Chapter 171: Pale
Tiffany’s Pov
The journey felt like a thousand years and when I got off the jet, I was happy and glad. I was immediately captivated by the beauty of the sky and the environs. The city exuded a sense of grandeur and history that was truly awe-inspiring. We were parked at the jet port and I took time to look around while the men bring out the loads.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the magnificent architecture that surrounded me. From where I stood, I could see the all known Colosseum, standing tall and proud, a testament to the power and glory of the Roman Empire. Its weathered stone walls told stories of epic battles that once took place within its confines.
I was sure the Pantheon was not far, with its impressive dome and intricate detailing, that would leave me breathless. I couldn’t help but imagine the great minds that had walked through its doors and the prayers that had been whispered within its walls.
Thinking about the Vatican City was a world of its own, a spiritual haven nestled within Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica stood as a symbol of faith and devotion, its towering dome reaching towards the heavens. Rome is heaven, its like the best place ever I’ve seen. “I want to see the magnificent Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, I just can’t help but feel a sense of reverence wash over me. THIS IS ROME!” I laughed out facing the men beside me.
“Ma’am, there’s a whole lot you haven’t seen. I was born here and I know some of the best places ever, I could take you when you’re free.” One of the men I was talking to told me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
“No problem, hit me when you want us to go.” I was so mesmerized by what I’d see. Rome was a place of virtue, but it wasn’t just the famous landmarks that made Rome beautiful; it was also the little details that added to its charm. The cobblestone streets and roads, lined with quaint cafes and gelato shops that will leave you wanting and invite you to take leisurely strolls and indulge in the flavors of Italy. The vibrant colors of the buildings painted a picturesque backdrop against the clear blue sky. The aroma of freshly baked pizza and pasta filled the air, tempting my taste buds at every turn. This was food, not the damned food I lived on for days.
As I continued to express my excitement about being in Rome, I totally ignored Luciano’s presence, I went as far as blocking his face out of my mind, I intentionally did that because I wasn’t interested in chit chatting with him. I followed the men when they were done.
We made our way to the car, and as I turned to get in, I was taken aback by the sight of father, I haven’t seen him anywhere close before. I was supposed to run to him for a long embrace but the thoughts that came to my mind was my pregnancy. How would father react? Would he be supportive? These questions filled me with a sense of unease, and I found myself frozen in place.
He then called me over, his voice filled with a mix of relief and fear. “Oh, my child.” He embraced me tightly, as if afraid to let me go. He whispered in my ear, his words barely audible to anyone else. “I was scared to death that I’d lose you,” he said softly. His vulnerability touched me deeply.
“Your ma must not know of this,” he said and continued, “it’s our little secret.”
At that I smiled and hugged him closer. I looked up and saw Luciano staring at us, our eyes locked before I forced myself to look away. I entered the car and he was next to me in no time. “I’d sit with father.” I announced getting out to go to father. I was glad he didn’t pull me back.
“No, dear, it’s dangerous to sit here, go sit with your brother.”
“Allow me sit with you.” I said, looking at him with a cute puppy eyes until he agreed. The drive home was smooth and when we got home, I saw mother who had a smile on her face. I couldn’t help but notice she didn’t look as healthy as I had expected.
Concerned, I asked, “what’s up with you? You look pale.”
“Ah, it’s dysentery and diarrhea due to food poisoning from the bad food, I’ve been battling with it for a while, but I’ll be fine.”
Although, as she said that, I found it hard to believe that the renowned culinary destination of Italy could have such issues with food safety, I agreed with her mother’s explanation nevertheless then told her I’d go to my room.
As I walked around, I felt like I was watched, there was the unsettling presence of armed men in the vicinity. The sight of individuals carrying guns made it feel like a war zone, and there seemed to be various security measures in place. This raised questions in my mind about whether mother was aware about father’s involvement as a Mafia lord. She wouldn’t know, I was sure.
I was in my room in no time, feeling a mix of emotions, I needed a break from the thoughts swirling in my mind. I told Luciano I didn’t want to be part of his life, if that was even true to me. I felt like I made the wrong decision. This was all because of the the kidnap, the whole trauma made it hard for me to reason.
With an unclear head, I decided to venture outside my room, hoping to clear my head and maybe come across Luciano along the way and talk to him. I’ve ignored him enough. As I walked down the hallways, the sound of hushed voices caught my attention. Curiosity piqued, I followed the sound until I spotted two men engaged in conversation.
Then, they mentioned his name, they mentioned Massimo’s name and how he was scared to see the boss. I just stood, the whole trauma coming back to me.