Page 111 of The Cute Psycho

"She told me I could skip to the more advanced stuff," she says proudly, a small smile appearing on her face.

"I'm so happy for you." I squeeze her hand.

Marcello had hired a governess for Claudia and Venezia and had suggested I attend some of the lessons too, to complement the (not so great) education I'd received at Sacre Coeur.

For Claudia, this is the perfect arrangement, as she's starting to come more into herself, no longer held back by dogmatic old hags. Suddenly, she can tap into her full potential and study to her heart's content.

As for me... it would have been great if I'd been able to focus. But seeing that my mind is on a certain someone at all times, it's a little difficult to concentrate on the lessons.

Claudia continues to tell me about her studies, being extremely lively as she describes everything the new governess had given her to read. I nod and try to listen attentively, until out of nowhere, she jumps into my arms, kissing my cheek.

"Happy Birthday, Aunt Sisi," she whispers, a blush appearing on her cheeks.

"Thank you," I answer, a little shocked that she'd remembered. I return her hug, my arms wrapping around her.

"I'm not supposed to say anything," she starts, her voice low, "butMammasaid she has something prepared for you."

"For me?" My eyes widen in surprise.

She nods, a sheepish smile on her face.

Now that she's sown the seed in my head, I can't help but look forward to whatever Lina has prepared for me, the prospect of someone remembering and trying to do something special for me exciting me to no end.

It's only later in the evening that Lina comes to get me, telling me to get dressed and that we're going somewhere. Already inferring this might be the surprise, I'm entirely too giddy as I choose a dress to wear.

Coming down in the foyer, I see everyone already dressed, including Marcello and Venezia.

"Where are we going?" I ask as Lina takes my arm, a secretive smile on her face.

"You'll see," she whispers in my ear.

We split ourselves among two cars, and as I look out the window, I realize we're going into the city.

The journey takes about thirty minutes, the car stopping in front of a fancy restaurant.

Getting out of the car, we all gather at the entrance before being ushered inside by a staff member.

"Surprise!" Lina says when we get to the back of the restaurant, where a big sign spells Happy Birthday, balloons and gifts everywhere.

I still, my eyes greedily roaming about the room, unable to believe this is for me.

"For me?" I croak in disbelief, needing verbal confirmation that this is indeed for me.

There are balloons in every color suspended from the ceiling and hanging around the walls. In a corner, next to the main table, neatly packaged gifts are placed one on top of the other.

"Happy Birthday!" everyone calls out, individually coming to congratulate me.

"I don't know what to say..." I feel a little out of my depth as I look around, taking in everything they'd prepared specifically for me.

God, but I'm getting teary.

I dab at my eyes, feeling incredibly overwhelmed.

"Sisi," Lina takes me in her arms, "don't cry," she pats my back.

"We wanted to," Marcello coughs, "do something special for your birthday. Lina's told me that you couldn't do much at Sacre Coeur. I hope you like this," he says, looking a little out of his depth.

"I love it," I immediately assure him. "Thank you so much!"

---