It was evening time before dinner and Gianluca was at the Alessandrini mansion. He was there to pick Lena up. He was waiting outside the mansion next to a Bellagio car. He was leaning to the car waiting. He had expected to see Luigi around but he was not there. Neither was his father, Lothario. Lidia Alessandrini and Lena were alone at home.

After a few minutes, Gianluca looked up as he heard Lena's footsteps. She walked outside the mansion with high heels and a beautiful cream coloured dress down. Gianluca took a deep breath and said "Wow". She looked so stunning.

Lena nervously walked down the steps and approached Gianluca who was looking at her with an unreadable expression.

Gianluca opened the door of the car for Lena as she reached him. "Hello."

Lena said "Hi. I am sorry for being late."

Gianluca said "You are not late. I came early."

Lena got in the car and sat down. Gianluca then took a seat next to her and signalled for the chauffeur to drive away. Of course the car was followed by other cars full of body guards.

Gianluca looked at Lena, "You look so beautiful Lena."

Lena blushed and looked away. She was not sure what to say. She wanted to say it back to him. She wanted to say he looked very handsome too. But she was too shy to say it. She just managed to whisper "Thank you."

Gianluca was contemplating on how to get Lena to be more relaxed around him. He was not sure how to put her mind at more ease. He could sense she was nervous and even abit reluctant to come on this official date. For a while the ride was spent in silence. Neither Lena or Gianluca spoke. They were just looking at the streets that the car were passing. Then small conversation started. They commented on the buildings or the people the car went past.

Then Gianluca reached a point he wanted to initiate a longer conversation. He spoke slowly "Lena... How was school today?" He decided to just start a normal every day conversation.

To Gianluca's delight, it worked and his question made Lena turn and look in his direction "It was alright. Thank you... I had a great day today..."

Gianluca noticed she was looking at him and looking away but still some contact was there. He asked "Really? Tell me more..."

Lena said enthusiastically "I got an A+ in my History essay today. Also my science homework got an A+ grade too which is rare for that teacher to give away. I guess I have Luigi yo thank for tutoring me in science."

Gianluca offered "You know, I could tutor you too if you like. All you have to do is ask."

Lena said "Thank you... I have Luigi at home. I will ask him when I need help. I won't waste your time..."

Gianluca said "No. Do not say that Lena... It will be no problem at all if you ever want me to help you with any subjects. The subject options you have chosen match mine alot..."

Lena realised that it was true. Some extra subjects that this private school offered and she had taken was Gianluca's speciality from what she could hear and Luigi had not taken them. She knew realistically she could take the option at some point. She just had to put away her nervousness and ask for help when she needed it. She acknowledged that. Lena said "Thank you Gianluca for offering..."

Gianluca smiled at her. It was one of those smiles that melted her heart. Gianluca seemed like he was really smiling with nothing but happiness and not just for politeness or anything like that. That made Lena look away. She looked outside. She then saw a very tall building she had never come across before. She commented "Wow. That building looks great. Where is that place?"

Gianluca replied "That building is where we are going."

Lena turned around "What? Really? What is that building? I have never seen it before."

Gianluca said "This part of town is quite newly built. The roads were blocked here for a while because of the many construction projects that have been happening here. Your family and mine own some buildings and businesses here. That building is a Bellagio building. It is where some business will take place and also there are some nice restaurants inside too."

Lena asked "We are going to a restaurant inside that building?"

Gianluca nodded "Yes. We are."

Lena turned as she noticed the car stopped. There was a security gate and then the car was allowed through to enter the car park. Lena was totally in awe of the building. The car eventually stopped and Lena kept looking around as she entered the building with Gianluca and was lead inside an elevator. Inside the elevator they were alone. There were no need for bodyguards here apparently as the building was secure and enough guards and security personnel worked for the Bellagios around there.

The elevator ride took a while and still it did not stop. Lena asked " Which floor are we going?"

Gianluca said "You will see."

Then after the elevator stopped, she exited and took in her surroundings. The whole city was under her feet from where she could see. The floor where they were at was quite close to the top. The large windows showed the beautiful view of the city and the chancelleries of the luxurious restaurant from its high ceiling and the beautiful architecture inside the restaurant had given the atmosphere inside some magical feeling. She followed as the manager of the restaurant lead them to their pre-booked seats that was next to a window with a nice view.

Lena took her seat opposite Gianluca and said "Wow. This is such a nice place Gianluca. I love this restaurant."

Gianluca said "You can come again any time you want." He then handed the menu to Lena "What would you like to order?"

Lena looked at the menu. She made some choices and they gave their order to the waiter.

As they were waiting for the order, Lena's attention went to the view outside " I had no idea our family had construction projects in this part of the city. From what I can see this area is thriving. I wish I could go walk around."

Gianluca said "We can go around with the car and explore the area. There are some shops too that are open until late. You are welcome to have a look around. I just have to return you before your bed time."

Lena sighed as she was looking at the view "I feel like I don't know so much about my father's business. Luigi knows everything but I know nothing."

Gianluca said "What do you want to know? You can ask. Your parents and Luigi will tell you..."

Lena said "I do not know where to start asking... But I guess I could ask Luigi. But I am kind of used to it now... Girls are left out of so much information about business..."

Gianluca thought of what he had heard about Salvatorio and Sicilian families. Gianluca said "Lena... Actually that is not always true. Sometimes you know more about some matters that I don't."

Lena turned to Gianluca "Like what?"

Gianluca said "You know more about Sicily than I do. You have been there. I haven't."

Lena was surprised to hear that "You have never been to Sicily?"

Gianluca shook his head "No. I have not... Recently I have come across some new knowledge. About Sicily. I had no idea I had any active business family in Sicily. I have never been there... What do you remember about it. I know the last time you were there was three years ago."

Lena said "Yes. I was there three years ago. We went to attend a funeral of the head of the Romano family. I thought it might take like a day or two. We stayed very long after that. I do not complain. I had a great time there. I can't wait to go back to Sicily for another visit."

Gianluca said "You had a great time? How?"

Lena said "I know the Romanos were in mourning when we arrived but there were many gatherings that followed the funeral. I have lost count of how many dinners I attended while I was there. I met some many new people too."

Gianluca asked "Who did you meet? Tell me about who you met. I like to know about families that you spent time with in Sicily. I am just curious... I have never been there..."

Lena said "I met many people. I spent alot of time with my mother's family of course... My mother belongs to the a Marino family as you know.... We went to your grandfather's home in Sicily too..."

Gianluca said "You went to my grandpa Gilberto's home there? You never mentioned it..."

Lena then said "Oh... No... I did see your grandfather Gilberto there in the gatherings but I never go to go to his home... My father did though... When I said, your grandfather's home, I meant... your maternal grandfather's home... Your grandpa Marchetti's home... You know Agustino Marchetti's home..."

Gianluca took a deep breath. He had no idea what the name of his grandfather was. He did not even know who his grandfather was. But Lena sounded like she know. He said "Lena... So you knew Agusto Marchetti in New York is my mother's uncle... Did you know that my grandfather in Sicily was the real biological father to my mother?"

Lena said "I am sorry... I did not know. Otherwise I would have told you and Gabriela. Luigi told me about what you told him... Luigi had no idea too. He told me what your grandpa Gilberto said at the Opera house. So he told me to be careful about what I say about the Marchetti family now that I know there are secrets. Before, I did not know this.... When I went home today my mother explained to me and Luigi about everything... Luigi would have spoken to you but he had to leave with my father just before you arrived... So yes... I went to your maternal grandfather's home. They were very nice... They were introduced as related to your mother... I did not ask any questions. I was not really curious about family relations when I went to Sicily. I was just interested in getting to know the children my age... I just went with the children of the other guests at the party and played with them. I think I saw your grandfather very briefly."

Just then the food and drinks they had ordered arrived as the waiters came around and got on with setting up the table.

After they left, Gianluca said "Let's eat something and talk less. This food may get cold..."

Lena started eating. She had just realised how easy it had been to talk to Gianluca when the conversation was not focused on their relationship and also his stare was not too deep into her eyes. He seemed less intense and very thoughtful. They ate in silence for a while. Lena could somehow relate to Gianluca... She did not know much about her mother's side and had not had many encounters with them. She felt like she was in the dark. She felt more closer to Gianluca than she had done before. For once it seemed like they were both on the same level. She had travelled to Sicily but it did not mean that she knew anything about what was going on there. She may have met a few people Gianluca had not met till now. But they were pretty much in the same boat in terms of how much they knew.

Lena finished her starter meal and was now drinking from her orange juice as she was looking outside

Gianluca had also finished his starter and was drinking from his lemonade.

Gianluca said "So tell me about your time with the children of these families you met. I like to know about the Sicilians that you got to know the most..." He was hoping Lena did mention Salvatorio. He needed to know what Lena thought of him and how much she knew exactly.

Lena nodded "I met the children of many families. We played games and hung out alot... You can imagine there were acres and acres of land to explore. We mostly went for long walks and ate fruits and went to pastry shops in town... I did not get too close to them though. I was there only for a short while. We hung out. But I do not know them that well. However there was some girl I got close to so much. I still write to them... She is the only one I am still in touch with..."

Gianluca was glad it was a girl she got close to. At least she was not writing to Salvatorio."

Lena continued "She is my age. Her name is Smeralda... Smeralda Romano."

Gianluca coughed on his lemonade. A Romano? What were the odds. What was her relation to Salvatorio?

Lena carried on explaining "She is the granddaughter of the head of the Romano family who's funeral we attended. Her father Salvadore Romano is head of the family now. She has a brother called Salvatorio who is your age..." She then sipped from her drink without noticing Gianluca's shocked and curious expression.

Gianluca needed to know how much Lena knew. He had been told that Lena had no idea about Salvatorio's interest in her. He asked slowly "Lena... Tell me about the Romano siblings."

Lena said as she was looking outside "I got along well with Smeralda... I saw her alot at the gatherings that followed the funeral. We spent alot of time together. Then after a few days, she introduced me to her brother one day when we bumped into the group her brother hung out with... They were both very kind to me. Luigi does not like Salvatorio very much. He does not tell me why."

Gianluca said "They were both kind to you? In what way?"

Lena shrugged "You know... I got along with Smeralda. Her brother was nice to me too. Smeralda said he is normally not very nice to anyone but he was probably nice to me because I was her friend..."

Gianluca asked "How much do you know about Salvatorio Romano? I want to know about him."

Lena said "Salvatorio? Why would I know anything about him? I am friends with his sister. Not with him. Maybe you could ask Luigi about him. I can tell you about his sister... Her and I study similar subjects. So when I write to her I talk about my subjects mostly.... But she has to move school now from Sicily and go and live with her uncle in his mansion in Boston... Her brother is there now..."

Gianluca said "What? They are on American soil?"

Lena said "Only Salvatorio is... Smeralda comes this weekend..."

Gianluca said "Does anyone else know about this?"

Lena nodded "Yes... Luigi and my parents know..."

Gianluca said "When did you tell them?"

Lena said "I had no idea... My mother told me actually. I found out today... My father found out because Smeralda's uncle, Silvestro Romano sent a letter to my father inviting my father to come to a business meeting this weekend to see him and his nephew who had just arrived from Sicily and also telling him that Smeralda was moving to his home in the coming days and I was invited to go to see her this weekend."

Gianluca said "What was your father's response?"

Lena said "My father disappeared with Luigi out of the door after my father received the letter... I think Luigi said they are going to one the offices of the Romano lawyers. Apparently the lawyers have an office in New York as well as Boston and they have some important information about what the business proposals are about..."

Gianluca could see there was a situation. Lothario Alessandrini was dealing with this and one again he was left out of the loop. However he did not blame Luigi for not informing him. From what Lena had described Luigi may not have had time to call him if he had disappeared through the door with his father after the letter had come.

Lena said "Luigi was acting so strange when he left with my father. He told my mother to tell me everything and then I should tell you about the letter too... I do not know how it affects the Bellagios though... I was going to tell you at the end of the night because that is when Luigi told me to tell you... He said it is a date for you and I tonight so I should not overshadow it with a business matter... Sorry if I told you now..."

Gianluca shook his head "No. Lena. It is ok... I am glad you told me..." Just then the second course, the main meal came with the waiters.

After the waiters set the table and left, he said "I guess we should just eat and forget about the business."

Then they got on with eating. Gianluca had so much to talk about with Luigi after he returned.

****

It was evening time. Mariella was waiting for her mother to finish work. Her mother had been given a raise in wages as she had taken some more responsibilities. Her mother was now on duty in the gardens that evening. She had waited inside the lobby to take on any extra jobs her mother had to do after her garden duties so they could get to go home earlier.

One of the maids came along and said "Mariella. Your mother needs to just iron a few items of clothing after her garden duty and then she is finished. Would you like to do that duty?"

Mariella nodded enthusiastically.

The maid said "Come. I will show you what you need to do..." She then followed the maid.

She arrived at the laundry sorting room. There was an ironing board and an iron in the corner and a basket of clothes.

The maid said "These clothes belong to the young master, Salvatorio. After you finish, please take them to his room and hand over his clothes. He has requested the ironing to be done today."

Mariella nodded and then got on with ironing. She ironed many of the nice and expensive clothing and admired the beautiful fabrics.

As she was ironing she was looking outside the window. Salvatorio had just arrived at the house with his uncle Silvestro just then. She was ironing his white shirt as she was watching him walk from his car towards the mansion. Mariella was so in awe of how good looking he was. He looked so handsome. She watched him walk with elegance and his beautiful angelic face was smiling now as he was talking with his uncle. They had gone out for business and now were back. Her mother was not on kitchen duty that particular evening so they could leave before the masters of the house had been served dinner. So all she had to do was finish the ironing and then they could leave after her mother came back in. As Salvatorio went out of view as she approached the mansion's entrance, she turned to the ironing board and she gasped in horror.

Mariella quickly removed the iron and put it aside. She had just burnt a big hole in one of young masters' shirts. She was so going to be punished badly. She was sure. Her hands were trembling now. She felt so scared. She was shaking like a leaf as she picked up the white shirt with the large burnt hole in it. She dropped it and covered her mouth. What was she going to do now? She had to tell him what she had done... She looked at the basket and noticed she had ironed everything and this shirt had been the last one. She couldn't help let out a sob. She cried. What if her punishment extended to her mother? No. She had to beg on her knees if she had to, in order to stop Salvatorio from hurting her mother. She was determined to save her.

She wiped her tears and grabbed the clothes she had ironed and put the one with the hole at the bottom. She placed them in the basket that was for ironed clothes. She carried them towards the direction of the young master's room. She felt like she was walking to her own execution.

Mariella reached Salvatorio's room and knocked on the door with her shaky hand.

Salvatorio called out "Who is it?"

Mariella could not speak. She felt so terrified at that point. She tried to find her voice but because of her hesitation, one of the guards nearby answered for her "Sir. It is one of the maids. She has brought the ironed clothing you asked for..."

Salvatorio shouted "Come in."

Mariella entere the room and then the guard closed the door behind her. She was looking down with a bowed head.

She heard Salvatorio's voice. "Put the basket down and then you may leave."