"Good evening," a short, curvy maid in a black gown and white apron greeted with a slight curtsey as I entered the main hall of Francesco's mansion. "I'm Alessandra, and I was assigned as Ms McMahon's personal maid. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier."
My brows rose as I looked at the grinning lady in front of me. She had a contagious smile which was good. With people like Vincenzo working in this mansion, I might need someone to defuse my annoyance. And Alessandra might be perfect for the job.
I returned the smile. "Nice to meet you, Alessandra. And no need to apologise, anyway; I was out all day."
"Should I prepare you a bath? It's already late. Maybe you'd want scented candles to help you sleep?" she mused, chewing on her bottom lips. "Oh! And I can get you some herbal tea, or matcha. Whichever one you'd like."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Tea would be perfect," I replied. "And as for the bath, I'd prefer to do it myself," I told her, walking towards the South corridor.
She followed me. "Certainly."
I glanced around, scanning the empty, quiet halls. "Is Francesco around?"
"He was here," Alessandra replied. "He came with Mr Pierro and they were here for about two hours. Then I was told he left. It seemed like it was something urgent. But if you call him, I'm sure he'll–"
"That's okay," I interrupted, stopping her quite adorable rambling. "I just wanted to knew if he's here."
I wasn't sure why I felt disappointed. We didn't share a room and the mansion was huge. I probably wouldn't even get a chance to see him if he was here...somewhere.
We walked to my room and Alessandra followed me inside. "For safety reasons," she explained. "I would be the only one allowed to enter your room...with your permission of course.
I nodded. That was good.
She glanced around the room. "I can bring you more pillows or duvet if you want," she offered, pointing at the four-poster bed.
"No need," I muttered, taking in the ridiculous amount of pillows and large, fluffy duvets.
"So, I guess I'll just get that herbal tea for you," she said, breathing out a little giggle. "Except there's anything you want me to do."
"No, thank you, Alessandra," I replied with a warm smile.
She bowed and giggled again. "Okey-dokey!" then she spun around and stooped at the door. "Okey-dokey is a fun way to say okay," she said.
I smiled. "I knew that, Alessandra."
She giggled again and shut the door.
Now alone with myself, I sighed deeply and walked to the bathroom. As I passed the full-length mirror, I noticed the splatters of paint on my face, hair and shirt.
Yup. This must have been the reason the bath was the first thing Alessandra suggested.
****
When I walked out of the shower, wrapped in towels, the herbal tea was waiting on the nightstand in a steaming china mug placed in a saucer. I took a gentle sip and relaxed gradually. It has been a long stressful day and the exhaustion was beginning to claw on me.
I wished I could just lie down in that huge comfy bed and close my eyes and drift off to Dreamland. But I still had work to do. I sat in the bed with my back against the headboard, then I scrolled through all the photographs I had taken of the works I had completed today in my studio, picking the best ones. I would post them on my Instagram and X and hoped someone would find them interesting.
Before my mom's coma, my painting used to be bright. And I sang funk. But now, I just sang melancholy like Dolly Parton and Billie Eilish. And my works became darker, sometimes depressing, and although I received a stream of likes and positive comments whenever I posted them on Instagram, I didn't think many people would want to have those glooming canvas hanging in the walls of their rooms. Yet I didn't lose hope. There was still a chance someone would want to have a dark, depressing painting at home...right?
"This is pathetic," I mumbled, scrolling through all the pictures I took and making them as unsellable. I should probably change the theme and start painting pictures of the night sky or something. But, for now, I had to work with what I had.
Two hours later, I finished posting pictures of my newest works. A few minutes passed and the likes and comments began to flow in. Usually it would have improved my mood, but not tonight. I needed money–my own money. I might be living in luxury now but I knew damn well I should not get too comfortable. This was only temporary. I would remain here until Francesco's thirtieth birthday, but then what? I had to be financially independent and ready for the moment Francesco Giacomo decided he no longer needed me as a wife.
I refreshed my profile page and saw the growing number of notifications. No direct messages though. I sighed through my nose, frowning. This wasn't a good sign. With my previous works, I would have had at least a few inquiries by now.
I stared blankly at my phone screen for a few more minutes before putting it away and placing my head in the pillow. I hoped and prayed silently that the new day would welcome me with some good news...
****
"Good morning," Alessandra's sweet voice roused me up to a bright morning. She entered carrying a tray with breakfast.
I rubbed my face with both hands, trying to wipe off the remains of sleep. "What time is it?" I rasped, sitting up in the bed.
"Breakfast time," Alessandra sang again and chuckled. "Eight thirty," she said, her voice turning serious. She turned to me as she dropped the tray and gasped. "I'm so sorry...if you want to sleep longer, I could always–"
"It's okay," I muttered sliding into the bathroom. "I've slept too long already anyways."
She laughed apologetically and knocked her head as if serving her punishment. "I should have asked yesterday. I'm so forgetful. Please forgive me. I keep forgetting such things."
"It's really fine," I said, splashing my face with warm water and quickly wiped myself with a towel.
"No, it isn't," Alessandra sighed. "I'm so inexperienced and I make such stupid mistakes." She lowered her head and let out a heavy sigh. "I don't even know why I was assigned here. The honour should have been reserved for someone far better than me."
I almost snorted and rolled my eyes at the word "honour", but I could understand why she was so nervous. I hurriedly brushed my teeth and washed my mouth. Then I stepped out and leaned one shoulder against the door frame. I scanned her trembling hands, the way she bit her lips, and her tense shoulders. She was not faking it. This was damn too honest to be an act. Perhaps this was just what I needed...
"Alessandra, relax," I spoke with a soothing, kind voice. "It was Vincenzo who assigned you to me, wasn't it?" When she nodded nervously, I breathed out a chuckle. "He did it on purpose, and perhaps in his twisted mind, he thought it would humiliate me."
Her lips quivered and her eyes widened like she was about to cry. Then her mouth opened, but before she could utter more apologies, I stopped her.
"Vincenzo's plans failed though," I said and stepped forward towards her, a wicked grin dancing on my lips. "Because I have a feeling we're about to become friends."
She sniffled and echoed, "Friends?"
"Yes," I nodded with a big smile and grabbed her hands in mine. "And I don't need someone perfect. I just need somebody I can talk with and trust."
She swallowed and gasped. "Mrs Giacomo, you mean it?"
"I do."
I released her hand and walked over to the small table, pouring myself a cup of coffee. "I'm aware that all the employees answer to the maggiordomo," I said, taking a sip from the cup and putting it down. "But Vincenzo and I are not particularly fond of each other, and I'd prefer my secrets to remain my own."
Her brows knitted. "I would never tell him your secrets," she promise with so much heartfelt honesty. "I will never tell him anything you don't want me to."
"Good answer," I smirked. "I bet Vincenzo already told you to keep an eye on me."
Her lips twisted in a wry smile. "Actually...he did," she admitted. "He told me to report everything you do...or don't do."
"And are you planning to do that?" I asked.
She shook her head. "You'll soon become Mrs Giacomo. I wouldn't dare."
I studied her. "I won't lie to you. I'm new here," I said. "I don't have all the authority yet and I know only little about the mafia world. But I do know that I need allies." I paused and my eyes locked on hers. "So, Alessandra, will you...be my ally?"
Her face instantly lit up and she nodded. "Yes, Mrs Giacomo. I'll help you in every way I can."
"Glad to hear it," I said and clasped my hands together.
"I can be your eyes and ears in this mansion," she offered with a wink.
"You can do that?" I inquired, unable to believe my luck that she was agreeing before I even asked.
She nodded, beaming with smiles. "Actually, most of the staff ignore me. It doesn't even look like I'm here," she shrugged and smirked. "They also assume that I don't know Italian since I was raised by my American mom, not my father. They often talk in my presence and I pretend I don't understand or don't listen."
I smacked her arm playfully. "You're a sneaky one, aren't you?"
She giggled. "I used to pretend out of boredom...but if this could help..."
I couldn't believe my luck. Vincenzo might have accidentally handed me the greatest weapon I could ask for in this mansion. A wicked grin spread across my face as I stepped towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Alessandra, from now on, I officially appoint you my spy."