Chapter 36
Bianca Ferrucci
Days later…
Giulia paced back and forth across the living room, lingering by the window as if she were waiting for someone. The mere fact that she was there already bothered me. She had no business being in my house.
“Are you going to tell me what you want, or are you going to keep circling around like a dizzy fly?” I asked without looking up from the phone in my hands.
“Your husband said he would look into Daddy’s proposal, but he hasn’t done anything. We’re going through a difficult situation.”
I took a deep breath, trying not to lose my patience.
“I don’t get involved in my husband’s business, Giulia.”
“But it’s about our family, Bianca! You could ask him for us.”
I looked up, staring at her.
“I have no idea what our father got himself into to lose so much money. Though, come to think of it, he was never exactly an exemplary provider.”
Giulia stopped pacing and turned toward me, her eyes full of contempt.
“So that’s it? You’re going to dismiss everything he did for you?”
I gave her a cold smile, unable to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“Of course not. I lived under his care for many years. I was grateful to have a roof over my head on rainy nights and food on the table whenever my stomach growled with hunger.”
“You really are ungrateful.” Her tone dripped with disdain. “At least I still know how to acknowledge what our parents did.”
“Acknowledge it?” I stood, calmly smoothing my dress before walking toward her. “Don’t be a hypocrite, Giulia. Daddy always gave you more, even when we barely had enough to eat. And now you want me to plead his case?”
“Talk to your husband, Bianca. Though, come to think of it, I don’t even know if he listens to you. You can’t be that important to him.”
I rolled my eyes, a cynical smile appearing on my lips.
“Then you shouldn’t be wasting your time with me.” I looked at her dress, running my hand over the worn fabric. “Is Daddy not buying you new clothes?”
“What?” she asked, offended.
“I have plenty of dresses I’ve only worn once. My husband doesn’t like me repeating outfits. I can give you some. They won’t be rags like the ones you used to give me.”
Her face turned red with rage, and I turned away, leaving the living room before she could respond.
“Don’t forget to close the door when you leave, Giulia.” I arched an eyebrow and left her there alone to deal with the truth she hated so much.
I heard the door slam and sighed, returning to the living room and dropping onto the couch. I had nothing better to do, so I picked up a random book from the table and flipped through the pages without much attention. I had already read that book several times.
“Bianca.”
I lifted my head at the sound of Tiziano’s firm voice, watching him approach.
“Yes?” I replied, closing the book and setting it aside.
“This is the soldier who will be responsible for your security from now on.” He gestured toward the man standing behind him.
My eyes turned to the soldier, tall and serious-looking. He seemed younger than the others I had seen around the house, but his expression was hard, almost intimidating.
“Okay,” I murmured.
Tiziano narrowed his eyes, studying my reaction.
“He’ll be with you at all times. Anything you need, he’ll take care of.” The emphasis on “anything” was almost a warning to the soldier.
“Right,” I agreed, still staring at the man for a few seconds before looking back at Tiziano.
Tiziano moved closer, surprising me when he bent down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. The gesture, as unexpected as it was gentle, made my heart race. He didn’t say anything, simply leaving the living room afterward.
A few minutes later, Rosa came down the stairs with my coat carefully folded over her arms.
“We’re going to the bookstore to pick up some books,” she announced with a smile, draping the coat over my shoulders.
As we walked toward the car, I felt the new soldier’s presence behind us. He was always a few steps away, his hands folded in front of him.
When we reached the vehicle, he opened the door for me, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. It was as though he were analyzing every detail about me.
“What’s your name?” I asked, merely wanting to know as I settled into the seat.
“Alessandro,” he answered curtly, carefully closing the door before walking around and getting into the front seat beside the driver.
During the drive, I could feel his gaze in the rearview mirror. It wasn’t invasive, but it was definitely observant.
When we arrived at the bookstore, Alessandro got out first, inspecting the area before opening the door for me again.
“You don’t have to make such a big deal out of this. We’re only buying books,” I commented, trying to sound casual, but he merely gave me a serious look before stepping back.
As Rosa and I entered the building, he followed closely behind us, remaining silent but alert to every movement. He was different from the others. He was too attentive, watching me more than usual.
For a moment, as I flipped through a book, I felt his presence behind me, discreet but strange. I looked over my shoulder, and he quickly looked away, but something in his posture seemed to suggest there was more to this relationship between soldier and protected woman.
“Do you like fairy tales?” he asked, looking over the titles as I handed a few books to Rosa. The question made me glance up for a moment.
I didn’t answer, preferring to keep my focus on the books I was choosing.
My hands trembled slightly at the thought of what might happen if Tiziano knew he had spoken to me.
I knew my husband’s temperament well. His patience was limited, and he was possessive enough not to tolerate conversations with other men.
Rosa noticed my unease and, as always, tried to ease the moment.
“Bianca, this one looks interesting, don’t you think?” she said, holding out a copy with an encouraging smile.
I nodded quickly, trying to focus. The soldier took a step back, noticing my hesitation, but he still kept his eyes fixed on me longer than I found comfortable.
“The Don mentioned that you were attacked,” he continued as soon as I turned down one of the aisles, now hidden among the bookstore’s tall, silent shelves.
I stopped flipping through the book in my hands, but I didn’t look at him.
“Yes, and that’s why you’re here, to ensure my safety,” I replied in a neutral tone.
He took a step forward, closing the distance between us, and tilted his head slightly.
“What if the person who approached you didn’t intend to hurt you, but to help you escape the real danger?” he asked, his tone suggestive.
I frowned, looking at him for a moment. The way he said it made my thoughts falter. What real danger was he implying?