Chapter 5

“I... I... Yes, I accept your proposal.” I finally said

“Wonderful; I will make the arrangements for the wedding.” Mrs. Mancini said with a smile.

“I'll have Professor Dorigo picked up by plane in the morning.” Mr. Mancini tells me

“Alessandro, you will be married after tomorrow, my dear child.” Mrs. Mancini says this to Alessandro, holding his hand.

“Lisa, dear, you will serve as his eyes and his protector. You don't have to worry about caring for him with a shower or dressing. He only has one man he trusts in that department, and that's his trusted bodyguard, Antonio.” Mrs. Mancini assured me

“Alessandro will see that Lisa and her sister are well cared for.” She continued talking.

“Piero, my driver, will take you to a famous fashion house tomorrow morning where you can go buy your wedding gown. I will inform the fashion company because your wedding dress should be the best. You must also give me the size of your finger. I must make sure that the family ring fits you“. I heard Alessandro talk for the first time.

I get my promise ring off my finger and say, “I hope you don't have a big wedding in mind because I cannot speak a word of Italian, and I feel that such a thing would be inappropriate while my sister is in this condition. I'm not certain, so just have my promise ring.” I informed him.

Alessandro held his hand out to me, and I placed the ring on it. He feels it between his fingers and tries to stick it to his finger, but it does not even go as far as the first lit.

“You have thin fingers, Lisa,” I heard him say in surprise.

“Grandpa said. Your head reaches my shoulders. Anyway, don't worry about the marriage. We are getting married here in the garden of my mansion, and the only guests will be members of my family who live close enough to be on time for the wedding. After our marriage, I will arrange for someone to give you private lessons in Italian.” Alessandro said.

I felt relieved. I thought there was going to be a big wedding. I looked over at Maria and saw her smiling at me and Alessandro's interaction.

“Lisa, dear, I forgot to give the contract to you,” Maria said, passing me the contract.

I take the contract and glance through it before asking, “Will the wedding be in the morning or the afternoon?” I asked as I glanced at Alessandro curiously. His kindness doesn't go unnoticed, but he doesn't fool me.

That hard line around his mouth shows that he is the kind of man who will keep his wife under his thumb, lay down the laws, and talk only once. Fortunately, their marriage will only be in the name until he decides otherwise—a divorce.

“The wedding will take place tomorrow evening, and Piero will get you to the fashion house in the morning,” Maria said.

After signing and handing over the contract to Maria, I nodded and asked for a pen. In response, she proposed that we celebrate the "partnership" with a glass of champagne.

After the second one, I announced it was time to leave if I wanted to visit my sister.

“Alright, dear. I will see you tomorrow. I'm coming with you to pick a gown.” Maria happily announced to me.

“Antonio, ask Piero to take Miss Saunders to the hospital.”

I hear Alessandro say:

“Thank you, Mr. Mancini, but I can hail a taxi.” I declined politely.

“Please call me Alessandro; after all, we will be husband and wife tomorrow night. And as for the taxi, Piero can drop you off at the hospital.” Alessandro explained.

“Alright then, thank you.” I smiled and turned to follow Antonio after greeting the two older people.

I walk into Lilani's room, only to find her sleeping.

“Hey, Lily. I'm sorry I wasn't here early. I have some news to tell you, but I will do that when I visit you tomorrow. Love you.” I said it sadly, then kissed her and headed back to the hotel.

Piero and Maria stopped in front of the hotel just after breakfast.

“Lisa, my dear, you look gorgeous.” Maria greeted me.

I glanced down at my simple trouser suit and gold-colored sandals. “Thank you, Mrs. Mancini.” I smiled.

“Nonsense, call me grandma, please.” She smiles at me warmly.

I was absolutely amazed when I found out that they were not only providing me with a wedding dress but also summer attire. Moreover, all of these items need to be delivered to Alessandro's house later this afternoon. I have never in my life owned so many expensive dresses for one season. Three hours later, and we are done.

I asked Grandma if Piero could drop me off at the hospital.

“I will be ready by saying one, then Piero can pick me up by the hotel.” I asked Grandma.

“Of course, dear. I will wait for you.” Grandma replied.

Fortunately, Lilani was still awake when I appeared, and she was happy to see me.

“I was wondering if you forgot about me,” she greeted me.

I kissed her on the head and apologized. “I'm sorry I'm late. I went to look at a wedding gown.”

“Are you going to marry my prince now, Lisa?”

I smile at my sister. “Yes, I accepted the proposal, Lilani; he's getting another doctor to help with your surgery. We are getting married this evening at his mansion in the garden. He sent his driver to take me to the fashion house to look at my wedding dress and clothes for the rest of the summer. I think the bill is going to cost Alessandro a fortune.”

I told her about everything that happened in the morning.

”So that must be the strange uncle who was here this morning, “Lilani tells me.

”He said he wants me to take some tests tomorrow. I don't know what test to do because I can't read Lisa”. Lilani said, confused.

I laughed at her and then explained what the doctor meant. And I will be happy once the surgery is behind us and you are healthy again,” I said, smiling.

”Neither can I; then I can go to school again and play with friends outside. Lisa, will Uncle Ali also allow me to stay with him?” Lilani asked sleepily.

“Of course, Lil, you're going to live with Alessandro and me,” I reassured her.

Lilani closes her eyes, and after a while, she sleeps. I kissed her and went back to the hotel to pack.