51. There Is Something Behind This All

Finally, the moment Stellina had been waiting for came. Just now she had met her family and released her longing, now she had to part with her family again. The look in Laura's eyes that harbored sadness was still in Stellina's eyes. Even though the girl repeatedly told her that everything would be fine. They arrived at Napoly airport three hours before departure. As always, the airport was bustling with people and business. There was still a little time to prepare a few things. Stellina smiled gently at Arianna who had fallen asleep in the car, but when they arrived at the airport, her eyes were perfectly round. It was as if the little girl had been fully recharged to run here and there through the vast airport. "Watch your step, sweetie, don't get in the way of people who want to pass." "Mama, the airport is spacious and very cool. I like it, are we going to wait here for a long time?" asked Arianna, holding her hair which occasionally covered her face. "We'll just wait for the plane to leave, about two hours," Stellina replied gently. "Mama, when are we going on vacation again?" "Look, our luggage hasn't even landed yet and you're already longing for another long trip?" "I love vacations, mama" "Yes, dear, our vacation is over in Rome. Are you happy? Now we're going home to Vomero." "Yes Mama, but can I ask you for something? I want to buy lots of souvenirs for my friends. All my friends always get souvenirs from their vacations." Stellina smiled wider and answered her daughter's request, "Of course, dear. What you have to remember is that the souvenirs are not the most important part of our vacation. The most important thing is the wonderful memories we will have. We will find some special souvenirs for you." "May I, Mama? Special souvenirs for me and my friends?" "Of course we will look for something special and unique for your friends. Something that will make you happy and always remember this moment." Arianna was very happy to hear Stellina's answer. The little girl felt that she always had the support of her mommy. The glow of happiness was clearly reflected on her beaming face. The sun was slowly sinking behind the horizon, giving a golden touch to the cityscape of Rome. Stellina, Diego and his daughter walked hand in hand, while Fabian was always on standby behind them. Arianna was eager to recount her experiences during her vacation, marveling at the beauty of the historical buildings they had visited. "Mama, when I was in the tall building I was happy to see a lot of birds flying around, I wanted to feed them but I really didn't know how." "Why don't you ask mom?" "I was with Patty and she was busy taking pictures. Why does Patty like to take pictures while tilting her lips?" Diego and Stellina laughed at Arianna's witty question. Patrizia does not miss a moment of vacation with selfies, and recording videos that she will post on her social media. "One way to capture vacation moments is to take as many photos as possible and also make videos." Diego added an explanation for his little daughter. "Papa is right, sweetheart. We also have a lot of pictures from this vacation. And when we look at them again we will remember that moment." "Mama, when did we buy so many souvenirs?" asked Arianna impatiently. They arrived at a convenience store that sold a lot of souvenirs at tax-free prices at the airport. "Of course you'll get them later." Diego answered his daughter's request. However, Stellina quickly added to his words. "Don't you remember we bought a lot of souvenirs yesterday when we toured the Coloseum? That's enough, my dear. I don't want to buy you anything, but too much of everything is not good." Diego immediately fell silent at Stellina's words. There was no point in arguing with Stellina at this point. She was being a good mama to her daughter and Diego's job was to support whatever Stellina taught Arianna. Stellina smiled gently at her daughter. She lovingly embraced Arianna and tried to explain more tactfully. "Honey listen to me, vacation is not just about souvenirs. What's important is the time we spend together, the experiences we share and the memories we can cherish forever." "But mama, my friends always bring a lot of souvenirs every time they go on vacation." "Yes dear, souvenirs can indeed be an additional memory of our vacation, but what is not more important than the gift is the form of irreplaceable memories that we will bring home together. Mama will definitely find a special, unusual souvenir for you." They both smiled with their hands clasped together. Arianna felt more excited now that she knew there would be a special gift waiting for her in Vomero. Stellina was also happy to see her daughter change her mind, realizing that it was the togetherness and the meaning behind the gift that mattered, not just the quantity. After traveling for two hours, they finally arrived in Vomero. It was still midnight, Arianna had fallen asleep on the way to their mansion. Everyone was tired and chose to rest immediately. Stellina still couldn't close her eyes as she remembered her parents. The girl was relieved that her family was doing well. Enrico the papa who had begun to recover was a blessing in itself that she should be grateful for. Then she remembered Patrizia's words about Diego. Was she really that lucky girl? Diego had been very attentive and treated her well. There was no reason for her not to believe Diego would return Stellina to her family when the contract ended. The next day Diego and Stellina were enjoying breakfast at the dining table. Arianna had already left for school, driven by Fabian. Diego's cell phone rang, and when he realized who was calling, he picked it up immediately. "How are you, Mr. Eston?" Stellina froze as Diego mentioned a name she recognized. "How are you back from Rome?" asked Eston. Diego had asked Stellina to update Eston on their vacation to Rome yesterday. "Yes, we arrived at the rumba last night, how was business in Bolivia?" Diego asked again. "I'll visit you soon, business here is going very well, I miss Arianna already and want to see her soon." Eston was very fond of Arianna. "Alright, let me know when you get to the airport, we'll pick you up." "Is that Mr. Eston?" asked Stelllina as Diego ended his conversation with Eston. "Yes, he'll be coming to Vomero soon, I hope you're prepared to welcome him." Stellina knew what she had to do. During her time as Eston's daughter, she had never made a mistake. Diego had been very neat in teaching her many things. This time, nothing could be missed. Diego also prepared himself for Eston's arrival. With the presence of Stellina, who was now disguised as Vellina, there was no suspicion on Eston's part. At least until now, everything was going the way he wanted it to. Diego plans to give Eston one of the souvenirs they bought in Rome. "I want to give my papa-in-law some of the souvenirs we bought in Rome, can you help me choose them?" Diego asked, looking at his watch. He didn't have much time as Eston would be landing in Vomero soon. "Of course, I will choose the best for Mr. Eston," Stellina replied with a sweet smile. "Don't forget, he's your father. Don't make any mistakes that make him suspicious of all this." Diego reiterated Stellina's role. This time the beautiful girl didn't answer, she just looked at Diego as if to say 'don't worry'. Stellina hurried to the kitchen. In the kitchen the servants were opening the korak of souvenirs they had bought from Rome. To make Arianna happy, Stellina had bought a lot of souvenirs and snacks from Rome. "Martha, did you get everything out?" asked Stellina to Martha their butler. "I have, ma'am. I have everything in place. You can check it out." Stellina walked to the table where the food souvenirs she had bought were arranged. There were bananas scented with Rome's specialty nesco. Arianna loved Italian gelato. Especially for this snack, Stellina bought it at a local shop. Arianna certainly wouldn't mind. The little girl is a fan of Italian ice cream, which is famous for its authentic flavor. Stellina also brought several pieces of Italian gelato and her daughter's favorite flavors to enjoy with the family. "For accessories and non-food items, Fabian has brought them to the gallery room, you can also check them there." "Thank you, Martha." Stellina hurried to the gallery room, which was next to Diego's very artistic study. Several large and expensive paintings adorned the gallery walls. There Stellina was examining a collection of Pisaq Romanesco, miniature Roman statues made with impeccable detail. These sculptures depict typical characteristics of the Roman era such as gladiators, gods and goddesses, and Roman rulers. Stellina bought them but didn't know who to give the miniature set to. When Diego expressed his desire to give a gift to Eston, Stellina felt that she had given the right item. Stellina had also bought the Pergamena book. Pergamena was an animal skin processed into traditional Roman paper. "Perhaps this could also be given to Lord Eston," she whispered softly. This small book made of pergamena had a cover decorated with beautiful calligraphy reminiscent of Rome's cultural heritage. Diego received another call from Eston, informing him that he had arrived at the airport. Diego quickly prepared himself. The handsome man had to look ready for his father-in-law. He was by far the strongest candidate to inherit the Pavnozzi family business. "Fabian, get ready, we're coming to the airport to pick up Mr. Eston." "Bai, sir. I will prepare the car immediately." Fabian quickly prepared the car they would use to pick up Mr. Eston. "Diego, are you sure you don't want me to come? We can pick Arianna up from school before we go to the airport, right?" Selina asked when she saw Diego getting ready. "You're both still tired from the long journey last night, so it's best if you stay at home. You can prepare the best meal for your father." Stellina nodded her head. This day she had organized everything. Stellina told Martha to prepare a special meal for her father. "Prepare the best ingredients immediately, Martha. Papa will be here soon. We haven't seen each other for a long time and I hope he's happy with your cooking." said Stellina. "Yes, ma'am. We will prepare a special menu for Mr. Eston. Does Madame have any special requests?" Martha asked back. "My father loves pasta. Make the most delicious pasta carbonara. Spaghetti pasta with a sauce of mixed eggs, cheese, selected herbs and the best bacon." "I will serve it, ma'am." "Oh yes, Martha, don't forget your lasagna milanes is also very good. I want that dish on the table." 'Yes ma'am." "Hmm, do you have any additional ideas, Martha?" "Ossobuco alla Milanese, is also very popular with Mr. Eston and I will prepare that dish as well." Of course, Eston is very fond of beef leg cooked with onions, tomatoes, broth and spices. This dish is usually served with saffron risotto. Martha knew her master's taste very well. "How about an appetizer? Do you have any ideas?" Stellina asked again. She was actually looking for information about Eston's favorite foods without making Martha suspicious. "I remember when Mr. Eston praised my Prosciutto e Melone, ma'am. You must still remember it." "Oh of course, a simple appetizer of sliced prosciutto served with sliced melon creates a fresh and sweet combination of flavors. You're right, don't miss that dish, Martha, or I'll scold you!" joked Stellina. Prosciutto is Italian ham that has been salted and cured. Stellina had not expected Mr. Eston's diverse tastes. Now that the food was taken care of, with a smile on her face Stellina prepared to welcome her 'papa'. Meanwhile, Diego and Fabian went to pick up Mr. Eston at the airport. From a distance, Mr. Eston looked very dapper for a 60-year-old man. Although his hair has started to turn white, that's where Mr. Eston's charisma shines through. "How's business here, Diego?" Mr. Eston hugged Diego like two men who hadn't seen each other in a long time. Diego just smiled. "Everything is going well. What about papa's business in Bolivia? Is it going well too?" "Sure, it's all manageable despite a few incidents." Diego frowned. "You don't need to know the details. What's clear is that you went there to buy a fantastic painting and it was very easy to get there. Papa got a very low price without having to go through an auction. This is where connections are important, because Papa knows the curator very well." Diego nodded his head. He had always known that his father-in-law had a penchant for illicit business. It was also why the Pavnozzi family's fortune kept growing. They walked to the car, Fabian opened the door and Mr. Eston got in and Diego followed. They drove back to Diego's mansion. "Matteo was a great help to me there. If it wasn't for Matteo, the painting wouldn't have reached me." Mr. Eston praised Matteo, whose nephew was also tipped to inherit the Pavnozzi dynasty. "Next time I will tell you how Matteo skillfully smuggled the painting to Vomero. Without being taxed, I was able to make a huge profit." "Of course I admire Matteo's work," Diego said, pretending to praise Matteo's work even though he was very upset inside.