novelraw Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Lisa's POV
A few days have passed since Lilani came home. I help her with bathing and try to keep her in bed as much as possible. She needs to rest a lot and must try not to do any running or activities that can cause her to go back to the hospital. It seems that Lilani is getting better day by day.
After breakfast, I take Lilani back to her room, give her medication, and tuck her into bed. “Can you please read me a story?” Lilani asked me. "Shall we delve into the enchanting tale of Cinderella?" I suggest. Lilani nods and lays down; soon she falls fast asleep.
I decided to go and look for Sophia. As I walk down the stairs, Viola suddenly talks behind me, “Oh, hi, Mrs. Mancini, do you know where I can find Mr. Mancini?” She asks sweetly. “He's usually in his office,” I told her with a frown. Viola nods and skips the stairs one by one. That's weird? Why does she need to talk to him? I wonder and continue to walk downstairs.
“I am glad your sister is back home; she's such a lovely girl,” Sophia says. “Thank you; I'm also glad she's home; my life will be dull without her. I promised our parents that I would protect her, and when we found out about the tumor, my world suddenly stopped,” I told her. “You know you are one strong woman, Lisa; I hope you realize it,” Sophia says with admiration in her eyes. “Thank you; I need to be. I'm the only one Lilani has.” I replied and sat next to Sophia.
We sat there and talked for a while before I excused myself, saying, “I'm going to check up on Lilani; see you later.” Sophia nods, and I walk up to Lilani's room. “Hi sweetie, How are you feeling”? I ask her as soon as I notice she's awake. “I am doing okay, thank you. I'm just hungry, Lisa.” I hear her say “Then let us go and make you something to eat, or you can stay here and I will bring you something”. With a shake of her head, Lilani slowly gets up and takes my hand. When we went into the kitchen, Maria told us lunch was ready and we could go to the table. When they walk over to the table, I notice Viola already sitting at the table on my chair. I frown but don't say anything. Alessandro entered the dining room, and Lilani went up to him to hug him, saying, “Hi Ali, how are you doing?” Alessandro bent down to hug her. “Hello, Principessa, I am good. Thank you. How are you feeling?” Lilani guides Alessandro to his seat. Lilani looked at Viola and said, “Can you please move up? I want to sit next to Ali”, Viola just stares at her and doesn't move. Lilani then got on Alessandro's lap and whispered something in his ears. Alessandro's tone grew icy as he confronted Miss Viola, reminding her, "Earlier today, I made it clear to you in my office that I have absolutely no tolerance for anyone who exceeds their boundaries within this household. That chair you're sitting on belongs to my wife, and Antonio has already discussed this with you. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly vacate the chair." With a small yes, Viola takes another open chair. She's fuming with embarrassment. I just shake my head and sit down. Lilani sits on Alessandro's lap, and it doesn't seem that it's bothering him. Lunch was quiet, it was just Alessandro and Lilani, who were talking the whole time. After lunch, Alessandro takes Lilani's hand and asks me to take them out to the backyard. “Your duty starts tomorrow morning; this is my sister Lilani. You are excused for the rest of the day”. Alessandro informs Viola. The three of us then went outside.
“Wait here, I'm just going to get a blanket for us,” I tell them, and I quickly go to get a blanket.
We went down to the beach and sat under a tree. Lilani lay with her head on Alessandro's lap. “Let's play a game,” Lilani says. Alessandro smiles and asks, “What do you want to play?” Lilani's gaze shifts from Alessandro to me. “I don't know; I can't play hide-and-seek because my sister will scold me when I run,” Lilani explains, throwing her hands in the air. “How about you tell me what the shape of the clouds looks like?” Alessandro makes a suggestion, and Lilani happily tells him. “Thank you, Ali”. Lilani speaks out of the blue. Alessandro bends down and kisses her on the head, then he starts to tickle her. Lilani's laughter can be heard for miles.
Third-person POV
Somewhere in the mansion, Viola watches the whole scene as well. “He can smile for them but treats me like dirt.” Viola is seething with anger. “I have to get Alessandro and all of his money.” With an evil smile, Viola starts to think of a plan.
Lisa's POV
We are still outside, with Lilani asleep on Alessandro's lap. He gently plays with her hair and says, “I have to go away for a few days; there's an important matter that needs my attention. I will be back before the weekend.” I suddenly become sad and answer softly, “We will be fine; when are you leaving?” Alessandro takes my hand and says, “Tomorrow morning, just after breakfast, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me or Antonio.” We sit for a while when Lilani wakes up. I take Alessandro to his office and Lilani to her room to take a bath. Lilani enjoys this big bathtub. After giving her a bath, I assist her in washing her hair. Once we finish, Lilani puts on a stylish denim jumpsuit paired with her black Vans. Her hair was shortened due to the surgical procedure, adding a unique touch to her overall appearance. "You know you still look beautiful even with your hair short," I tell her. Lilani smiles at me, then frowns. “Lisa, that Viola girl, I don't think I like her; she looks at Ali weird, and I don't like it.” I smile at her possessiveness towards Alessandro and carefully say, “Give her a chance; maybe she isn't as bad as you think she is.” I'm filled with uncertainty as I observe Viola's unwavering gaze on Alessandro throughout the entire day. Deep inside, I yearn to confront Viola and demand that she stay away from my husband. However, I find myself incapable of doing so, for our relationship is nothing more than a contractual marriage. Lilani took my hand, and we went out. We spent time with Grandma and Grandpa. I can see they love Lilani. "Grandma, will you read me a bedtime story tonight, please?" I hear Lilani asking. "I would love to read you a story." Grandma smiles. "Mrs. Mancini, dinner is ready." Maria appears. "Thank you, Maria," I say, and we go to the table. The whole dinner, everyone seems busy with their thoughts; it's just Lilani who asks a lot of questions to the people around the table.
Everyone loves and adores Lilani, except for one person, Viola. It seems that Viola doesn't have a liking for me or my sister. “I see you and Alessandro don't sleep in the same bed”, Viola suddenly says behind me, where I'm busy doing the dishes. "I am completely unaware of what you are referring to, Miss Viola. Furthermore, the matters concerning my husband and I are entirely unrelated to you. I kindly request that you refrain from interfering in our personal affairs and focus solely on fulfilling your professional obligations." I firmly express my displeasure. Viola gazes at me, wearing a mischievous smirk, as she declares, "Oh, my dear, it will be my utmost priority. You and your troublesome sister should prepare yourselves for imminent departure, as soon as I claim Alessandro." I can't help but burst into laughter at the absurdity of her delusion; it's so funny that tears begin to well up. “What's going on in here? Lisa, are you alright?” Alessandro's deep voice comes from behind.
Before I could answer, Viola said in a teary voice, “Mrs. Mancini just hit me in the face and told me to stay away from you.”
“Lisa, come to my office now!”, Alessandro commands. Viola smirks as I help Alessandro to his office. I wish I could wipe that smirk off her face. Once inside, Alessandro says in a cold voice, “Don't you dare hit any of my employees again; you may be married to me, but I am still the boss. Do I make myself very clear?”
I just stared at Alessandro with tears in my eyes. I compose myself before saying, “One, I did not touch her; two, she is the one who said she noticed that we don't share a bed; and lastly, she will make sure you divorce me and kick me and my brat of a sister out, so don't you dare talk to me that way again without listening to my side of the fucking story; if you will excuse me now, I need to go and take my sister to bed.” But before Alessandro could say anything, I walked out, slamming the door behind me.
Alessandro's POV
I called Antonio, who was outside the door, and I'm sure he heard everything. Antonio knocked once and went inside, saying, Yes, Mr. Mancini, what can I do for you?” Antonio asked. “I want to find out what happened in the kitchen tonight. Ask the staff and report back to me; I want this matter settled before I leave tomorrow.” I say. “Yes, Mr. Mancini.” Antonio replies. I was busy thinking about why Lisa would act jealous when Antonio came in and said, "Mr. Mancini, I talked to some of the kitchen staff. According to Maria, Miss Viola lied when she said that Mrs. Mancini hit her. " I hear him say: "Thank you, Antonio. I want you to do something for me when everyone is in their room," I say. Yes, Mr. Mancini," Antonio replied. I told him what needed to be done. "That would be all. Thank you, Antonio." I smile. "Pleasure, Mr. Mancini. Before I forget, your grandmother doesn't seem pleased with the way you handled things with Lisa." I just sigh, "Thank you, Antonio. Will you please take me to my room and inform everyone to be at breakfast at 07:00?" I say. Antonio takes me to my room, and I go and lay down, thinking about this situation.
Third-person POV
Lisa still can't believe what happened tonight. “How could Alessandro think of me that low? She thought. She tossed and turned the whole night to think of a way to expose Viola. It was past midnight when she finally fell asleep.
The next morning, Alessandro waits for everyone to come down for breakfast, then he hears someone behind him. “Good morning, Mr. Mancini. Did you sleep well?” Viola asks while putting her hands on his shoulder. Alessandro stiffens at her action and just nods without saying a word. After everyone was seated, Alessandro began to speak: “As most of you know, today I will be leaving for a few days. While I'm gone, my wife will be in charge, and I expect everyone to listen to her. If I find out someone acted against her, there will be consequences. Lisa, baby, when breakfast is finished, I want to see you in my office”.
“Did he just call me baby?” Lisa thought so, but she must have heard wrong. Viola's blood is boiling with fury. “How the hell is he so sweet and caring towards that bitch”, she thought after last night that he would still be mad at her. She must think of another plan. After breakfast, Lisa and Alessandro went to his office. Once inside, he pulled Lisa into his embrace, put his head in her neck, and whispered, “I am sorry for overreacting last night and not listening to your side of the story first, but I promise from now on I will listen before I act.”
Dammit, she smells like heaven. He wishes he could bend her over his desk and have his way with her.
“Thank you, Alessandro; it means so much to me”, Lisa says, interrupting his dirty thoughts. “There's one more thing; your stuff will be moved to my bedroom”, Alessandro suddenly says. With a stutter, Lisa answered, “I... um… are you sure?”
”Yes, I'm very sure that way people won't notice something off about our marriage,” Alessandro assures her. The truth is, Viola came into his room last night and tried to seduce him; he didn't know how she thought of seducing him when he couldn't see. He chased her out and told her if that ever happened again, he would fire her. That's when he decided Lisa must move into his room. After their conversation, Lisa went to get Lilani so she could say goodbye to Alessandro. Lilani ran to him and cried, “Why do you have to go away, Ali?” She asks, crying. Princess, I will be back before you know it; you must help Lisa and watch over everyone for me,” Alessandro says to the little girl while holding her in his arms. “Pinky promise, you won't be away for too long”, Lilani holds her finger and takes his hand to make a pinky promise. “Pinky promise”, Alessandro says to Lilani with a smile.
Lisa's POV
As soon as Alessandro left, I asked Viola to take Lilani to her room and give her medicine so that she could rest. Viola took Lilani and went to her room. I went to my room, and entered. When I entered, I saw Maria already busy moving my stuff. I offered to help, and before long, all my stuff was in Alessandro's room. His room is black and silver and bigger than mine and Lilani's. There's a round king-size bed in the middle, and he also has a balcony with a beautiful view that looks over the ocean. I went inside the bathroom and was struck by how beautiful it looked. There's a his and hers shower with black tiles and a golden floor, and his and hers basin that's also black with gold details. A huge bath in the corner of the bathroom. “This man has good taste”. I thought. I decided to go and help with lunch after exploring Alessandro's bedroom.
The day went by quickly without any incidents. Sophia and Gabriele are leaving tomorrow morning early; they say it's time to head to their own home. I was sad after hearing the news. Sophia and I have gotten close these past few days; they were here, and I'm going to miss them. After dinner, everyone went to the home theater to watch some movies. Lilani fell asleep soon after dinner. I sent her dinner up to her room after Lilani didn't want to go down.
During the movie, Maria came and called me, “Mrs. Mancini, there's a phone call.” Maria says goodbye and leaves. I walk over to the phone and pick it up. “Mrs. Mancini speaking, how can I help you?” Lisa says. “Good evening, Lisa. How is everything at home?” Alessandro's sweet voice falls on my ear. “That voice alone is making me wet”, I thought. I quickly cleared my throat, getting rid of my dirty thoughts that popped up, and answered, “Everything is going great, Alessandro; Lilani went to sleep just after dinner, and the rest of us are watching a movie; how was your day?”
“Exhausting, thanks for asking. I assume your things have been moved to my room?” Alessandro asked. “Yes, Maria moved everything just after you left,” I replied. “Okay, alright, I will call you tomorrow as soon as I can. Have a wonderful night, Lisa”, Alessandro ends our conversation. “Good night, Alessandro”, I say sadly. I miss Alessandro. I have to admit that this arrogant man has made his way into my heart without realizing it. I don't love him, but we are more civil, so to speak. After the movie is finished, I say good night and make my way to Alessandro's room. I was just about to go inside when I heard Viola talking from behind. “Where do you think you are going? That's Alessandro's bedroom!”
"This is actually our bedroom, and if you'll kindly excuse me, I've had a long day and I really miss my husband," I say sarcastically, entering the room and locking the door. “This is going to be a long night”, I thought as I lay in bed. Everything smells like Alessandro. I really do miss him. I take his pillow and hug it, and soon I fall asleep.