My eyes stung.
The next second, I carelessly slammed the car door shut. The noise made all three of them turn to look at me at once.
The moment Enrico saw me, his expression changed. He strode over quickly and grabbed my wrist, his tone frantic. "What are you doing here?"
I gently pulled my hand free and plastered on a flawless smile of confusion. My gaze swept over Luisa and Cinzia standing beside her. I asked with feigned curiosity, "You left and didn't come back for so long. I had nothing to do at home, so I thought I'd come see what was keeping you."
Luisa started to speak, but Enrico cut her off, "Luisa's been helping out at the orphanage, looking after the kids. This is Cinzia. She's been living at the orphanage. I know you've always loved children, so I thought we could adopt her. She could keep you company."
He reached up and ruffled my hair as he spoke. The tenderness in his eyes looked genuine, but my heart felt nothing but cold.
I looked at Cinzia and gently reached out to take her small hand.
The child immediately shrank back into Luisa's arms and timidly called out, "Mamma."
Luisa quickly smoothed things over, her face full of innocent concern. "She's young and shy around strangers. I've been taking care of her for a while now, so she's closer to me. That's why she calls me 'Mamma'.
"I think it'll be hard for her to adjust to a new environment all at once. Since I know her temperament, I can help take care of her and ease her into life at your home. Once she's warmed up to you both, I'll gradually step back."
Nearby, a few orphanage staff members huddled together and whispered, "That's the woman Don Salvatore treasures most? But the one he registered with is clearly Luisa."
"Right? He comes here every day to see Luisa and the kid. That woman's probably been kept in the dark this whole time."
"Luisa's already had his child, and this woman doesn't even have legal status. Now, she's adopting someone else's kid. What's the point?"
I pretended not to hear them. "I do love children, but I'm afraid I won't be able to take good care of her. I don't want her to suffer because of me."
Enrico reached over and took my hand. "What's there to be afraid of? I'm here, and Luisa will help. The child won't suffer."
Luisa chimed in from the side, her face full of sincerity, "Isabella, don't worry. I'm just lending a hand. Once she's settled in, I won't intrude anymore. After all, it's your home. I'm just here to help."
Her words sounded so gracious.
I sneered inwardly but still put on the appearance of being convinced. I nodded. "Alright then. Since you've already arranged everything, we'll take Cinzia home. I'll just have to trouble you to keep looking after her."
Luisa immediately waved her hand, smiling politely. "It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to help."
Enrico's mood visibly improved once the matter was settled. He exchanged a few words with the orphanage staff about follow-up procedures, reminded Luisa to take good care of Cinzia until the paperwork was finalized, then helped me into the car.
On the drive back, his phone buzzed nonstop. I did not need to guess who it was.
He kept his head down, typing away rapidly. He did not spare me a single glance the entire time.
The few times he did look up to speak to me, it was only about arranging things for Cinzia or discussing how Luisa would help with her care.
I leaned against the car window and stared at the scenery flying past outside. I did not say a word the entire way.
I pretended I knew nothing. I pretended I was still fooled by his tenderness. But his indifference and lies had already carved wound after wound into my heart.
The car pulled into the estate. I pushed the door open first and headed straight into the house. I locked the bedroom door behind me.
Leaning against the cold door, I could no longer hold up the smile on my face.
I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed the number I had not dared call in five years. "Papa, I'm tired. I want to go home."
An urgent voice came through the line. "Did Enrico do something to you?"
Hearing Papa's familiar voice, I could not stop the tears from falling. "Papa, I was wrong."
There was no scolding on the other end, only heartache and concern. "Did someone hurt my precious daughter? Don't be afraid. I'll send someone to bring you home right now."
"Okay..."
