CHAPTER 20

“Whoa…” Amusement dances in Marcello’s eyes while scanning his niece from head to toe. Mariella’s just wearing a simple knee-length peachy dress, bought by her mother a month before her death. “You look stunning tonight.”

“Uh… Thanks.” It feels like she was complimented by Marcella because for the record, Marcello looks like a boy version of her mother.

“Let’s go?”

Mariella nods and follows her uncle to the back gate where his car is parked.

“Hope you like what I’ve chosen for you. Not good at picking perfect restos.” He laughs at his own thoughts. “Just doing this for the sake of your mother’s wish, ugh… didn’t know it’s her last though.” Marcello gives Mariella a quick glance before turning his sight on the road. She’s not talking and just looking somewhere, nowhere but she’s listening.

“Wishing her to be here.” She whispers but enough for Marcello to hear her.

“Not good at comforting but… yah know, at least… she’s still in your heart, right? Don’t miss her too much, kid. It will