My alarm woke me up and I sighed sleepily, reaching for my phone. I switched the alarm off, sitting up, being greeted with mesmerising view of Rome, which is already buzzing at 6AM.
I got up and headed to get ready for the day, having tasting to take care of.
Hot water poured down on me as I ran a loofah with honey soap along my body, humming a tune to myself. Gentle honey scrub followed. When I was done, I wrapped a towel around my small figure and stepped out of a shower, moving onto my routine peacefully.
After bathroom rituals, I applied very simple, natural makeup, nothing too much: a little bit of foundation, a tiny bit of bronzer, some blush, mascara and brow gel. I applied lip balm on my plump, naturally very rosy lips.
As I ran a brush through my long, black hair, I texted the caretaker, who is supposed to make sure my auntie is well and gets only better. I don't care that it is extra expense; I'd rather work more than lose my only family.
I styled my hair in a low bun with a few small strands out. Lovely dress was slipped over my lacy undergarments. I picked nice, elegant trainers and added simple, dainty jewellery.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I took my cross-body bag and headed out, knowing that the car should be here any minute. As lift's doors opened, I entered, offering the man a small, polite smile.
"Come ti chiami, bella?"- asked the man as I glanced at him apologetically. (What's your name, beautiful?)
"I apologise, I don't speak Italian."- I said softly and he smiled at me.
"That's fine, we can talk in English."- he responded kindly, offering me his hand to take.
"Alessio Boverod. Please, call me Alessio."- he stated with a friendly smile, gently holding my hand.
"Celest Richards. It is nice to meet you, Alessio."- I spoke calmly, my cheeks flushing colour as he kissed the back of my hand, shooting me a smile.
"Pleasure is utterly mine, Celest."- replied Alessio, his tall body towering over my petite self.
"What brings such a beautiful woman here?"- he wondered as lift kept taking us down to the ground floor.
"I am here for work matters. What about you?"- I answered with a smile.
"Business, nothing much."- he said, his dark brown eyes trailing along my appearance, making me feel a bit out of place.
Much to my fortune, lift stopped and we exchanged goodbyes. I exited the hotel, gulping when some robust man in black suit approached me, looking like anything, but a friendly person.
"Miss Richards, please follow me."- he said blankly and I nodded, presuming he is the chauffeur.
Uneasy feeling creeped upon me as I noticed how tiny and weak I look next to him. Though, next to Mr di Vittori, I seemed much smaller. I brushed thoughts about him off and got in the car, thanking the man politely, at what he nodded in recognition.
