Chapter 7 Giulia De Luca

• Giulia de Luca
• Being the daughter of the CEO of Oil Corporation has brought me benefits many people can only dream of achieving one day.
• But the one thing I truly wished for with all the financial power, my father possesses was that it could have saved my mother from this damned disease that is consuming her body day by day.
• My father used all his influence to spend today here at the hospital; they would rather not allow me to stay, since I am still a teenager.
• As I read "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," my mother's weary gaze made me anxious with every line.
• "Giulia?" Her tired voice called my attention.
• I put down the book on the armchair and approached her bed. Even exhausted, my mother moved over and asked me to lie beside her.
• "Mio piccolo, ti amo come l'universo," she said, repeating what she always told me before bedtime.
• "I love you too, mamma!" I curled up in her arms. They would rather not allow
• She was saying goodbye to me, searching for the fragrance she always loved to wear.
• "Promise me you will help your father find someone else," I wrapped my arms around her body.
• A body that was far from resembling that of the beautiful woman my mother once was.
• "Study hard, my love, be the fantastic woman I raised you to be, and be a support for your father," I lift my head and gently caress her thinning face.
• "Do you need me to call Dad?" I ask, just to be sure.
• "No, my love, your father will suffer a lot with my departure; I'm tired and just want to rest." I let my tears fall quietly.
• I spent the night with her, while my father was at home resting a bit before coming back in the morning. But that day, my mother passed away, leaving behind life advice that I hold dearly in my memories.
• Today, several years after my mother's death, I see my father increasingly burying himself in work and not truly engaging with anyone. When he disappeared, and I couldn’t find my friend Alessa, a bright alarm went off in my mind.
• While enjoying the party that was happening, an idea began to form...
• Alessa is my best friend; she knows me even when I have no idea what to do. As I’m heading towards medical research, she dives deeper into trauma surgery.
• I feel immense pride in my friend who ended up an orphan and, as a kind of pension, the government pays for her studies since her parents were killed in an incident they were involved in.
• Near the end of the party, she showed up with a huge smile. I tried to get something out of her, but the cheeky girl said she'd talk to another friend first and then head to our dorm to rest. If she thinks she can escape me once we get home, she's mistaken. I had fun with all our friends, enjoying the party with the international DJ, and around two in the morning, I headed back to the dorm and saw my friend sleeping with her back to the door.
• I took off my clothes and gathered everything I needed for a quick shower before heading back to bed. Fortunately, the bathroom was empty, so I was quick. When I returned to the room, she was turned towards the door with her eyes open.
• "What happened? Why are you awake?" I asked as I approached her, concerned.
• "I'm jealous of you, having a father who is proud of your achievements," she said with a sad look in her eyes.
• "Alessa, wherever they are, you can be sure they're very proud of you!" I sat next to her on the bed and became the friend she required right then.
• "I know, but I just wish..." Her soft, heartfelt sob made me hug my friend.
• I lay there with her until we finally fell asleep in each other's arms.
• When I woke up, I noticed that Alessa's neck was covered in small bites and a faint hickey. I might be as inexperienced as my friend, but something tells me my father has taken an interest in her.
• If something happened between them, I wouldn't mind; I wish happiness for both of them. My father deserves to meet someone who can bring him back into the light and pull him out of his mourning.
• I get out of bed, trying not to wake my friend, who still had puffy eyes from crying. I pick out a pair of jeans and get ready quickly; I need to meet Mr. de Luca. I start to laugh, remembering how my dad hates it when I call him "mister." I looked over at Alessa, who was turning in bed.
• "It's time to get up; we’re going for breakfast and heading out now," I see her grumble and turn away.
• "Go ahead, I'll use my last few coins in the cafeteria." I roll my eyes and pull her out of bed.
• I see her turn her head towards me and start rubbing her elbow that she hit somewhere when she fell off the bed.
• "Stop exaggerating and let's go; I’m already ready," I say as I pull the covers off her.
• I sit on my bed, watching my friend,, who realizes I won’t let her stay here in the dorm alone. Since my dad invited us to where he is, it will be wonderful to see the two of them meet. I'll be sure that something happened between them.
• I wait for her to get ready, and we head to the address my dad had sent me during the night. I enter without much trouble, grateful that he isn’t answering my calls.
• The building manager hands me an extra key and asks that I return it when we leave the apartment, which won't be a problem at all.
• "Look how beautiful this is, Alessa?" I walk through the living room, noticing the neutral decor.
• I watch Alessa looking down the hallway, seemingly lost in thought.
• "I'll make our breakfast, just sit here, and then I'll go call Mr. De Luca!" I say, seeing her smile in response.
• Once my dad joins us in the kitchen, I notice the suggestive glances they exchange. Alessa seems quite affected by his presence beside her.
• If they let whatever is happening between them unfold, I'm sure they could make a beautiful couple. Modesty aside, my dad is handsome, like a typical Italian, and Alessa—she's the prettiest person by my side, with her sweet demeanor and especially how loving she is towards everyone—it's just so her.
• Perhaps nudging them a bit could help spark further interest, if there isn't already something there.