When I return, Aurora is sleeping in a fetal position on the bed in the playroom. The key is clutched in her palm, as if she couldn't bring herself to walk away from me.
I leave her like that, not bothering to lock the door.
She's past the point of running from me now.
23
Aurora
Years ago
Nicoletta Carlucci was my best friend, and I loved her like a sister.
I'm forever grateful to her father, Gustavo, for helping me and Papa get out of poverty. Papa and Gustavo met once by a coincidence, and Gustavo saw me with him. He told Papa he had a daughter the same age, and since they had to live secretive lives due to his business, he was looking for a companion to Nicoletta who would have the benefit of taking lessons with her and receiving a nice wardrobe on top of the education.
Papa was delighted, and agreed. Gustavo also offered him a job as a caretaker for their dilapidated mansion where he lived with his daughter, and Papa accepted.
When we arrive there, I'm taken aback by the beauty of the place. The gorgeous mansion may be falling apart, but the gardens and interior still spell out magic to me. My companion, Nicoletta, is a pretty blonde girl who looks just like me, except her hair is a shade warmer than mine. Her eyes are different than mine, too, but apart from that, we could easily be sisters.
An instant bond is formed as Nicoletta shows me around her home. I can tell she's been lonely for a long time and is excited to have a friend. Days later, our bond becomes unbreakable. We swear we'll help each other through everything and be best friends for ever. Both Papa and Gustavo seem pleased with our friendship, and we settle into a new routine.
Papa and I live in the caretaker's cottage on the land. We have our own garden where I grow flowers and Nicoletta helps me plant tulip bulbs in the early spring. I couldn't be happier.
These days, it's rare that I think of my mama. She died when she gave birth to me and I never knew much about her, except that I inherited her first name. The shadow of her absence used to weigh on me quite heavily, but now I'm distracted about all the exciting events in my life and the beauty I'm surrounded with.
Gustavo Carlucci is a man of impeccable taste, and besides, his fortune means he can buy anything he or Nicoletta desire. I'm blessed to live in such a beautiful house, but it's not without its secrets.
Gustavo told Papa that he and Nicoletta had to go into hiding after Nicoletta's mother was killed as part of a mafia vendetta. Now, they're counting on their men to enact revenge on the culprits – but that might take years, and until then, both of the Carluccis need to stay hidden to ensure their safety. Once Nicoletta turns eighteen, Carlucci plans on marrying her to a worthy mafia heir. But until then, they will remain in hiding.
We rarely leave the property, except one time when we are both little girls. We are invited to a Bernardi party – something that leaves both Nicoletta and me excited as ever. But Gustavo changes his mind at the last minute, coming up with a plan instead. Papa and I will play the roles of the Carluccis – me as Nicoletta, Papa as Gustavo. This way, Gustavo will be able to see whether they're still in trouble and need to remain in hiding.
My memory of the party is hazy now. Gustavo allowed Nicoletta to come with us, but she had to switch roles with me. In everyone's eyes, I was the heiress that night. And it really was magical. Being treated like a princess fills me with undeniable joy, as bad as I feel about stealing the role from my best friend. We spend an amazing night at the Bernardi Estate, but on the way back, Papa quickly realizes we're being followed.
He manages to escape the famiglia on our trail and get us home safe. But to Gustavo, this is proof that it's not safe for him and his daughter, not yet. So, they remain in hiding.
I don't know when exactly the first changes start to appear in my papa. But the more time we spend with the Carluccis, the more different he becomes.
Papa has never been a very warm person, but being around the kind of riches Carlucci has, certainly is changing him. He's become money-hungry. Instead of saving for my dowry or our future, Papa splurges the money Gustavo gives him on expensive things we certainly can't afford. But I don't argue. All the problems aside, I'm a happy girl, as long as I get to spend time with my best friend, Nicoletta.