
"Alex, something has been really disturbing me for a while now."
"What's the matter?"
"It's about Madison."
"Tell me. What's wrong with her?" He frowned his brows.
"She seems weird each time I call her by her name." I uttered, walking over to join him on the sofa.
"What do you mean? Or doesn't she want you calling her by her name but with sweet names?'
"That's not the case here Alex. Whenever I call her Madison, she doesn't respond easily like it's her, do you understand what I am saying?"
"Hold on, do you mean she doesn't reply each time you call her Madison?"
"Yes Alex. It's only if I call her baby or when I tap her lightly will she respond."
"That's really something to worry about. What could be the reason?"
"I don't know Alex but a lot has changed in her ever since we met at that restaurant again."
"Do you mean her voice and the vibe around her?"
"Yes, which is exactly like Casabella? I don't know but I have this feeling she isn't Madison but someone else ever since we cross paths again."
"If she's someone else why did you fall in love with her?"
"I fell in love with the qualities she possesses exactly like Casabella."
"Let me get this straight. In other words, you fell for her thinking she's Casabella?"
"Yes man and I really have this feeling she's the one."
"Have you lost it buddy? What the hell are you saying?" He ranted.
"I know you're thinking I don't know what I am saying but I do and I will find out about it."
"Mark, you can't keep doing this or someone might get hurt. Can't you consider how Madison will feel when she finds out you don't love her but only see the image of the girl you love in her? Answer me buddy, how would you feel if it was you?"
"What if it proves to be Casabella because everything I see in her is totally different from what I saw from the very beginning when we met her and you too know that?"
"It could be as a result of sickness or something else."
"Come on Mark."
"I just need your help on this, Alex. Try and believe what I am saying to you."
"Okay man. You can do your findings on her."
"Thank you buddy. I know I can count on you."
"It's nothing man. I just hope you're right about it."
Casabella's POV
"The picnic was so much fun." Rosy screamed out.
"I wish we can arrange for another picnic." Mary added.
"We sure are going to have one again and it's over my place."
"Way to go girls." Rosy screamed as we all laughed.
"I guess you ladies are still having fun." Alex uttered behind as we all turned around to see him and Mark approaching the swimming pool.
"Babe, you're back already. I miss you so much." Rosy rushed up to him.
"I miss you too, baby. You have no idea how I was feeling without you." He responded and kissed her.
I saw Mark staring at me but I only smiled and took my eyes off him feeling too shy to look him in the eyes.
"I'll be in the room." Mary said and walked away before Alex and Rosy did the same leaving Mark and I.
I got too shy as his stare on my swimsuit was getting me sensual and tried to pick up a towel to cover up my body but he stopped me with his warm hands around my waist.
"Why do you want to cover it up when you're looking so sexy just for me?" He whispered to my ear causing me to smile.
"You look really good looking sweetheart."
"Thank you." I replied blushing, looking away.
"Look me in the eyes." He uttered, pulling my face slowly to stare in his eyes.
"You always entice me with your beautiful eyes." He grabbed me closer to his body.
"You're making me feel so shy." I admitted, hiding my face on his chest.
"Is that so? What if I tell you, you're making me feel aroused, uhn can you help me out with it? Do you know what it takes to control my body around your temptress body?" He whispered, moved his lips closer to my face.
"It takes a lot of courage baby and I don't know if I can handle it this time. I feel like taking you out right here and right now."
"Erhm… you don’t mean what you’re saying right?” I asked awkwardly.
“I mean every word but I won’t do it until we’re married. I can endure any hellish urge just for the cure of your body.” He smiled and picked me up in a bridal way.