Page 55 of The One
“Why don’t you? You clearly have the talent.”
I let out a small sigh. “My father doesn’t approve. He thinks it’s beneath our status to engage in something as trivial as making clothes. I only made this dress because he was gone for a few days.”
Giulia scoffs, shaking her head. “Trivial? Your father is wrong. What you created is unique and absolutely stunning. Don’t let him stifle your talent.”
Easier said than done when your father controls every aspect of your life.
“You don’t go against Antonio Accardi. Not without consequences.”
Giulia gives me a sad, knowing smile. She’s surrounded by Mafia men all day; she knows exactly what they’re like.
“Well, after breakfast, you should explore the city. This dress needs to be seen.”
“What? I can’t do that.”
“Why not? You’ve been here for a week and haven’t left this place. Rome isthemost beautiful city in the world,” she gushes, her face lighting up. “You need to see it. I know you want to. And your father isn’t around to stop you from enjoying your life for once.”
I hesitate, the idea both tempting and terrifying. “It’s not that simple.”
Giulia raises an eyebrow. “Actually, it is. You’ve been hiding in the shadows long enough. Rome is out there waiting for you. Go and have fun.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Mariella
Imust be looking different today, because the soldier Giulia flagged down to drive me into Rome keeps stealing glances at me in the rearview mirror.
Thankfully, Gustavo doesn’t talk to me. Unlike Dario, he doesn’t seem the friendliest and is clearly bothered having to play chauffeur.
So I concentrate on the map Giulia gave me, deciding what I want to explore, before glancing outside at the increasingly busy streets.
As we drive into Rome, the city unfolds before me like a dream, its layers of history seamlessly blending with the modern streets. Ancient ruins come into view, columns standing proud, weathered stones whispering tales of empires long gone.
I sit up straighter and crane my neck when I spot the Colosseum looming in the distance. It’s half-hidden behind newer buildings, yet its presence dominates the skyline.
I’m so excited! I’m in a place where the past still lives, breathing through the cracks of time.
“Where do you want to go?” Gustavo asks, shooting me a sideways glance in the mirror.
“Can you let me out at Vatican City?” I ask, leaning forward. “Then pick me up at the Colosseum later?”
His brow creases. “The Colosseum?” His voice is gruff, almost disbelieving. “You want to walk all that distance?”
It’s really not much of a trek, just shy of three miles. But I don’t mention that to Gustavo and simply nod. He mutters something under his breath I can’t make out.
“Five o’clock to pick you back up. Will that do?”
I pause, mentally tracing the route. It’s late morning, and I have plenty of time to wander from the Vatican, past Piazza Venezia and the imposing Altare della Patria, and take in the ancient ruins along Via dei Fori Imperiali before I reach the Colosseum.
“Yeah,” I reply, smiling. “That’ll be perfect.”
He huffs, shaking his head slightly as if I’ve just asked for the moon, but he nods and pulls over when we reach the Vatican.
“Five it is. Here, take my card.” He turns in his seat to face me, holding out a business card. “Call me if you get lost or want to head back earlier.”
I stare at it for a few moments before slipping it into my handbag. Isa’s phone is safely tucked inside. I brought it to take pictures for her, but since no one’s supposed to know, I won’t be calling Gustavo with it. If I need to reach him, I’ll find a public phone booth. They still exist, don’t they?
As I step out of the car, the hum of voices, car engines, and the occasional burst of laughter greets me. My shoes click on the cobblestones as I step away from the road. I crane my neck, taking in the sight of St. Peter’s Basilica towering above me. It’s my first stop for today.
