Making a decision

Chapter 3:

Lisa's POV

I wondered what it could be. Maria mentioned something about hiring and then firing nurses. I hope they know I'm not qualified to be a nurse. I'm so lost in my thoughts that I've forgotten everything around me.

As I stepped into the hospital's main entrance, I realized how lost I was in my thoughts.

I looked at my watch and discovered there was still time for me to visit Lilani.

A nurse greets me, “Buongiorno, Signorina.” I nod, wave, and go to my sister.

I entered the room and felt happy at the sight in front of me.

I walked closer to Lilani, said, “I'm so glad you're awake,” and kissed her on the head.

A faint smile appeared on Lilani's lips.

She hugged me and replied, “There was a doctor here with me. He said they needed to heal my brain, but I told him I didn't want to be here. I want to be with you. “

“I know, Lily; I also want you to be with me, but first, we have to get you better so that you don't get headaches anymore,” I said.

“Promise me that as soon as I'm stronger, I can leave with you,” Lilani asked me.

“I promise, as soon as you are better, you can come home with me; I will buy you a big ice cream. How does that sound?”

Lilani pretended to think for a while, then smiled. “Yippee, I will do everything the doctor orders me to do, but I want a pink ice cream with lots and lots of sprinkles,” Lilani said.

“So let's get you healthy again. I miss your chatter and bossiness."

I sat on the chair and told Lilani about meeting two sweet older people.

“When I leave the ward, I will contact Grandpa to let him know.”

I noticed Lilani closing her eyes. She must be in a lot of pain. Just then, a nurse enters the room and gives Lilani an injection that helps her fall asleep.

I stand up, kiss my sister on the head, and then leave the hospital.

Masons POV

“Where is that grandson of mine?” My wife asked as soon as we entered his home.

“In his office, Mrs. Mancini.” The old housekeeper replied.

Maria takes my hand and drags me with her to Alessandro.

“Who dares?” I heard his voice but stopped when he heard, “Don't give me that tone, young man,” Maria said to him in a stern voice.

“I came here to talk to you. No scratch that makes you do what I'm about to say.”

Alessandro nods his head, and his bodyguard, Antonio, leaves.

“What can I do for your grandma?” Afraid, he asks her Oh boy, I would be frightened as well.

“I'm here to tell you, you are getting married,” Maria said, shocking both my grandson and me.

“Grandma, I told you I'm not getting married. All women are gold diggers,” Alessandro told Maria with an irritated voice.

“I don't care what you think now; shut up and listen to me!” She continued.

“I have met a young girl whose little sister is in trouble. I will help them in exchange for you two getting married,” Maria said, surprising me each day.

I didn't see this one coming.

“Why can't we just help them without marriage?” Alessandro asked Maria.

“I would also love to know that,” I thought.

“Because that way we can protect you from, as you call them, gold diggers. We will draw up a contract stating that after two years you can divorce.”

Alessandro puts his head in his hand, and after a while, he says “What does she look like?”

“She's small, at least 5.6 if I can guess, slim with brown long hair, curly and almost a dark chocolate color, and she's got emerald green eyes.” Maria described the young lady closing her eyes as if she were recalling her image.

“I admit she doesn't sound bad, but how can I marry someone I have never met before?” Alessandro asked.

“Easy, come with us later, and we will discuss everything with Lisa.” Maria said with a grin.

“Fine, let me know what time, and I will be there to meet this wonderful woman you want me to marry.” Alessandro finally agreed.

“Good boy, I know I made the right decision. You know you can never say no to your old Nonna.” Maria laughs.

“See you later, Nonna.” Alessandro dismissed us.

“Let's go to Leonardo and tell him to get a contract ready for us.” Maria said once we were out of the office.

“You are one sly woman; do you realize that?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Someone must start to interfere with that stubborn grandchild of ours. Otherwise, I will never live to see him married.”

We walked over to Leonardo, and Maria started discussing the contract.

“Don't worry, Nonna, I will be finished by lunchtime,” Leonardo told her.

“Grazie figliolo.” With that, Maria stands up and leaves.

After lunch, Maria calls Alessandro. “Tell Piero to get the car ready,” I asked Antonio.

Lisa's POV

I was getting ready to visit my sister when there was a knock on the door. I open the door and am surprised to see the Mancinis here.

Mason greeted me first. “Hello, my dear. We came to discuss something with you.” I noticed a gorgeous man standing next to Maria and realized it must be the grandson.

“Welcome; please come inside.” I invited them.

I stare at the handsome guy in front of me. He is the most attractive man I have ever seen—tall, tanned, and with black hair. I can't see the color of his eyes because of the dark glasses he's wearing.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” I offered.

“O, that's alright, my dear. We showed up to introduce you to our grandson.” Maria said, deciding on the offer.

“Alessandro, this young lady here is Lisa Saunders, and Lisa, this is my grandson, Alessandro Mancini.” Mason introduced us.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Mancini.” I acknowledge the introduction. He just nodded.

Rude man! I thought.

I looked at Maria and said, “We are here to discuss the proposal with you.” I frowned, then asked, “Well, please tell me what this proposition of yours is.”

“Dear, after we talked in the park this morning, I thought about your problem and came up with a solution that would benefit you and my grandson. I'm willing to pay the costs of your sister's surgery and take care of her for the rest of her life if you marry Alessandro and stand by him. “

I stared at the older woman in shock. I couldn't believe what I was hearing; then I heard, “I get that there is no love between the two of you and that you do not know each other. It won't matter because you will have plenty of time to do that. Think about this; then I will send Antonio tonight to pick you up at the hospital after visiting hours so that you can come and see me. I hope you realize your sister's life depends on this operation.” Maria continued.

I must be pale by now. I can only look at the people in front of me.

“Don't tell me your decision now; please consider,” Maria said after a while.

I nodded, then stood up with them. “I wish I would meet you tonight, my dear,” Maria adds as she hugs me.

I lost my voice. “I will.” That was all I could say.

The Mancini's left and left me alone in my hotel room. “Are they crazy? Do they assume I'm out of my fucking mind?” I screamed, upset.

But no one can hear me. I needed to consider this offer. Lilani's life depends on my decision. I don't see myself marrying someone just for money.

Yes, he's fucking hot, but he seemed far too rude for my liking. I always hoped to marry a man who loved me and treated me with respect, like my parents did for twenty-seven years. Dammit! I may ask Lilani how she will feel about living here.

I got ready to visit Lilani. I chose skinny denim, a black off-the-shoulder blouse, and Adidas sneakers. I let my hair fall so that it rolled off my shoulders and decided to put on mascara and lip gloss. After this, I glance at myself in the mirror and leave.

Lilani was lying with her eyes closed, and I noticed her pain again when I appeared in the room. It breaks my heart to see Lilani suffer like this.

I don't care if I give my happiness or freedom up, but I'm doing this for her. I kissed Lilani's head, and she opened her eyes. “I can see you're in pain."

“Don't worry, one of these days you will be alright. I found someone willing to help you.” Lilani looked at me, confused.

“How would you like to settle here in this beautiful country forever, Lilani?” I asked carefully.

“As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we live, Lisa,” comes Lilani's reply.

“There's one more thing I must marry to save you.”

“Does that mean they will take you away from me, Lisa?” She asked in a shaky voice.

“Oh, no, Lily, you will stay with him and me, and you get to go to school here,” I reassured her.

“Alright,” Lilani said with a small smile.

She begged me to tell her more about the friendly people and what I have been up to when I can't be with her. I informed her about everything I had done in Rome with Alessandro and his grandparents.

I looked at her and noticed that she was sleeping. I kiss her on the head and then leave the room. When I walked out, Dr. Rossi appeared in the doorway.

He greeted me and said, “Do you have a minute, Signorina? I want to discuss your sister's condition with you.” I nodded and told him to continue.

“Have you already decided when the operation can be performed, Signorina Saunders?” Dr. Rossi asked me. “We can no longer keep her alive without it.”

“I hope I will be able to give you a final answer tonight, Doctor,” I promise.

“I will see you tonight, then.” The doctor said and left.

I chose to walk to the hotel to clear my head. Once I reached the hotel, I decided to go to my room and get some information about Mancini.

Opening the browser, I search for Mancini, and soon there are pictures of them.

“Alessandro Mason Mancini, Italy's most handsome bachelor. It's claimed that the heartbreaker left a few days before he was about to get married to the famous Bianca Lombardi. Mancini was in an accident that left him blind, and Bianca couldn't deal with the news and broke the engagement. How and where the accident happened, we don't know. Rumors have it that Mancini is associated with the mafia. After his fiancé left him, he became even more ruthless and arrogant. A source close to the family says he doesn't allow anyone to visit him.”

I read further and discovered he has a younger brother who's married to Sophia, as well as his grandparents.

His parents died in a plane crash when he was in his last year of college. I decided to lie down for a bit before I had to go to Mancini's.

There's a knock on the door, and I quickly get up. I opened the door and saw Mr. Mancini's bodyguard standing before it.

“I'm not ready yet. What should I wear?” I asked.

“The Mancini's are very focused on etiquette, Signorina; I would advise you to dress formally in the evening. I will wait for you at the entrance.”

“I will get dressed as soon as possible, Mr.” I glance at the middle-aged man.

“Bianchi!” I smiled. “Mr. Bianchi,” I told him.

I chose a simple black evening gown, gold-colored high-heel sandals, and earrings to go with it. I take my perfume and put some on, then do light makeup. I pick up a scarf and set it around my shoulders, looking at myself in the mirror.

I locked the door and went to a waiting Antonio.

“I'm nervous as hell. Dammit, do I look alright?” Just as I was about to answer myself, Mr. Bianchi noticed me immediately when I stepped towards him. He walked towards me, made an elegant bow, and accompanied me to the black Mercedes-Benz EQ in front of the hotel.

Mr. Mancini's chauffeur waits in the car and opens my door. Mr. Bianchi climbs next to the driver; then, we drive towards Mancini's residence on Via Appia Antica.

I felt nervous for the first time since I thought about Maria's proposal. Will I fit in with them? I'm just an ordinary girl. What if I embarrass them? I was still wondering about this when we turned into a large gate with a long driveway and stopped in front of a three-story mansion.

Mr. Bianchi gets out of the car and opens the door for me. After this, he accompanies me to a private lounge where only special guests are allowed, and the Mancini's are already waiting for my arrival.

I'm so tense that I don't even notice the beautiful furniture and interior. I was just about to request that Mr. Bianchi take me back to the hotel when he paused in front of a closed door and knocked.

At Mr. Mancini's invitation, Mr. Bianchi pushed it open and led me inside. I enter, then inhale and stop.

This morning, it occurred to me that Alessandro is a very handsome man, but he stood in front of the small dining table, dressed in a dark suit. He looked attractive.

Alessandro says something in Italian to Mr. Bianchi and then leaves the room. “Good evening, my dear. Please come and stand here with us.” Mrs. Mancini invites me.

I walked over to the old lady and greeted her warmly. “Can I get you some wine?” Mr. Mancini asks me

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled at him.

“Sit down; dinner will be served any minute now.”

I take a seat opposite Alessandro and become nervous. After some time, servants arrived with supper.

“How rich are these people?” I thought about it after the helpers gave us our meal.

Dinner went by when I heard Mrs. Mancini say, “Maria, the food was delicious. Will you please take the dishes, then let us be?” She asked one of the servants.

“Well, Miss Saunders. I hope you came with good news.” Mrs. Mancini asked after everyone else disappeared.

“I decided yes. I need to give the doctors an answer tonight.” I respond.

I noticed Alessandro tensing up after those words escaped my mouth.

“I... I... Yes, I accept your proposal.” I finally said

“Wonderful; I will make the arrangements for the wedding.” Mrs. Mancini said with a smile.

“I'll have Professor Dorigo picked up by plane in the morning.” Mr. Mancini tells me

“Alessandro, you will be married after tomorrow, my dear child.” Mrs. Mancini says this to Alessandro, holding his hand.

“Lisa, dear, you will serve as his eyes and his protector. You don't have to worry about caring for him with a shower or dressing. He only has one man he trusts in that department, and that's his trusted bodyguard, Antonio.” Mrs. Mancini assured me

“Alessandro will see that Lisa and her sister are well cared for.” She continued talking.

“Piero, my driver, will take you to a famous fashion house tomorrow morning where you can go buy your wedding gown. I will inform the fashion company because your wedding dress should be the best. You must also give me the size of your finger. I must make sure that the family ring fits you“. I heard Alessandro talk for the first time.

I get my promise ring off my finger and say, “I hope you don't have a big wedding in mind because I cannot speak a word of Italian, and I feel that such a thing would be inappropriate while my sister is in this condition. I'm not certain, so just have my promise ring.” I informed him.

Alessandro held his hand out to me, and I placed the ring on it. He feels it between his fingers and tries to stick it to his finger, but it does not even go as far as the first lit.

“You have thin fingers, Lisa,” I heard him say in surprise.

“Grandpa said. Your head reaches my shoulders. Anyway, don't worry about the marriage. We are getting married here in the garden of my mansion, and the only guests will be members of my family who live close enough to be on time for the wedding. After our marriage, I will arrange for someone to give you private lessons in Italian.” Alessandro said.

I felt relieved. I thought there was going to be a big wedding. I looked over at Maria and saw her smiling at me and Alessandro's interaction.

“Lisa, dear, I forgot to give the contract to you,” Maria said, passing me the contract.

I take the contract and glance through it before asking, “Will the wedding be in the morning or the afternoon?” I asked as I glanced at Alessandro curiously. His kindness doesn't go unnoticed, but he doesn't fool me.

That hard line around his mouth shows that he is the kind of man who will keep his wife under his thumb, lay down the laws, and talk only once. Fortunately, their marriage will only be in the name until he decides otherwise—a divorce.

“The wedding will take place tomorrow evening, and Piero will get you to the fashion house in the morning,” Maria said.

After signing and handing over the contract to Maria, I nodded and asked for a pen. In response, she proposed that we celebrate the "partnership" with a glass of champagne.

After the second one, I announced it was time to leave if I wanted to visit my sister.

“Alright, dear. I will see you tomorrow. I'm coming with you to pick a gown.” Maria happily announced to me.

“Antonio, ask Piero to take Miss Saunders to the hospital.”

I hear Alessandro say:

“Thank you, Mr. Mancini, but I can hail a taxi.” I declined politely.

“Please call me Alessandro; after all, we will be husband and wife tomorrow night. And as for the taxi, Piero can drop you off at the hospital.” Alessandro explained.

“Alright then, thank you.” I smiled and turned to follow Antonio after greeting the two older people.

I walk into Lilani's room, only to find her sleeping.

“Hey, Lily. I'm sorry I wasn't here early. I have some news to tell you, but I will do that when I visit you tomorrow. Love you.” I said it sadly, then kissed her and headed back to the hotel.

Piero and Maria stopped in front of the hotel just after breakfast.

“Lisa, my dear, you look gorgeous.” Maria greeted me.

I glanced down at my simple trouser suit and gold-colored sandals. “Thank you, Mrs. Mancini.” I smiled.

“Nonsense, call me grandma, please.” She smiles at me warmly.

I was absolutely amazed when I found out that they were not only providing me with a wedding dress but also summer attire. Moreover, all of these items need to be delivered to Alessandro's house later this afternoon. I have never in my life owned so many expensive dresses for one season. Three hours later, and we are done.

I asked Grandma if Piero could drop me off at the hospital.

“I will be ready by saying one, then Piero can pick me up by the hotel.” I asked Grandma.

“Of course, dear. I will wait for you.” Grandma replied.

Fortunately, Lilani was still awake when I appeared, and she was happy to see me.

“I was wondering if you forgot about me,” she greeted me.

I kissed her on the head and apologized. “I'm sorry I'm late. I went to look at a wedding gown.”

“Are you going to marry my prince now, Lisa?”

I smile at my sister. “Yes, I accepted the proposal, Lilani; he's getting another doctor to help with your surgery. We are getting married this evening at his mansion in the garden. He sent his driver to take me to the fashion house to look at my wedding dress and clothes for the rest of the summer. I think the bill is going to cost Alessandro a fortune.”

I told her about everything that happened in the morning.

”So that must be the strange uncle who was here this morning, “Lilani tells me.

”He said he wants me to take some tests tomorrow. I don't know what test to do because I can't read Lisa”. Lilani said, confused.

I laughed at her and then explained what the doctor meant. And I will be happy once the surgery is behind us and you are healthy again,” I said, smiling.

”Neither can I; then I can go to school again and play with friends outside. Lisa, will Uncle Ali also allow me to stay with him?” Lilani asked sleepily.

“Of course, Lil, you're going to live with Alessandro and me,” I reassured her.

Lilani closes her eyes, and after a while, she sleeps. I kissed her and went back to the hotel to pack.