Althea Santos' POV

Finally done with school this week...

During the week, I made time to go to stores in Milan, purchasing materials and tools for lessons with little Viviana, whom I recently met at the farmers' market. From different color threads and beads, I managed to get what I needed, and good thing I have my own set of materials since it became a hobby of mine.

After completing a couple of errands in Milan and packing my weekend bag for the shift, I made my way to Como, a little earlier than usual after I learned my lesson to not be distracted and come in late. Upon arriving in Como, I dropped off my bag at Palazzo de Luca before grabbing the baskets and heading out to where Viviana and her mom Evelina were.

While walking down to the town square, I immediately saw Viviana running up to me yelling "Thea, Thea! Ti ho visto camminare quaggiù, quindi dovevo venire a trovarti!"

( I saw you walking down here, so I had to come see you! )

My smile grew wider as I gave her the sweetest hug, "Ciao, mia piccola Vivi. Sei entusiasta di imparare a realizzare braccialetti?"

(Are you excited to learn how to make bracelets?)

Viviana nodded excitedly, "Si si. Mi aiuterai anche a imparare a parlare inglese e tagalog?"

(Yes, yes. Will you also help me learn to speak English and Tagalog?)

I chuckled, bending my knees to be on the same level as Viviana, "Really? I mean, your English is pretty good, but are you sure you want to learn Tagalog? My native language?" Viviana nodded once more with a smile that melts my heart every time. I smiled back, standing back up and holding her hand, "Alright, we'll get started with our lessons once we get to the stall."

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Franco De Luca's POV

Ah, finally, a day off from the hustle and bustle of office work.

Thank god, I can finally relax and potentially get some errands done.

As I leisurely got ready for the day, I caught a glimpse through the window of Althea gracefully moving in and out of the Palazzo.  The way she glided with such elegance and poise always left me captivated.  She seemed to have a purpose of a destination in mind, yet I couldn't help but be curious about where she was heading on this fine afternoon.

Despite previous tardiness, Althea came to the Palazzo early for her weekend-long shift, which astonished me. It was a detail I hadn't noticed before, and it altered my perspective of her. The fact that she had learned from her mistake and made an effort to arrive early spoke volumes about her character: she was responsible, hardworking, and dedicated to her obligations.

I couldn't help but wonder about her "early arrival".  Was it a desire to impress and prove herself following a previous misstep? Perhaps there was a greater purpose, an inner calling encouraging her to succeed in her work inside Palazzo de Luca's confines.  Whatever the case, Althea was more than just a maid going through the motions. She was an ambitious woman with goals hidden under her compassionate appearance.

Once I got ready, a crazy idea came to mind:  I wanted to know her current whereabouts.  I made my way downstairs before approaching one of the maids Bea and called out, "Beatrice!"

I see her eyes rolling at me whenever she gets addressed by her real name which makes me bust in laughter.  She said to me, "God, I hate being called by my government name.  What is it, Sir Franco?

"I know you are close friends with Althea.  Do you know where she is right now?"

"Umm, she already dropped off her overnight bag at the maid HQ, but she just left for the farmers' market at Piazza Cavour to meet up with somebody."

Oh, she's over there?  "Alrighty, thanks Beatrice" I pat Bea's head before taking off.  

The last words I heard as I headed out were "Again, don't like being called by my government name!"

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As I trailed Althea through the bustling streets toward the farmer's market, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty swirled within me. I hesitated, deciding to observe her from a distance for a while. The morning sun cast a warm glow on the scene as she weaved through the crowd, her purposeful strides contrasting with the leisurely pace of the market-goers. 

"I wonder what Bambi's up to," I mused quietly, hidden behind a row of quaint shops. 

As I lingered behind, my gaze fixed on Althea's graceful movements, I caught sight of a heartwarming scene unfolding amidst the vibrant marketplace at Piazza Cavour. With her contagious smile, Althea knelt beside una piccola ragazza. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she imparted language lessons using playful gestures and animated expressions. The little girl's eyes sparkled with wonder and excitement, her tiny hands eagerly mimicking Althea's every word. Their interaction was a symphony of joy, with Althea's laughter resonating like a melody, drawing curious glances from passersby. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, they formed a serene oasis of connection and learning, their bond deepening with each shared moment of discovery and camaraderie.

A warm smile spread across my face as I watched her, stirring a longing within me to close the distance and bask in her presence.

As I navigated through the bustling crowd of the farmer's market in Piazza Cavour, my eyes were drawn irresistibly to Althea's radiant presence. Approaching her and her piccola amica (small friend), my heart quickened with anticipation, a smile spreading across my face as I observed their lively interaction.  Her small friend's infectious enthusiasm mirrored Althea's, and I couldn't help but feel warmth at the sight of their connection. Catching Althea's gaze, I felt excited to join them and immerse myself in their learning world of shared laughter.

"Franco, what are you doing here?" Althea's voice rang out, a mixture of surprise and delight coloring her tone as she saw me amidst the bustling market.

I met her gaze with a grin, relishing the opportunity to be near her. "I saw that you were in and out of the palazzo, and I was wondering what you're up to before your shift," I replied, my words punctuated by a playful twinkle in my eye.

Althea's mouth slightly gaped to speak before a small voice spoke, "Thea, chi è quest'uomo?"

(Thea, who is this man?)

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, a delightful sound that brightened my mood, as she gestured towards me and addressed the little girl beside her, "And here's my boss, Franco de Luca. He's not as stern as he may seem." Turning to me, she continued, "Franco, meet Viviana. I encountered her and her mother here, and I volunteered to assist them by providing Vivi with lessons, from English to crafting these bracelets."

"È un piacere conoscerti, Viviana" I knelt down to Viviana's level and offered a hand to shake which she shook it.  Then she asked me, "Ma perché sei stato cattivo con la maestra Thea?"

(It's a pleasure to meet you, Viviana // But why are you being mean to Teacher Thea?)

I shifted uncomfortably, feeling a pang of guilt as the question caught me off guard. "Io... non volevo essere cattivo con la tua maestra Thea," I began, my voice faltering slightly. "È appena... it's been a tough day, and I guess my mood got the best of me." 

(I... I didn't mean to be mean to your Teacher Thea; It's just... )

I sighed, realizing my mistake, my eyes flickering with regret. "Like I said before, I'm sorry, truly. I didn't mean to come off that way." 

Her expression softened, understanding dawning in her eyes. "It's okay, Franco," she replied gently, a forgiving smile on her lips. "We all have bad days sometimes." Her forgiveness washed over me like a wave of relief, easing the weight of my earlier frustration.

"So what are you two up to?" I asked Althea and she responded, "I was just helping Vivi make a woven bracelet, just like the one I've made back home"

"In the U.S.?" "Actually, in the Philippines.  I make and sell these to earn and provide for my family."  "Can I see how you guys make it?" "Sure.  Let's show Sir Franco how we make them, Vivi"

As I watched Althea deftly weaving bracelets, a sense of admiration welled up within me. The way she skillfully crafted each intricate design spoke volumes about her creativity and determination. Learning that she used to make and sell these bracelets in her home country, the Philippines, only added to my respect for her. 

"Remember, it's all in the weave and knot," Althea whispered, her fingers deftly moving over the colorful threads. Viviana, entranced by the rhythmic dance of the strands, nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with determination.

Seeing her patiently guide Viviana through the process, their laughter mingling with the click of beads, I was drawn to her even more. It wasn't just her talent or her kindness that enamored me; it was the glimpse into her past, the stories woven into each thread, that made me fall for her deeper with each passing moment.

Time flew by, and Viviana finished her woven bracelet and showed it to me, "Guardi, signor Franco! L'ho fatto per te!"  I was speechless that this little girl my dear Bambi befriended crafted a woven bracelet for me.  "Oh wow, grazie.  Thank you, Vi"

(Look, sir Franco! I made this for you!)

As I stole a quick look at Viviana, I became mesmerized by her innocent appearance, which subtly resembled a younger version of my brother. Their shared eyes and charming smiles struck a chord within me; however, I hesitated, fearing that my observations might unintentionally intimidate her.

"Sir Franco?  Y-you okay?"  Althea's gentle voice interrupted my trail of thoughts and regained my attention.  "Huh?  What?  I'm sorry, I just noticed something,"  I responded.  "Listen I better head to the store before returning to the Palazzo.  Make sure you'll be back before you start the shift tonight, Althea."

Althea nodded her head and said, "Yes sir Franco.  I promise I'll return before my duties this time"  I nodded with a soft smile before saying goodbyes and heading to my intended destination:  the market.

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As the sun set behind the grandeur of the Palazzo, I found myself alone in my office, burdened by the weight of secrets. With a sense of urgency, I discreetly assigned one of my most trusted men, a renowned private investigator, to conduct a covert DNA test on Gio and Viviana. I hoped that this would help me uncover the mysteries surrounding them. Although fate spun its wheels silently in the background, I knew the path ahead would be risky and full of revelations.

"Ciao, ho bisogno di un favore da parte tua...  Potresti per favore raccogliere campioni di DNA di mio fratello Gio e di una bambina di nome Viviana in modo discreto?  Ho un'intuizione che devo confermare sulla vita di mio fratello, ma capisco che non spetta a me interferire... Va bene, grazie, amico mio..."

(Hello, I need a favor from you...  Can you please collect DNA samples from my brother Gio and a little girl named Viviana in a discreet manner?  I have a hunch I need to confirm about my brother's life, but I understand it's not my place to interfere...  Alright, thanks, my friend...)

I ended the phone call and let my mind wander through the possibilities.  Why doesn't Gio tell me he has a child with an unknown woman?

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a/n:  hi everyone, hope you all enjoy this long-awaited update!!  i apologize for the long delay because 1. my first year back in college has been a whirlwind so far, and 2. my creative juices weren't cooperating! anyways, i promise to get out as many updates as i can, as long i can balance my time in writing and focusing on my schoolwork as well.