The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 33

Emily

We were on our way to Miami, sitting in Alessio's private jet. There were two more hours to go, and not knowing the reason for this trip was driving me insane. Just like all days, Alessio was distant, only speaking when necessary—but I didn't mind.

He was busy doing whatever he was doing in the back, while Naty sat on the opposite right of me with her face pressed against the window. Until now she had pointed out almost every single cloud, and gushed about flying nonstop.

I hated flying. Usually, I would have several weeks to mentally prepare myself, but this trip had been decided overnight and I had no say. The only positive was that Jason could not stalk me or get to me from here.

"Mommy, are you alright?" Naty's concerned voice broke through my thoughts.

"Yes, baby, don't worry about me," I replied, faking a smile. I was seconds away from puking, but the only thing holding me back was the fear of Alessio throwing a fit.

He had suddenly appeared from the back and walked towards us, probably to sit on his seat beside Naty. My heart immediately raised, but this time it was not because of the fear, but from the bad vibe he always seEmilyed to carry with him.

"Hi, hi!" Naty greeted him with a big smile as he sat next to her. Alessio returned the smile, patting her head gently. Naty looked comfortable around him, and their interactions were sweet and natural, making me wonder when they had the chance to bond in such a short time.

However he felt about me, he didn't take it out on Naty. That's one thing I couldn't dislike about him.

I took a deep breath, and started counting my fingers, trying to calm my nerves as the plane shook slightly. When I looked up, I caught Alessio staring at me with an unreadable expression.

"Mommy is scared of flying," Naty exposed me, breaking the awkward silence.

I shook my head quickly, looking at Alessio. "It's not a big deal."

Alessio's expression hadn't changed. His face rEmilyained Emilyotionless with no hint of sympathy or concern at my fear for flying. He couldn't care less, but then again—in order to care, he would have to have a heart.

I bet the only reason he wouldn't want to leave me behind at the mansion was because he feared I would run my mouth to Dante.

Naty turned to Alessio with a glow in her eyes. "Do you want to play a game with me?" she asked, eagerly.

I quickly intervened, "Naty, don't bother—"

"Sure, what game are we playing?" Alessio spoke to my surprise, cutting me off. His focus was on Naty and Naty only.

Naty's face lit up. "I spy with my little eye... something yellow!"

I gave the table in between us a tap to grab his attention, and leaned forward. "You really don't have to do—"

"Your juice?" Alessio cut me off once again, pointing out the clear cup, filled with mango juice, in front of Naty.

So he was just going to treat me like a ghost, was that it?

"Nope!" Naty giggled.

"The curtains?" he tried again.

"No!"

Watching Alessio make an effort to play along with Naty, made me appreciate his gesture. He was still an idiot, but his gentle way of interacting with her, seeing him drop his iron shield, made him less annoying.

"Is that thing of yours even here?" Alessio asked, half-joking.

"Yes!" Naty told him, "You just have to step up your game."

"The pen on the table?" he guessed again.

Naty shook her head before releasing a yawn. "No, no, no."

"The buttons on your dress?" Alessio pulled a face as if he was in deep thoughts. I couldn't hold back my laughter, seeing how serious he was about this game. It was a new side of him, one I had yet to see.

Instead of ending the game, he kept guessing, hoping to find whatever Naty made her target. There were times I wished Jason would play with her like that, but he always told her he was too tired. 'Maybe next time. You should ask your mommy who doesn't has a job to get to,' was what he would tell her, and Naty wouldn't take any offense.

Instead, she kept listening to his fake promises, believing he would one day make some time to play with her.

"Wow, you're lame, and you suck at this," Naty huffed, blowing her cheeks with air.

"Naty," I sat up straight, shaking my head. "That's not very nice of you, apologize."

Suddenly, the fear of Alessio, who was full of pride, throwing her out of the window, mid-air, had gotten to me.

"It's okay," Alessio shot me a sharp look, telling me not to interfere. Then he turned back to Naty with a smirk. "Something yellow? It must be your teeth then?"

I slightly covered my mouth, not wanting to betray my six-year-old daughter by laughing at his comeback. Alessio, who had noticed, flashed a brief smile at me.