Chapter 28 Ariele

I held the ring in my hands, feeling lost and confused. I never imagined that a simple object could bring me so many problems and complicated questions. I used to wear the ring on a necklace around my neck, but I decided to wear it on my finger for dinner with Eric, a regrettable choice. Now, I was accused of being a thief.

The ring had been left for me at the convent when I was abandoned there as a baby. It was the only memory and possession I had from my biological parents, or so Sister Lurdez had told me, and I believed her.

I felt disoriented, not knowing what to do with the ring. On one hand, I wanted to keep it with me as a memento of my biological family. On the other hand, I knew it could bring problems and dangers into my life. Cassandra was a mafia woman, and she wanted me away from here; I had already sensed that.

I knew I needed to learn more about the ring and its history. I wanted to know why it was so important and if there was anyone who might be after it, or even if there were family members looking for me.

I decided I wouldn't let other people decide for me anymore. I was going to fight for what was mine and uncover the truth behind the ring.

With this renewed determination, I looked at the ring with new eyes. It was an important part of my history, and I wouldn't let anyone take it away from me.

I woke up early, even before the sun had risen, and got out of bed with a tired sigh. Nevertheless, I knew I needed to start my day early to take care of everything that needed to be done.

I began my morning routine, washing my face and teeth and fixing my hair. Then, I went to the closet and picked out my outfit for the day, dressing carefully.

I wake up early every morning to help Toni get ready for school. I enjoy doing this because, in addition to being my responsibility as a nanny, I love taking care of her.

When I reach her room, I start calling her gently and then help her get up. She's usually a bit sleepy, so I help her get dressed and fix her hair.

Afterward, we go together to the kitchen, where I prepare breakfast while she sits at the table and tells me about her plans for the day.

"I have a math class today, Ariele. I don't really like that subject."

"I know, Toni. But you're very smart, and I'm sure you'll do well."

While we have breakfast together, we talk about everything and nothing at the same time. I love hearing Toni's stories about school, and she loves telling me everything she's learned.

"Ariele, can you help me study math after school?"

"Of course, Toni. We'll do exercises together, and I'm sure you'll learn everything you need."

I finish tidying up the kitchen and accompany Toni to the door, where I say goodbye with a kiss on her forehead and a tight hug. I'm very lucky to take care of such an adorable girl as Toni; looking after her helps me forget the madness I'm living in right now.

I decided I wouldn't take Toni to school that day because I needed to talk to Cassandra about the ring. I knew she was a difficult person to deal with, but I needed to clarify things.

As soon as I entered her room, Cassandra greeted me with a suspicious look.

"What do you want, Ariele?" she asked, with a sharp tone.

"I need to talk to you about the ring. You know it's mine; it was left with me at the convent."

"That's a blatant lie, Ariele. The ring belonged to my family and was stolen by you."

"No, Cassandra. That's not true. The ring has always been with me since I was left at the convent. My mother left it with me and said it was a family gift."

"Your mother? You know nothing about your family, Ariele. Don't try to make up stories to justify theft."

"I'm not making anything up, Cassandra. It's the truth. And I didn't steal anything from you."

The argument continued for a while, and Cassandra continued to be mocking and aggressive. She was clearly jealous of Eric and believed that I was trying to steal his attention.

"You're a nanny, Ariele. You have no rights over family matters. Return the ring immediately."

"I won't return something that is mine, Cassandra. And I won't allow you to treat me this way."

The argument continued, but I held my ground. I knew I was being honest, and the ring was rightfully mine. Cassandra, on the other hand, was acting out of pure envy and jealousy.

After a while, I decided to leave. I didn't want to continue that discussion any longer. But I knew that, unfortunately, this story was far from over. However, she was cunning and cornered me against the wall. She was taller and could easily overpower me if she wanted, but I wouldn't stop fighting.

"Eric won't like to know you're cornering me like this, Cassandra," I warned her.

She laughed at me and said, "You're such a naive nun, Ariele. Eric is a mafioso, a cold and ruthless man who cares about no one but himself. He's using you to satisfy his desires, and when he's done with you, you'll be discarded like an old toy."

I was shocked and angry at what she was saying. Eric was caring and genuinely cared about me; his actions spoke louder than words.

"That's a lie! Eric genuinely cares, and I love him too. I won't allow you to come here and say bad things about him," I told her firmly.

Cassandra just laughed again and said, "You're so blind, Ariele. Can't you see that Eric is just toying with you? He's a dangerous man, and you're in danger being with him."

I felt a wave of sadness and frustration. I knew Eric was a complicated man, and there were dark things in his past, but I believed in him and in our love. Even if there were no declarations, his actions spoke louder than words.