Page 72 of Monster in Disguise

"Yes."

We spend some time sketching out the details, and Sarah, the governess, would get her own teaching room on the third floor, and free rein to use any resources she may need.

After she leaves, I sigh in relief.

"I'm so glad we found someone," I say out loud, to no one in particular.

I turn my head and catch Marcello's intense gaze fixed upon me. His lips are curved into a slight smile, revealing a hint of his dimples. My heart flutters as our eyes meet, but then he suddenly averts his gaze, causing a rush of disappointment to flood through me.

"Indeed," he says and quickly leaves the room.

A gentle knockon my door startles me from my morning routine. Amelia's voice rings out, announcing a delivery for me. Confused, I make my way to the doorway and watch as a few men lug two colossal boxes into my room, their muscles straining under the weight.

"Do you know what this is?" I ask Amelia, but she simply shakes her head and leaves me to tend to the mysterious delivery.

With growing curiosity, I grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut through the top layer of the first box. As soon as I catch a glimpse of its contents, my breath hitches in my throat. It's a sewing machine, complete with all necessary accessories—needles, thread, scissors... everything. My mind reels at such an extravagant gift.

Eagerly, I turn to the second box wondering what other treasures it holds within its tightly packed walls.

"Oh my goodness," I gasp in awe as I peer inside. Yards upon yards of fabric lie before me, each one carefully folded and arranged by color and type. It's a seamstress's dream come true.

After unloading all items from the boxes, I discover a note tucked away amidst the fabrics.

It's from Marcello. "I hope this allows you to pursue your passions," it reads simply.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I bring a hand up to cover my trembling lips. He remembered our conversation...and he went above and beyond to surprise me with this thoughtful gesture.

I can hardly believe it as I begin assembling the sewing machine and examining all of its accompanying tools. With each passing moment, my heart swells with gratitude for such a kind and generous gift.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I stare at the beautiful gift in front of me. No one had ever given me something so thoughtful and meaningful before. Growing up, my parents had made it clear that I was not a priority in their lives. I found solace in my teachers and the staff, but they were far from being a real family to me.

My only true companion was Enzo, my father's heir, but he had his own responsibilities and I rarely saw him. He would visit a few times a year, while the rest of the time he was off in Sicily fulfilling his duties.

Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, I wiped at the tears with the hem of my dress. I knew I had to thank Marcello for this incredible gift.

Quickly getting to my feet, I rushed down the stairs and headed towards Marcello's office, hoping to find him there. But he's nowhere to be found.

Turning to make my way back upstairs, I run into Sarah.

"Mrs. Lastra," she greets me, and I give her an absent smile.

"Sarah," I incline my head, not really paying much attention.

"I just finished the lesson with Claudia. She's such a bright young lady," she comments, and I instantly become alert.

"She is, isn't she?" I say affectionately. "Thank you for doing this. I'm sure she's going to learn a lot from you," I add. But then I get a better look at Sarah, and I have to blink twice.

She's wearing a low-cut top, and her breasts are practically hanging out of it. I have to snap my eyes to her face and force myself to keep them there. Is that how people dress these days? I mean, it's getting warm outside, so maybe this is summer fashion.

It doesn't help that she's paired the top with a very short skirt.

Although I'm a little surprised by how little clothing she's wearing, I try to pretend that I don't notice. She can wear whatever she wants, but I might have a talk with Claudia so she doesn't get any ideas from it. I don't think I'm ready for my daughter emulating that quite yet.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She takes her leave, and I go back to my room.

I install everything nicely, and when Claudia comes by, I ask her to model for me. I think Marcello noticed her love of pink because a lot of the fabrics are different shades of that color.

We spend the rest of the day playing with fabrics, and Assisi and Venezia join us a little later.

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