Chapter 4

The Mancini's left and left me alone in my hotel room. “Are they crazy? Do they assume I'm out of my fucking mind?” I screamed, upset.

But no one can hear me. I needed to consider this offer. Lilani's life depends on my decision. I don't see myself marrying someone just for money.

Yes, he's fucking hot, but he seemed far too rude for my liking. I always hoped to marry a man who loved me and treated me with respect, like my parents did for twenty-seven years. Dammit! I may ask Lilani how she will feel about living here.

I got ready to visit Lilani. I chose skinny denim, a black off-the-shoulder blouse, and Adidas sneakers. I let my hair fall so that it rolled off my shoulders and decided to put on mascara and lip gloss. After this, I glance at myself in the mirror and leave.

Lilani was lying with her eyes closed, and I noticed her pain again when I appeared in the room. It breaks my heart to see Lilani suffer like this.

I don't care if I give my happiness or freedom up, but I'm doing this for her. I kissed Lilani's head, and she opened her eyes. “I can see you're in pain."

“Don't worry, one of these days you will be alright. I found someone willing to help you.” Lilani looked at me, confused.

“How would you like to settle here in this beautiful country forever, Lilani?” I asked carefully.

“As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we live, Lisa,” comes Lilani's reply.

“There's one more thing I must marry to save you.”

“Does that mean they will take you away from me, Lisa?” She asked in a shaky voice.

“Oh, no, Lily, you will stay with him and me, and you get to go to school here,” I reassured her.

“Alright,” Lilani said with a small smile.

She begged me to tell her more about the friendly people and what I have been up to when I can't be with her. I informed her about everything I had done in Rome with Alessandro and his grandparents.

I looked at her and noticed that she was sleeping. I kiss her on the head and then leave the room. When I walked out, Dr. Rossi appeared in the doorway.

He greeted me and said, “Do you have a minute, Signorina? I want to discuss your sister's condition with you.” I nodded and told him to continue.

“Have you already decided when the operation can be performed, Signorina Saunders?” Dr. Rossi asked me. “We can no longer keep her alive without it.”

“I hope I will be able to give you a final answer tonight, Doctor,” I promise.

“I will see you tonight, then.” The doctor said and left.

I chose to walk to the hotel to clear my head. Once I reached the hotel, I decided to go to my room and get some information about Mancini.

Opening the browser, I search for Mancini, and soon there are pictures of them.

“Alessandro Mason Mancini, Italy's most handsome bachelor. It's claimed that the heartbreaker left a few days before he was about to get married to the famous Bianca Lombardi. Mancini was in an accident that left him blind, and Bianca couldn't deal with the news and broke the engagement. How and where the accident happened, we don't know. Rumors have it that Mancini is associated with the mafia. After his fiancé left him, he became even more ruthless and arrogant. A source close to the family says he doesn't allow anyone to visit him.”

I read further and discovered he has a younger brother who's married to Sophia, as well as his grandparents.

His parents died in a plane crash when he was in his last year of college. I decided to lie down for a bit before I had to go to Mancini's.

There's a knock on the door, and I quickly get up. I opened the door and saw Mr. Mancini's bodyguard standing before it.

“I'm not ready yet. What should I wear?” I asked.

“The Mancini's are very focused on etiquette, Signorina; I would advise you to dress formally in the evening. I will wait for you at the entrance.”

“I will get dressed as soon as possible, Mr.” I glance at the middle-aged man.

“Bianchi!” I smiled. “Mr. Bianchi,” I told him.

I chose a simple black evening gown, gold-colored high-heel sandals, and earrings to go with it. I take my perfume and put some on, then do light makeup. I pick up a scarf and set it around my shoulders, looking at myself in the mirror.

I locked the door and went to a waiting Antonio.

“I'm nervous as hell. Dammit, do I look alright?” Just as I was about to answer myself, Mr. Bianchi noticed me immediately when I stepped towards him. He walked towards me, made an elegant bow, and accompanied me to the black Mercedes-Benz EQ in front of the hotel.

Mr. Mancini's chauffeur waits in the car and opens my door. Mr. Bianchi climbs next to the driver; then, we drive towards Mancini's residence on Via Appia Antica.

I felt nervous for the first time since I thought about Maria's proposal. Will I fit in with them? I'm just an ordinary girl. What if I embarrass them? I was still wondering about this when we turned into a large gate with a long driveway and stopped in front of a three-story mansion.

Mr. Bianchi gets out of the car and opens the door for me. After this, he accompanies me to a private lounge where only special guests are allowed, and the Mancini's are already waiting for my arrival.

I'm so tense that I don't even notice the beautiful furniture and interior. I was just about to request that Mr. Bianchi take me back to the hotel when he paused in front of a closed door and knocked.

At Mr. Mancini's invitation, Mr. Bianchi pushed it open and led me inside. I enter, then inhale and stop.

This morning, it occurred to me that Alessandro is a very handsome man, but he stood in front of the small dining table, dressed in a dark suit. He looked attractive.

Alessandro says something in Italian to Mr. Bianchi and then leaves the room. “Good evening, my dear. Please come and stand here with us.” Mrs. Mancini invites me.

I walked over to the old lady and greeted her warmly. “Can I get you some wine?” Mr. Mancini asks me

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled at him.

“Sit down; dinner will be served any minute now.”

I take a seat opposite Alessandro and become nervous. After some time, servants arrived with supper.

“How rich are these people?” I thought about it after the helpers gave us our meal.

Dinner went by when I heard Mrs. Mancini say, “Maria, the food was delicious. Will you please take the dishes, then let us be?” She asked one of the servants.

“Well, Miss Saunders. I hope you came with good news.” Mrs. Mancini asked after everyone else disappeared.

“I decided yes. I need to give the doctors an answer tonight.” I respond.

I noticed Alessandro tensing up after those words escaped my mouth.