Making a decision

Lisa wondered what it could be. Maria had mentioned something about hiring and then firing nurses. She hoped they knew she wasn’t qualified to be a nurse. Lost in her thoughts, Lisa barely noticed anything around her.

As she stepped into the hospital’s main entrance, the realization of just how distracted she had been hit her. Checking her watch, she saw there was still time to visit Lilani.

A nurse greeted her. “Buongiorno, Signorina.” Lisa nodded, waved, and made her way to her sister.

Entering the room, Lisa felt her heart lift at the sight before her. She walked closer and kissed Lilani on the head. A faint smile appeared on Lilani’s lips as she hugged her sister tightly.

“There was a doctor here with me,” Lilani said. “He said they needed to heal my brain, but I told him I didn’t want to be here. I want to be with you.”

Lisa stroked her sister’s hair gently. She wished she could take all of Lilani’s pain away. “I know, Lily. I also want you to be with me, but first, we have to get you better so that you don’t get headaches anymore.”

“Promise me that as soon as I’m stronger, I can leave with you,” Lilani asked.

Lisa nodded. “I promise. As soon as you are better, you can come home with me. I’ll buy you a big ice cream. How does that sound?”

Lilani pretended to think for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Yippee! I’ll do everything the doctor orders me to do, but I want a pink ice cream with lots and lots of sprinkles.”

Lisa chuckled softly. “So let’s get you healthy again. I miss your chatter and bossiness.”

She sat on the chair beside her sister and began telling Lilani about the two sweet older people she had met earlier. “When I leave the ward, I will contact Grandpa to let him know,” she said.

Lilani’s eyes slowly closed. Lisa noticed her sister must be in a lot of pain. Just then, a nurse entered and administered an injection that helped Lilani fall asleep. Lisa stood, kissed her sister’s forehead, and quietly left the hospital.

Mason’s POV

“Where is that grandson of mine?” Maria asked as soon as they entered his home.

“In his office, Mrs. Mancini,” the housekeeper replied.

Maria took Mason’s hand and guided him to Alessandro.

“Who dares?” Alessandro’s voice rang out, though he stopped when Maria spoke firmly. “Don’t give me that tone, young man.”

“I came here to talk to you—no, scratch that. Nothing makes you do what I’m about to say,” Maria said.

Alessandro nodded, and his bodyguard, Antonio, exited the room.

“What can I do for your grandma?” Alessandro asked, clearly nervous.

“I’m here to tell you—you are getting married,” Maria announced, shocking both her grandson and Mason.

“Grandma, I told you I’m not getting married. All women are gold diggers,” Alessandro replied irritably.

“I don’t care what you think now; shut up and listen to me! I have met a young girl whose little sister is in trouble. I will help them in exchange for you two getting married,” Maria continued, surprising Mason once again.

Alessandro frowned. “Why can’t we just help them without marriage?”

Mason thought along with him. “I would also love to know that,” he mused.

“Because that way we can protect you from, as you call them, gold diggers. We will draw up a contract stating that after two years you can divorce.”

Alessandro lowered his head into his hands. After a pause, he asked, “What does she look like?”

Maria closed her eyes, recalling the image. “She’s small, at least five-foot-six, slim, with long, curly dark chocolate hair and emerald green eyes.”

“I admit she doesn’t sound bad, but how can I marry someone I’ve never met before?” Alessandro asked.

“Easy—come with us later, and we will discuss everything with Lisa,” Maria replied with a grin.

“Fine, let me know what time, and I will be there to meet this wonderful woman you want me to marry,” Alessandro finally agreed.

“Good boy. You know you can never say no to your old Nonna,” Maria laughed.

Mason shook his head. “You are one sly woman. Do you realize that?”

“Someone must start to interfere with that stubborn grandchild of ours. Otherwise, I will never live to see him married,” Maria responded.

They walked to Leonardo, who confirmed, “Don’t worry, Nonna, I will be finished by lunchtime.”

“Grazie, figliolo,” Maria said, standing to leave.

After lunch, Maria called Alessandro. “Tell Piero to get the car ready,” she instructed Antonio.

Lisa’s POV

Lisa was preparing to visit her sister when a knock at the door made her pause. She opened it to find the Mancinis.

Mason greeted her first. “Hello, my dear. We came to discuss something with you.” Lisa noticed a striking young man standing beside Maria and realized it must be the grandson.

“Welcome; please come inside,” she said politely.

She studied him silently. Tall, tanned, black hair, striking features—but his dark glasses concealed his eyes.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asked.

“Oh, that’s alright, my dear. We came to introduce you to our grandson,” Maria said.

Mason formally introduced them. “Alessandro, this young lady is Lisa Saunders. Lisa, this is my grandson, Alessandro Mancini.”

Lisa nodded stiffly. “I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Mancini.” He merely nodded in return.

She mentally scolded herself: Rude man!

“Now, let’s discuss the proposal,” Maria said.

Lisa frowned. “Please tell me what this proposition is.”

Maria explained the plan: if Lisa married Alessandro, the family would cover her sister’s surgery and care for her for life. Lisa listened, stunned.

“I understand there is no love between the two of you yet,” Maria continued. “It won’t matter. You’ll have plenty of time to develop feelings. Antonio will pick you up tonight to meet me. Remember, your sister’s life depends on this operation.”

Lisa felt pale, her mind spinning. She could only nod.

“I will see you tonight,” Maria said warmly, hugging her before leaving.

Alone in her hotel room, Lisa screamed silently. Are they crazy? Marry for money? But Lilani’s life depended on her decision.

She got ready to visit Lilani, choosing skinny denim, a black off-the-shoulder blouse, and sneakers, letting her hair fall freely, and applying mascara and lip gloss.

Lilani lay with closed eyes, pain evident. Lisa’s heart ached. She kissed her sister gently.

“You’ll be alright soon. I found someone who will help you,” Lisa explained.

Lilani blinked, confused. “How would you like to settle here in this beautiful country forever?”

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we live,” Lilani said softly.

Lisa hesitated. “There’s one more thing—I must marry to save you.”

“Does that mean they’ll take you away from me?” Lilani asked shakily.

“No, Lily. You’ll stay with me, and you’ll go to school here,” Lisa reassured her.

Lilani smiled faintly, and Lisa told her everything about the Mancinis and Alessandro. Watching her sister drift to sleep, she kissed her head and left the room.

Dr. Rossi appeared in the doorway. “Do you have a minute, Signorina? I want to discuss your sister’s condition with you.”

“I hope I can give you a final answer tonight,” Lisa replied.

After returning to her hotel, Lisa researched Alessandro. The bachelor was famous, rumored to be ruthless, and connected to the mafia. His parents had died, and he had a younger brother.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Mr. Bianchi, the bodyguard, informed her that she needed to dress formally for the evening visit.

Lisa chose a simple black gown, gold heels and matching earrings, light makeup, and a scarf. She followed Mr. Bianchi to the car.

Arriving at the mansion, she was led to a private lounge, then into a dining room where Alessandro, dressed in a dark suit, awaited.

Dinner passed, and after everyone else left, Mrs. Mancini asked, “Well, Miss Saunders, I hope you came with good news.”

Lisa took a deep breath. “Yes, I accept your proposal,” she said, surprising Alessandro.

Arrangements for the wedding were made, including the gown, ring, and private Italian lessons. After signing the contract and a brief celebration, Lisa visited Lilani once more, who smiled at her arrival.

“We’re getting married this evening in the garden, Lilani. Another doctor is helping with your surgery,” Lisa told her gently.

Lilani’s eyes sparkled with trust and relief.