After their morning romp, Alia and Matteo finally decided it was ti to make their way down to the breakfast buffet. They could have ordered room service, but Alia realized that if she did not put her foot down and make an effort to leave the room, Matteo would gladly keep her with him to continue where they left off.
It was as though they were truly on a honeymoon. Just the very notion made Alia feel like she was walking on air, but she made sure to keep her feet fully planted on the ground. She had not missed that hastily aborted confession when they slept together.
Clearly, Matteo was overwheld by pleasure then, for him to blurt out sothing so uncharacteristic of him― and then he caught himself before the words could escape him. Alia couldn’t fault him for that.
Still, they walked out hand-in-hand, every inch the loving couple. After a quick breakfast where Alia finally replenished her energy, they went to et the rest of the family in the lobby. There were a couple of tourists milling around, and children were bundled up, ready for an adventure. anwhile, the resort staff were busy explaining the various attractions to anyone who was willing to listen.
Horace Hawthorne bead delightedly at them the mont he caught sight of them walking, eagerly waving them over to the sofa. anwhile, Annalise had shot them a venomous glare, while Catherine scowled at them over her phone. Emline and Aiden were conspicuously absent.
"Good morning, Grandpa," Alia greeted him, and Matteo echoed her words.
"Good morning? It’s almost afternoon at this rate!" Catherine exclaid, crossing her arms in a display of indignation. "We’ve been waiting for you to get started. We’re losing precious daylight!"
"I’m sorry, everyone, we lost track of ti," Alia said because she was apologetic for making her grandfather wait for her. Annalise and Catherine, on the other hand...
"No, no, there’s no need to apologize." Horace waved off her apologies. "I have already expected this to happen since I’ve arranged for the both of you to use the honeymoon suite. I trust that you’ve found it satisfactory?" There was an expectant glint in his eyes.
Alia choked. How could her grandfather ask such personal questions without flinching? Was he so eager to hold his great-grandchild already?
anwhile, Matteo rely nodded. "I have no complaints with the suite and even less objections with my lovely fiancée."
"That’s what I like to hear." Horace nodded approvingly. "Now, where is Emline?" Horace demanded. "Is she not feeling well? It’s not like her to be so tardy."
"I don’t know about Emline, but Aiden had a busy night last night," Matteo said without blinking. Catherine’s face purpled at the insinuation that her son was out busy whoring the night before. "Last I saw him, he seed to be nursing a hangover."
Horace let out a disappointed huff, before turning to Annalise. "So is Emline joining us? She can’t possibly be missing out on this vacation that she took such great lengths to plan."
As if summoned by his words, Emline appeared. "I’m sorry for my tardiness, everyone!" She hurried over, her long blonde hair tied up in a windswept bun. She seed to have recovered well from her unpleasant morning surprise, and her cheery deanor and bright looks attracted many admiring glances from the tourists.
In her hands were several pamphlets, and there was a man by her side.
"This is Andrea, our ski instructor for today," Emline said. "I realize that while most of us know our way around a skiboard, my cousin Alia can’t differentiate the back from the front. So I took the liberty of arranging for an instructor for her so she can join us after she picks up the basics! Andrea ca in highly recomnded."
"That’s... kind of you," Alia said, giving Andrea a cautious look. He seed... normal enough. His face was entirely forgettable in a crowd, and he was wearing a thick black jacket and pants with neon stripes all over them.
If such a gesture ca from anyone else but Emline, she would be touched by her consideration.
Matteo frowned. "I can teach Alia all she needs to know. His services are unnecessary."
"Matteo, you might be good, but Andrea is a professional teacher," Annalise pointed out. "Wouldn’t it be better for Alia to get a qualified teacher for her first ti?"
"What experience do you have?" Alia asked.
Andrea smiled, revealing the pearly whites of his teeth. "I was the regional snowboarding champion for five years running, and I have been teaching skiing lessons for three. Usually, I run small classes, but Miss Emline is paying a special rate to run a private class for you, Miss."
Well. If he put it like that, Alia would be foolish to deny his help. She chanced a quick look at her grandfather, who seed to approve of Emline’s initiative.
Maybe Emline was trying to repair her damaged reputation to make people believe she harbored Alia no ill will. After all, news of her shooting Alia in the face had spread through the gossip sites, and if Horace Hawthorne believed she was indeed doing it on purpose, Emline would have to kiss her inheritance goodbye.
Matteo’s frown deepened, but Alia squeezed his hand in reassurance. There was no harm in trying a lesson out or two. Besides, this was a popular resort, teaming with people. Andrea would have to be insane to risk his reputation to hurt her on Emline’s behalf.
"In that case, I’ll be in your care then," Alia said, smiling genially as she reached out a hand for him to shake. Andrea gave her a smile.
"Should we proceed to the beginner slopes?" Andrea asked, and Alia followed him, Matteo hot on her heels. He didn’t trust Andrea as far as he could throw him.
They soon arrived at the beginner slopes, and Andrea began to teach Alia about different parts of the snowboard, and how to position herself, along with balancing tips and how to fall down without injuring herself. It was all so normal and ordinary that Matteo couldn’t find anything to fault him with.
Even when he held Alia’s outstretched hands to help her balance, it was nothing but professional.
"You’re a natural, Miss Alia!" Andrea praised effusively. "With more practice, I’m sure you can beco a professional snowboarder!"
Alia flushed in pleasure at the praise. Whether it was unfounded or not, it was still nice to hear that soone was supportive of her learning progress. Matteo’s eyebrow twitched, an ugly green monster was slowly but surely rearing its head.
"Now it’s ti to give the slopes a try," Andrea said. "Are you ready?"
Alia nodded enthusiastically, but Matteo shook his head vehently. "Of course she’s not!"
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