After Mathias left I was so relaxed that I wanted to go and lie down as I was too overwhelmed but Ria was still there with me so I couldn't ignore her.   Ria looked at me with concern and asked. “So, while you're here who is taking care of Tio.” “Well my aunt is there, so I've left him in her care, but Don goes there every day to check him out.” I felt something tickle inside me as I could see Ria was genuinely concerned about my son. “Don?” Ria looked at me with a confused expression. “I am so sorry”, I said looking at Ria’s confused face, I added after a moment's pause.” I don't know how much your mother has told you , but Don is the man I am going to get married to. That is why I've asked Marc for a divorce. Tio is staying with my aunt. While I am here in Piemonte, Don has promised to take care of him while I'm away. They see each other quite often so Tio is comfortable with him.” “ I see”, Ria said quietly. “Mom had not said anything about it. You know what Carmen he's very fortunate,” she added regarding me steadily for a moment with her eyes clear with admiration. I felt the warmth of color rush into my cheeks at the unexpected compliment but was saved from the need to reply as Ada entered inside with a tray. “The soup was delicious thank you, Ada.” I said sincerely. “I am glad you enjoyed it, Carmen. Now there is only an omelet with salad and then fresh fruit but I will bring out ice cream if you wish.” she said eagerly. “Oh no, the salad and fruit sound lovely but ice cream, I'll have it later,” I said with a smile. “I don't normally have time to eat much of lunch at lunchtime, I just have coffee and a sandwich in between work.” “This is why you have no flesh, only bones,” Ada said in disgust. “Now that you're here I will see that you eat properly.” She placed a large bowl of fruits and salad and said looking at Ria. “Eat plenty of salad too, Ria you should have this more.” Ria grinned at the housekeeper and after she left the room, she explained: "Ada cannot understand why neither myself Marc nor Mathias can put on weight and we are a great disappointment to her, I'm afraid. She will be giving all her attention now to you.” Ria added piling a large heap of salad on her plate and eat it leisurely. “ I will become fat if I stay here for a longer time,” I laughed and savored the delicious fruit salad that Ada had prepared. “But anyway I shall not be here long enough as soon as your brother is fine I'll tell him to arrange for me to go home,” I said firmly deliberately ignoring the look of dismay on Ria's face. I knew everyone had some expectations from me but I don't want to compromise. “But you were to stay for a longer time, Ria protested mum told us last evening that you may stay longer. And I am looking forward to it. I would be really sad if you go." “I don't know what has given your mother that idea.” I said determinedly. Trust Cathy to be really troublesome sometimes with her words. “I would have liked to stay and get to know you better but I need to return home to my son as I can't leave him alone any longer. I have stayed long enough. I have always been beside him right after he was born so I feel guilty that I have left my son in Yorkshire to be taken care of by other people.” mentally I was cursing Cathy for putting me in such a difficult position. After a moment of silence, none of us said anything and finally, Ria grinned and said . “ Carmen let's forget about what we were talking about. I was thinking whether you would like to look around the house and the garden after lunch and then perhaps we can go for a swim.” Ria said hesitantly. “That sounds awesome! And oh, wait! You have a pool, that's so wonderful. I would really like to dip into the cold water right now.” I said excitedly. As it was getting hotter and hotter as the afternoon sun was hovering around us and a dip in the water was all I needed to relieve myself. “Yes, Marc had built it a few years ago after my father passed away. He did not like having a pool when he was alive.” Ria said flatly. After a while I followed Ria into the inner courtyard where the housekeeper had set the coffee on the small iron table beside one of the supporting pillars. “This really is almost the most beautiful place. I would become addicted to it very quickly,” I added settling into a comfortable lounger and sipping the coffee that Ada had provided. “Is it always so pleasant even in the cold weather?” “Yes, and it's always my second home. I like it much more than the house in Milan. Did Marc not bring you here, when you had married? Ria asked tentatively. “No, we stayed in Milan and had come here only for an hour or two before our marriage. It was to be a surprise for later when we were free to spend plenty of time here. Though I must admit that I was partly to be blamed for our not visiting it quite frequently.” I said with a shrug. “Marc had wanted to spend part of our honeymoon here but after my last meeting with your parents, I'm afraid I was not enthusiastic to come here. I am just a coward at heart.” I added with a wry smile. “ Ria, why don't we change the subject and talk about you? What are you going to do when you complete your studies? I asked turning towards her enquiringly. “After a year I will finish college. I enjoy studying and Marc is willing to finance my studies.” Ria added quietly.” But I've been already engaged to Drake Costa, he is Bella Costas's brother you must know her as our family has been friends with them for many years.” As I heard her name, I was boiling with anger but controlled my emotions and did not say anything. “So do you love Drake?” I interposed quietly after some time. “Well we have always got along well together, as to love I don't know but I am a little bit attracted towards him,” Ria said shyly. “Congratulations Ria! I'm really happy for you. “ I said genuinely as I could see she was happy with the arrangement. She thanked me and blushed a little. “Is there anything that you would like to do before you got married? I enquired her. When she hesitated I probed her again. “Before you marry and start a family don't you have any plans for the future ?” She hesitated a moment and then said quickly, “ I've often thought of taking acting as my career. I'm quite fascinated with movie stars and their lifestyle.” “But I can't do it as I am quite happy that I am getting married to Drake. He says that we will build a small house on his father’s estate and live there until he inherits it. It will be the kind of life that I am familiar with.” Ria said with a smile. “Have you mentioned it to Marc or your mother? About going for your further studies and taking acting as your skill? I asked. “Oh no! “Ria set an alarmed tone .” They would not approve of it at all. It would cause them distress and anyways it is just my foolish dream so please don't speak about this to anyone. I don't want to trouble anyone.” She added urgently. “Ria don't worry,” I said. “I was interested to know that’s all. I am not in the habit of gossiping and giving away secrets. look if you've finished your coffee why don't we go for the sightseeing tour? Perhaps we can cool off in the pool later?” Ria got up and glanced at me and holding my hand pulled me out of the courtyard. She was very excited and she started telling me about the history of the house.