Chapter 349 - Force to Marry?

Stefano was saddened by what had happened. His daughter had another traumatic experience. It was indeed true that danger was often lurking around. Nevertheless, he was thankful beyond words that Hanxi was there to protect Isabella. 

Since he had connections with the police, he persuaded the authorities to let the surveillance do the talking. Hanxi merely acted in self-defense and protected his daughter. 

Hanxi did, however, quickly shared his two cents to the police, saying that it was a possible inside job. 

After discussing with the police, Stefano studied Hanxi and Isabella. They were still standing in one corner. Isabella has been hugging him since he could remember. He recognized how attached his daughter was to Hanxi.

When Stefano called for them, Isabella asked, "Daddy, can I just stay with Hanxi at the hotel?"

Stefano shook his head and said, "When is Hanxi any better than us?"

Isabella gave no response. Instead, she hugged the boy even tighter that even Hanxi could not loosen her hold on to him.

Seeing his daughter continued to seek comfort from Hanxi. The memories of Isabella's struggle came rushing to him that he said, "Let him stay at home if that makes you feel better."

Stefano was worried that his daughter might lock herself once again. So he threatened, saying, "Boy if you do not stay with us tonight, forget about seeing my daughter ever again!"

Hanxi did not know what to say, it was an unnecessary threat. He would have sneaked into Isabella's room if that was not the case. Still, he merely said, "Yes, sir."

Entering Isabella's home, Hanxi felt its warmth. He could tell Mrs. Ricci was very particular about maintaining a homey environment. 

"Bella!" Called her mother, Vittoria Ricci. "Oh my dear, I heard about what had happened."

She pulled Isabella to her side and gave her a hug. As they embraced each other, she looked at Hanxi, saying, "Thank goodness, Hanxi was there."

"It's okay, mom. I've been trying to be stronger emotionally. Please don't tell Matteo of what had happened. I don't want him to be scared," said Isabella as she pulled away. She then returned to Hanxi, wrapping her arms around his waist. 

Hanxi flushed and tried to remind Isabella that her parents were in front of them. He cleared his throat before saying, "Bella, your mom wants to talk to you - "

"It's okay, Hanxi. She is like that when she is frightened. There is no stopping her. Wherever she finds comfort, she will stick to it like glue," explained Vittoria.

"Mom, Dad, can Hanxi stay in my room for a while. I just need a little soothing," asked Isabella. 

Hanxi literally saw Mr. Ricci take a gulp and Mrs. Ricci's trying to speak up but merely left her mouth hung open. 

"Please, mom and dad, I am still really shaken up," pleaded Isabella while still embracing Hanxi. 

"Bella, we can just stay here in the living room," Hanxi said, worried about her parent's opinion of him. 

She looked at her parents with tears welled up in her eyes. It was only then that Stefano said, "Okay, fine. At night, however, Hanxi stays in the room next to me."

"Thank you, daddy," said Isabella before dragging Hanxi up to her room. 

Hanxi looked back and forth between Isabella and her parents, but Vittoria gestured for him to follow her and so he merely excused themselves. 

Matteo arrived from school with the family driver in the afternoon and learning that Hanxi was at home, he showed excitement further surprising his grandfather. "Yey! Uncle Hanxi!"

In the evening, while they were having dinner, it was Matteo's turn to appeal with his grandfather, saying, "Grandpa, I really like sleeping next to uncle Hanxi, can he stay with me and mommy tonight?"

Stefano laughed at his grandson's request, he then said, "Why don't we all stay with Hanxi, he seems really comforting maybe we all can sleep well for the night?"

Vittoria burst into laughter before reprimanding her husband, but they soon heard Matteo rejoice, exclaiming, "Yey! Thank you, grandpa! Did you hear that uncle? You are going to read my story tonight!

"Ah, no, Matteo. I will sleep in the other room," Hanxi tried to correct his assumption. 

Stefano looked at his wife and soon let out a heavy sigh, realizing his mistake. He turned to Isabella saying, "Bella, you are a grown woman now. In fact, at your age, you should be living on your own and have a family, so I will leave it to you to make decisions for yourself… but if any of our relatives and friends ask, he is sleeping in the other room!"

Isabella merely smiled and said, "Yes, daddy. Thank you."

Stefano knew they were both in the Maldives together and they stayed in one roof. He knew his daughter would go with Hanxi inside his hotel room. He also knew about Isabella visiting Hanxi in China. He figured there was little difference in having them sleep in the same room at his home. Besides, since Matteo would stay with them, it would be less likely they would act intimately. 

Hanxi still tried to persuade Matteo after dinner, but he ended up getting upset. He was speaking with him in the living room when Matteo turned his back, frowning as he ran up to the stairs. 

Seeing Matteo walk away from Hanxi, Vittoria came from behind saying, "Hanxi, you know what, don't worry about it. Apart from me, it's because you are the first adult Matteo connected with that he feels so attached to you." She reached out to his hand and held it together before adding, "Just promise me one thing. Promise me you won't hurt my daughter and especially my grandchild."

"Mrs. Ricci, I would never. I swear on my life," responded Hanxi as he firmly held up Vittoria's hands. 

They have had this conversation more than once before, but she wanted to hear it again, face to face. 

When Hanxi told Matteo that he was sleeping with him, he was happy again. He went straight to thanking his grandparents who were drinking tea in the living room. However, just before resting for the night, Stefano gave specific instructions, "Matteo, you have to sleep in between your mom and your uncle, you understand?"

Matteo smiled and said, "I always do, grandpa."

He watched Matteo walked back happily to the stairs where Hanxi waited for him. The moment, he saw the two disappear from his line of sight, Stefano took a deep breath. Matteo's words confirmed his suspicion. They have already slept in the same bed. 

He looked at his wife and saw the same confused expression. Soon Vittoria spoke, "For years we have waited for her to make a connection other than us, being her parents. Maybe it's better than having her turn into an old maid? She is about to turn 29 years old, you know."

"But, if they are going to be like this, we might as well tie them down. Should we force them to marry?" He asked his wife. 

Mrs. Ricci took a sip from her tea and said, "We could do that."

"Let us see first how he is with our relatives on my birthday."