Chapter 12: My girlfriend 

Alessandro's POV

The grand ballroom hummed with the energy of celebration, yet my mind was elsewhere. Engaging with other gala attendees and standing among a group of Italian politicians, my attention was drawn to Andrea and Hazel in the distance. They discussed post-election projects and plans, but, truthfully, I didn't care. At the end of the day, we Lombardis appoint our own people. Amid their incessant chatter, my mind wandered, haunted by the recent kiss Hazel and I had shared. It was a moment I couldn't have asked for more, and I silently thanked God she had halted my impulsiveness. The sensation of her soft lips on mine lingered, and I realized I needed to regain my composure.

A throat cleared, jolting me back to reality. I raised my eyes to Dr. Zimmer, who greeted me with gratitude. "Mr. Lombardi, thank you for attending the gala in person. The University of Florence is honored to have you as the guest of honor," he said, extending his hand for a handshake. I stared at him sternly, excusing myself with a nod, "If you'll excuse me, I have a speech to give." I proceeded toward the stage, not intending to be rude, but I couldn't shake my distrust for him. Dr. Zimmer's clingy nature and over-politeness emitted a cringe-worthy aura, leaving me with an unsettling feeling. I suspected there was more beneath the surface, behind his mask.

Once on stage for my speech, I noticed Andrea leading Hazel to the balcony. My brows furrowed in question, but I shook off the feeling and commenced my speech. The gala attendees were attentive, and when the speech concluded, I excused myself from the applauding audience. Navigating through the maze of guests, I made my way to the balcony.

Luca whispered in my ear, "Andrea wants to have a word.." I halted, turned to Luca, and raised an eyebrow. He looked at me and added, "Something urgent." Resuming my path, I saw Andrea returning from the balcony. Our eyes met in a silent exchange of understanding. Hazel followed, smiling, her eyes shining, and I couldn't help but soften my expressions. She was beautiful. Lowering my gaze, I admired her curves, imagining the sensation of her underneath me. When I lifted my gaze to her face, she was crimson red, aware that I had been undressing her with my eyes. I walked, grabbed her by the waist, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "I'm leaving right now. Care to join?" Confused, she asked, "You're not staying till the end of the gala?" I shook my head but added, "I have work to do. If you want to stay, I can leave Rocco with you." Before I could call Rocco, she stopped me, met my gaze, and said, "I can go with you. No need to assign anyone." We both smiled, and I offered my elbow. She placed her hand in mine, and I led her to leave the Palazzo.

In the back seat of the SUV with Hazel, I held her hand, caressing it, when Andrea cleared his throat.

With a stern voice, I said, "Not now, Andrea!" I knew Andrea was always impatient with news, but I wasn't ready for anything, especially not wanting to scare Hazel. I was aware she knew about our mafia connections, but I didn't want her involved. I didn't want the past to repeat itself.

Still holding Hazel's hand, my phone buzzed with a text from someone other than Andrea. Sighing, I told myself, 'This kid is killing me.' I saw more messages from him and opened the text:

Andy: "Stop your PDA! It's cringe, cousin."

Andy: "Don't worry; she knows, and she might help."

Andy: "It's urgent."

I put back my phone, wondering what Andy meant by that. I fervently hoped he hadn't entangled Hazel in any of our issues.

Clearing his throat to get my attention, Andrea turned to us. I looked at him, playfully hitting his head, so he would stop. He laughed, and Hazel joined in. I looked at her, questioning what happened and what was funny. She seemed happy and calm. Shaking my head, the three of us burst into laughter, and I wasn't sure why, but perhaps laughter is contagious.

As we reached my mansion, I opened the door for Hazel, and I noticed she was about to fall in her heels. I quickly grabbed her bridal style, carrying her straight to the living room. There, we were greeted by Mrs. Casella. 

Mrs. Casella, the head maid, possessed the timeless grace of a woman who had witnessed the passage of many seasons. In her early 70s, her once raven-black hair had gracefully transitioned into a soft cascade of silver-gray, framing her face with a touch of elegance. Her eyes, though weathered by time, sparkled with wisdom and warmth, reflecting the wealth of experiences she had accumulated over the years.

Despite her age, Mrs. Casella carried herself with an air of quiet authority. Her sturdy and weighty presence exuded a sense of reliability, a testament to the years of dedicated service she had devoted to the Lombardi household. Her neatly tied bun, adorned with streaks of silver, added a touch of sophistication to her appearance.

I gently put Hazel down and introduced them, "Hazel, this is Mrs. Casella, the head maid. She is family. Mrs. Casella, this is Hazel, my girlfriend." Andrea choked on his water, and Luca was coughing hard. I raised my eyebrows in warning. Mrs. Casella hugged Hazel warmly, welcoming her home.

I turned towards Hazel and gently kissed her forehead. "I have some matters to attend to now. You can stay here or use my bedroom to rest. If you need anything, just ask Mrs. Casella; she will assist you, okay?" She nodded in acknowledgment. Glancing at Mrs. Casella, I found her nodding as well. Shifting my attention to Andrea, whose nose was crunched with an expression of mock disapproval, he mouthed 'cringe.' I playfully tapped him on the head and gestured for him to go to my office. Both he and Luca followed suit.