Chapter 10: Encountering Little Angels

"Yes, that one," Vanessa pointed to the gown in Gla's hand. "I quickly," she ordered the salesgirl. I want that gown. Get me that one "Alright, ma'am. Give me a minute," the salesgirl obeyed and scurried toward Gia, who was holding the gown tightly, glaring at the wicked supermodel standing a few feet away from her. Vanessa smirked as she smugly observed her finely manicured nails. "Give me that gown, you little girl," the salesgirl snatched the gown from Gia's hand. "No, I saw it first, and I am buying it for my mommy," Gia refused to let go and clutched it tightly. "You can look for another gown for your mommy, but this gown is very expensive and handmade. It deserves to be worn by a stunning woman like Miss Vanessa," the saleslady said. through gritted teeth as she mercilessly pulled the gown from Gia's small hand. Adam shot Vanessa a murderous glare. Behind his mask, he seethed with anger, unable to reveal his true emotions, but determined to put her in her place. "Give that back to the girl, or I will call your manager," Adam growled angrily. "Sorry, sir, for the inconvenience, but this gown has already been bought by Miss Vanessa," the saleslady lied blatantly. "No, you're lying. I picked it from the rack, and I won't give that dress. It's for my mom. Tell that lady to buy something else for herself," Gia fought back. Hearing this, Vanessa turned furious and marched towards Gia fuming in anger. She snatched the gown from the saleslady and turned to face Gia, speaking arrogantly, "You little devil, your mommy is not worth wearing this expensive dress. Do you think you can afford it? No way." She gave the children a disgusted look. Adam snorted at the supermodel's overconfidence. He could even buy the whole store if hist little girl wanted it for her mommy. But before Vanessa could get away with the gown. Gia grabbed the dress and pulled it toward her. "My mommy is more beautiful, so she deserves to wear this, not you," Gia declared, further enraging Vanessa. Fürning with anger, Vanessa pushed Gia hard before Adam could react. Gia closed her eyes fear, and Adam and Maximo shouted in horror, rushing towards Gia to grab her. But it was too late. Their eyes widened with shock as Gia was about to hit the mirror placed behind her. But the impact never came, as two strong arms swiftly held Gia and scooped her up. "Are you okay princess?" a deep voice whispered with concern. When Gia opened her eyes, she found a pair of bright blue eyes looking at her with worry. "Alessandro, thank God you came. See how these kids are bullying me," Vanessa whined, making a sad face. Unbeknownst to them, Alessandro had been watching the whole drama unfold from a distance, but he had to step in when Vanessa pushed the little girl. His heart almost stopped at the thought of that little angel getting hurt, and when he held her protectively, his heart- calmed. He felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt in ages. "So you're with this bad lady." Maximo yelled angrily, Mcking Alessandro's shin with all his strength, causing Alessandro to curse under his breath. Lowering his head, Alessandro watched Maximo in astonishment, noting the striking resemblance between the boy and himself. The little guy was even as aggressive as Alessandro used to be. "Put my sister down, you bad guy!" Maximo shouted, about to hit Alessandro again, but Adam held him back. Amused by his carbon copy, Alessandro gently placed Gia back on her feet and turned to face Vanessa with a scowl. He was fed up go with her tantrums. If she hadn't pestered him to shopping with her, he would have never come here with her. But he had learned from his mistakes in his last failed relationship and didn't want to repeat them, especially since it had cost him his beloved wife. He glared at Vanessa with annoyance, and before she could give him more false excuses, he took the gown from her hand and then handed his card and the gown to the saleslady. "Hey.." Gia was about to protest, but she held herself back when she heard Alessandro telling the saleslady. "Put this gown on my card and give it to this little angel, gesturing towards Gia. "No need to pay for the gown," Adam interjected firmly, holding up a hand. Alessandro's deep blue eyes fixed on the movie star before he spoke in his authoritative and deep voice. "I insist." And without waiting for a response from anyone, he walked away indifferently, Vanessa watched him with a shocked expression; she couldn't believe that gown worth fifty grand just like that. "Alessandro, wait!" She ran behind him in her high heels, finding it difficult to match his commanding and long strides. Alessandro agreed to remarry as per the requirement of the board and Maria's insistence, as Though Vanessa knew Alessandro had agreed to marry her only out of obligation, she was confident that after their wedding, he would fall in love with her and forget about his deceased wife, Aria, unable to resist her beauty and charm.