★LUCIANO★

“Okay, the merchandise record is clean,” I informed Romano. “Get some men to deliver what Jonas wants. And they should tell him - I want my money in full.”

“Yes, Boss.” Romano walked away to do my bidding.

And then Francesco walked up to me. “Boss, we are running out of fuel for the vehicles.” He bowed in deference.

“Okay. Meet Romano to hand you the credit card for fuel. And do not purchase more than this month's budget."

“Yes, Boss.” he stomped off.

I arranged the record book neatly in my stack. Went around once more to observe the warehouse and the goods, then I paused.

Heaving a sigh, I looked around, wondering what I was missing. An empty feeling clouded my guts and I didn't know what that was— could I have missed something while checking the rate of my merchandise?

Just then, the thought of Janie grazed my mind. It was then I understood why I felt somewhat empty and miserable. I hadn't seen her since yesterday morning after our little scuffle. I didn't even know if she liked the gift I got her.

A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips at the thought of her. Although she is feisty, and proving to be stubborn, I found myself developing a soft spot for her.

My hand found its way to my injury. Thankfully, it was healing because of her. Alas, that was why I decided to get her a present so I could show my heartfelt gratitude.

Maybe I should check up on her. I suggested to myself. Then without further ado, I strode into the mansion, heading straight to her room.

I knocked but there was no response.

Wait! Could Janie have escaped yesterday?

Instantly, I pressed down on the doorknob and the door creaked open. Thus, my eyes fell on Janie on the bed, tossing and writhing in pain.

Sprinting on my heels, I darted over to her and released a loud gasp when I saw bloodstains on the bed.

What the hell happened here?

Panic coursed through my veins as I gathered her in my arms. “What's wrong, Janie? What happened to you?”

She clutched her stomach and closed her eyes shut. “Leave me alone.”

So without asking again, I delved my fingers into my pocket and brought out my phone. Furthermore, I dialed Romano's number.

“Boss?” He responded after a beep.

“Tell Pablo's mother to come upstairs into Janie's room now.”

“Alright boss.” With that, he hung up.

“What the hell happened, Janie?" I reiterated. Should in case she didn't hear me the first time.

But she didn't respond.

Then I noticed a lone tear slip down from the corner of her eyes. My heart began to thump rapidly against my chest. What do I do? I needed to know the reason why she was in pain, so I could act promptly.

Or maybe I should carry her to the hospital and let them take care of her.

Just as I was about to whisk her into my arms, Mrs. Andrea, Pablo's mother rushed into the room with her brows furrowed in confusion. “You requested my presence, sir?”

“What did you give her to eat?” I bellowed angrily and she flinched.

“Nothing except some fruits last night.” her tone was shaky.

It was obvious she seemed so intimidated by me, so I cleared my throat and reduced my harsh tone.

“Then why is she like this?" I questioned.

She walked over and her eyes roamed at the bloodstains on the bed then back to me. “I think she's on...” She hesitated. “...period.”

“Period?” I furrowed my brows. “What does that mean?"

“It is a monthly flow. All women go through it once a month. It's time for hers and it's nothing serious.”

Her statement calmed my tumultuous nerves. I looked from Janie's pale face back to Pablo's mother. “Okay then, she needs to wash up since it's over.” I handed out my credit card and she took it. “Get her some chocolates, yogurt, and anything else you know a lady would like.”

Pablo's mother pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh, but I noticed the amusement in the lines spread across the corners of her eyes.

“What?” I arched a brow at her. “Did I say something funny?”

She shook her head immediately. “No, sir. You didn't. It's just that— those things would only make her condition worse. And this hasn't ended yet. It's just starting. It's going to last for like five days.”

“What? She is gonna be in pain for five days?"

“Not really. What she needs right now are some painkillers and a pad.”

“I know what painkillers are. But the latter?” I shook my head in denial. “I don't.”

“Oh! Don't mind me. Pads are used to absorb the blood flows during the duration of her menstruation until it ends.” she snapped her fingers. “I think I have one left in my room, let me go get them.”

“Go ahead.”

With my permission, Pablo's mother scurried off to fetch the pad. and she was back in less than two minutes. “Here?" she gave it to me.

I took it. “Okay. Tell the chauffeur downstairs to take you to the grocery store to get the pad. And I need those painkillers right now!"

“Yes sir.” She hurriedly left and I returned my attention to Janie.

Her eyes remained shut and she wouldn't talk to me.

“Hey, hey....look at me. How are you feeling?” I asked with concern and curiosity.

“I feel so bad. But it gets worse because you are here,” she complained.

“Well, you would have to get used to me always being around you because I'm never going to leave,” I added sharply. “Now, would you let me tend to you?”

“Please make the pain go away.” She grunts and writhed.

“First, you need to take a shower.” I attempted to pull off her shirt but she stopped me.

Her hands clasped on mine. And then her eyes flung open. Those beautiful orb eyes stirred something in the depth of my stomach that seemed to weaken my resolve.

For a moment, I became light-headed and lost in her world.

“What?" I asked, staring back at her.

She gazed from our hands back to my face. “What are you trying to do?”

“I want to help you get undressed so you'd get into the shower.” I offered.

“And did I request your help?”

“Wow." I scoffed. “Okay fine. I won't look, just let me help you.”

She was about to say something again, but then it seemed as though the pain struck through her because she pressed her fingers so hard against my hand.

“I need that shower right now. I feel so dirty." she conceded.

A small smirk splayed across my lips as she eventually succumbed to having a shower.

And with that, I peeled off her shirt and her pants. Left with only her underwear covering her naked body, she looked away in embarrassment.

Her body looked so graceful and her skin felt so soft. I could touch them all day without getting tired.

“Don't look at me!” She growled.

“Alright, I won't.”

With exuberant power, I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bathroom. Slowly, I let her into the bathtub. Flipped on the faucet and water rushed into it. The water immediately turned red, so I had to open the drain and let it flow out.

Nevertheless, I was still in disbelief that such a thing as called 'period' existed. How could a woman bleed without an injury somewhere?

“You can take a shower and change before Mrs. Andrea comes back with the painkillers.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

So I went to the room and rummaged through her closet. My eyes fell on a black cotton dress and I picked it out for her. I dropped it on the towel stand alongside the pad. Then I walked out and closed the door shut behind me.

At first, I was going to leave. But then, I decided to remain in case she needed my help.

I instinctively removed the bedsheet and tossed it into the trash bin, then I picked out another one from the wardrobe and dressed the bed.

Shortly after, Mrs. Andrea returned, holding an aspirin and a bag filled with the so-called pads.

“Where is she?” she asked me.

I gestured to the bathroom. “She is in there, please attend to her and if there is something else, let me know.”

“Yes, sir.”

She issued my credit card back to me and I left the room.

But then my cell phone rang out again.

I removed it from my pocket and slid it to the receiver's end.

“Good morning, please is this Mr. Luciano Pavarotti?" A soft-spoken female voice asked from the other end.

“Yes." I breathed.

“Well, I'm Davina, a nurse from Maria Beatrice Hospital, Florence. And I'm deeply sorry to inform you that your mother just passed away from her vegetative state.”