๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐บ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐บ
ยฐยฐ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐ ๐๐
๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ยฐยฐ
๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ป๐๐๐'๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐ฅ ๐ฅ
๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ยฐ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐ยฐ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐น ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป&๐ผ๐น
๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐'๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ
โฏโฏโฏโฏโงโงโง
"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 wasnโt trying anything, okay? I was just pulling Madamโs chair. Like we always do."
"Thatโs a lie," Phil cut in sharply.
"You were trying to sit there. Donโt act innocent. Just because Mr. Antonio has been nice lately doesnโt mean you should take advantage. Once Madam comes back from the hospital, heโll be back to his usual self, and you wonโt even get a glance from him."
Rosa raised a brow, annoyed
. "Look, I wasnโt trying anything. I said I was pulling the chair. Thatโs it that Little bitch was..."
"Rosa!" Mary snapped, stepping forward.
"Donโt call her that again. You hear me? I swear, youโve been doing and saying things thatโll cost you your job. Why are you picking fights with Alessia? Sheโs young. Sheโs hurting. Her mom is in the hospital and she loves Mrs. De Luca deeply. Everyone knows that."
Rosa rolled her eyes again.
"All Iโm saying is, Alessia always overreacts. I wasnโt doing anything wrong. I was pulling the chair. Itโs 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.
"Youโve completely lost it, Rosa."
"Whatโs the big deal?" Rosa muttered.
"Itโs his name. And letโs be honest, itโs not like Madam Chiara is coming back. Sheโs 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.
"Youโre saying Mama is going to die? Is that what I just heard?"
"I...I didnโt mean it like that..." Rosa stammered.
"Oh really?" Alessiaโs 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.
"Whatโs going on in here?"
"Itโs Rosa," Mary answered.
"She said Madam Chiara is going to die, and Alessia overheard her."
"Rosa!" Miss Michelaโs 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 thatโs funny? Saying my mother is going to die? Youโre 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. "Rosaโs sorry..."
"No, Iโm not," Rosa interrupted.
"Iโm not saying sorry. I didnโt do anything wrong. Iโm not getting fired over nothing. Mr. Antonio wonโt fire me!"
"Oh really?" Alessia snapped, stepping closer.
"Letโs 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. โIโll speak to your father right away.โ
Rosa scoffed. โWhat just like that? Youโre really going to run to him because this spoiled little brat said so?โ
Alessia turned slowly, eyes blazing. โSay that again. Say it. I dare you.โ
Mary grabbed Rosaโs arm and pulled her back.
โEnough, Rosa. Just stop. Youโre making it worse.โ
But Rosa yanked her arm free. โYou all think Iโm scared of her? Iโve been in this house longer than sheโs had her period!โ
That was it.
Alessia lunged, but Miss Michelle held her back.
โAlessia, stop!โ
โI want her out of here!โ Alessia shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen.
โHow dare she say something like that about Mama and then call me a brat in my own house?!โ
"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. โI told you to keep your voice down and not answer back. But no, you just had to push it. Now look where itโs gotten you.โ
Rosa folded her arms, trying to stay composed.
โMr. Antonio wonโt fire me. I know he wonโt,โ she muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.
โฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏ
Miss Michelle approached Antonioโs study with steady but nervous steps.
Two bodyguards stood at the door, tall and stern.
โIs Mr. De Luca inside?โ she asked.
โYes, Miss Michelle,โ 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.
โDo you need something?โ he asked, not bothering to look up.
โYes, sir,โ she said carefully.
โItโs about Rosa. Your daughter...Alessia...is demanding that she be fired.โ
Antonio didnโt move. โWhat did she do?โ
Miss Michelle hesitated.
โMichelle.โ His tone sharpened.
โWhat did Rosa do?โ
โSheโฆ she said something out of line while speaking with the others,โ Miss Michelle admitted.
โShe said your wife is going to die.โ
That made him lift his head.
His stare was like ice.
โShe saidโฆ Chiara is going to die?โ
Miss Michelle looked down instantly. โIโm so sorry, sir. I know how serious that sounds. Iโll correct her. Iโll talk to her, make sure she doesnโt say anything like that again.....โ
โYou think this is something that can be corrected?โ Antonio said, rising from his chair.
His voice was low but thunderous. โRosa said my wife...my Chiara is going to die, and youโre standing here asking me to go easy on her?โ
โI didnโt mean it like that...โ
โYouโre in charge of these girlsโ he snapped.
โYou let that girl run her mouth around my daughter when Alessia is already hanging on by a thread. You think Iโll let that slide?โ
Miss Michelle swallowed hard. โNo, sir.โ
โShe disrespected my wife. She upset my daughter. And worse she spoke like a vulture waiting to take someoneโs place.โ
Michelle tried to respond, but words failed.
โTell Rosa to pack her bags. Sheโs not staying in this house another night.โ
โYes, Mr. De Luca โ Miss Michelle said quietly, turning toward the door.
โAnd Michelleโฆโ
She froze.
โIf you ever let anyone bring that kind of disrespect into my home again youโll be walking out with them.โ
โYes, sir.โ
Antonio didnโt say another word.
โฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏ
โRosa,"Miss Michelle said firmly as she stepped into the room.
โMr. De Luca said youโre no longer allowed to stay here. Pack your things.โ
Rosa shot up from the bed, eyes wide in disbelief.
โWhat? No! Youโre really sending me away because of that little bitch? I didnโt even do anything! It was just a joke!โshe cried, her voice rising with panic.
Miss Michelle narrowed her eyes.โStill running your mouth, even at the end,โ she muttered.
โI tried to calm things down, but you shouldโve known better than to piss off Alessia.โ
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, .
โSir...โ Rosaโs voice broke as she fell to her knees behind him.
โPleaseโฆ I didnโt mean it. I swear, Miss Alessia misheard me. It was a mistake. Please donโt take my job away.โ
Antonio didnโt turn.
His jaw clenched, eyes still fixed on the portrait.
Only Giviano looked at her expression colder than stone.
โPlease...โRosa whispered, tears slipping down her face.
โDonโt let me go like this.โ
Silence.
And then Antonio finally spoke voice calm, but sharp as a blade:
โYou disrespected my wife. You hurt my daughter. This isnโt just a job, Rosa. Itโs a home. And you lost that.โ
Rosaโs breath caught in her throat.
โMr. De Luca โฆ please. Iโve worked here for years. Iโve served this family. You know me.โ
Antonio turned slightly, just enough to glance at her over his shoulder.
His gaze was cold. Distant.
โI thought I knew you,โ he said.
โBut the moment you opened your mouth about my wife when sheโs lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life you made it clear where your loyalty lies. And itโs not with this family.โ
Rosaโs hands trembled.
โI didnโt mean it that way! It was a joke. People say stupid things when theyโre upset. Please donโt do thisโฆโ
Antonio stepped forward, toward the window.
Giviano moved in her direction slightly an unspoken warning.
โGiviano,โ Antonio said quietly,โescort her out. Make sure she takes nothing that doesnโt belong to her.โ
Rosaโs heart dropped.
โNoโฆ pleaseโฆโ
โThis conversation is over.โ
She looked at Giviano, desperation in her eyes.
He didnโt flinch.
โLetโs go,โhe said.
His voice wasnโt 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.
โGoodbye, bitch,โshe whispered under her breath.
โYou thought you could take my mamaโs place? Keep dreaming. That dream will never come true.โ
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.
โMama looked really pretty in that photo,โ she murmured.
Antonio placed his hand over hers, nodding.
โShe surely does.โ
He turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder.
โWhy did you get Rosa fired, hmm?โ
Alessia pulled back and stood beside him, her face innocent, lips curled into a small smirk.
โYou fired her, Papa. Not me,โshe replied sweetly.
He chuckled and pinched her nose gently.
โOw! Papa, that hurts!โ she yelped, pulling back with a grin.
โWell, I think you deserved that,โ
โYou have been naughty lately,โ
Antonio gave her a pointed look.
โYouโve been giving my staff hell. Maybe I should ship you off to the holiday house once schoolโs out. Give everyone here a break before you get the whole staff fired.โ
Alessia laughed, then her expression softened.
โI just want Mama home. Thatโs all. If that happens, I promiseโฆ Iโll be good. Iโll go back to my old self. Iโll even be nice to Ms. Michelle ...if she still likes me.โ
Antonio sighed, shaking his head with a half-smile.
โYouโre impossible,โ he muttered.
โI know,โAlessia said, already halfway up the stairs again.
โGood night, Papa.โ
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.
โYour daughter is just like you, you know,โ Miss Michelle said as she walked up beside him.
He glanced at her, groaning playfully.
โDonโt start.โ
โBut itโs true,โshe laughed.
โSheโs fierce, dramatic, terrifyingโฆ just like her father. Getting people fired like itโs nothing.โ
Antonio chuckled as he looked back at Chiaraโs photo.
โYeahโฆ definitely mine.โ
***
---
The Next Morning
Alessia groaned, eyes still shut as her hand fumbled across the nightstand, searching blindly for the blaring alarm.
โGosh, why is everything so annoying these days?โ 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.
> โAre you coming to school today or what?โ
Alessia paused.
Then typed:
> โI think Iโll come today.โ
Isa replied almost instantly:
> โTHANK GOD. Girl, this school is dead without you. People are literally asking about you left and right.โ
Alessia chuckled.
> โWell, prepare them. I'm coming to cause trouble. I miss school too.โ
> โSee you soon! Let me go before my maid comes screaming like a banshee.โ
Alessia laughed softly and tossed the phone aside.
She turned to the mirror.
Her red hair was a wild mess, like a birdโs nest with a war inside it.
She groaned, running her fingers through it.
โThese freckles and this hair... Mama really cursed me with the same face.โ She smiled at her own reflection.
After a quick shower.
Alessia dressed and made her bed with surprising neatness.
Then, she tiptoed toward her fatherโs room.
She knocked lightly.
โCome in,โcame Antonioโs voice.
She stepped inside and found him hunched at his desk, fingers flying across his laptop keyboard, a hard expression on his face.
โPapa,โ she said softly.
Antonio looked up and the moment his eyes met hers, his features softened.
โHey, sunshine. Good morning.โ
She walked over, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek.
โDid you sleep?โ
โJust woke up now, before you came in,โ he replied, glancing from his laptop to her.
โYouโre lying,โshe said, raising an eyebrow.
โNo, Iโm notโฆโ he chuckled.
She noticed a photos on his desk, one she didnโt recognize.
โWho are those people?โ
Antonio quickly grabbed the photo and slipped it into the drawer.
โNo one you should worry about.โ His voice was quiet. Too quiet.
โOkayโฆโ Alessia eyed him curiously but let it go.
โIโm ready for school. Will you drive me?โ
โOf course. But you need to eat first. No skipping meals, young lady. Youโll faint and scare everyone again.โ
โPapa,โ she groaned as he ruffled her hair.
โI just did that! You ruined it.โ
He grinned. โThatโs what papas are for. Iโll fix it if I must.โ
They exited his room, hand in hand, walking toward the dining hall.
โCan I see Mom before we go?โ she asked suddenly.
Antonio stopped.
โNo.โ
โPlease? Just for a minute. I wonโt talk, I just want to look at her,โ she pleaded, voice dropping.
He sighed. โSunshineโฆโ
โPlease. I just want to see how sheโs doing. Then Iโll go to school and be good. Promise.โ
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.
โFive minutes. After breakfast.โ
Alessiaโs face lit up.
โThank you, Papa.โ
They sat.
Alessia picked at her toast, her eyes occasionally drifting down the hallway , the one that led to her motherโs private room.
They had put her there not long ago.
Miss Michelle leaned over with a kind smile.
โSheโll be happy to know you were there, cara. Even just seeing her might help you more than you think.โ
Alessia nodded, suddenly quiet.
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๐บ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐บ
ยฐยฐ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐ ๐๐
๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ยฐยฐ
๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ป๐๐๐'๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐ฅ ๐ฅ
๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ยฐ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐ยฐ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐น ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป&๐ผ๐น
๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐'๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ
โฏโฏโฏโฏโงโงโง
"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 wasnโt trying anything, okay? I was just pulling Madamโs chair. Like we always do."
"Thatโs a lie," Phil cut in sharply.
"You were trying to sit there. Donโt act innocent. Just because Mr. Antonio has been nice lately doesnโt mean you should take advantage. Once Madam comes back from the hospital, heโll be back to his usual self, and you wonโt even get a glance from him."
Rosa raised a brow, annoyed
. "Look, I wasnโt trying anything. I said I was pulling the chair. Thatโs it that Little bitch was..."
"Rosa!" Mary snapped, stepping forward.
"Donโt call her that again. You hear me? I swear, youโve been doing and saying things thatโll cost you your job. Why are you picking fights with Alessia? Sheโs young. Sheโs hurting. Her mom is in the hospital and she loves Mrs. De Luca deeply. Everyone knows that."
Rosa rolled her eyes again.
"All Iโm saying is, Alessia always overreacts. I wasnโt doing anything wrong. I was pulling the chair. Itโs 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.
"Youโve completely lost it, Rosa."
"Whatโs the big deal?" Rosa muttered.
"Itโs his name. And letโs be honest, itโs not like Madam Chiara is coming back. Sheโs 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.
"Youโre saying Mama is going to die? Is that what I just heard?"
"I...I didnโt mean it like that..." Rosa stammered.
"Oh really?" Alessiaโs 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.
"Whatโs going on in here?"
"Itโs Rosa," Mary answered.
"She said Madam Chiara is going to die, and Alessia overheard her."
"Rosa!" Miss Michelaโs 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 thatโs funny? Saying my mother is going to die? Youโre 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. "Rosaโs sorry..."
"No, Iโm not," Rosa interrupted.
"Iโm not saying sorry. I didnโt do anything wrong. Iโm not getting fired over nothing. Mr. Antonio wonโt fire me!"
"Oh really?" Alessia snapped, stepping closer.
"Letโs 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. โIโll speak to your father right away.โ
Rosa scoffed. โWhat just like that? Youโre really going to run to him because this spoiled little brat said so?โ
Alessia turned slowly, eyes blazing. โSay that again. Say it. I dare you.โ
Mary grabbed Rosaโs arm and pulled her back.
โEnough, Rosa. Just stop. Youโre making it worse.โ
But Rosa yanked her arm free. โYou all think Iโm scared of her? Iโve been in this house longer than sheโs had her period!โ
That was it.
Alessia lunged, but Miss Michelle held her back.
โAlessia, stop!โ
โI want her out of here!โ Alessia shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen.
โHow dare she say something like that about Mama and then call me a brat in my own house?!โ
"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. โI told you to keep your voice down and not answer back. But no, you just had to push it. Now look where itโs gotten you.โ
Rosa folded her arms, trying to stay composed.
โMr. Antonio wonโt fire me. I know he wonโt,โ she muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.
โฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏ
Miss Michelle approached Antonioโs study with steady but nervous steps.
Two bodyguards stood at the door, tall and stern.
โIs Mr. De Luca inside?โ she asked.
โYes, Miss Michelle,โ 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.
โDo you need something?โ he asked, not bothering to look up.
โYes, sir,โ she said carefully.
โItโs about Rosa. Your daughter...Alessia...is demanding that she be fired.โ
Antonio didnโt move. โWhat did she do?โ
Miss Michelle hesitated.
โMichelle.โ His tone sharpened.
โWhat did Rosa do?โ
โSheโฆ she said something out of line while speaking with the others,โ Miss Michelle admitted.
โShe said your wife is going to die.โ
That made him lift his head.
His stare was like ice.
โShe saidโฆ Chiara is going to die?โ
Miss Michelle looked down instantly. โIโm so sorry, sir. I know how serious that sounds. Iโll correct her. Iโll talk to her, make sure she doesnโt say anything like that again.....โ
โYou think this is something that can be corrected?โ Antonio said, rising from his chair.
His voice was low but thunderous. โRosa said my wife...my Chiara is going to die, and youโre standing here asking me to go easy on her?โ
โI didnโt mean it like that...โ
โYouโre in charge of these girlsโ he snapped.
โYou let that girl run her mouth around my daughter when Alessia is already hanging on by a thread. You think Iโll let that slide?โ
Miss Michelle swallowed hard. โNo, sir.โ
โShe disrespected my wife. She upset my daughter. And worse she spoke like a vulture waiting to take someoneโs place.โ
Michelle tried to respond, but words failed.
โTell Rosa to pack her bags. Sheโs not staying in this house another night.โ
โYes, Mr. De Luca โ Miss Michelle said quietly, turning toward the door.
โAnd Michelleโฆโ
She froze.
โIf you ever let anyone bring that kind of disrespect into my home again youโll be walking out with them.โ
โYes, sir.โ
Antonio didnโt say another word.
โฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏ
โRosa,"Miss Michelle said firmly as she stepped into the room.
โMr. De Luca said youโre no longer allowed to stay here. Pack your things.โ
Rosa shot up from the bed, eyes wide in disbelief.
โWhat? No! Youโre really sending me away because of that little bitch? I didnโt even do anything! It was just a joke!โshe cried, her voice rising with panic.
Miss Michelle narrowed her eyes.โStill running your mouth, even at the end,โ she muttered.
โI tried to calm things down, but you shouldโve known better than to piss off Alessia.โ
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, .
โSir...โ Rosaโs voice broke as she fell to her knees behind him.
โPleaseโฆ I didnโt mean it. I swear, Miss Alessia misheard me. It was a mistake. Please donโt take my job away.โ
Antonio didnโt turn.
His jaw clenched, eyes still fixed on the portrait.
Only Giviano looked at her expression colder than stone.
โPlease...โRosa whispered, tears slipping down her face.
โDonโt let me go like this.โ
Silence.
And then Antonio finally spoke voice calm, but sharp as a blade:
โYou disrespected my wife. You hurt my daughter. This isnโt just a job, Rosa. Itโs a home. And you lost that.โ
Rosaโs breath caught in her throat.
โMr. De Luca โฆ please. Iโve worked here for years. Iโve served this family. You know me.โ
Antonio turned slightly, just enough to glance at her over his shoulder.
His gaze was cold. Distant.
โI thought I knew you,โ he said.
โBut the moment you opened your mouth about my wife when sheโs lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life you made it clear where your loyalty lies. And itโs not with this family.โ
Rosaโs hands trembled.
โI didnโt mean it that way! It was a joke. People say stupid things when theyโre upset. Please donโt do thisโฆโ
Antonio stepped forward, toward the window.
Giviano moved in her direction slightly an unspoken warning.
โGiviano,โ Antonio said quietly,โescort her out. Make sure she takes nothing that doesnโt belong to her.โ
Rosaโs heart dropped.
โNoโฆ pleaseโฆโ
โThis conversation is over.โ
She looked at Giviano, desperation in her eyes.
He didnโt flinch.
โLetโs go,โhe said.
His voice wasnโt 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.
โGoodbye, bitch,โshe whispered under her breath.
โYou thought you could take my mamaโs place? Keep dreaming. That dream will never come true.โ
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.
โMama looked really pretty in that photo,โ she murmured.
Antonio placed his hand over hers, nodding.
โShe surely does.โ
He turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder.
โWhy did you get Rosa fired, hmm?โ
Alessia pulled back and stood beside him, her face innocent, lips curled into a small smirk.
โYou fired her, Papa. Not me,โshe replied sweetly.
He chuckled and pinched her nose gently.
โOw! Papa, that hurts!โ she yelped, pulling back with a grin.
โWell, I think you deserved that,โ
โYou have been naughty lately,โ
Antonio gave her a pointed look.
โYouโve been giving my staff hell. Maybe I should ship you off to the holiday house once schoolโs out. Give everyone here a break before you get the whole staff fired.โ
Alessia laughed, then her expression softened.
โI just want Mama home. Thatโs all. If that happens, I promiseโฆ Iโll be good. Iโll go back to my old self. Iโll even be nice to Ms. Michelle ...if she still likes me.โ
Antonio sighed, shaking his head with a half-smile.
โYouโre impossible,โ he muttered.
โI know,โAlessia said, already halfway up the stairs again.
โGood night, Papa.โ
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.
โYour daughter is just like you, you know,โ Miss Michelle said as she walked up beside him.
He glanced at her, groaning playfully.
โDonโt start.โ
โBut itโs true,โshe laughed.
โSheโs fierce, dramatic, terrifyingโฆ just like her father. Getting people fired like itโs nothing.โ
Antonio chuckled as he looked back at Chiaraโs photo.
โYeahโฆ definitely mine.โ
***
---
The Next Morning
Alessia groaned, eyes still shut as her hand fumbled across the nightstand, searching blindly for the blaring alarm.
โGosh, why is everything so annoying these days?โ 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.
> โAre you coming to school today or what?โ
Alessia paused.
Then typed:
> โI think Iโll come today.โ
Isa replied almost instantly:
> โTHANK GOD. Girl, this school is dead without you. People are literally asking about you left and right.โ
Alessia chuckled.
> โWell, prepare them. I'm coming to cause trouble. I miss school too.โ
> โSee you soon! Let me go before my maid comes screaming like a banshee.โ
Alessia laughed softly and tossed the phone aside.
She turned to the mirror.
Her red hair was a wild mess, like a birdโs nest with a war inside it.
She groaned, running her fingers through it.
โThese freckles and this hair... Mama really cursed me with the same face.โ She smiled at her own reflection.
After a quick shower.
Alessia dressed and made her bed with surprising neatness.
Then, she tiptoed toward her fatherโs room.
She knocked lightly.
โCome in,โcame Antonioโs voice.
She stepped inside and found him hunched at his desk, fingers flying across his laptop keyboard, a hard expression on his face.
โPapa,โ she said softly.
Antonio looked up and the moment his eyes met hers, his features softened.
โHey, sunshine. Good morning.โ
She walked over, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek.
โDid you sleep?โ
โJust woke up now, before you came in,โ he replied, glancing from his laptop to her.
โYouโre lying,โshe said, raising an eyebrow.
โNo, Iโm notโฆโ he chuckled.
She noticed a photos on his desk, one she didnโt recognize.
โWho are those people?โ
Antonio quickly grabbed the photo and slipped it into the drawer.
โNo one you should worry about.โ His voice was quiet. Too quiet.
โOkayโฆโ Alessia eyed him curiously but let it go.
โIโm ready for school. Will you drive me?โ
โOf course. But you need to eat first. No skipping meals, young lady. Youโll faint and scare everyone again.โ
โPapa,โ she groaned as he ruffled her hair.
โI just did that! You ruined it.โ
He grinned. โThatโs what papas are for. Iโll fix it if I must.โ
They exited his room, hand in hand, walking toward the dining hall.
โCan I see Mom before we go?โ she asked suddenly.
Antonio stopped.
โNo.โ
โPlease? Just for a minute. I wonโt talk, I just want to look at her,โ she pleaded, voice dropping.
He sighed. โSunshineโฆโ
โPlease. I just want to see how sheโs doing. Then Iโll go to school and be good. Promise.โ
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.
โFive minutes. After breakfast.โ
Alessiaโs face lit up.
โThank you, Papa.โ
They sat.
Alessia picked at her toast, her eyes occasionally drifting down the hallway , the one that led to her motherโs private room.
They had put her there not long ago.
Miss Michelle leaned over with a kind smile.
โSheโll be happy to know you were there, cara. Even just seeing her might help you more than you think.โ
Alessia nodded, suddenly quiet.
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