Page 35 of The One
Thud, thud, thudgoes my treacherous heart.
I let out a sigh. Will I ever get over this crush?
Last night only added fresh fuel to the fire that’s been burning strong for over four years, ever since my sixteenth birthday.
I haven’t even looked at another man. Not that I’ve met many. Maybe that’s part of the problem.
Growing up, I loved fairy tales. That’s common for little girls, of course, but for me, it was more than that. Deep down, I think I always knew the world around me lacked the magic I read about, but I wanted it, desperately.
I dreamed of meeting the perfect man. A true gentleman, strong and powerful, yet kind and considerate with me. And, of course, he had to be handsome. Very handsome.
My fiancé… well, ex-fiancé certainly didn’t measure up to that. But Mateo De Marco?
I remember the day he becametheprince charming of my fantasies as clearly as if it was yesterday.
It was on my sixteenth birthday. Surrounded by my sisters, I was about to blow out the candles on my cake. I closed my eyes and made my wish. Naturally, it was for my perfect man.
Even then, I was aware Father would arrange our marriages, and I’d have no say in who I’d marry. But I still clung to the belief that birthday wishes held magic, and maybe, just maybe, the man chosen for me would be the one to make my dreams come true.
Childish, I know. But when your future looks bleak, you hold on to the slightest sliver of hope.
With all my might, I blew out those sixteen candles. When I opened my eyes, Mateo walked into the garden, and my heart skipped a few beats for the first time.
Of course, Mateo wasn’t there for me. At twenty-six, he was hardly interested in a ‘kids’ party. He had come to fetch my father.
Still, he smiledthatsmile at me. The one that makes me want to melt into a puddle. From that moment on, I was a goner.
“Happy birthday, kiddo,” he said before turning to find my father.
The attraction I felt for him back then is just as strong now, if not more so. But he’s always been out of my reach, but my heart doesn’t seem to care.
And so I shall go on and suffer the pains of unrequited love. Forever, perhaps.
The excited thudding of my heart turns into a dull ache in my chest. Dejected, I descend the grand staircase and wander through the unfamiliar halls until I find the kitchen. Giulia is behind the stove again, her warm, jovial presence immediately relieving some of my heaviness.
“Ah,mia cara, how are you? How did you sleep? Did you dream something nice?” Giulia asks, her eyes twinkling. “Mynonaalways said that whatever you dream about on your first night in a new home will come true.”
My cheeks blush deep red, I’m sure of it.
If only.
“Buongiorno, Giulia. No, no dreams,” I’m quick to deny.
I will not admit to her or anyone that I dream of Mateo most nights.
“How can I help you today?” I ask, eager to change the subject.
“You’re a guest here,mia cara. Enjoy yourself. Read, swim, do whatever makes you happy.”
Oh, that’s news to me. I’m a guest. Hmm.
What will I do here all alone?
I’m used to the noise and chaos of my sisters filling every moment. Being by myself will only give me more time to panic about what my future holds.
Perhaps I could go back to the old oak from last night and sketch a few new designs. But even that can only keep me distracted for so long.
“Please, I’d really like to help. I think too much otherwise.”
