Made of Steel

8. I do

Cassandra Reid

My friend drinks from her glass while she takes her time answering. I bet she's pondering her answer very well, deducing that there is a context behind it. Leah is very intuitive and at moments like these, I want to hate her for it.

"What do I think of contract marriages? Well, they are my favorite subgenres of novels", she answers bluntly, "but that is beside the point. Why the question? Did the Italian ask you to marry him?"

I am speechless and stiffer than a board in my place.

"Oh dear Lord!". Her scream is heard throughout the room. "Did he?

I nod slowly and then, she starts jumping around hysterically, drawing everyone's attention.

"If you don't calm down, I'll pretend I don't know you and leave", I warn.

"Okay, okay, I'll calm down", she lowers her voice a little, "but... Damn! Tell me everything."

"Not here". I glance at the curious eyes around us. Luckily, half of our colleagues have left the party to move it to another place or simply go back to their tasks.

"Well, we're leaving right now". Ignoring my protests, she drags me towards the exit.

I tell her the complete story with hair and signs once we arrive to our apartment and taking advantage of Romeo's absence.
I haven't signed yet, so I don't default if I tell someone. The great Adriano Di Lauro did not see coming that little detail.

"Am I crazy if I think about the proposal?", I ask in a whisper.

"Of course not, you just have to think this through, Cassie", she alludes. "Life is not like romance novels we like to read and you must be very clear about the agreement's conditions. If you accept, a weight will be lifted from your shoulders and your father won't be able to interfere in your life anymore."

"So you think?". I make a strange face when hesitating.

"We are talking about Adriano Di Lauro, the Man of Steel. Even your father has his own limits.

"I've only known these children for two days". I point to the names written on the paper, "but I'm not indifferent to them, although being their mother is already a big word."

"You won't find it hard to love them, Cassie", she snaps. "They are not the problem, but the father. This”, se points to a line highlighted in bold, “is the most important clause of all."

"Like him, you're taking a lot for granted, Leah", I snort, though not quite sure.

"I only foresee a possible future", she clarifies with a mocking expression. As if resisting Mr. Di Lauro was an impossible task. "Women fall at his feet, what makes you think that you won't too? And man has been clear, Cassandra. You can't fall in love with him."

I spend the rest of the weekend reading and reviewing each word. Doubts continue swarming in my head and making a decision is impossible for me.

I finish collecting my belongings and then hand over the key to my old locker at reception. I can't help but look around letting out small sighs.

This place has been my home for two years. The only one where I have felt safe and been able to be myself.

"Dr. Reid". A lady approaches me with a face I know perfectly well. "I don't know if you remember me, I'm Vivi, the housekeeper of Di Lauro family.

"Of course I remember you. Hi, Ella”. I walk over to the girl I haven't stopped thinking about for the past few days to leave a resounding kiss on her cheek. "How are you? Is there anything wrong? Is your brother okay?"

"Fede's tummy doesn't hurt anymore and he doesn't stop messing with my little bows."

"That's good to know". I smile observing her hairstyle that makes her look more adorable. Having short hair to her shoulders, her pigtails are short and very funny.

"I...", she hesitates with her arms hidden behind her back, "I wanted to talk to you. Vivi brought me, but don't tell my daddy."

"If you don't tell him, I won't either". I wink at her mischievously, like old friends who share confidences. "Do you want us to sit down?"

I see her look around her a little fearfully and then I remember the Italian's words.

'It only took a few seconds to win my children's trust.Something that no one has achieved outside of my family and the service of the house'

I pick her up in my arms and carry her to the residents's office. At this time everyone is on morning rounds.

“Stay outside, Vivi”, she orders in a voice so like her father's that it chills my skin. Apparently, imposing is a family trait.

The old lady simply nods and signals for me to call her if something unforeseen arises.

"I'm listening, bella ragazza*", I say once we've sat down on the big sofa.

"I... I want you to be my new mommy".

I must confess that daughter leaves me more disconcerted than her father. At this rate they will end up killing me.

" Ella..."

"You know? My mother died when I was born". My condition worsens with such a confession. "And since then, I take care of Fede and daddy, but other kids have moms and I want one too. I don't want any more babysitters who tease me and then freak out. My brother's friends say mean things to him. Fede gets angry, breaks things and cries secretly. Also, Papi can't read me stories every night because sometimes he works a lot and I see him so tired", she adds, dragging out the words.

It is for me inconceivable that a four-year-old girl speaks in such a way. Growing up without a mother is not the end of the world, but it does mark you and that is something a child cannot understand.

I feel something break inside me as a sudden urge to cry assaults me. My empathy for these children just grows more and more.

"Can you help me take care of them? I promise to be a good girl and I will no longer cry when another boy approaches me. I'll tell daddy to throw me another birthday party. You can also play with my little bows if you want."

How long does it take to love someone? Because I feel this girl has stolen my heart with her naivety and innocence in less than three days.

"Will you do it? Will you be my mommy?"

Ideas begin to clear and I am aware that I have made my decision. It scares me, it scares the hell out of me, but I know there's no turning back.

"Let's do something, bambina*", I sigh before squeezing her little hands and kissing them. "I'll talk with your daddy and I'll think about it. Now you're going back home with Vivi, okay?

"Okay". She jumps into my arms without warning. Her character is as fickle as hurricanes or tornadoes. "Thank you Cassie."

"No, thanks to you, sweetie". I return the gesture.

She leaves with the housekeeper, and it doesn't take long for me to find the phone number on first page of the contract.

"Dr. Reid", he answers on second tone. "Tell me, have you made a decision?"

"Yes". We stay silent for endless minutes until I let out a long snort. "I do, Mr. Di Lauro. I will marry you."

After all, my friend was not wrong when she stated that she would end up being the Italian's wife.

***

*bella ragazza: "beautiful girl" translated into the Italian language.

*bambina: "little" translated into the Italian language.