Adele was sitting at a table with Georgina and her close friends playing cards. They were on the ladies floor which was on the second floor of the ballroom hall where the holly wood ball was being held. Adele loved the design of the floor. It was basically a circular balcony going around the hall on the second floor which was accessible by stairs. The advantage was for Francesco since he could see her from his table from the ground floor. The disadvantage was for Georgina and Adele who were being watched constantly.

Francesco had been sitting on his table with Antonio and Costanzo drinking wine and eating canapés but his stare hadn't left Adele's ever since she had stepped foot on that floor. It had been almost an hour now since Adele had started mingling with the stars of united dreamers girl band. Now, the band had gone backstage and Adele was just hanging around with the ladies by playing cards until it was time for performances to start and Hollywood stars were all arriving. That was when Adele had to go downstairs to join Francesco on the first floor.

Adele wanted to make the most of her time with the ladies so she decided to ask any burning questions she had. So she cleared her throat " Georgina.... Since I have never been to one of these events before, can you tell me a little bit about people here? It seems like everyone almost know each other. I feel left out."

One of Georgina's friends said " Yeah Georgina. You haven't even told Adele anything about anyone here? I am hurt." She then turned to Adele " Don't worry. I tell you about anyone you want to get to know on this floor."

Adele smiled " Great. Start by telling me about yourself please."

The girl spoke " I am Gloria as you know. I used to go to school with Georgina so did these girls on our table. We are all Irish and our families have been in New York City for a while now. I am an O'Reily." She then turned to the other girls on the table and pointed at each one " Laura is a McConnaugh. That one is her sister Lorraine. Last but not least, Nora is an O'Mally. She is a cousin from the maternal side of Emanuelle O'Neil, the dead husband of that lady sitting over there. Her name is Sancia and her husband was an O'Neil. She owns this hotel as well owning many illegal and legal assets in different states. Keep away from her. She is dangerous. We are all in illegal businesses also but she is in a different league."

Adele was seeing Sancia for the first time. She looked stunning and had a look of authority around her. She was sitting at a table on the ladies floor that had a ver good view. She was sitting alone drinking wine but also looking around the room once in a while glancing at Costanzo's table at the bottom floor."

Lorraine spoke " Who else do you want to know? Just point at them."

Laura spoke " Sister... I don't think Adele knows anyone. We just need to point out the main people here that she needs to know. We can't introduce her to the whole room."

Nora spoke "That's true. Alright. So Gloria told you who to keep away from. Sancia is a serious head case. She is backstabbing too. You try to keep away. I am her husband's cousin from his mothers side but I am even wary of her."

Georgina frowned " You mean you are her dead husband's cousin. Use past tense. He is gone though."

Nora sighed and shrugged "If you believe that then fine."

Gloria spoke " What do you mean? You are making no sense."

Every one was now looking at Nora waiting for her to explain herself.

Nora spoke in whisper" I am not supposed to tell but i trust you guys not to tell anyone. ...... He is close to dying. But not dead yet."

Everyone gasped. Georgina spoke with disbelief "You are kidding? Right?"

Nora spoke in a hushed tone while shaking her head " He is in a coma. He is alive. ..... Needless to say that I am not allowed to go to hospital to check on him. Ok. So I have no idea if he is alive still. Only his parents and  my father are allowed to see him as one of the next of kins stated on his will and also Sancia can see him. Many people don't know what happened in that plane crash. The Pilot and co-pilot were shot by one of my cousins bodyguards and the body guard was shot by another body guard. As the plane was going down people on that plane tried to control it but they failed. Emanuelle and his number one lawyer used parachutes and jumped out. the lawyer survived to tell the tale but my cousins skull was damaged when he fell to the floor. He is on life support now. My family will never allow the hospital to cut the life support so this could go on for years but the best doctors from Around the world are brought in to treat him. So he may come to life or die one day. We never know."

Adele was shocked at hearing the information " But why don't they make this public! Why do they say he is dead in the papers?"

Nora spoke " Because there is a slim chance he would survive. It's best to announce he is dead and let his business be organised properly by Sancia rather than lawyers awaiting him waking up. He may never wake up. But he might wake up also. No one knows. If he does wake up, then they probably would tell papers that there was a case of mistaken identity and they had declared him dead by mistake."

Georgina spoke " That woman has no shame. Her husband is still alive and she has been staring at Costanzo for the past hour. She didn't even mingle with the united dreamers. There is one person in this room that is of any interest to her."

Nora spoke " Sancia and Emanuelle's marriage was on rocks when he went on that trip. Why do you think he didn't take Sancia with him?..."

Gloria spoke " It must have been Sancia's plot to have him killed. Don't you think?"

Nora laughed " No. Sancia is pregnant as you know. She announced it yesterday. But she must have known before her husband had that incident. Come on. She wouldn't do that to her child's father. It was actually Emanuelle who sent her home that day from airport saying he didn't want to put up with her arguments throughout the flight. That bodyguard who shot the pilots was an old enemy of his."

Lorraine huffed " Yet, Sancia killed the whole family of the pilot and co-pilot. They were innocent. That bodyguard was the murderer really."

Nora spoke " She took revenge on the family of the bodyguards too. She just cant get enough of killing people when taking revenge."

Lorraine spoke " Anyways. Lets change the subject. That woman is a complex being...." She then turned to Adele "Who else do you want to know?"

Adele spoke " Who is the lady sitting not far away from Sancia over there alone drinking. Sancia has been giving her hateful looks ever since she has arrived. Also why is she not mingling around?"

Adele had a feeling she knew the answer already but she wanted to check.

Lorraine spoke "You mean Elize? She is a very famous Senator's daughter. Her father is very popular back in her home state but .... lets say her father doesn't have many fans in New York. She used to date Costanzo Rosario but his family was against them being together. So now, even though the Rosarios have left her alone since she is not associated with Costanzo anymore, still no one really dares talk to her except for Anna Rosario. She is Patricia Rosario's daughter and has taken her mothers family name since her father respects the Rosarios so much and works under Piero Rosario. Costanzo is Anna's favourite cousin so Anna looks out for Elize but she gets told off by Francesco and her mother alot. But she doesn't back down and argues that Elize is no longer with Costanzo and is no danger to the Rosarios so she can be close to her. She is getting away with it for now. But if Elize gets anywhere near Costanzo, Elize is dead and even Anna cant save her with her personnel. Right now, Anna is watching over Elize from far with her body guards and she is the reason Elize gets invited to HollyWood Parties in New York otherwise people don't want to test the Rosarios but when a Rosario is protecting Elize, then they get the green light."

Laura turned to Adele " But take no notice of Sancia and her nemesis with Elize. She gives hateful looks to alot of people on this floor including us. We don't get along with her either. Look. She is giving us strange looks too. It's mostly because of Georgina though."

Nora spoke " Seriously Georgina, did you have to have a fight with her last night? She owns this hotel. Are you not worried she may do something to you as you sleep in one of her hotel rooms? I didn't fight with her last night but I expected something from her today."

Georgina laughed and shrugged " I had to fight her. She was getting on my nerves and guess what. She can bring it on any time. But I don't think she would bother with going after any of us. Sergio would get angry with her if she starts a war with other mobs just when he is just finding his form and trying to make peace. She won't risk hurting any of us. But I can't say the same thing about that poor girl she keeps glancing at. Elize is in danger. Elize is her competition. Sancia wants Costanzo. Everyone knows that. Sancia makes no secret of it even after her husband is fighting for his life in hospital. Doesn't this woman even want to wait abit longer. What if her husband comes out of his coma?"

Laura laughed " That's Sancia. She only cares about herself. But she has good taste though. Who doesn't want Costanzo? He is a true gentleman. He treats every woman that gets close to him like they are the most rare gems on this planet. Do you remember his romance with Elize?"

Lorraine spoke " Yeah. He used to sleep in front of her house in his car till the morning to catch her walk out so he could ask her to go out with him when they had first met. He booked musicians to come play at her door step to woe her and make her say yes to them going out. She didn't say yes for weeks though. I think she was very conservative and didn't like to date but in the end she gave in. Their romance was so sweet. Literally. Early morning, Costanzo always either was at her door step and he brought her flowers and chocolate or he sent some delivery boys to do it. Their romance didn't last though. Poor Costanzo making the mistake of introducing her to his brother. Isn't it Laura?"

Laura nodded " Yes. Correct. That's when Elize moved home from our neighbourhood and my sister and I could no longer see the love story of that couple. We didn't know at that point they had been forced to break up. Later on we found out that Francesco had ordered her to move town. Elize was not even there when her home was moved. A year later she started appearing in places she used to attend alot, like designer shows. Her father is a wealthy senator but she loves mostly free fashion shows where you have to queue up . She is lovely. I am so sad she had to break off her wedding to her British boyfriend she was going to marry next month."

Georgina spoke "Costanzo is a real man. Sometimes I wish I was Elize. He loved her so much. I am so jealous of what Elize had with Costanzo. But I am not as vengeful as Sancia."

Nora laughed "Stop it Georgina. What if Antonio hears you?"

Georgina laughed "He is not around. Is he? Besides I don't mind him to know. I want him to get jealous. He is making me jealous with all those girls he is mingling with tonight. Whats wrong with me ever talking about Costanzo or maybe flirting with Costanzo?"

Lorraine gasped "You will be playing with fire Georgina. Don't do that."

Georgina spoke "What goes around comes around. Besides I actually fancy Costanzo. He is a gentleman and he doesn't cheat on his woman. But Antonio is a womaniser."

Laura spoke "But Antonio is not mingling with any women tonight. Look at him now. He is sitting next to Costanzo. I am sure he wont cheat on you if you give him a chance. You told us he asked you to dance with him tonight. Try it. Maybe if he treats you gently you wont be so doubtful about him."

Georgina spoke "But if I dance with him then I have to also commit to his private self defense lessons also at a Rosario mansion. I don't want that. I don't want him to dominate over me and makes fun of my defense skills."

Nora rolled her eyes " But there is nothing wrong with your defense skills. Don't you see? Antonio just wants to spend time with you. That's an excuse to have some contact with you. Give him a chance."

Gloria spoke " I agree with Nora. Besides your type of man is not gentle. You like much tougher men than Costanzo. You want romantic men but ones that are a bit rough too. You know I am right. I know you."

Georgina remained silent and looked away. She then pointed at the first floor " Look. That's Anna Rosario leaving the bar and dragging this guy by the arm towards the Rosario tables. What is wrong with her? She just wants to force men to go out with her. the guy doesn't look happy at all. Oops. he dragged him to Francesco's table. What does she try to do?...."

Adele gasped " Angelo.... That's my brother there." She then stood up. " I have to go down there. What if she gets him hurt."

Georgina spoke " Sit down Adele. You will make Angelo look weak in front of others who work for Francesco if you go to his rescue in public. Angelo would be fine. Anna seems to like him. Look. She is wrapping her hand around his waist."

Adele sat back down and worriedly stared at Angelo and Anna standing in front of Francesco's table. The worried looks on Antonio's and Costanzo's faces as they looked on didn't help calm her down.

Gloria spoke " Don't worry Adele. Anna is most likely asking him out in front of the big boss, asking for permission to date one of Francesco's men..... Oh look. She doesn't seem to like the answer. Look at the frown."

Adele watched as Francesco pointed to a table not far from his table. Angelo, then headed to that direction and sat down on a table with other men who worked for Francesco. Anna seemed to be not so satisfied with whatever Francesco was telling her. She was rolling her eyes and standing stiffly as Francesco was speaking to her from his seated position. It went on for minutes and then suddenly Francesco stood up. That was when Anna put her hands up in surrender and stepped away backwards and then walking towards the stairs connected to the ladies floor. Francesco watched her with narrowed eyes and then sat down sipping from his wine glass and looking up at Adele's table again.

Adele spoke nervously " What do you think happened there?"

Georgina shrugged " We will find out in a minute. Look. Anna is coming to our direction." She then waved Anna over.

Anna's eyes fell on the group as she was climbing up the stairs. She waved at them and smiled warmly and made her way towards them.

Anna spoke " Hello my women. What is going on." She then took a seat next to Georgina and facing Adele. As she looked directly at Adele, she spoke " Hi. You must be Adele. Nice to meet you. I am Anna Rosario. Francesco's cousin."

Adele raised an eyebrow " How do you know me?"

Anna laughed and looked at the other women at the table " She is asking how do I know her? Seriously." She then turned to Adele " I have seen your portrait that Costanzo painted. That's how I recognised your face. But I have heard your name alot. You are the only woman Francesco ever talks about. I have heard so much about you. But I had no idea you had such a handsome twin brother. He is so gorgeous. I asked Angelo to move into our mansion and live with my mother and i but he said he is not allowed to and so did his boss, my joyful, grumpy cousin."

Adele spoke with surprise " Is that what you were talking to Francesco about just now?"

Anna nodded " That and more. I asked Francesco if I could date Angelo. I really didn't want to ask him that. But I was worried Angelo could get into trouble if I didn't check if he is allowed to date. You know, some roles in Francesco's organisation requires men to stay single and have no attachment but luckily Angelo seem to be allowed to date. But .... Francesco told me that I can date Angelo but before getting ahead of myself, I must know that Angelo's heirs would be joining Francesco's organisation. That's very annoying. Francesco is boss from hell. My poor babies would be toasted and roasted under his dictatorship. There is no way in hell that would be happening."

Lorraine spoke " So. What are you going to do?"

Anna smiled " What do you think I am going to do?.... I am going to do what I always do..... Fight... I will fight for my man. I will get him out of whatever debt he is in with Francesco. I am actually serious about this relationship with Angelo. He is a good man. He is a gentleman and he is very funny too. He makes me laugh."

Adele was looking at Anna with her mouth open " But you have just met Angelo. How can you talk about your relationship like this and talk about having a family even and what you want for your children?"

Anna sighed " Because Sweetie.... My momma has taught me that life is too short and I shouldn't waste it. I just have found a man who can make me happy and respects me. The question is why shouldn't I think of having a family right now? What does it matter when I have met him? I have met him an hour ago. So what? Love is love. It doesn't matter if it happened an hour ago or ten years ago. It's still love."

Suddenly the lights changed and ball room music started to play interrupting them.

Anna spoke " Yes. Finally it's time to dance... with my man." She then got up and spoke " See you later ladies. Wish me luck. Lets hope Angelo falls for me as hard as I have fallen for him."

As Anna walked away, Adele noticed everyone else started to get up and made their way towards the stairs.

Georgina got up alongside Lorraine, Laura, Nora and Gloria and turned to Adele " It's time to go downstairs. The Hollywood stars are coming and live music has just started to rock the party. Before we go, I want your opinion. Should I dance with Antonio or should I make him jealous by asking Costanzo to dance with me?"

Adele got up and smiled " You heard Anna. Life is too short. Don't waste it ... Especially with games to make the one you want jealous."

Georgina sighed " Thank you for the prescription doctor."

Adele then followed the girls down the stairs while looking directly at the standing form of Francesco who was waiting for her. She thought back to Anna's words as she separated herself from the other women and approached Francesco. Anna had made her deep in thought with her words " Love is love. It's still love. It doesn't matter if it happened an hour ago or ten years ago."

Francesco walked to Adele and embraced her. He planted a kiss on her lips and spoke as he pulled away " Remember you promised to make it up to me if I let you walk off with Georgina an hour ago. I was in the middle of something with you sweetheart when she interrupted. I expect you to keep your word."

Adele smiled " I haven't forgotten. I will make it up to you. What do you want me to do?"

Francesco raised an eyebrow " Are you sure you want to leave it upto me sweetheart to decide how you can make it upto me? I warn you now. I would make the most of it. I am an opportunist sweetheart."

Adele blushed under Francesco's intense and mischievous glare and whispered " I ..... trust you."

Adele had no idea what those three words meant to Francesco. She had no idea how she had made him feel. Francesco was so overwhelmed to finally see some evidence that his angel trusted him and she seemed to have felt safe around him. More