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"Rosa, seriously, what were you trying to do back there in the dining room?" Mary asked, placing the last plates in their place.
Rosa rolled her eyes.
"I wasnβt trying anything, okay? I was just pulling Madamβs chair. Like we always do."
"Thatβs a lie," Phil cut in sharply.
"You were trying to sit there. Donβt act innocent. Just because Mr. Antonio has been nice lately doesnβt mean you should take advantage. Once Madam comes back from the hospital, heβll be back to his usual self, and you wonβt even get a glance from him."
Rosa raised a brow, annoyed
. "Look, I wasnβt trying anything. I said I was pulling the chair. Thatβs it that Little bitch was..."
"Rosa!" Mary snapped, stepping forward.
"Donβt call her that again. You hear me? I swear, youβve been doing and saying things thatβll cost you your job. Why are you picking fights with Alessia? Sheβs young. Sheβs hurting. Her mom is in the hospital and she loves Mrs. De Luca deeply. Everyone knows that."
Rosa rolled her eyes again.
"All Iβm saying is, Alessia always overreacts. I wasnβt doing anything wrong. I was pulling the chair. Itβs not like I was going to sit right next to Antonio."
"Antonio?" All three women echoed in shock.
Then they burst into laughter.
"Wait, are you serious? Did you just call him Antonio?" Phil asked, shaking her head.
"Youβve completely lost it, Rosa."
"Whatβs the big deal?" Rosa muttered.
"Itβs his name. And letβs be honest, itβs not like Madam Chiara is coming back. Sheβs going to die anyway. And Mr. De Luca will be left alone."
The room went completely silent.
"What did you just say?" a voice cut through the air.
All heads turned to the kitchen doorway.
Alessia stood there, arms folded, her gaze locked on Rosa.
Her voice was low and deadly calm.
"Can you repeat what you just said?"
Alessia stepped into the kitchen slowly.
Her whole body was tense, and her voice trembled with fury.
"Youβre saying Mama is going to die? Is that what I just heard?"
"I...I didnβt mean it like that..." Rosa stammered.
"Oh really?" Alessiaβs voice cracked with emotion.
"I heard you, Rosa. Word for word. You said she's going to die anyway. What are you trying to do, huh? Wait for her to die so you can take her place?"
Miss Michelle walked into the kitchen at that moment, looking around at the heavy silence.
"Whatβs going on in here?"
"Itβs Rosa," Mary answered.
"She said Madam Chiara is going to die, and Alessia overheard her."
"Rosa!" Miss Michelaβs eyes widened.
"How could you say something like that?"
"It was just a joke!" Rosa tried to defend herself.
"A joke?!" Alessia scoffed, her voice sharp with rage.
"You think thatβs funny? Saying my mother is going to die? Youβre disgusting."
She trembled, running a hand through her hair before turning to Miss Michelle.
"I want you to tell my father to fire Rosa. Tonight."
Everyone gasped.
"Please, Miss Alessia," Mary said, trying to calm her. "Rosaβs sorry..."
"No, Iβm not," Rosa interrupted.
"Iβm not saying sorry. I didnβt do anything wrong. Iβm not getting fired over nothing. Mr. Antonio wonβt fire me!"
"Oh really?" Alessia snapped, stepping closer.
"Letβs see about that."
She looked at Miss Michelle again, voice clear and unshakable.
"Go tell my father that either Rosa leaves this house tonight or I will."
Miss Michela hesitated for a moment, visibly torn, then gave a firm nod. βIβll speak to your father right away.β
Rosa scoffed. βWhat just like that? Youβre really going to run to him because this spoiled little brat said so?β
Alessia turned slowly, eyes blazing. βSay that again. Say it. I dare you.β
Mary grabbed Rosaβs arm and pulled her back.
βEnough, Rosa. Just stop. Youβre making it worse.β
But Rosa yanked her arm free. βYou all think Iβm scared of her? Iβve been in this house longer than sheβs had her period!β
That was it.
Alessia lunged, but Miss Michelle held her back.
βAlessia, stop!β
βI want her out of here!β Alessia shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen.
βHow dare she say something like that about Mama and then call me a brat in my own house?!β
"I'll handle this, Miss Alessia," Ms. Michelle said firmly.
"I'll go and speak to your father about firing Rosa right now."
"Good," Alessia replied coldly. "I'll wait."
She turned on her heel and strode out of the kitchen, her presence leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
Rosa stood frozen as Alessia paused at the doorway, throwing one last glare over her shoulder.
"You're not sleeping here tonight, you better start packing."
Then she disappeared down the hall, her footsteps echoing behind her,leaving the entire kitchen stunned and breathless.
Mary turned to Rosa, clearly disappointed. βI told you to keep your voice down and not answer back. But no, you just had to push it. Now look where itβs gotten you.β
Rosa folded her arms, trying to stay composed.
βMr. Antonio wonβt fire me. I know he wonβt,β she muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.
β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―
Miss Michelle approached Antonioβs study with steady but nervous steps.
Two bodyguards stood at the door, tall and stern.
βIs Mr. De Luca inside?β she asked.
βYes, Miss Michelle,β one of them replied, stepping aside to let her through.
She walked in and paused just inside the doorway.
Antonio was seated behind his desk, a sheet of paper in his hand, eyes locked on it.
His presence, even silent, was commanding.
βDo you need something?β he asked, not bothering to look up.
βYes, sir,β she said carefully.
βItβs about Rosa. Your daughter...Alessia...is demanding that she be fired.β
Antonio didnβt move. βWhat did she do?β
Miss Michelle hesitated.
βMichelle.β His tone sharpened.
βWhat did Rosa do?β
βSheβ¦ she said something out of line while speaking with the others,β Miss Michelle admitted.
βShe said your wife is going to die.β
That made him lift his head.
His stare was like ice.
βShe saidβ¦ Chiara is going to die?β
Miss Michelle looked down instantly. βIβm so sorry, sir. I know how serious that sounds. Iβll correct her. Iβll talk to her, make sure she doesnβt say anything like that again.....β
βYou think this is something that can be corrected?β Antonio said, rising from his chair.
His voice was low but thunderous. βRosa said my wife...my Chiara is going to die, and youβre standing here asking me to go easy on her?β
βI didnβt mean it like that...β
βYouβre in charge of these girlsβ he snapped.
βYou let that girl run her mouth around my daughter when Alessia is already hanging on by a thread. You think Iβll let that slide?β
Miss Michelle swallowed hard. βNo, sir.β
βShe disrespected my wife. She upset my daughter. And worse she spoke like a vulture waiting to take someoneβs place.β
Michelle tried to respond, but words failed.
βTell Rosa to pack her bags. Sheβs not staying in this house another night.β
βYes, Mr. De Luca β Miss Michelle said quietly, turning toward the door.
βAnd Michelleβ¦β
She froze.
βIf you ever let anyone bring that kind of disrespect into my home again youβll be walking out with them.β
βYes, sir.β
Antonio didnβt say another word.
β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―
βRosa,"Miss Michelle said firmly as she stepped into the room.
βMr. De Luca said youβre no longer allowed to stay here. Pack your things.β
Rosa shot up from the bed, eyes wide in disbelief.
βWhat? No! Youβre really sending me away because of that little bitch? I didnβt even do anything! It was just a joke!βshe cried, her voice rising with panic.
Miss Michelle narrowed her eyes.βStill running your mouth, even at the end,β she muttered.
βI tried to calm things down, but you shouldβve known better than to piss off Alessia.β
Without another word, she turned and slammed the door behind her.
Rosa stood frozen for a second, then bolted out of the room, her chest heaving.
She raced toward the living room, her eyes scanning desperately,until she saw him.
Antonio stood silently, hands buried in his pockets, staring at a portrait of Chiara.
Beside him, Giviano stood still, arms crossed, .
βSir...β Rosaβs voice broke as she fell to her knees behind him.
βPleaseβ¦ I didnβt mean it. I swear, Miss Alessia misheard me. It was a mistake. Please donβt take my job away.β
Antonio didnβt turn.
His jaw clenched, eyes still fixed on the portrait.
Only Giviano looked at her expression colder than stone.
βPlease...βRosa whispered, tears slipping down her face.
βDonβt let me go like this.β
Silence.
And then Antonio finally spoke voice calm, but sharp as a blade:
βYou disrespected my wife. You hurt my daughter. This isnβt just a job, Rosa. Itβs a home. And you lost that.β
Rosaβs breath caught in her throat.
βMr. De Luca β¦ please. Iβve worked here for years. Iβve served this family. You know me.β
Antonio turned slightly, just enough to glance at her over his shoulder.
His gaze was cold. Distant.
βI thought I knew you,β he said.
βBut the moment you opened your mouth about my wife when sheβs lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life you made it clear where your loyalty lies. And itβs not with this family.β
Rosaβs hands trembled.
βI didnβt mean it that way! It was a joke. People say stupid things when theyβre upset. Please donβt do thisβ¦β
Antonio stepped forward, toward the window.
Giviano moved in her direction slightly an unspoken warning.
βGiviano,β Antonio said quietly,βescort her out. Make sure she takes nothing that doesnβt belong to her.β
Rosaβs heart dropped.
βNoβ¦ pleaseβ¦β
βThis conversation is over.β
She looked at Giviano, desperation in her eyes.
He didnβt flinch.
βLetβs go,βhe said.
His voice wasnβt loud but it left no room for argument.
Rosa sobbed quietly as she stood up, her dignity in pieces.
She looked once more at Antonia, but he never turned back around.
His focus was still on the portrait of his wife.
The woman he loved.
The woman Rosa had insulted.
******
Alessia stood poised at the top of the grand staircase, arms folded, her eyes locked on Rosa as she was escorted out of the mansion.
A slow, satisfied smile tugged at her lips.
βGoodbye, bitch,βshe whispered under her breath.
βYou thought you could take my mamaβs place? Keep dreaming. That dream will never come true.β
She took a deep breath, then descended the stairs,at first slow, deliberate steps.
But as she spotted Antonio near the living room, she picked up her pace.
She rushed up behind him, wrapping her arms tightly around his back, resting her cheek between his shoulder blades.
βMama looked really pretty in that photo,β she murmured.
Antonio placed his hand over hers, nodding.
βShe surely does.β
He turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder.
βWhy did you get Rosa fired, hmm?β
Alessia pulled back and stood beside him, her face innocent, lips curled into a small smirk.
βYou fired her, Papa. Not me,βshe replied sweetly.
He chuckled and pinched her nose gently.
βOw! Papa, that hurts!β she yelped, pulling back with a grin.
βWell, I think you deserved that,β
βYou have been naughty lately,β
Antonio gave her a pointed look.
βYouβve been giving my staff hell. Maybe I should ship you off to the holiday house once schoolβs out. Give everyone here a break before you get the whole staff fired.β
Alessia laughed, then her expression softened.
βI just want Mama home. Thatβs all. If that happens, I promiseβ¦ Iβll be good. Iβll go back to my old self. Iβll even be nice to Ms. Michelle ...if she still likes me.β
Antonio sighed, shaking his head with a half-smile.
βYouβre impossible,β he muttered.
βI know,βAlessia said, already halfway up the stairs again.
βGood night, Papa.β
She blew him a kiss and disappeared down the hallway.
Antonio stood in silence for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the portrait of Chiara.
A soft voice broke the stillness behind him.
βYour daughter is just like you, you know,β Miss Michelle said as she walked up beside him.
He glanced at her, groaning playfully.
βDonβt start.β
βBut itβs true,βshe laughed.
βSheβs fierce, dramatic, terrifyingβ¦ just like her father. Getting people fired like itβs nothing.β
Antonio chuckled as he looked back at Chiaraβs photo.
βYeahβ¦ definitely mine.β
***
---
The Next Morning
Alessia groaned, eyes still shut as her hand fumbled across the nightstand, searching blindly for the blaring alarm.
βGosh, why is everything so annoying these days?β she muttered, half-asleep.
Her fingers finally hit the button.
Silence.
With a dramatic sigh, she threw a pillow onto the floor, peeled off her blankets, and sat up, blinking against the morning light.
Still groggy, she reached for her phone.
The screen lit up her lock screen was a photo of her, Chiara, Aunt Elena, and Isabella.
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
A message blinked at the top of the screen from Isa.
> βAre you coming to school today or what?β
Alessia paused.
Then typed:
> βI think Iβll come today.β
Isa replied almost instantly:
> βTHANK GOD. Girl, this school is dead without you. People are literally asking about you left and right.β
Alessia chuckled.
> βWell, prepare them. I'm coming to cause trouble. I miss school too.β
> βSee you soon! Let me go before my maid comes screaming like a banshee.β
Alessia laughed softly and tossed the phone aside.
She turned to the mirror.
Her red hair was a wild mess, like a birdβs nest with a war inside it.
She groaned, running her fingers through it.
βThese freckles and this hair... Mama really cursed me with the same face.β She smiled at her own reflection.
After a quick shower.
Alessia dressed and made her bed with surprising neatness.
Then, she tiptoed toward her fatherβs room.
She knocked lightly.
βCome in,βcame Antonioβs voice.
She stepped inside and found him hunched at his desk, fingers flying across his laptop keyboard, a hard expression on his face.
βPapa,β she said softly.
Antonio looked up and the moment his eyes met hers, his features softened.
βHey, sunshine. Good morning.β
She walked over, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek.
βDid you sleep?β
βJust woke up now, before you came in,β he replied, glancing from his laptop to her.
βYouβre lying,βshe said, raising an eyebrow.
βNo, Iβm notβ¦β he chuckled.
She noticed a photos on his desk, one she didnβt recognize.
βWho are those people?β
Antonio quickly grabbed the photo and slipped it into the drawer.
βNo one you should worry about.β His voice was quiet. Too quiet.
βOkayβ¦β Alessia eyed him curiously but let it go.
βIβm ready for school. Will you drive me?β
βOf course. But you need to eat first. No skipping meals, young lady. Youβll faint and scare everyone again.β
βPapa,β she groaned as he ruffled her hair.
βI just did that! You ruined it.β
He grinned. βThatβs what papas are for. Iβll fix it if I must.β
They exited his room, hand in hand, walking toward the dining hall.
βCan I see Mom before we go?β she asked suddenly.
Antonio stopped.
βNo.β
βPlease? Just for a minute. I wonβt talk, I just want to look at her,β she pleaded, voice dropping.
He sighed. βSunshineβ¦β
βPlease. I just want to see how sheβs doing. Then Iβll go to school and be good. Promise.β
They stepped into the dining room, where the staff and bodyguards were already waiting, Antonio looked at her, his jaw tense.
Then he gave in.
βFive minutes. After breakfast.β
Alessiaβs face lit up.
βThank you, Papa.β
They sat.
Alessia picked at her toast, her eyes occasionally drifting down the hallway , the one that led to her motherβs private room.
They had put her there not long ago.
Miss Michelle leaned over with a kind smile.
βSheβll be happy to know you were there, cara. Even just seeing her might help you more than you think.β
Alessia nodded, suddenly quiet.
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"Rosa, seriously, what were you trying to do back there in the dining room?" Mary asked, placing the last plates in their place.
Rosa rolled her eyes.
"I wasnβt trying anything, okay? I was just pulling Madamβs chair. Like we always do."
"Thatβs a lie," Phil cut in sharply.
"You were trying to sit there. Donβt act innocent. Just because Mr. Antonio has been nice lately doesnβt mean you should take advantage. Once Madam comes back from the hospital, heβll be back to his usual self, and you wonβt even get a glance from him."
Rosa raised a brow, annoyed
. "Look, I wasnβt trying anything. I said I was pulling the chair. Thatβs it that Little bitch was..."
"Rosa!" Mary snapped, stepping forward.
"Donβt call her that again. You hear me? I swear, youβve been doing and saying things thatβll cost you your job. Why are you picking fights with Alessia? Sheβs young. Sheβs hurting. Her mom is in the hospital and she loves Mrs. De Luca deeply. Everyone knows that."
Rosa rolled her eyes again.
"All Iβm saying is, Alessia always overreacts. I wasnβt doing anything wrong. I was pulling the chair. Itβs not like I was going to sit right next to Antonio."
"Antonio?" All three women echoed in shock.
Then they burst into laughter.
"Wait, are you serious? Did you just call him Antonio?" Phil asked, shaking her head.
"Youβve completely lost it, Rosa."
"Whatβs the big deal?" Rosa muttered.
"Itβs his name. And letβs be honest, itβs not like Madam Chiara is coming back. Sheβs going to die anyway. And Mr. De Luca will be left alone."
The room went completely silent.
"What did you just say?" a voice cut through the air.
All heads turned to the kitchen doorway.
Alessia stood there, arms folded, her gaze locked on Rosa.
Her voice was low and deadly calm.
"Can you repeat what you just said?"
Alessia stepped into the kitchen slowly.
Her whole body was tense, and her voice trembled with fury.
"Youβre saying Mama is going to die? Is that what I just heard?"
"I...I didnβt mean it like that..." Rosa stammered.
"Oh really?" Alessiaβs voice cracked with emotion.
"I heard you, Rosa. Word for word. You said she's going to die anyway. What are you trying to do, huh? Wait for her to die so you can take her place?"
Miss Michelle walked into the kitchen at that moment, looking around at the heavy silence.
"Whatβs going on in here?"
"Itβs Rosa," Mary answered.
"She said Madam Chiara is going to die, and Alessia overheard her."
"Rosa!" Miss Michelaβs eyes widened.
"How could you say something like that?"
"It was just a joke!" Rosa tried to defend herself.
"A joke?!" Alessia scoffed, her voice sharp with rage.
"You think thatβs funny? Saying my mother is going to die? Youβre disgusting."
She trembled, running a hand through her hair before turning to Miss Michelle.
"I want you to tell my father to fire Rosa. Tonight."
Everyone gasped.
"Please, Miss Alessia," Mary said, trying to calm her. "Rosaβs sorry..."
"No, Iβm not," Rosa interrupted.
"Iβm not saying sorry. I didnβt do anything wrong. Iβm not getting fired over nothing. Mr. Antonio wonβt fire me!"
"Oh really?" Alessia snapped, stepping closer.
"Letβs see about that."
She looked at Miss Michelle again, voice clear and unshakable.
"Go tell my father that either Rosa leaves this house tonight or I will."
Miss Michela hesitated for a moment, visibly torn, then gave a firm nod. βIβll speak to your father right away.β
Rosa scoffed. βWhat just like that? Youβre really going to run to him because this spoiled little brat said so?β
Alessia turned slowly, eyes blazing. βSay that again. Say it. I dare you.β
Mary grabbed Rosaβs arm and pulled her back.
βEnough, Rosa. Just stop. Youβre making it worse.β
But Rosa yanked her arm free. βYou all think Iβm scared of her? Iβve been in this house longer than sheβs had her period!β
That was it.
Alessia lunged, but Miss Michelle held her back.
βAlessia, stop!β
βI want her out of here!β Alessia shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen.
βHow dare she say something like that about Mama and then call me a brat in my own house?!β
"I'll handle this, Miss Alessia," Ms. Michelle said firmly.
"I'll go and speak to your father about firing Rosa right now."
"Good," Alessia replied coldly. "I'll wait."
She turned on her heel and strode out of the kitchen, her presence leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
Rosa stood frozen as Alessia paused at the doorway, throwing one last glare over her shoulder.
"You're not sleeping here tonight, you better start packing."
Then she disappeared down the hall, her footsteps echoing behind her,leaving the entire kitchen stunned and breathless.
Mary turned to Rosa, clearly disappointed. βI told you to keep your voice down and not answer back. But no, you just had to push it. Now look where itβs gotten you.β
Rosa folded her arms, trying to stay composed.
βMr. Antonio wonβt fire me. I know he wonβt,β she muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.
β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―
Miss Michelle approached Antonioβs study with steady but nervous steps.
Two bodyguards stood at the door, tall and stern.
βIs Mr. De Luca inside?β she asked.
βYes, Miss Michelle,β one of them replied, stepping aside to let her through.
She walked in and paused just inside the doorway.
Antonio was seated behind his desk, a sheet of paper in his hand, eyes locked on it.
His presence, even silent, was commanding.
βDo you need something?β he asked, not bothering to look up.
βYes, sir,β she said carefully.
βItβs about Rosa. Your daughter...Alessia...is demanding that she be fired.β
Antonio didnβt move. βWhat did she do?β
Miss Michelle hesitated.
βMichelle.β His tone sharpened.
βWhat did Rosa do?β
βSheβ¦ she said something out of line while speaking with the others,β Miss Michelle admitted.
βShe said your wife is going to die.β
That made him lift his head.
His stare was like ice.
βShe saidβ¦ Chiara is going to die?β
Miss Michelle looked down instantly. βIβm so sorry, sir. I know how serious that sounds. Iβll correct her. Iβll talk to her, make sure she doesnβt say anything like that again.....β
βYou think this is something that can be corrected?β Antonio said, rising from his chair.
His voice was low but thunderous. βRosa said my wife...my Chiara is going to die, and youβre standing here asking me to go easy on her?β
βI didnβt mean it like that...β
βYouβre in charge of these girlsβ he snapped.
βYou let that girl run her mouth around my daughter when Alessia is already hanging on by a thread. You think Iβll let that slide?β
Miss Michelle swallowed hard. βNo, sir.β
βShe disrespected my wife. She upset my daughter. And worse she spoke like a vulture waiting to take someoneβs place.β
Michelle tried to respond, but words failed.
βTell Rosa to pack her bags. Sheβs not staying in this house another night.β
βYes, Mr. De Luca β Miss Michelle said quietly, turning toward the door.
βAnd Michelleβ¦β
She froze.
βIf you ever let anyone bring that kind of disrespect into my home again youβll be walking out with them.β
βYes, sir.β
Antonio didnβt say another word.
β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―β―
βRosa,"Miss Michelle said firmly as she stepped into the room.
βMr. De Luca said youβre no longer allowed to stay here. Pack your things.β
Rosa shot up from the bed, eyes wide in disbelief.
βWhat? No! Youβre really sending me away because of that little bitch? I didnβt even do anything! It was just a joke!βshe cried, her voice rising with panic.
Miss Michelle narrowed her eyes.βStill running your mouth, even at the end,β she muttered.
βI tried to calm things down, but you shouldβve known better than to piss off Alessia.β
Without another word, she turned and slammed the door behind her.
Rosa stood frozen for a second, then bolted out of the room, her chest heaving.
She raced toward the living room, her eyes scanning desperately,until she saw him.
Antonio stood silently, hands buried in his pockets, staring at a portrait of Chiara.
Beside him, Giviano stood still, arms crossed, .
βSir...β Rosaβs voice broke as she fell to her knees behind him.
βPleaseβ¦ I didnβt mean it. I swear, Miss Alessia misheard me. It was a mistake. Please donβt take my job away.β
Antonio didnβt turn.
His jaw clenched, eyes still fixed on the portrait.
Only Giviano looked at her expression colder than stone.
βPlease...βRosa whispered, tears slipping down her face.
βDonβt let me go like this.β
Silence.
And then Antonio finally spoke voice calm, but sharp as a blade:
βYou disrespected my wife. You hurt my daughter. This isnβt just a job, Rosa. Itβs a home. And you lost that.β
Rosaβs breath caught in her throat.
βMr. De Luca β¦ please. Iβve worked here for years. Iβve served this family. You know me.β
Antonio turned slightly, just enough to glance at her over his shoulder.
His gaze was cold. Distant.
βI thought I knew you,β he said.
βBut the moment you opened your mouth about my wife when sheβs lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life you made it clear where your loyalty lies. And itβs not with this family.β
Rosaβs hands trembled.
βI didnβt mean it that way! It was a joke. People say stupid things when theyβre upset. Please donβt do thisβ¦β
Antonio stepped forward, toward the window.
Giviano moved in her direction slightly an unspoken warning.
βGiviano,β Antonio said quietly,βescort her out. Make sure she takes nothing that doesnβt belong to her.β
Rosaβs heart dropped.
βNoβ¦ pleaseβ¦β
βThis conversation is over.β
She looked at Giviano, desperation in her eyes.
He didnβt flinch.
βLetβs go,βhe said.
His voice wasnβt loud but it left no room for argument.
Rosa sobbed quietly as she stood up, her dignity in pieces.
She looked once more at Antonia, but he never turned back around.
His focus was still on the portrait of his wife.
The woman he loved.
The woman Rosa had insulted.
******
Alessia stood poised at the top of the grand staircase, arms folded, her eyes locked on Rosa as she was escorted out of the mansion.
A slow, satisfied smile tugged at her lips.
βGoodbye, bitch,βshe whispered under her breath.
βYou thought you could take my mamaβs place? Keep dreaming. That dream will never come true.β
She took a deep breath, then descended the stairs,at first slow, deliberate steps.
But as she spotted Antonio near the living room, she picked up her pace.
She rushed up behind him, wrapping her arms tightly around his back, resting her cheek between his shoulder blades.
βMama looked really pretty in that photo,β she murmured.
Antonio placed his hand over hers, nodding.
βShe surely does.β
He turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder.
βWhy did you get Rosa fired, hmm?β
Alessia pulled back and stood beside him, her face innocent, lips curled into a small smirk.
βYou fired her, Papa. Not me,βshe replied sweetly.
He chuckled and pinched her nose gently.
βOw! Papa, that hurts!β she yelped, pulling back with a grin.
βWell, I think you deserved that,β
βYou have been naughty lately,β
Antonio gave her a pointed look.
βYouβve been giving my staff hell. Maybe I should ship you off to the holiday house once schoolβs out. Give everyone here a break before you get the whole staff fired.β
Alessia laughed, then her expression softened.
βI just want Mama home. Thatβs all. If that happens, I promiseβ¦ Iβll be good. Iβll go back to my old self. Iβll even be nice to Ms. Michelle ...if she still likes me.β
Antonio sighed, shaking his head with a half-smile.
βYouβre impossible,β he muttered.
βI know,βAlessia said, already halfway up the stairs again.
βGood night, Papa.β
She blew him a kiss and disappeared down the hallway.
Antonio stood in silence for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the portrait of Chiara.
A soft voice broke the stillness behind him.
βYour daughter is just like you, you know,β Miss Michelle said as she walked up beside him.
He glanced at her, groaning playfully.
βDonβt start.β
βBut itβs true,βshe laughed.
βSheβs fierce, dramatic, terrifyingβ¦ just like her father. Getting people fired like itβs nothing.β
Antonio chuckled as he looked back at Chiaraβs photo.
βYeahβ¦ definitely mine.β
***
---
The Next Morning
Alessia groaned, eyes still shut as her hand fumbled across the nightstand, searching blindly for the blaring alarm.
βGosh, why is everything so annoying these days?β she muttered, half-asleep.
Her fingers finally hit the button.
Silence.
With a dramatic sigh, she threw a pillow onto the floor, peeled off her blankets, and sat up, blinking against the morning light.
Still groggy, she reached for her phone.
The screen lit up her lock screen was a photo of her, Chiara, Aunt Elena, and Isabella.
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
A message blinked at the top of the screen from Isa.
> βAre you coming to school today or what?β
Alessia paused.
Then typed:
> βI think Iβll come today.β
Isa replied almost instantly:
> βTHANK GOD. Girl, this school is dead without you. People are literally asking about you left and right.β
Alessia chuckled.
> βWell, prepare them. I'm coming to cause trouble. I miss school too.β
> βSee you soon! Let me go before my maid comes screaming like a banshee.β
Alessia laughed softly and tossed the phone aside.
She turned to the mirror.
Her red hair was a wild mess, like a birdβs nest with a war inside it.
She groaned, running her fingers through it.
βThese freckles and this hair... Mama really cursed me with the same face.β She smiled at her own reflection.
After a quick shower.
Alessia dressed and made her bed with surprising neatness.
Then, she tiptoed toward her fatherβs room.
She knocked lightly.
βCome in,βcame Antonioβs voice.
She stepped inside and found him hunched at his desk, fingers flying across his laptop keyboard, a hard expression on his face.
βPapa,β she said softly.
Antonio looked up and the moment his eyes met hers, his features softened.
βHey, sunshine. Good morning.β
She walked over, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek.
βDid you sleep?β
βJust woke up now, before you came in,β he replied, glancing from his laptop to her.
βYouβre lying,βshe said, raising an eyebrow.
βNo, Iβm notβ¦β he chuckled.
She noticed a photos on his desk, one she didnβt recognize.
βWho are those people?β
Antonio quickly grabbed the photo and slipped it into the drawer.
βNo one you should worry about.β His voice was quiet. Too quiet.
βOkayβ¦β Alessia eyed him curiously but let it go.
βIβm ready for school. Will you drive me?β
βOf course. But you need to eat first. No skipping meals, young lady. Youβll faint and scare everyone again.β
βPapa,β she groaned as he ruffled her hair.
βI just did that! You ruined it.β
He grinned. βThatβs what papas are for. Iβll fix it if I must.β
They exited his room, hand in hand, walking toward the dining hall.
βCan I see Mom before we go?β she asked suddenly.
Antonio stopped.
βNo.β
βPlease? Just for a minute. I wonβt talk, I just want to look at her,β she pleaded, voice dropping.
He sighed. βSunshineβ¦β
βPlease. I just want to see how sheβs doing. Then Iβll go to school and be good. Promise.β
They stepped into the dining room, where the staff and bodyguards were already waiting, Antonio looked at her, his jaw tense.
Then he gave in.
βFive minutes. After breakfast.β
Alessiaβs face lit up.
βThank you, Papa.β
They sat.
Alessia picked at her toast, her eyes occasionally drifting down the hallway , the one that led to her motherβs private room.
They had put her there not long ago.
Miss Michelle leaned over with a kind smile.
βSheβll be happy to know you were there, cara. Even just seeing her might help you more than you think.β
Alessia nodded, suddenly quiet.
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