21. Night In The Motel
"Madam Vellina? Are you alright? I heard a loud scream," Gina exclaimed, rushing to Stellina's room in a state of worry.
Stellina's heart raced as she heard Gina's voice approaching. She quickly composed herself, realizing the awkwardness of the situation, and opened the door to reveal herself standing there in her alluring lingerie.
"Oh, uh, ehem. I'm fine, Gina. I was just taken aback when Diego unexpectedly entered while I was changing," Stellina explained hurriedly, attempting to justify the circumstances.
Gina turned her head in confusion to face Diego, who was barely able to contain his laughter. To Gina's surprise, she noticed a tray of breakfast that Diego had requested earlier, sitting beside him. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and Gina let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh... I see. Thank goodness it's nothing serious, Madam Vellina. Please accept my sincere apologies for barging in," Gina said, bowing profusely.
Stellina, feeling uncomfortable with the gesture, quickly reassured Gina, "Oh no, no. There's no need to apologize." Stellina, known for her humble and kind-hearted nature, understood that Gina was merely fulfilling her duty and had nothing to apologize for. She struggled to find an appropriate response to someone who had done nothing wrong.
Gina looked at Stellina, perplexed by the sudden change in Vellina's demeanor. It was quite different from the usual arrogance and self-centeredness that characterized Vellina's behavior. Diego, noticing Gina's confusion, gave Stellina a gentle nudge on the shoulder. Stellina paused for a moment, quickly grasping the situation.
"Ahem. I mean, no need to be sorry! Just make sure it doesn't happen again," Stellina declared, mustering a bossy tone in an attempt to impersonate Vellina. The room fell into an awkward silence, the weight of the situation hanging in the air.
'Ahem" Diego breaks the silence with a cough. 'Well, since you're here, Gina. Won't you please take care of Arianna? I have something important to speak with my wife."
'Ehh. But I still want to be with mama and papa!" Arianna pouts, showing her protest.
'Arianna. Don't play around now. This is an important adult matter." Diego refutes harshly.
'That's what you and mama always said! I can sleep together with mama and papa yesterday, and it was so much fun! Is this adult thingie is more important than Arianna?" Arianna cheeks got puffier and her eyes starts to get beady. It seems like she is about to cry.
Stellina can't bear to see Arianna looked in pain and proceeds to hug her. 'Arianna darling. I'm sorry but please listen to what papa is saying. I promise that we love you but this something important needs to be taken care of." said Stellina as she gently patted Arianna's head. She moved back to see Arianna's face and rubbed her tears off.
'Now be a good girl and go play with Nonna Gina instead, okay? You can spend the night with mama and papa again." Said Stellina as she gently patted Arianna's head and brushes her hair softly.
Arianna nodded, and proceeds leave the room along with Gina. With now only Diego and Stellina left in the room, they can finally drop the act of being a functioning family.
"You've been doing quite well in playing along so far. However, we can't afford for anyone to become suspicious of Vellina's sudden change," Diego stated, his voice filled with urgency.
Stellina sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. "I understand, but it's all happening so suddenly. Just give me some time to adjust," she spoke, hoping for a bit of leniency.
Diego fixed his cold-hearted gaze on Stellina, his expression unwavering. "No, we can't take that risk. The moment someone becomes suspicious, our cover will be blown," he declared firmly, crossing his arms as a sign of his uncompromising stance.
Stellina was at a loss for words, realizing that she was dealing with someone who left no room for mistakes. She was in a lion's den, and one wrong move could cost her everything. As Diego continued to scrutinize her closely, confusion washed over Stellina, unsure of what he was thinking.
'W-what is it?" Ask Stellina when she notices how hard Diego gazes at her. She went to look down and realizes that all this time, she was still wearing the revealing lingerie of Diego's past wife. Her face red to the ears and proceeds to cover her body with her arms.
'I got to say, I didn't realize it last night since we are so busy dealing with Arianna. But you actually have quite the voluptuous body, that might be even better than Vellina." Said Diego while checking every curves on Stellina's body.
'Just shut it!" Said Stellina with an embarrassed face and rushed into the wardrobe to find a more suitable clothing before going into the toilet to change.
'Eh? Why do you have to change? You look good in that." Diego teases her. Diego then approaches Stellina to hand her another dress for her to wear inside his late wife's wardrobe.
After a while, Stellina comes out of the toilet and wears a more modest dress. But modest is quite a stretch in Stellina's term, since the dress still feels rather extravagant with frills and embroidered shiny gems on it.
'Don't your wife have more, umm, more suitable dress for day-to-day activities? This feels a little bit extra." Said Stellina as she twirls her dress around, she can see that every little gem is sparkling when light touches it.
'What do you mean? That is the dress that she uses every day." Said Diego.
Stellina can't believe how lavish the lifestyle of Vellina is and that she will have to get accustomed with her taste of clothing.
"Putting that aside, there's something I need to discuss with you. It concerns Pezcatores's printing factory," Diego stated, capturing Stellina's attention as soon as her father's business was mentioned.
"What? What happened to my dad's factory?" Stellina asked anxiously, her ears perked with concern.
"With the cessation of Pezcatores's printing services since we took Enrico into custody, I've decided that I will take over the management of the factory," Diego revealed.
"You can't do that! That was my father's business. I thought you promised to leave it alone if I agreed to all of this!" Stellina protested, her voice filled with frustration.
"All I promised was to take care of your father's health, not the factory or its workers. Besides, it would be troublesome for our family if Pezcatores suddenly came to a halt without someone overseeing it," Diego responded nonchalantly.
Stellina couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had been unwillingly entangled in this situation, and now she was about to lose her father's business to the clutches of the mafia.
"Can't I at least be the manager of the factory? I can ensure that Pezcatores continues to function and that its obligations are fulfilled," Stellina proposed, attempting to bargain.
Diego folded his arms and shrugged dismissively. "No, that won't work. I don't want to risk anyone seeing you as anyone other than Vellina, not even your own family or the workers. It's not about money or you, it's about maintaining control. We can't afford for all our efforts to go to waste, especially for your father's sake," Diego asserted with a menacing tone.
Stellina fell silent, realizing that she had no negotiating power with Diego. With her father's health held hostage, she had no choice but to sacrifice the factory and place it in the hands of Diego and the Pacnozzi family in order to preserve the fragile peace.
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Stellina asked, her grip on the hem of her dress tightening as she struggled to contain her anger and anguish.
"I'm telling you because we need to ensure that our stories align. I will be leaving soon to inform and take control of Pezcatores's printing factory, along with its workers, under the Pavnozzi family's protection," Diego explained matter-of-factly.
Furthermore, Diego added, "Besides, I have something for you to do here. Nothing significant, just show your face, utter the usual phrases Vellina would say to the people in the mansion, and attend the tea party later. It's what Vellina typically does in the afternoon," he stated as he began walking towards the door.
"Remember, Stellina, you must ensure that nobody discovers your true identity. Once you set foot in this place, you will become Vellina Pavnozzi and nobody else." Diego warned before leaving Stellina alone in the bedroom.
Stellina's shoulders slumped, resigning herself to her fate as Vellina Pavnozzi. She glanced at the breakfast Diego had brought. Despite being an impostor, she couldn't help but notice the exquisite assortment of delicacies before her, ones she had never dreamt of tasting in her entire life.
Following Diego's instructions, Stellina ventured into the mansion, maintaining a composed demeanor as she gracefully moved through the grand halls. The members of the household greeted her with utmost respect and reverence.
"Signora Vellina, good afternoon," each servant and butler addressed her, their words dripping with deference. Stellina, in her best attempt to impersonate Vellina, responded with a haughty and nonchalant tone, trying to emulate the mannerisms of the woman she was pretending to be.
Despite being surrounded by opulence and receiving hospitality that many would envy, Stellina couldn't find any semblance of peace or happiness. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of her father's business falling into the clutches of the Pezcanno family. Even if her father made a full recovery and her services were no longer required, what would become of them? How would they survive in a world controlled by the ruthless Pezcanno family? And knowing the depths of their power, would they ever let her and her father go? The anxiety gnawed at her, threatening their safety and well-being at every turn.
'Signora Villena, you looked rather bothered. Is there anything wrong?" asked one of the maids that accompanied her lonesome tea party.
'No, it's..." Stellina seemed to realize something, she took a deep breath. 'No, I am not fine! I am feeling awfully uncomfortable cooped in this place!" She then stood abruptly. 'I desire for a trip, right this instant! I'm going to Napoli." Stellina egoistically claimed.
'Huh? But, Signora Vellina, that would be difficult for-' the maid tried to stop her request, but before she can finish Vellina interrupts her.
'Mi Scusi!? You dare to object to my wishes? Who do you think you are?" Vellina spoke while she points the maid. The maid looked even more apologetic and repeatedly bowing.
'I-i-I'm sorry Signora Vellina. It was rude of me, please forgive me."
'Hmph. I will overlook this for now, since I have a better plan instead of dealing with you. Call me a ride immediately!" Said Vellina.
'Y-Yes Signora Vellina. W-which ride would you wanted?" asked the maid sheepishly.
'That, uh, um... Whichever is the fastest. Just go at once!"
'Yes, Signora Vellina!" And the maid hurriedly departed to fetch Stellina a ride. Stellina smiled as she saw that her plan is working. She knew that Vellina was selfish and unreasonable. Since she is technically Vellina right now, she can do whatever Vellina has an authority for as she pleases. She uses her authority to fight back against Diego so she can save Pezcatores printing factory from the grasp of Diego.
Meanwhile on the other side of Napoli, Diego and Fabian who were driving for him just recently arrived on the Pezcatores family, there he is greeted by the three of Diego's henchmen.
'Have you already gathered the workers?" Ask Diego to the three.
'You got it, boss." 'They already gathered." 'Inside the building." The tree of them speaking in tandem.
'Great job, now wait at the bay and make sure nobody comes in. Fabian, you too."
'Ayyup!" Said the three, while Fabian just nodded.
And so Diego went inside to meet the workers of Pezcatores factory to inform them of the change in leadership of the factories.
Not long after Diego's departure inside the building, another car comes by and stopped by the front of the factory. The three thug and Fabian immediately went on alert and slowly pulled out their guns. But as they approached the car, they realized something odd.
'Wait, this car... This is Diego's car! What is happening?" Fabian gave signal to his three henchmen to rest their weapon. As they approached the car, the door opened to see that the driver that comes out is none other than Marcellino, Vellina's private driver.
'Marcellino? What are you doing here?" Ask the confused Fabian.
'Well, that is because Signora Vellina asked me." Said Marcellino as he opened the door of the back seat. Revealing Stellina who came out next after.
Fabian and the henchmens are at a loss of words looking at Diego's wife visiting this place out of the nowhere. As they wondering what is going on, Fabian speaks up"
'Signora Vellina? What is the occasion of your visit?"
'Oh, me? Ehem, I was bored. And I wished to see Diego so I just came here."
'I see... That was, random. Besides, how do you know about this location in the first place?" Fabian asked.
Stellina looked surprised, she didn't thought that Vellina might know what Diego is doing, but as for details, it seems that Vellina is kept in the dark from Diego. She looked around awkwardly to come up with a reason.
'Well, Diego informed me that there's this factory in Napoli called Pescato-something and I wanted to see how they print the money." Answer Stellina.
Fabian couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss as Stellina awkwardly tried to hide the reason behind her knowledge of Pezcatores Printing. Sensing her discomfort, he decided to let it slide for now, but his curiosity continued to gnaw at him.
Changing the topic, Stellina tried to divert Fabian's attention by asking about her husband Diego's whereabouts. "So, Fabian, where is my husband right now? I thought he might be here at the factory."
Fabian hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. Stellina's earlier lie had left him on guard, but he decided to be honest. "Diego is inside the factory building," he replied, his voice filled with caution. "He's involved in something important, and he specifically requested not to be disturbed."
Stellina's expression turned arrogant as she dismissed Fabian's words with a wave of her hand. "Oh, pay it no mind, Fabian," she arrogantly retorted. "Diego is always wrapped up in his work. I'm used to him disappearing for hours or days. It's nothing out of the ordinary."
Confusion clouded Fabian's face as he wondered how Stellina could be so nonchalant about her husband's activities. Something didn't add up, but he decided to respect her wishes and not pry further and decided that this just might be one of her antics.
Fabian instructed the henchmen to make way for Stellina so she could come in. Inside she meets with Diego who seemed to be giving a speech to her factory workers. But Diego's speech when he sees someone suddenly appeared behind him, which is none other than Stellina.
'What. How did- Why are you here?!"
'Diego, I must tell you that I don't want the factory to be handled by Paz-' But before she can finish her words, Diego shushed her by covering her mouth.
'Shhh, I'll hear about this later, for now let's go out." Diego then forcibly take both of them outside the building.
The dumbfounded worker just looked at each other while looking at their farce.
'That... was Stellina right?"
'Yeah, what is he doing with that Diego guy?"
'I don't know, besides why is she wearing such an expensive looking dress. I thought she always dress modestly."