Chapter 1- Welcome to Italy

The announcement for my flight’s arrival jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced at my phone, my best friend's contact still open on the screen from the last call. “I'm here," I muttered under my breath, pulling my suitcases closer as I took in the bustling airport. I still couldn't believe I won the competition to work with Mr De Vito for a whole year, it felt so surreal.

‘Okay deep breaths, Emily,’ her voice echoed in my head, though she wasn't actually there to remind me. I stepped forward, scanning the area for the person who was supposed to meet me.

I pulled up the email from my competition for the hundredth time, rereading the line that said someone would be waiting for me. My heart was racing, my nerves refusing to settle despite the excitement of being in Italy.

And then I saw it: a man standing a few feet away, holding a white sign with my name, Emily Ross, scrawled in bold, black letters. He was tall, dressed in a crisp black suit, his dark hair slicked back neatly.

I exhaled in relief and walked to him with a small smile. “Hi, I'm Emily Ross," I said, pointing to the sign.

The man nodded, offering a polite smile. "Welcome to Italy, Miss Ross. My name is Matteo. I'm Mr. De Vito’s driver.”

“Thank you," I replied, my voice a little shaky from nerves. “It's great to be here."

Matteo reached for my luggage carrier effortlessly, turning it as though it was nothing. “This way, please."

I followed him through the airport out into the crisp Italian air, my senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the city. The city was alive, vibrant, and utterly breathtaking.

Matteo led me to a sleek black car parked just outside. He opened the door for me, and I slid into the luxurious leather seat, feeling slightly out of place.

As the car pulled away from the airport, I couldn't help but press my face against the window, marveling at the beauty of the city. The architecture, the cobblestone streets, the people—it was everything I'd ever dreamed of and more.

“It's beautiful," I murmured, mostly to myself.

Matteo glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable. "Italy is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You'll find it inspiring, especially for someone in your field.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with excitement.

The city gradually gave way to sprawling countryside, the scenery changing from bustling streets to rolling hills and vineyards. After nearly an hour, the car slowed as we approached a tall wrought iron gate. It opened smoothly, and we drove up a long, winding driveway lined with perfectly manicured trees.

When the house came into view, my jaw dropped.

Scratch that—it wasn't a house. It was a damn castle.

The massive stone mansion loomed before us, its grand facade framed by towering columns and arched windows. It looked like something out of a movie, too extravagant to be real.

“Is this where I'll be staying?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Matteo nodded, pulling the car to a stop in front of the grand mansion entrance. “Yes, Miss Ross. For as long as you work with Mr De Vito, this will be your home,"

I stepped out of the car, feeling as though I'd just stepped into a dream. My eyes darted around, taking in the perfectly landscape gardens, the marble fountain, and the sheer size of the mansion.

Matteo retrieved my luggage and led me inside. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior. High ceilings, crystal chandelier, and intricate artwork adorned every corner. The polished marble floors gleamed under the warm light, and the air smelled faintly of lavender and citrus.

A maid appeared, dressed in a neat uniform, and greeted me with a warm smile. “Welcome, Miss Ross. Please follow me. I'll show you to your room."

I followed her up a grand staircase and down a long hallway, my footsteps echoing softly against the marble. She stopped in front of a set of double doors and pushed them open.

“This will be your room," she said, stepping aside to let me in.

The room was enormous, easily five times the size of my apartment back home. A king size bed sat in the center, draped with soft linens that looked too perfect to touch. The windows stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a stunning view of the mansion's garden. A plush sitting area, a walk in closet, and an en suite bathroom completed the space.

“Are you sure this is my room?" I asked, half joking.

The maid chuckled. “Yes, Miss Ross. Mr. De Vito insists his guests are comfortable."

Comfortable was an understatement. This was luxury on a level I'd never experienced before.

Once the maid left, I pulled out my phone and called Jane.

“Jane, you won't believe this place," I said as I panned the camera around the room during our video call. “It's like a fucking palace, the old man must have a lot of money, damn,”

Jane's jaw dropped. "Oh my God, Emily! Are you sure you're not staying at some royal estate? This is insane!”

“I know right? And this is just my room," I said, laughing. “The rest of the house is just as grand. I can't believe this is my life right now."

We chatted for a while longer, Jane squealing with excitement as I showed her around the room. I could feel her energy through the screen, and it helped calm my nerves.

A knock at the door interrupted our call.

“Hang on, someone's here," I told Jane before opening the door to find the maid again.

“Miss Ross, I've been asked to give you a tour of the mansion," she said with a polite smile.

I ended the call with Jane and followed the maid as she led me through the house, pointing out the various rooms and areas.

“This is the dining room," she said, gesturing to the grand space with a long table. “Breakfast is served at 8 a.m, lunch at 1 p.m, that's the day you're home for lunch, and dinner at 7 p.m Mr De Vito is particular about punctuality.”

I nodded, taking mental notes.

We passed several other rooms—a library filled with floor to ceiling shelves of books, a music room with a grand piano, and even a private cinema.

The maid stopped in front of a set of double doors at the end of a hallway. “These are Mr De Vito's private quarters," she said, her tone more serious. “They're strictly off limits."

I frowned. "Why?”

She hesitated before responding. "Mr De Vito values privacy. You'll meet him when the time is right.”

The cryptic response only fueled my curiosity, but I knew better than to push for answers.

By the time the tour ended, I was more overwhelmed than ever. The mansion was massive, and I wasn't sure I'd get used to its grandeur.

As I lay in bed that night, staring up at the ornate ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't yet comprehend.

My mind couldn't help but drift to Mr De Vito, I had expected to see him at dinner but there wasn't a sign of him. I couldn't help but think about what it would be like working with him, would he be a difficult boss? One that is hard to please.

I just hope the old man wouldn't be a lot to handle.

I released a breath through my nose, closing my eyes as I willed myself to go to sleep. But there was a silent thought in my mind.

Whoever Mr De Vito is and whatever he brings, I'll be able to face it. I didn't come to Italy to play.

With that in mind, I drifted off to a dreamless sleep.