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ètoile filante (m.) shooting star

ROSABELLE

Okay, damn.

"Papa, what on earth?" I asked my dad over the phone, my jaw nearly dropping on the floor as I took in the opulent decor of the lavish villa I was staying in, with chandeliers and the interior layout nearly dazzling my eyes.

"Do you not like it?" Dad's voice held confusion. "Should I consider relocating your residence, cara?" I almost gasped at the suggestion. "No way," I shook my head emphatically, "I could happily stay here forever, If only provided a phone, Wi-Fi, and some food."

Truly, I'm not fortunate; It's fortune that needs me, and I'm not even joking.

This is the house I'll be staying in for the next four weeks. "I almost feel sorry for Rafe; poor man won't get to see or stay in such paradise," I sighed, knowing well that my brother would hear me from the other side.

And I was correct. His groan followed my comment, "I could literally fly over there right now if I wanted to, Rosie," he mocked, only to be interrupted by Rome, who reminded him of the work he needed to take care of.

A chuckle escaped my lips at their banter. Both of them were many years older than me, yet they behaved like children. Well, Rome was mature and responsible at least; Rafe was none of that. Not that I mind, though.

I favored my brothers equally.

"Calm down, princess. I'm not leaving either. I love you too much to let you ever miss me," he mused to Rome, only for the other man to scoff at him. "You're delusional for your own good. We wouldn't want my little brother to cry tears of blood when he accidentally finds out that the world doesn't give a damn about him, do we?"

"See? You care." Rafe exclaimed dramatically.

"My God," I laughed again, "Both of you are insane." I shook my head, still walking around the house and listening to their menacing words.

Then Dad spoke up, "Have you had breakfast, cara?"

"Yes, papa. Now, I'll go out to grab some coffee. There aren't enough ingredients here to make a single cup," I replied before plucking an apple from the fruit basket placed on the counter in front of me.

I took bites from the apple and continued answering his questions, also laughing at the jokes Rafe made and my other brother's dry sense of humor. It was fun until it was time for me to end the call.

Just as I placed my phone on the nightstand in my bedroom, another call interrupted my peace. But when I noticed that the caller was Ana, I decided to pick it up.

"Girl, I'm so sorry for yesterday," she said the moment I held the phone to my ear. I sighed, recalling the chaotic experience she had put me through yesterday.

Drunk people were the worst, and I believe it now.

"It's okay. I'll just make sure not to be near your vicinity when you're drunk." She laughed at that, her voice slightly hoarse, and I realized she had just woken up from her beauty sleep.

"So, tell me," she continued, "Did we make it home safely last night? I wasn't about to be arrested for any kind of treason, was I?"

"Thankfully, no. I would have left you on the street if you had caused any illegal scenes," I teased, earning another laugh from her. "Is that how you treat your friend after your wish to see me was granted after years of yearning?" she exclaimed, "Tsk tsk, Rosie. I expected better from you."

"Oh, yeah? Guess they were right when they said things are more beautiful from a distance."

"God, who hurt you, bro? For whom are you learning these romantic poetries?"

I rolled my eyes at her words, chuckling slightly. "Not for you, rest assured."

"Thank goodness."

"Puttana."

"Ouch, pretty girls don't say such words, suka."

"You do know I know its meaning, right?"

"I do."

We continued our playful banter for a while until Ana brought up another topic for us to discuss. "Hey, have you heard about Vittoria's Venue?"

Confused, I gave her a negative response. "No. What about it?" A dramatic sigh could be heard from the other end. "It's the most popular club among the elites in Moscow. It became renowned in the last two years, and its demand is skyrocketing now," she said sadly before continuing, "So guess my misfortune?"

"You never got the chance to visit that club even once?"

"RIGHT! I've been trying for years to get an access, but it's been in vain."

I had actually heard about a club similar to her description of Vittoria's Venue. The club had gained fame in other European countries as well. Rumor had it that they were planning to launch branches in different countries due to their prominence, which attracted other investors.

"How about I ask my dad about it?" I suggested, intrigued by the idea of visiting that club. "Maybe ask him if there's any way for us to go there?"

"Can your daddy do that?"

"Well, I can try asking him."

Ana knew that I came from an affluent family, which is probably why she mentioned the club in the first place.

"I'll submit a petition to become your housemaid if you succeed."

"Mark your words."

"Yes, your highness."

Then I told her that I had to go out to buy some coffee and ended the call. I had a habit of starting my day with coffee, and any day I went without the drink was worse for me.

I guess I'm a little superstitious too.

✈︎

It had only been two days since I arrived in Russia, and I had already bumped into the same man three times—my God, three times. And I'm actually superstitious enough to believe that it's all a coincidence. Is it even called superstition?

No, I'm deranged.

"What a surprise, Rosabelle," emerald green eyes stared down at me, his gaze as intense as an inferno, yet his smile could possibly rival the warmest smile your favorite neighbor gives you every time you pass by their house.

"Hi, Emiliano," I managed to crack a smile in return, trying my best not to let my gaze wander all over his lean, muscular body. The man looked like a Greek god straight out of Olympus.

I looked everywhere but at him, feeling a little awkward about my own choice of fashion.

"My friends call me Emi."

"Ah, I see."

I could swear that I had run out of words. Holding conversations was usually my biggest flex, but somehow, beneath this man's captivating gaze, I became speechless.

"You can call me Rose as well," I said, and he raised an eyebrow. "I think I prefer Bella," he responded, drawing a little closer to me. "Do you mind?" His voice had a teasing tone, the low rumble sent a small shiver down my spine. However, I quickly managed to fix my posture. Shaking my head I responded, "No, of course not."

A devious smirk appeared on his face, as if satisfied with my response. "Great, krasavitsa Bella," he said this time, and I blushed up to my hairline. Hard.

Beautiful Bella.

No matter how many times Ana's words replayed in my mind, someone would have to take my vision away to divert my gaze from this man. He's beyond handsome, and he's well aware of it.

"Are you a regular here?" I inquired, attempting to change the topic, not wanting to embarrass myself any further. "Yes, I visit this café often. They serve the finest coffee here you could ever ask for."

"I'll see if your words are true after trying this," I remarked, displaying him the iced coffee I held in my hand. He laughed, "I'd better not be lying you then." His eyes were glinting in amusement as he gazed down at me.

"You'd better not." I noticed the coffee cup in his hand, and a slight frown crossed my face. "You drink black coffee?" I asked, eyeing the drink like it was its fault to ever exist.

Emiliano, or Emi, remained nonchalant about it, seemingly amused by my reaction. "Yes, it may taste bitter, but it's good for your health," he said, smiling smugly when I rolled my eyes. "Let's agree to disagree," I responded.

"What's so obnoxious about black coffee, Bella?" He inquired, which sounded more like a mockery, evidently relishing my unamused expression. "It's bitter, Emi. Drinks should never be bitter," I huffed, and his laughter followed. "Try bitter melon juice. You might fall in love with bitterness."

"Hell, no." I shook my head in disbelief. I'd rather go hungry than ever try that drink.

Emi sighed, feigning disappointment. "Health is wealth, Bella. Haven't you heard of that?"

"There are better ways to maintain good health," I countered, smiling as he seemed to nod in defeat, easily agreeing with me.

I knew he was playing with me.

After all, he's a playboy.

But I was only here for four weeks. If Emi and I happened to meet again in the future, we would likely become friends at most.

"Aren't you leaving?" He asked, and I nodded. "Yes, I am."

"Shall we depart together then?" I remained silent for a moment, slightly disappointed that our conversation was coming to an end. However, them I managed to smile and replied, "Sure."

And he smiled in return, grinning so broadly I could see the bright gleam in his captivating, sinuous eyes.

Maybe I do have a crush after all.

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