Chapter 81

Mena

"New garden supplies? I'll get to it as soon as possible," I told the head gardener who had come with a request. It was an old man who had been working here since Alessio’s grandpa was still alive.

“Thank you, Ma’am,” his eyes crinkled with a smile. “We are lucky to have you here.”

The man gave a quick bow with his head, then left the office. This was how I now spend my days, sitting behind Alessio’s desk while he was out, fulfilling my new duties.

Pilar was by my side so I wouldn’t get bored, and Gian too, to make sure I wouldn’t make any mistakes. Despite all that happened between us, he had been helpful in showing me the Fanucci ways.

I huffed, sharing an eye roll with Pilar. A message only the two of us could understand, and the message was that all of this was tiring. Accepting request letters and saying yes on Alessio’s behalf was easy, but saying no is where it got difficult.

"I set myself up, didn’t I?" I complained out loud.

"You sure did," Pilar agreed with a cackle.

"D