Page 112 of The Cute Psycho

"Do you want to open the gifts now, or after dinner?" Lina asks.

"You didn't have to get me anything... this is already so much," I sniffle, and more tears fall down my cheeks. "Thank you," I repeat.

"Sisi..."

"Open the gifts!" Claudia says, and Venezia nods.

A little unsure, I go to the back, opening one gift after another. They'd thought about everything, from books to clothes, even to some makeup. And as I look at the personal notes attached to each gift, I can't help but feel a warmth in my heart.

So this is what it feels like to have a family.

"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me," I add after I've managed to gain some control over my tears.

"I'm glad you like it, Sisi," Marcello replies, looking a little uncomfortable.

We sit down at the table, and two waiters come around to serve us. I'm placed between Claudia and Venezia, with Lina and Marcello sitting next to each other.

It doesn't escape me the glances they share, or the hidden touches under the table. I may not have been as present in the house, but it's clear that Lina and my brother are getting along just fine.

More than fine.

Marcello looks at Lina as if the world begins and ends with her, a tenderness so unlike the man I'd gotten to know. And Lina doesn't seem immune either, if her blushes are any indication.

"Your mother seems happy," I whisper conspiratorially to Claudia, and she gives me a wide smile.

"She does, doesn't she? I like Marcello too. He's nice to me."

"I'm happy," I say, ruffling her hair.

While Marcello doesn't necessarily seem inclined to emotive displays, at least hehasemotions. Unlike a certain someone...

Not going there.

"He's been helping me with my studies too," Claudia says, and for the first time I note a hint of happiness on her features.

I'm so glad she got out of Sacre Coeur before they did any lasting damage to her, like they did to me. Lina has pushed very hard to get her professional help after the Father Guerra incident, and looking at her carefree expression, it has definitely paid off.

More chatter, and the conversation flows comfortably, everyone contributing to the overall atmosphere of the table. Even Venezia, who is usually closed off, participates and even banters with Claudia.

"Have you thought about what you want to do, Sisi?" Marcello asks, and I blink rapidly, his question taking me by surprise.

"Marcello! It's her birthday! Sometimes you're too tactless." Lina lightly punches his shoulder, shaking her head at him. He grimaces, quickly amending that it wasn't his intention to make me uncomfortable.

"I'm curious if you have any interests you'd like exploring. We can arrange for you to go to college if that's something you'd like," he continues, and I get a little awkward at being put on the spot.

Truth be told, I hadn't given much thought to what I want to do. Back at Sacre Coeur, I'd had a million ideas, dreaming up countless scenarios of what I'd do if I could. But now that I actuallycan, none of them seem even remotely appealing.

It's all his fault.

"I like investigative work," I finally say.

Accompanying Vlad everywhere while he'd been looking for clues for his sisters had been exhilarating. Finding clues and putting them together to get a big picture is oddly satisfying and I wouldn't mind doing that in the future too.

"Really?" Marcello smiles. "What did you have in mind?" he asks, taking a sip of his wine.

"Maybe detective work," I shrug. "I've been reading up on the FBI," I continue, and Marcello chokes on his wine.

"Detective work," he repeats, giving Lina a side glance. "Lina, have you explained to Sisi what our family does?"

---