Chapter 5 I can't marry Edmundo

• The next morning, Rita paid a visit to her dad. Lawrence Anderson was getting on in years. His usual brown hair had a lot of grey undertones. He was a man of medium height with an oval face and a strong jaw. Rita took his complexion, a bright caramel that seemed to sparkle under the sun. His eyes were a deep blue, just like the ocean. It usually drew people in especially prospective investors.
• It was no wonder why he had a lot of clients, wanting to associate with the Anderson group. Apart from his attractive physique, Lawrence Anderson was blessed with the gift of convincing people. He had a sugarcoated mouth that moved investors and clients and before they knew what was happening, they had already signed a deal. It wasn't a surprise to anybody that his daughter had taken his traits, one she used judiciously in running the empire.
• "Hi Dad", Rita beamed, pecking his cheeks.
• "Glad of you to come see me, it's been so long. How are you?",he said.
• "I'm sorry dad, I know my visit is long overdue. I've been so busy that at times, I don't even have time for myself", Rita sighed, taking a seat.
• "You should make out time for yourself my dear. No one can take care of you better than yourself, always remember that. I know it's not easy running an empire as large as ours but I know you can do it, all the more reason why I put you there", Lawrence said.
• Rita remained quiet for sometime, mulling over his words. Her father was a wise man, one who hardly makes mistakes. She had a lot to learn from him especially if she was to run the empire smoothly.
• "Dad, something has been bothering me that's why I came to see you. I tried talking to mum about it but she wouldn't listen to me", she sighed.
• "Go on, I'm listening. What's the problem?".
• "Dad, I can't marry Edmundo. I just can't", she blurted.
• For several minutes, the patriarch remained quiet, thinking about his daughter's words. Rita could see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to give her a reply.
• "You have to marry Edmundo", he said quietly.
• Rita slumped on her chair, defeated. She hoped, just a little that her father would support her on this but as it was, her parents were bent on her getting married to Edmundo, a player and a pompous man.
• "I see. I'm sorry for wasting your time", Rita said, walking away.
• "In time, you'll see the reason for this decision", he said before Rita finally left his home office.
• She made her way downstairs, needing to be far away from everything. It was one thing for her to attend the party yesterday and another thing to spend the rest of her life with someone she loathed.
• "Just drive Rodrigo, I don't know. Anywhere but here", Rita said.
• Rodrigo sighed, speeding away. Sometimes, he wished he could help her but as poor as he was, there was nothing he could do.
• "I'm sorry", he said quietly, looking at her through the rear view mirror.
• "You don't have to be sorry, you didn't do anything. It's now confirmed that I'll be spending the remainder of my life with someone like Edmundo. So I think it's best I enjoy this little freedom before it's all over", she said.
• Rodrigo smiled sadly at the state his employer was in. He drove round the area for several minutes until he finally stopped in a clear open field. Rita came down from the car barefoot, not bothering to put on her shoes. Rodrigo joined her and together, the duo walked towards the open field.
• "It's really beautiful, I feel free here", Rita said.
• "I knew you'd like it that's why I brought you here. My mum said my father used to take us here when we were little. I don't remember much of it because I was only little then", he laughed.
• Rita couldn't imagine how one person could be so handsome and kind. She always looked forward to seeing him and now that they were here, she loved every minute of it.
• They sat down on the open field, trading stories of old. Rita got to learn a lot about him and she also told him some things about her.
• "Are you kidding me, you began cooking at the age of nine?", Rita asked.
• "Yeah, my mum made us learn. Even though my sister wasn't bothered about it, we still learnt and I can proudly say that I'm an accomplished cook", he laughed.
• "Well, I guess I should really have a taste of your cooking one day", she said.
• "It would be an honor. Just inform me when you're ready so I would prepare beforehand", he said, throwing a little stone in the air.
• He faced her, staring into her eyes. Rita could tell that the moment had changed, there was a static feeling in the air laced with deep emotions they felt for each other.
• "You're really beautiful", he said, cupping her face.
• Rita looked away, shy all of a sudden at this show of emotion. He traced her lips with his fingers, a soft gentle touch thst had her swooning.
• "Thank you", she simply said.
• Without warning, Rodrigo kissed her. Rita was a bit surprised but she waved it off, kissing him back with everything she had. She had waited for this moment for a very long time and now that it was here, she wouldn't ruin it.
• "And you have the softest lips, just as I imagined", he grinned once they broke away.
• "We.. we really shouldn't be doing this. I mean, it's not proper", she said, taking a step back.
• Even though it pained her to do that, it was the right thing. Even though she disliked Edmundo, he was still her fiance and his ring was currently sitting atop her finger.
• Rodrigo had a hurt expression on his face, he didn't know what he was thinking when he kissed her. She was right, what they were doing was wrong and he hated to think about what would happen if anyone finds out.
• "I'm sorry ma'am, I was so stupid. It won't happen again", he said, taking a step back.
• "Rita.. Rita is fine please. I guess my emotions are all over the place, it's okay you don't need to apologize".
• "All the more reason why I shouldn't have taken advantage, it's not the proper thing to do", he said.
• Rita had a hard time staying put. She almost broke her shield and ran back to him but she stayed put. It was for the best, the game they were playing was risky and the parties around them were even deadlier.
• "Please, let's just go", she said, walking back to the car.
• Rodrigo nodded, walking behind her, a little distance. He couldn't trust himself not to touch her and so, he simply settled with staying behind her. They drove off soon and the tension in the car was palpable.
• Rita felt awkward and she didn't know how to breach the gap that had suddenly come up. She was a decent girl and she knew what they were doing was wrong but sometimes, she wished she could throw decency to the wind and chase what she truly wanted.
• Soon, they got to the house. Rodrigo helped her all the way to the front door. When it was time to depart, Rita felt as if this would be the last time she'd be seeing him even though he was to pick her up to work tomorrow.
• She gave him a single nod before she ventured into the mansion, her heart in disarray.