Page 70 of Monster in Disguise

A soft giggle escapes my lips as I think about it. It hadn't disappointed in the slightest. Maybe there is hope for us after all, if we take things slow. My mind races with possibilities and hopes for the future as sleep slowly takes over me.

Sisi's eyeswiden in wonder as she gazes at her reflection in the mirror. She is wearing a deep blue gown that reaches her ankles,a stark contrast to her usual habit. I can't help but smile at her, knowing how uncomfortable she must feel in something so different from what she's used to.

"It looks amazing on you," I say with genuine admiration. "Definitely take it."

Sisi turns to me, a hint of uncertainty in her expression. "You think so?"

I nod eagerly. "Absolutely."

Claudia chimes in, mouth full of chocolate and eyes sparkling with excitement. "I agree, Aunt Sisi. You look like a princess!"

Sisi laughs and spins around, admiring herself from every angle. "I should get it in other colors too," she muses out loud.

"Good idea," I reply, already imagining how stunning she would look in various shades of the same dress.

We make our way to the check-out counter, our small group surrounded by discreet bodyguards. After paying for our purchases, we head to another store where we can buy some much-needed electronics for both girls. Marcello had given us free rein with our spending, and I am grateful for his generosity.

As we browse through laptops and phones, Claudia excitedly tells us about the ring she bought from a street stall earlier. She had been obsessed with it ever since. But that doesn't trump her love for chocolate—her newest addiction.

Though I'd like nothing more than to indulge her, we'll need to have a conversation about enjoying everything in moderation.

After finishing our shopping, we head back home with our bags filled with new clothes and gadgets. The girls chat away happily while I try my best to hide my nerves. I hadn't seen Marcello since morning, and we haven't had a chance to discuss what happened between us last night.

As much as I try to distract myself with this shopping trip, my mind keeps wandering back to our conversation, and I can't help but feel a tinge of nervousness. What if he regrets whathappened? I push the thought away, not wanting to imagine how that conversation would go.

Once back home, the girls are giddy about their new purchases and they gather to play on the computers. Venezia seems reluctant to join them at first, and I think she feels like an outsider, considering that Claudia and Sisi grew up together.

I gently nudge her, trying to encourage her to join in on the fun as well. She gives me a hesitant smile, her eyes full of longing as she watches Sisi and Claudia.

"I don't know..." She shrugs, but I can see the inner turmoil playing across her features.

"Go ahead. You're family too," I urge her, knowing how much it means to be included in this tight-knit group.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally gives in and joins the festivities.

As I turn to go back inside, Amelia stops me in my tracks.

"Signora Catalina, Signor Marcello wants to see you in his study." My heart skips a beat and I hold my breath.

"Did he say why?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

"No, he did not."

Taking a deep breath, I decide it's best to face whatever confrontation awaits me now rather than let my mind run wild with imagined scenarios later.

With determined steps, I make my way to Marcello's study.

He is sitting behind his desk, engrossed in a document with a pair of glasses perched on his nose. Startled by my entrance, he quickly removes them and folds them neatly on the table.

"Catalina. I didn't expect you so soon," he says, motioning towards the seat across from him. With a heavy heart, I take a seat and prepare myself for whatever is about to come next.

As soon as I sit down, I feel the words bubbling up inside of me, desperate to be released. "I'm sorry," I say quickly. "I shouldn't have..."

"What are you talking about?" He frowns, leaning forward with a look of confusion on his face.

"Last night, I shouldn't have..." I trail off, my heart racing as I wait for his response.

He tilts his head to the side, studying me as if I'm speaking a foreign language. "Catalina, what happened last night?" he asks again, genuine concern now evident in his voice.

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