. I answered him nonchalantly that I was reading Ulrick's interview. But with the expression he gave, I could very well counter that my dad understood more than required. Giving me a knowing smile he exited the room after a nod. Thank God! There were no questions further asked. What was he thinking? Was I in trouble?

Today he is coming back. The same sentence keeps ringing in my heart. Despite everything going on in my life, I'm somewhere happy with the anticipation of seeing him. Though Gabriella's aunt was against me cooking for Ulrick as I recently fainted in the hospital, I took special care about my health not for me but for him. I wanted to impress him by preparing all of his favorite dishes. But secondly I wonder if his tastes and likings continue to be the same. His girlfriend could be a better cook than you. Maybe he likes no more of your culinary, my inner voice came mocking at me again. The thought though incisive brought churning in my stomach.

A few hours later...

There was a ringing of the doorbell and soon I could hear his sexy macho voice. He looked the same but much more virile with more than six feet in height, tall and lean. The magazines and newspaper did little justice to his charisma. He was much better an attractive man in person. My heart swelled with his presence when I thought I was standing in the same room he was and breathing the same air he left.

Exhibiting a supreme persona he was dressed in his business suit as though going to hold a meeting with a group of business delegates. Does this hot hunk have nothing else to wear? I glanced at his urbane grey suit which fit him perfectly like it was tailor made for him. The way it was adorning his broad shoulders, I could clearly say, he does a lot of work-out. My lips quivered at his fervid gaze. His thick black hair was elegantly combed to perfection. Examining his most minute detail a shiver runs down my spine encapsulated by carnal cravings. My heart was screaming to go and hug him and feel his powerful masculinity under my palms but my eyes were stupid not to cooperate. They started tearing up, especially after seeing him for such long years.

His sharp black eyes at once focused on me, as though looking into my soul reading my feelings. In powerful long suit clad steps, he came to me after hugging his mom and pushed the strands of hair that were covering my face. No words were spoken between us but his looks were intense on me. I zeroed into his eyes seeing everything crystalline coherent and breathed a sigh of relief.

My man is back.

Chapter 5

Ulrick Pov

I alerted my security, as soon as I heard the distressing news about Uncle Alejandro. Ana is my primary responsibility and I can do anything to protect her. I put my whole security team behind her. Of course, she does not know about  it. She is unaware of the distressing and vicious things happening in our families. Ana is innocent, an angel who is unblemished about the wickedity of this barbarous world and I will do anything in my power to continue her stay stainless.

****

There were so many things that I wanted to ask her but nothing came out of my lips. I was watching her tearing up unable to do anything like an imbecile. And for the first time in my life, I felt guilt - guilt of not being able to console her. I was staring at her tear-stricken eyes like a lost person.

After many long seconds I felt a presence beside me. My father came laying his hand on my shoulder and beckoned me to move inside the study room. I walked into my parents house after four long years. If he was indulging to share something no sooner I was inside, it was an open declaration that the matter was serious and there is more I need to know. I followed him still looking at her mournful eyes unable to understand why my happy world was suddenly reduced to a clinker. Whoever had done this is surely going to pay for it.

A few hours later...

I had my doubts and all my reflexes were confirmed when I came to know through my detective Sam that Uncle Alijandro's muder attempt was planned by Robert. That scoundrel had been under my records since the time I took over our family business. I made every step to protect our families since then but somehow the rascal happened to slip out of my security and everything went upside down. One thing that still leaves me confused is what Alijandro's Uncle wants to talk to me about. Is there anything still left in this catastrophe that I had to know?

Later that night.....

All of us were having dinner. I was trying to make her talk, open up on her fears. But Ana was reticent giving answers to my questions only in monosyllables. My eyes were most of the time only on her plate. There was hardly a spoonful of rice which went into her mouth. Mom noticed it too and tried to intercede. Dad tried to distract her cracking some stupid jokes but nothing seemed to bring her out of the gloomy state. I clench my hands to fists feeling the insurgent anger occupying every iota of my soul. Robert, you made a mistake by ruffling my feathers. I spare no one who meddles with my family. Enjoy your life till the day I reach you because these are the last days of your happiness on earth.

I know her father's illness is disturbing her and it is apparent that he is spending his last days on earth. The matters about her mother are still unclear and among all the thoughts that are daunting me ...