48.

Escorted by Fabian, Diego, Stellina and Arianna exited the airport. As per Arianna's wishes, they had a quick bite to eat at a restaurant inside the airport's food court area while buying ice cream for the little girl. "Everything is ready, sir." Fabian reported about the hotel he had booked the men to stay at. Diego deliberately did not want to stay at his mansion because Stellina's family was there. At the moment, the hotel was the perfect choice for the night. "Let's go straight to the hotel, I'm tired and want to rest soon." Diego stepped off his feet in a hurry. On the airplane, he could barely close his eyes. "Yes, sir." Fabian immediately put the luggage into the car that he had prepared. Wherever he was, Fabian always prepared everything carefully and in detail. That's why Diego trusted him so much. After traveling for about thirty minutes, they arrived at the magnificent hotel in Rome. A beautiful view greeted them from the twentieth floor. Down below was the busy street traffic. Tall ancient buildings rose up to represent the glory of the past. It was a sight not to be missed. "Mama, I need to take a shower, I feel all sticky." Arianna waved her hands. "Sure honey, do you want me to come with you?" Arianna shook her head. At school, she had always been taught to be independent. Especially now that she was nine years old. Arianna always felt that being nine years old was an achievement that should make her more independent. "Why do I feel like she's growing up too fast?" asked Stellina when she heard Arianna close the bathroom door. Diego opened his coat. "Little girls always grow up faster than we know. Sometimes I also feel like I'm missing out because she suddenly knows things, even though I didn't teach her." "Ah, Diego you are so silly. That's why you pay so much for her schooling." Stellina smiled as she tidied up her clothes from the suitcase, which she placed in the closet. "I want to rest for a while. I hope Arianna doesn't wake me up because my head feels really dizzy." Diego massaged his temples. "Do you want to take some headache medicine? I brought it with me. If you want I'll get it from my suitcase." "No need. I just need to sleep, even if it's just for a little while." Diego climbed into the bed, Stellina adjusted the room temperature and pulled the blanket over Diego's body. Now the man was flying away with his dreams. After lunch and some sleep to recharge their batteries, they had planned an afternoon stroll around Rome in all its beauty. Arianna was in high spirits, her mouth agape with questions and wonder. Until nightfall, they also visited the festival at the Colosseum. Of course, Arianna was very happy to ride the various children's games in the festival area. "Mom, is it okay if I buy churros? Look, there's a lot of food there." Arianna pointed to the food court area where many vendors were selling various foods, drinks and pastries. A variety of pretzels, grilled sausages, hot dogs and sandwiches were on display to attract visitors. "Of course you can, dear." Stellina then took Arianna by the hand and led her around with Diego, while Fabian escorted them from behind. The festival atmosphere was truly festive. They chose a seat in a shady park while enjoying the snacks they had just bought. "The churros are so delicious sweet mama, I love sweets." "Yes, but don't eat too many. Too much sweet food is not good for your teeth. After eating sweets, you must drink lots of water." Stellina did not stop answering Arianna's questions. "Yes, Mama. I like all the cakes and food sold here." Stellina smiled at Arianna's words. It wasn't just the little boy in front of her who liked the sweets. She, too, loved all the snacks sold there. The food, the crowd, the music, all seemed to throw her into pleasant childhood memories. "Did you hear that music Diego?" Stellina's eyes lit up as she heard the music of her favorite dance. Her guess was not wrong, in one of the spacious areas, a Tarantella dance performance was taking place. A traditional dance from Southern Italy. This dance has fast and energetic movements. It is often accompanied by upbeat and energetic music. "Diego, I really enjoy this dance." Stellina couldn't resist joining the dancers who were already shaking their bodies in a synergistic circle. The sound of the music combined with the boisterous voices of the crowd and the dancing brought the atmosphere to life. Everyone was rejoicing in their own way. They enjoy the warmth of the night with the moonlight and the stars adding to the beautiful atmosphere of the night in the sky of Rome. "Ahhh, this is fun, I'm sweating like this!" Stellina's shout was drowned out by the frenetic music that kept the girl twisting her body. "That's enough, I think it's time to rest." Diego quickly pulled Stellina's hand away as some of the men started to ask her to dance. "Diego I think we have plenty of time, why are you in such a hurry?" Stellina waved goodbye to the men inviting her to dance. Of course the disappointed look on her face was obvious. "Arianna is sleepy, Stellina. Fabian is taking her to the car." Now Stellina realized she had momentarily forgotten about Arianna. "Oh my God, I'm sorry. Was that woman looking for me?" asked Stellina with anxiety on her face. "Arianna just asked to go back to the hotel. Get in the car. I think she's already asleep." Although she had not had enough of dancing and enjoying the night, Stellina complied with Diego's request to return to the hotel immediately. Arianna needed a good rest after their long journey. However, when they arrived at the room, Arianna suddenly moaned in pain. "Mama my stomach hurts, I need to go to the bathroom now." Arianna rushed to the bathroom. Apparently she had eaten a grilled sausage with some of Stellina's sauce. After Arianna went to the bathroom, Stellina was restless because she wanted to change. Diego would you mind leaving the room for a moment, I need to change," Stellina finally told Diego, she felt uncomfortable when she had to change and Diego was in the same room with her. "So what if you want to change?" Diego replied with a feigned innocence, much to Stellina's dismay. "I'll be facing the wall, so hurry up and change." Diego turned his face to the wall. This was certainly not what Stellina wanted. "Ah, just the same, it's uncomfortable to see you here while I'm changing," Stellina complained miserably. "Come on Stellina, I'm tired too and want to sleep soon. Don't make this difficult." Diego was not in a good mood. Diego's harsh words made Stellina roll her eyes. The man in front of her was so insensitive. How could a woman change her clothes in front of the man who had always stolen her heart? In this awkward situation, Stellina still didn't know what to do. She just sat on the edge of the bed while wringing her pajamas. Seeing that the girl in front of him had not moved, Diego reluctantly left their room. "I'm going to get a drink downstairs." Stellina quickly changed her clothes. She knew the reason for buying drinks was just to make Diego comfortable. Shortly afterward Arianna came out of the bathroom. Now my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, Mama." Relieved, Arianna said to Stellina who immediately laid the girl's small body on the bed and covered her. "Good night dear, before don't forget to pray first." Arianna closed her eyes with both hands clasped on her chest. The little girl's tiny mouth chanted a prayer. "Mama give me a kiss goodnight." "Okay, dear." Stellina immediately gave Arianna a peck on the forehead. Diego walked into the room with a flat face, seeing Arianna already asleep, he was relieved. "Thanks Diego, I'm sorry that I was so hot and wanted to change my clothes right away, and I didn't know when Arianna would come out of the bathroom." Stellina tried to explain. Diego didn't want to answer even one word. He lay down, and soon the sound of his regular breathing was a sign that he had fallen asleep. Stellina was left with a guilty conscience. The next day they woke up and immediately enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. All three woke up with bright faces, only Stellina looked a bit pale with slightly thickened eye bags. She hadn't really been able to fall asleep last night due to the little incident of changing clothes. "Papa where are we going for a walk today? Can we go to the park during the day? I want to play in the park, Papa." Ariana whined while munching on her favorite milk candy. Her rounded cheeks made the little girl look absolutely adorable. "What a coincidence, mama also wants to go to a place near the city park." Stellina answered Arianna's question, but her eyes were fixed on Diego as if asking for approval. She couldn't wait to see her family even from a distance. "Like I said yesterday, you can only see them from a distance, don't even think about saying hello or meeting your family," Diego whispered in Stellina's ear. "Alright, how many times do I have to emphasize that I just miss them and want to see them." Stellina finally agreed to Diego's terms. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the four of them headed into town. On the way, Fabian called Camilla. "Camilla, we're in Rome right now, can you tell us where Laura is?" "Laura is in the hospital looking after Enrico who is still recovering." Camilla told him that Enrico's condition had improved slightly but he still had to undergo a series of other treatments. The call ended, Fabian immediately understood what to do. When they arrived in the city, Arianna was thrilled to see the lively atmosphere of the city park. While Diego is busy keeping Arianna company, Stellina speaks to Fabian. "So where is my mama now, Fabian?" "Mrs. Laura is with your papa at the hospital not far from here." Fabian relayed what he had just heard from Camilla. Stellina felt that this was the right time for her to see her family. "Diego, mama and papa are at the hospital not far from here. I want to see them." "Do you mean the hospital near the city park?" Diego asked Fabian. "Yes, sir. Not far from there." "Well, you can go there, while Fabian and I will look after Arianna. I hope you don't forget the rules." Diego once again reminded Stellina not to see her family. "Of course, you can be relieved that I will only see them from a distance, after which I will join you guys immediately." Stellina could not hide her happiness. It had been a long time since she had seen her parents. Finally, the four of them continued their journey to the park in question. "Papa, can I ask for that cotton candy at the end of the road?" Arianna pointed to one of the cotton candy vendors selling on the side of the road. "Fabian can you buy some for Arianna?" "Of course, sir." Fabian hurried away. The streets were bustling. Many visitors were enjoying the warm air around the city park. "Diego, I'm leaving now." Stellina rushed to the hospital. Suddenly there was an incoming call on Diego's cell phone. The man answered his phone immediately. After a while Diego still hadn't realized that his little daughter was now following Stellina into the hospital. The little girl was walking alone to catch up with Stellina. The door to the hospital opened, Stellina immediately entered it. Then the glass door automatically closed again. Arianna was confused because she lost track, she was a girl screaming for Stellina. "Mama, where are you? Why did you leave Arianna?" However, because it was so crowded and Stellina had entered the hospital lobby, Arianna's screams fell on deaf ears. Arianna was separated from Stellina. Unaware of Arianna's presence, Stellina made her way to the penthouse on the top floor of the hospital. Of course, she had gotten information from Camilla about where her father was being treated. From the large door that Camilla had deliberately opened, Stellina could see Laura, her mother who was looking after her father. Even from a distance, Stellina could see that her father's condition had started to improve. Stellina also witnessed her mother helping her father to sit up. Camilla had gone to the toilet at the time, so Laura had to do everything by herself. Stellina also saw Laura's fuss when she wanted to bring Enrico to sit in the wheelchair. Without thinking, the girl ignored Diego's instructions and went into the room. "Mama, let me help you." Stellina couldn't help but watch them from a distance. Laura and Enrico were surprised at Stellina's sudden arrival. They were happy and did not expect to meet Stellina so soon. "Honey, when did you come? Why are you dressed so strangely?" Laura looked at Stellina from head to toe. Of course, Stellina had to find the right answer.