An Arranged Marriage

by C. M. Bryden

  Jake interrupted her. He could hear the distress in her voice. ‘Is he dead?’ He asked gently.

  ‘No.’

  ‘So, what’s happened? Was he driving that old wreck I’ve told him hundreds of times to get rid of?’

  ‘No. He was in Juno’s car.’

  Jake could hear his mother weeping. In between sobs, she told him what had happened.

  ‘They were on their way back from Piretti, you know, the lovely little village you like so much. You must remember it. It’s where they have the wine festival each year. Juno was driving, too fast of course; he overshot the bend and went crashing down the hillside into the ravine at the bottom of the valley.’

  Jake knew the road well, and how dangerous it was. Even Juno knew how dangerous the road was and should have known better than to drink and drive, but it was too late now to voice recriminations to his mother, he would vent his anger at Juno at a later date. ‘How are they both?’ Jake wanted to know, realising if his stepfather had been killed his mother would have been even more distraught and unable to speak at all. ‘What injuries have they suffered?’ He asked her gently, wishing he were with her. His mother was a gentle soul, even though she was a steely businesswoman and able to cope with most problems. Stefano was the love of her life and, without him Jake knew his mother’s life would collapse.

  ‘Stefano’s under sedation,’ she said, ‘he’s broken his back. Juno’s broken an arm and a leg and is badly cut and bruised. Unlike Stefan, he hadn’t been wearing a seat belt, because he’s too fat to do it up. But his size didn’t stop him from going through the windscreen, so you can imagine the state he’s in! He’s lucky to be alive and very lucky the ground was dry. If the ravine had been in flood at the time they would have drowned before they could be rescued and then, according to the police, because the car finally landed on its roof, the police said they were lucky to get out alive, especially as the fuel didn’t ignite and burn them to death.’

  Jake heard her draw in her breath, in an effort to stop her sobs. He tried to calm her and console her with platitudes that meant very little to her in the state she was in.

  ‘Oh Jake, what am I to do. I need you here. What would I have done if Stefano had been killed? As it is, he’s going to be in hospital for weeks, probably months. How am I going to manage without him?’

  Jake tried to soothe his mother’s fears. ‘You’re to go to the hospital and stay with Stefan. Forget about the business. I’ll be on the next flight out and be with you as soon as I can.’

  After Jake’s reassurance he would be with her soon, his mother finished her call, leaving Jake pulled in two ways. He’d financed Andrew’s company and set it up so it would run now without any financial problems, so that wasn’t going to be a worry and in any case, Andrew was at the factory and doing what he’d always done. Jake knew he was merely the financier and could leave Andrew to run the business. He also knew now was the time when his family had to come first, his mother needed him and, for the time being, Jane, her father, and the business would have to wait.

  As soon as the line was clear, Jake phoned Andrew, who unfortunately wasn’t available, but Jake wasted no time in hunting him down. He simply left a message telling him he had to go away on urgent business and then, booking himself onto the next flight out to Italy he packed his bags, positive Stefano would survive, knowing him to be a tough and strong Italian, both in body and spirit. With Sara living back at home and helping out in the hotel, Jake knew the family business would also survive. It was his mother he was most concerned about, as without her beloved Stefano, she would be lost.

  Jake spent the little time he had left before his flight, tidying the flat, mentally preparing not to see it for some time and wondering when he would next be sleeping with Jane. He wondered if she was lonely without him, as he was, without her. But then, perhaps she had her friend, Leo, to keep her company and, not for the first time, Jake felt pangs of jealousy rip through his heart as his imagination started to work overtime, imagining Jane with this other man and wondering if she was already regretting their marriage, even though he had no reason to believe his thoughts.

  Jake had the impression Jane enjoyed their sexual activities to the same extent as he had, but perhaps that was only because she was a good actress!

  As he finished packing and closed his bag, Jake recalled their last night together. For a few moments he could imagine her, as she’d lain on the bed where his bag now stood ready and packed. Her hair had been spread out like a shining fan, her lovely face with her mesmerising green eyes had been looking up at him, and then she’d wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, entwining her legs around him, and how she’d caressed him, stroking his manhood until he thought he would explode with his longing and then how he’d felt when they’d finally made love. He’d wanted to die in her arms as he’d pushed himself into her warm body for his final thrust.

  His heart ached as he wished for just one more time to be with her, remembering then other times when they’d made love and the way she would kiss him and arch her back as she moaned softly whenever he caressed her gently in her secret place, his fingers bringing her to a fever pitch of excitement as she reached her orgasm and how, in return, she would hold him in a fierce grip with her thighs, as her body worked with his as he’d climaxed; the very thought of their lovemaking gave him an arousal that took until he boarded his flight to completely subside.

  It never occurred to him to leave a simple note, explaining the reason for not being there. Just a simple explanation he’d gone to help his mother would have freaked her out, being unaware he even had a mother, let alone one who was very much alive! But a note nevertheless, to say he loved her and missed her would have gone some way to stave off the troubles already piling up for him, it might even have diffused her thoughts that he’d committed adultery, but Jake didn’t understand Jane’s mind, or her way of thinking, so by the time he’d reached the hotel where his mother and stepfather lived and worked, he’d mentally shaken off his worries concerning their relationship, which was not good news.

  Poor Jake, if only his heart ruled his head!

  By the time Jake arrived at the hotel, Stefano had regained consciousness in hospital and been x-rayed. Thankfully, his injuries were not as serious as had been first thought. His back was certainly damaged, but not sufficiently for him to be paralysed. Even so it was bad news. The doctors had already decided when he’d recovered sufficiently from the shock and trauma of the accident, he would be moved to a nearby spinal injury unit for more treatment.

  To Jake’s relief, his mother decided to stay with a friend who lived near to the hospital, to be on hand should Stefano need her, leaving Jake, Sara, and the staff to run the business. Sara had been put under strict orders to obey Jake, without giving him any aggravation as in the past she’d sometimes been inclined to do, but thankfully, since her rescue in London, Jake had become her hero and, for the first time, he had a glimpse of the woman she was destined to become.

  It was going to be a case of everyone pulling their weight, if the hotel and restaurant were to continue functioning to the same high standard as before, but Jake was confident from his past experience of working with his mother and Stefano, that he and the others would cope with the present emergency. He just wished Jane were with him, instinctively knowing she would love the hilltop village, with its fantastic views of the medieval towns and villages built on the slopes of the hills that surrounded the area. Perhaps, when Stefano was recovered and back home, they would come and stay, maybe even buy a property nearby, until then, all he had to do was to help his parents, and then, he could sort out his own problems. How the fates must have been laughing at his naivety!

  The next day he managed to speak to Andrew, telling him he’d been called away on urgent business and didn’t know when he would be returning, without elaborating on where he was, or why. It was a very business-like call, with no enquiries as to Jane, or her whereabouts and giving Andrew no time to ask
questions as Jake disconnected the call leaving Andrew staring at the phone, wondering just what was it his son-in-law was up to? Was Jane right in her suspicions he was having an affair?

  By the time Andrew and Jessie learnt of Jane’s pregnancy, and they’d announced their engagement, Jake had been in Italy for over a week. Stefano was making good progress and was about to be transferred to the specialist unit many miles away. Laura planned on going to stay in a family run guesthouse to be near him, leaving Jake to run the hotel. They were all optimistic for his recovery, even Stefano, which was a good thing, given the severity of his injury and how he wouldn’t be walking for some months to come. At this news from the hospital, Jake had shaken his head, for a few moments troubled he hadn’t spoken to Jane, distracted from dialling her number by the appearance of his sister, Sara, wanting his attention.

  Even Sara’s efforts at the hotel had exceeded Jake’s expectations. He could see how much she resembled his mother: along with Stefano’s charm he knew she would be a prize catch for some lucky young man in the future. He’d settled into working hard himself. Bookings had increased since his last visit and nearly all the rooms in the hotel, as well as those in the converted outbuildings were fully booked, even the spa centre had increased its bookings. Considering the pitiful state of his inheritance, Stefano had worked marvels. Jake had seen for himself that a huge change had taken place, as his stepfather had altered what had once been a jumble of old and semi-derelict buildings they’d first seen, into what now was a very desirable place to stay and relax as the old house had been completely rebuilt by Stefano and the men of the village. Time and effort had gone into keeping all that was historic and then it had been exquisitely furnished and decorated by Laura. The restaurant, like all the other public rooms in the hotel had fabulous views of the countryside. With his mother’s wonderful menus now cooked by a professional chef, along with Stefano’s extensive wine list, the whole complex was amongst the most feted and popular in the region. It was Stefano’s dream to have his business included in all the holiday brochures and magazines as the best and most exclusive place to stay, knowing he needed to grow the business. At Jake’s suggestion, a few months ago, he’d purchased even more old houses in the village, planning on making them into self-catering properties, giving the business the expansion it needed, without spoiling the complex or the village. Perhaps now, thought Jake, as he was staying at the hotel they could continue with the project, using his fortune to complete the transformation.

  Once Stefano had started to make good progress at the hospital, Laura returned to stay with Jake at the hotel, mainly to prepare for Stefano’s return. He would need extensive physiotherapy for several weeks, which Jake had already organised by employing a private therapist to be on hand. The sooner Stefano was better, the sooner, Jake reasoned, he could return to his life with Jane. But that was going to be a problem, as he still hadn’t contacted her, which again was going to be his downfall. Had his mother known any of this she would have been horrified. Aghast, of course, that Jake had married and had not told them, and then that he’d willingly left his wife ignorant of his family without so much as a ‘by your leave’.

  As for Jane, she was alone and bewildered, positive by now she’d been deserted, and that her short-lived marriage was at an end; equally convinced her husband was deeply involved in a romantic entanglement with another younger and more attractive woman than herself. To say her confidence had been dented was an understatement: it had been thoroughly blighted, leaving her distraught and heartbroken.

  The day finally arrived when Stefano was wheeled back into the hotel, just after Jake had phoned Andrew, where, instead of merely enquiring about the business as he normally did, he’d asked about Jane! It was then, in no uncertain terms Andrew told his son-in-law, point blank, to get back home. He didn’t ask why he hadn’t contacted Jane, neither did he tell him he had a problem looming in the way of a pending divorce, and he certainly didn’t tell him about the expected baby, he just hoped Jake was savvy enough to realise Jane wasn’t a woman whose feelings could be trifled with. Jake was puzzled, wondering what sort of problem there could possibly be that Andrew thought he should get back home to sort out? There were no problems as far as he was concerned. Jane had been away on business herself and she knew he had to travel abroad on business sometimes as well. He’d left messages telling her so, but hearing the tension in Andrew’s voice as he’d been told he needed to return home, and without a good reason, Jake began to think his father-in-law was interfering in his life and told him Jane would have to understand his business came first! Andrew made no comment, except for a grunt, that would have been sufficient explanation for most other men, but to Jake it made no impact whatsoever. As far as Andrew was concerned, if Jake didn’t understand it was important for him to speak to Jane, sooner rather than later, then Jake would have to take the consequences for his actions, and he might well find he had no marriage to return to!

  As he put his phone down, Jake made himself a promise; as soon as Stefano was sufficiently recovered to oversee the business, he would go back to London, still not convinced, even then, that there was anything amiss with his marriage and that Jane would be there to welcome him with open arms. Poor deluded Jake!

  Later that evening, Andrew told Jessie of his talk with Jake. They’d agreed not to tell him of Jane’s plans for divorcing him, or that he was to become a father, believing it was better for the young couple to sort out their own problems but that didn’t stop them from talking things over between themselves; trying to find a way of getting them back together, without seeming to be interfering in any way. Jessie’s suggestion that Andrew should ask Jake about his supposed lover had been met by Andrew telling her it was none of their business, but at this Jessie disagreed, someone had to break the stalemate of the young couple not talking, which seemed to be at the root of Jane’s problem. After several minutes of arguing, Andrew eventually agreed, somewhat reluctantly but still not totally convinced by Jessie’s argument, that the next time he spoke to Jake he would ask him outright if there was another woman in his life and, if so, what he intended to do about his marriage?

  There was a great stubbornness to Jake’s nature that Andrew had never seen before. It was this stubbornness that had given Jake the strength in his younger days to excel in his business life. Unfortunately, it was also his biggest weakness, especially when it came to saving his marriage to Jane, who was equally as stubborn! Something Jake hadn’t yet realised! She might have been compliant in agreeing to marry him, but he was about to find out his wife could stand up and fight her corner with as much gusto as any prize fighter, and woe betide any man, including her husband, who had other thoughts. So Jake had better beware!

  Chapter Fourteen

  Stefano came home to a room designed by Laura purely with his recovery in mind. Jake had even arranged for a physiotherapist to live-in and work with him every day, until he was able to walk again, and so it was that Stefano began a gruelling regime of exercise and rest. Even after just a few days, Jake could see Stefano had made some progress and, once he’d got used to his wife bossing him around, he began to take notice of what was happening with the business. This was of course his best therapy, as he hated to think someone else was in control. Within a couple of weeks, he was using his wheelchair like a veteran.

  With his mother and Stefano back home, Jake decided he would take time off and go exploring some of the old villages nearby. He’d had no free time for what seemed like weeks while he’d kept the business running but before he could escape he had some calls to make. The first was to Andrew, for his usual update on how the business was faring. There were no problems Andrew couldn’t solve and, after a minute or two of general chit chat, Jake casually asked how Jane was?

  With an edge to his voice Jake hadn’t heard before, Andrew said ‘you need to come home Jake. I know it’s difficult for you to leave Italy, especially as you have your lady friend with you?’

  ‘What the
devil do you mean?’ Jake said, aghast and nearly choking at his father-in-law’s words.

  ‘Exactly what I’ve said! There must be another woman in your life if you’re so keen to stay. According to your office there are no business deals going on in Italy at the moment that need your personal attention, so if that’s the case, there must be another reason why you haven’t come home?’

  Barely giving Jake time to digest his words, Andrew continued. ‘When are you going to come clean and tell Jane she’s been usurped?’

  Jake was silent for a few minutes as he recovered from Andrew’s onslaught. He wanted to laugh; it seemed too ludicrous for words that Andrew should think he had a new woman in his life. It would have been laughable if it hadn’t been so serious. Just why had Andrew come to the conclusion he’d got another woman in tow?

  ‘I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.’ He said, with just a hint of anger in his voice. ‘Why would you think I’ve got another woman here with me? Perhaps you’d better explain?’

  Andrew drew breath. He too was angry. He’d been quietly seething for days; ever since Jane had told him and Jessie she thought Jake was having an affair. But he was a reasonable man, and didn’t get upset that easily, also there was the fact he liked Jake but his blatant lies were making him see red.

  ‘Jane saw you going into your flat with a young woman on your arm, the same woman she’d seen you with before, at the hotel!’

  Jake interrupted him. ‘The young woman she’d seen me with at the hotel?’ He laughed, suddenly realising it had been Sara Jane had seen him with. If only he’d gone back to her flat the day he’d rescued Sara, and taken her with him. So this was why Jane was avoiding him was it? She’d convinced herself he was having an affair, a problem all down to his own stupidity.

  Jake shook his head, unable to believe his problem was of his own making; his only option now was to come clean and tell Andrew the truth.