Alessia's POV
There was a big mess in the kitchen. I observed that there wasn't much staff downstairs today.
I cleaned the kitchen of all the flour before going to the living room and picking up every little string piece on the floor and carpet.
I swept some, but I had to clean the carpet by hand. I could have used a vacuum, but it's late at night and I don't want to wake them awake.
As I was trying to retrieve this tiny thread beneath the couch, I heard footsteps and realized it was Bella.
She cradled Zuzu with one hand and massaged her eye.
Probably the cutest thing I've ever seen.
A warm smile came across my face. "What's wrong, Bella?" I toss the thread into the garbage and approach her, kneeling in front of her.
"I want water," she mumbled sleepily. "Water in the middle of the night isn't good for you dear, but don't worry, tomorrow I'll make sure you have water at least an hour before bed," I replied lifting her up. She nodded.
I went to the kitchen, opened the fridge, took the jug out, and poured it into a little teacup.
She needs to obtain a toddler bottle or something.
I held it to her but noticed she was fast asleep, so I smiled at her quiet snoring.
Enzo's Point of View
I was exhausted, as usual. I know I'm very sleep-deprived, but what can I do?
I usually dominate the world. I can't relax until everything is completed and finalized.
I stepped out of my Porsche and handed the key to the butler.
I had dismissed the majority of the workers so Ms Marino could feel free, and I also wanted to see if she could manage the property on her own.
I approached the door, and the guards opened it, all of them keeping their heads low and bowing as I passed.
I was on my phone viewing a message when I heard, "I want water" That sounded familiar.
I looked up and saw Bella in her pajamas, clutching a cat plushie that I had never seen before.
Ms Marino grinned and knelt before her.
"Water in the middle of the night isn't good for you dear, but don't worry tomorrow I'll make sure you have water at least an hour before bed," she added as she picked her up.
I just stood there, not knowing what to say; most nannies would simply give them what they wanted and call it a day.
But she does put restrictions.
Bella, according to the maids, has a habit of asking for water in the middle of the night, so this was nothing new.
She poured her a drink without realizing I was present or that Bella was already sleeping.
When she discovered Bella was sleeping, I anticipated her to become annoyed or furious and rouse her up to drink water, but she didn't.
She grinned and looked up, astonished to see me, before checking her watch.
"Eleven already," she replied in a quiet voice.
My phone rang just then, and I answered it as I walked towards the outside porch.
"Andrew," I said, as I heard papers shifting. "Uh...hey bro," Andrew said.
"Did you find who intersected the product shipment?" I asked, getting right to the subject.
"Well, yeah...kinda," he said, picking up the phone from what I believed was his desk.
"What do you mean 'kinda'?" I questioned. "It could be your father," he moaned.
I clenched my jaw.
Will that man ever leave me alone?
"Why?" I queried. "As before, he does not agree with you becoming King and taking his place," he said.
"Merda," I screamed. "If he did this, he will undoubtedly do something else." (Translation: "Shit")
"Yeah, that's guaranteed," he said. "So find some guys involved and you'll know what to do," I instructed.
"Sure thing, Capo," he said. (Translated: Boss).
I hung up and clutched the phone in my fingers. I turned around to find Ms Marino dusting the table.
With her customary grin. I'm not sure why or how, but all the tension I felt vanished in an instant...as if hatred had never been.
I came back in, "I thought you'd be gone by now," I remarked, staring at her dusty hands.
"Uh...yes, me too. But look where I am," she replied, placing something in the kitchen cabinet.
"Where are they?" I inquired, "Sleeping," she said, wiping her hands.
"How?" I said, lifting my brow. I knew that putting any of them to sleep was something none of the nannies could accomplish.
She stated "magic" cynically.
"Really?" I asked, fatigued, and all I needed was an answer.
"Mr. Rossi, they're kids; all they need is someone to say 'Go to bed' with authority, and they'll do it," she added, as if it were first-grade literacy.
"Like employees?" I questioned, perplexed; I was lousy at the 'father' position.
"No. Not like workers. She emphasized the words 'love' and 'expression'.
"Great, the two things I am worst at," I murmured.
"You'll get better," she encouraged, wiping her hands with a paper towel.
"So what did you think of them?" I inquired, "Well, it's a lot easier than you made it seem yesterday. You made it seem like I was going to take care of three wildebeests. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
I shake my head. "Anyway, I am leaving," she said, taking her luggage.
"Ms Marino, there's a driver I made sure would bring you and take you back, and he's outside," I added before she reached the door.
She smiled and replied, "Thanks, and by the way, the 'Miss Marino' thing is really weird, reminds me of my mom, call me Alessia," before tapping the button to unlock the door.
"Good night, Mr Rossi," she whispered gently as the door closed.
What has just happened? Why am I feeling so alone now?
I shrugged it off; I'd been dealing with it my entire life.
I headed upstairs to my office.
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I despise the days when sleep refuses to perform its job.
I generally work until sleep kicks in, but it's already 1:30 a.m.
I despised my life in general, but too many people relied on me for me to even consider quitting.
Nothing except my tasks keeps me afloat.
