THE BILLIONAIRE'S DESIRE

CHAPTER 13

Daniella shifted her position when she heard him call. "Marcus, why have you returned?" She lied for the nth time. She sensed the man's presence as he entered the greenhouse and waited. She was aware of why he returned...and it was to say goodbye. He is permanently departing.

"I'm leaving," he said quietly. He should flee quickly or risk having his heart stolen by Daniella.

"When?" Her mouth was tugged away from the inquiry, yet she desired to know.

"As soon as they return," he was referring to Paloma and the housekeeping workers who had gone on a trip.

She nodded, and it pleased her that Marcus would remain until she was alone. "Then on that day, we'll host a farewell party," she explained.

"You've got to be joking, Dani! There will be no need for a departure party." For what purpose? He simply needs to depart in peace.

"I am adamant," she stated. But the reality was, she couldn't tell them that nothing had changed in the week they had been alone in the home. They remained strangers who were compelled to marry. However, she would spend some quality time with him before he leaves... permanently.

She returned to the house following the floral arrangement and was astonished to see everyone in the living room...except Paloma. "You're back," she murmured to Patty. She wished they had postponed their arrival at that point.

"It appears as though you're not overjoyed to see us, Miss Ella." Although Patty was the one who observed it, the rest of the crew concurred.

"Silly. Of course, I'm overjoyed to see you again. Indeed, you are precisely on time. Hmm, I'd want you to create something delectable for lunch and serve a large quantity." She directed Patty to make advantage of her culinary abilities.

"What occasion do you have, Miss Ella?" Patty was inquiring.

"My spouse was going for the Marines," she fabricated an account about Marcus being recruited to join the Marines. The tale included loopholes, but who cares?

"How quickly?"

"Regrettably, yes. Where is my mum, by the way?" Daniella questioned when her stepmother was unable to be seen.

"She stated that she intends to meet her daughter," Patty responded.

Daniella gave a nod. "I understand. Patty, I need to obtain something from the vineyard. Therefore, I trust you to arrange everything, all right?"

"Indeed, Miss." Patty responded before informing everyone that their vacation had come to an end.

Once everyone had left to complete their assigned tasks, she gazed at Marcus and refused to absorb the fact that he would leave in the afternoon.

"Hey, would you mind accompanying me to the orchard?" She invited him to assist her in collecting fruits for use in making fresh juices. Grapes, oranges, pomelo, and lemons grow in her father's orchard.

"What are our plans for the orchard?" Marcus enquired when he noticed that she was concealing something and was unable to look him in the eyes.

"Simply to obtain some fruits." I'd like to have fresh orange juice and grapes for lunch." She responded.

Marcus nodded and motioned for the woman to proceed, indicating that he would follow. "How many oranges do you think you're going to need for the juice?" He inquired as to their destination.

"Perhaps a basket," she said, indicating the location of the basket.

"All right," he said, selecting some ripe oranges and placing them in the basket. After more than twenty oranges, he offered to carry the basket of fruits.

"Permit me to take you to the vineyard." She dragged him to the vineyard, clutching one of his hands.

"For what purpose?" Marcus believed Daniella was up to something, else she would not have dragged him anywhere.

"What else is there?" She pursed her lips when Marcus came to a halt and asked her a trivial inquiry. If he is not going, she has no recourse. She continued walking, eluding him.

"Would you kindly slow down?"

"No, you walk more quickly. Or has aging slowed you down?" She admonished him for his sluggish walk.

"Thirty something is hardly an advanced age, Dani. I'm still young," he responded.

"Excellent, my arse." Daniella relished discussing Marcus's advanced years, since Marcus appeared to be rather sensitive about it.

"Are you aware of that? A man will easily fall in love with you, Dani. You are lovely and caring." What transpired? Why did he become unexpectedly emotional...and candid? He realized what he had said much too late.

"I have my doubts, because if you are saying the truth, why are you incapable of loving me?" Finally, the words were out, and she had no intention of informing him that she was joking.

"I'm sorry," he expressed regret.