Page 124 of Monster in Disguise

"The best." Leaning in for a kiss, we are interrupted by a knock at the door.

Damn!

"Come in," Lina calls out, pulling away from me and composing herself.

Claudia peeks her head through the door, interrupting our intimate moment.

"Why aren't you with Sisi?" Lina asks with a slight frown as Claudia steps inside the room.

Claudia rocks back and forth on her heels, wearing a sheepish expression.

"Aunt Sisi has a visitor."

"A visitor?" I repeat, surprised by this news.

"Yes. Her friend Rafaelo. She told me to go to my room, but I'm so bored," Claudia shrugs nonchalantly, looking like a spitting image of Catalina.

"Did you know about the visit?" I ask Lina, but she shakes her head.

I get up, intent on seeing what this is all about, but Lina stops me.

"Let's give them some time. I'm sure nothing untoward will happen. Besides, the staff is downstairs."

"But..." I trail off as she bats her eyelashes at me, making me lose myself in her gorgeous eyes.

She's not playing fair.

"I'll just inform Amelia to monitor them," I relent a little.

"Will you play with us, Marcello?" Claudia comes by her mother's side, picking up the piece Lina had been working on. I sneak a glance at Lina, and she gives me a small nod.

"I guess I am."

"Cool." Claudia's beaming smile swallows me whole, and I return the gesture.

I find that I've smiled these past few months more than I've ever done in my entire life.

And there's only one reason for it. Well, now two.

Catalina

Watching Marcello's interactions with Claudia warms my heart. He's so gentle and patient with her, his eyes bright and attentive as she chatters away.

As I watch them, I feel a fluttering in my chest that I can't ignore. It's a warm, comforting sensation that spreads through me, and suddenly everything becomes clear.

I am deeply and completely in love with Marcello Lastra. This overwhelming feeling is unfamiliar yet strangely comforting, like a puzzle piece that finally fits into place in my heart.

Deep down, I think I always knew it would come to this. From the very first moment I saw him, there was something about him that drew me in. It wasn't just his striking looks—although they certainly didn't hurt—but it was something deeper. A tingling sensation in my chest that hinted at a connection between us.

At the time, I had dismissed it as mere physical attraction. After all, he was undeniably eye candy. But now I realize it was more than that. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a sense of trust that I rarely felt towards anyone after the incident.

Perhaps it was the hint of sadness in his eyes or the way he looked at me with such wonder and disbelief, as if he couldn't believe someone like me existed. Or maybe it was the fact that he showed me kindness when no one else did.

With him, I feel cherished—truly seen and appreciated for who I am. And for once, I allow myself to bask in this feeling without any doubt or hesitation.

I observe as his eyes crinkle around the corners, filled with amusement and adoration as Claudia meticulously describes her vision for the perfect princess dress. In that moment, I can feel my heart opening up to him completely. Knowing that he will treat my daughter with the same kindness and love he shows me only solidifies my feelings for him.

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I watch them interact. It is a gentle reminder that this man before me, whom I have fallen deeply in love with, would also make an amazing father figure for Claudia.

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