Chapter 09
Bianca Ferrucci
“I’m not going!” Giulia stomped her foot on the floor, her shrill voice echoing through the room while my mother rolled her eyes impatiently.
“You are going, Giulia, and you’re going to do your best to make sure he chooses you, understood?” my mother snapped, irritated.
“He’s an asshole!” Giulia shot back, crossing her arms.
“A billionaire asshole who can pull us out of this middle-class position where everyone ignores us!” My mother emphasized every word, stepping closer to her with a pointed finger.
“How long has your father served those bastards, huh? All of them! It’s long past time for us to have our moment of glory, Giulia. So act like an obedient, useful girl.”
“You want me to sell myself, Mom?” Giulia replied, her voice dripping with contempt.
“That’s exactly what I want! Sell yourself!
Show him what he’ll get if he chooses you!
” my mother declared with a coldness that was almost frightening, as if she were negotiating over an object rather than her own daughter.
It was astonishing how easily she could ignore the fact that she was talking about a despicable man, even if he was handsome.
But then again, maybe loving Giulia had never really been an option for her, or for anyone.
My mother only knew how to love herself, and maybe not even that.
I watched the scene in silence as I served tea and cookies to the “distinguished ladies,” women who pretended to be elegant while searching for opportunities to climb the social ladder.
Deep down, I was grateful not to be seen as an option.
I couldn’t even imagine the miserable life awaiting the woman who was chosen.
A loveless life, resigned to a man who wouldn’t even respect her.
As my thoughts wandered, Giulia noticed me looking and, as always, decided to take her anger out on me.
“Why are you looking at me like that, you filthy thing?” she shouted, deliberately knocking the cup of hot tea over my hand.
The pain was immediate. The red mark appeared instantly, but I didn’t react. I was used to suppressing my pain, swallowing my screams so I wouldn’t give them the pleasure of watching me suffer.
“I’m sorry, Giulia,” I murmured, lowering my gaze as I stood and brushed off my knees, ready to sit in one of the armchairs.
“On the floor, you filthy thing! On the floor!” she shouted again, rage written across her face.
I remained standing, motionless, feeling my breathing accelerate. My chest felt as though it were about to explode, but I knew giving in would only give them more power.
I was sick of these humiliations.
“The invitation hasn’t arrived for us yet, but I know Luigi will send it,” my father said without even taking his eyes off the newspaper, as though the entire spectacle unfolding in front of him was nothing but noise. “He asked about Bianca. So make sure she goes too.”
My mother laughed disdainfully.
“Who would be interested in trash?”
“Lucia, enough.” My father finally lowered the newspaper, casting me a cold glance. “The girl is standing right in front of you. Don’t be so cruel. They know we have two daughters, so we have to take both of them. But make sure he notices Giulia. Make sure he gives her a second chance.”
My mother huffed, looking at me as though I were a burden she couldn’t understand why she was still carrying.
“That depends on her not getting in the way. I don’t want any embarrassing scenes. You know how clumsy she is.”
I lowered my gaze, holding back the tears burning in my eyes. I wanted to scream, but silence was my only protection.
As I gathered the tea tray, one single thought hammered through my mind: how much longer am I going to endure this?
The day had finally arrived. On top of my mattress, a pretty but simple emerald-green dress stood out among the clothes Giulia usually discarded.
I didn’t remember ever seeing her wear it, but it didn’t have the freshness of something new either.
Maybe it had come from some thrift store, bought in a hurry to keep up appearances.
As I stared at the dress, lost in thought, I heard a soft knock at the door. Rosa came in balancing a tray with mint tea and a few cookies. In her hand, she carried a worn paper bag that seemed heavy with secrets and expectations.
“Good evening, girl. Ready for the big event?” she asked in the neutral tone she always used when she wanted to avoid getting too involved.
I shook my head but didn’t answer. My gaze returned to the dress, trying to imagine what it would be like to wear something that, no matter how pretty, would never truly feel like mine.
Rosa smiled as she carefully opened the bag, taking out an elegant box and placing it on the mattress.
“I have something here for you, girl,” she said, with a sparkle in her eyes that was unusual for her.
She lifted the lid, revealing a stunning pink dress.
The fabric looked like satin. The waist was fitted, accented by a jeweled belt that sparkled like stars.
The skirt was slightly flared, with layers of tulle that added volume without being excessive, and the neckline was modest but elegant, decorated with small hand-embroidered details.
“Wow, it’s beautiful!” I murmured, touching the fabric carefully as if I were afraid I might ruin it.
“It’s yours,” Rosa said with a proud smile. “Those of us in the kitchen all chipped in and bought it for you.”
My eyes instantly filled with tears.
“You didn’t have to spend money on me, Rosa…”
“My sweet girl, I heard the event is going to be very luxurious, and there will be men from the finest families there. Maybe you’ll find yourself a good marriage and finally get away from those…”
“Those vipers,” I finished with a bitter smile, and she smiled back.
“Exactly. Now come on, I’ll help you get dressed.”
Rosa lifted the dress out of the box with the utmost care, holding it as if it were a treasure.
“This must have been really expensive,” I commented, feeling a pang of guilt.
“Don’t worry. We were able to pay for it in installments,” she replied, as if it were no big deal.
“Rosa, you all went into debt because of me!”
She huffed, shaking her head.
“Bianca, stop being so ungrateful,” she grumbled, but there was affection in her voice.
I couldn’t hold back and hugged her, squeezing her tightly.
“Thank you so much, Rosa. I’ll thank everyone as soon as I get back. I promise.”
“You don’t have to promise anything, girl. Just go and shine. Show them you’re nothing like those vipers.”
I nodded, holding back my tears as Rosa helped me into the gift.