Page 20 of The One
Standing up, I pick up my handbag and walk toward the exit. It’s then that I notice a man in his fifties waiting by the door, giving me a warm smile.
“Signorina Accardi, I’m going to take you to the De Marco estate. Giulia, the housekeeper, has been informed of your arrival and will help you settle in.”
Oh.I haven’t been forgotten then. I smile back at the man.
“Thank you…”
“Dario,” he fills in. “Your bags are already in the car. Are you ready?”
Taking a fortifying breath, I step onto the stairs. The sun has set, and the last wash of color has been swallowed by the encroaching night. The world is now bathed in dusky shadows, reminding me of my life.
But then I look up at the sky, and while the sun may have disappeared, it has given way to the first twinkling stars, as if to remind me of that ray of hope I felt earlier.
I turn to Dario and answer with unexpected confidence, “Yes. Yes, I’m ready.”
It’s a short drive to the De Marco mansion. Dario tells me that Mateo’s grandfather, the feared Carlo De Marco, had the small private airport built, so he didn’t have to drive through the city.
It’s a shame. I would have loved to see ancient monuments or famous landmarks.
Dario is a mine of information, and I’ve learned more about the De Marcos from him than I have in my entire life.
Carlo De Marco preferred residing in Rome, hence the airport and grand estate. Mateo inherited it eight years ago, when his father passed, and comes to stay a few times every month.
As we approach the De Marco land, my breath catches.
An enormous stone wall rises before us. It’s imposing, with a grand iron gate in the center. A gatehouse looms beside it, its lights casting long shadows across the cobblestones.
Four guards with guns slung over their shoulders are on watch, and Dario stops the car, lowering the window. He exchanges a few words with a guard who then shines a torch into the back. I give him a timid smile.
Let’s hope they won’t insist on patting me down. I must keep my phone. It’s my only lifeline to my sister.
After a minute, the gate opens, and the guard waves us through. With the window still open, the crisp October air sneaks in, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
Lush greenery spreads out on either side of the drive, perfectly manicured and vibrant even in the soft, dim light of the lantern-style lights lining the driveway.
The gravel crunches beneath the tires as we slowly approach the house. I rub the top of my thighs, nerves fluttering in my stomach.
The manor is massive, U-shaped, with the front standing an extra story taller, like a guardian watching over the rest. The sandstone walls are bathed in golden light from spotlights, giving the entire structure a warm, inviting glow.
Wow!
I thought Father’s estate was grand, but this makes it look like a modest little villa by the sea.
Dario unloads my luggage as I climb out from the back and guides me up the few stairs to the entrance.
Leaving my suitcases by the door, he ushers me through rooms and corridors until we reach the kitchen.
I can hear someone humming, and as we enter, an old woman turns toward us.
Her light gray hair is twisted up on top of her head, and a few tendrils have escaped her bun and frame her kind face. The creases that accentuate her features make her smile full and warm. She is the most motherly woman I have ever seen and I instantly like her.
“Ah, there you are,mia cara,” she says, sweeping me up in a hug.
Okayyyy.
I awkwardly return her embrace, not used to such friendliness from strangers.
“It’s nice to meet you, Giulia,” I reply as she steps back, cupping my face and taking me in with her warm brown eyes.
