Chapter 16

Lisa's POV

The next few days went by fast. Viola was making things very difficult for me. I found her in Alessandro's room one day going through his wardrobe, taking a shirt. I asked her what she was doing, and she simply shrugged and walked past me bumping me with her shoulder. I took Lilani to her first chemo session, which made her feel queasy. I have been by her side, ensuring her well-being at all times. Unfortunately, the nurse we hired has been quite unhelpful, to say the least.

I was busy reading to Lilani when Alessandro walked into the room. "Hello Lisa, how is Lilani doing today?" He asks with concern. I can tell that Lilani took a place in his heart from the first day he met her and when I told him the other day that Lilani feels sick after the chemo he was worried. "She seems better today, she just fell asleep," I whisper as I get up and walk towards Alessandro. Oh, how much I have missed him these past few days. Alessandro takes my hand and walks out of the room.

"Will you please take me to my office and then call Maria for me?" Alessandro asked. "Sure thing, can I get you anything else?", I ask. "No, thank you I am fine for now." Alessandro answers.

I took Alessandro to his office and went to find Maria. "Maria, Alessandro is expecting you in his office," I gestured, pointing towards Alessandro's office using my hands. It's our unique way of communication, considering Maria's inability to speak English and my lack of Italian skills. However, we have found a way to understand each other through our intricate system of hand signals." Maria nods and walks to Alessandro's office.

Alessandro's POV

I hear a knock, "Come in".

"Signor Mancini, you called me?" Maria asked. "Sì Maria, you know you are like a mother to me. You have known me from diapers. I want to know how things here went these past few days without my presents?" I get straight to the point. "Signor Mancini, I have known you a long time and to answer your question, well Miss Viola has been slagging, she doesn't do her job, Mrs. Mancini has been taking care of the little one ever since you have gone away. Miss Viola talks back every time Mrs. Mancini gives her an order. I saw her a few times when she would walk past Mrs. Mancini and knock her with the shoulder. Mrs. Mancini always stays calm. I don't know how she manages not to get angry because if it was me I would have slapped that girl silly, and lastly, she went to your room and got one of your shirts Mr. Mancini." Maria says. "Grazie, Maria, I will take it from here." I say anger clear in my voice. I'm exhausted, these past few days I have seen the eye specialist. They were doing a test to check if an operation can give back my eyes. I have been hoping for so long to see you again. I wonder if Bianca will return to me once I have my eyesight back, but every time I imagine her, Lisa's soft voice comes to mind. I found myself thinking about her a lot these past few days, to the extent that I would miss her. I can't love her; I only love one woman and only one woman would ever have my heart that is Bianca. I run my hands through my hair. Maybe I should lay down for a bit, maybe then I can think straight.

Viola's POV

I was waiting for the perfect time to get Lisa into trouble, and I can't wait to put my plan into action. I grin, thinking how Alessandro will comfort me in his strong arms. I have heard that he's back, but he was busy in his study talking to Maria. If that little witch dares to snitch on me, her days are numbered. I can't wait to see him.