Alessia's POV 

"Come on girl, don't let that bastard ruin your day," Sydney said while driving her SUV to the mall we were going to meet Jack's group.

"We really have to hook you up with someone," Isabella said from the back seat, I sat in front, next to Sydney.

"Yeah, we have to work on that today" Sydney added adamantly.

I rolled my eyes, I don't want to be in a relationship with anyone, Matteo did some permanent damage to my heart.

I don't want to hurt myself anymore.

We finally arrived at the mall, Jack was standing at the entrance. 

Once the car stopped, Isabella opened the door and ran to Jack like a 3-year-old would when your dad comes back home. She engulfed him in a hug.

Myself and Sydney just rolled our eyes, We came out of the car and managed to get to where Isa was.

"Calm down Gatinga," he said, we knew she was probably hugging the shit out of him. (Portuguese translation: pretty girl)

"Just promise never to go on long trips ever again" she pouted.

"Se ti rende felice, ti porterò con me la prossima volta," he said stroking her hair, She finally let go and kissed him on his lips, and they started making out. (translation: If it makes you happy, I'll take you with me next time)

Sydney cleared her throat to get their attention "Please don't do this at a mall, get a room" Sydney said, which earned a giggle from me.

Isabella rolled her eyes at us, "So how are you, Nat?" I asked.

Jack is just a nickname everyone has had for him since high school, his real name is Nathanial. He doesn't mind at all thankfully.

"I'm good, you two?" he asked directing at both of us, "I'm doing great" Sydney stated.

"I'm fine", I lied, I'm not fine. Not at all.

"Are you ok?" Isa asked looking concerned I just realized I was frowning.

I quickly smiled, "Of course, I'm ok, where are the others?" I said quickly changing the subject.

"I told you this was a date" Sydney mumbled, "No, they're inside, I just wanted to see my Gatinga," he said looking at Isabella.

"You know ignoring your girlfriend's best friends is a dangerous route, You'll have to get through us if you want to even dream of marrying her" Sydney spoke.

"Calm down, you gonna scare the poor boy away" I started "But believe me you'll have to get through us," I said in a darker tone.

He raised his hands up in mock surrender "Fine".

He walked us in, thankfully The mall wasn't busy because I hate busy malls.

We got to the food center and I saw them, all of them. (total of 8 boys)

I mentally smiled, I kind of missed all these hooligans no matter how annoying they were.

Some I saw last at uni, the others in high school.

We stopped in front of them when they noticed us they looked at us.

"So girls, you should remember but I'll refresh. That's Liam, Benjamin, Michael, Ethan, Daniel, Owen, Matthew, and Leo" he said pointing at all of them by name.

"Lee is that you," Owen said squinting like an old man.

"Yes," I said rolling my eyes at him "Wow, you grew taller, and I thought that was impossible," he commented, I rolled my eyes, "And she still has her shitty attitude," Daniel said.

"And both of you are still idiots," I shook my head.

"Syd long time no see," Matthew said "Are you still the slut you've always been?" Michael finished.

"Of course, what else do you expect from Sydney?" Isabelle laughed "And I'm proud of it," Sydney said flipping her hair for emphasis.

I giggled "Still the high school popular kid personality" Ethan added. "Shut up Ethen" Sydney protested.

"We all got reunited just a minute ago and we're already arguing, only we can achieve that level" I facepalmed.

I heard Isa giggle at my comment, "About reuniting, where's Matteo?" Owen asked, "Yeah, aren't you together as usual?" Daniel asked directing at me.

My heart sank "Uh...No, we're not a thing anymore, not even friends" I say holding my tears back.

"How you two were like...the ship of the year for the whole 4 years in Varsity and that's not including high school," Matthew asked confused.

"And weren't you guys engaged too?" Ethan said.

"Well.." my voice drifted off I didn't think I could say it, I knew I'd break down and I didn't want to do that here.

Isabelle, as though reading my mind that I wasn't gonna make it "Matteo... cheated on her, so she broke up with him" she said.

All of them were wide-eyed, "Okay I'm done" Owen said "Someone hurt my little sister so who's coming with me to destroy him?" all of them raised their hands up at Owen's statement.

Owen always called me his 'Little sister' despite the fact we're the same age. He was always a brother to me too, he was always so protective and annoying too, but I can't live without him.

"Finally, someone came up with my plan!" Sydney said. We all laughed.

I smiled at what all of them were willing to do for me, "Thank you guys, but not the best idea" I said.

"Come on Lee" Owen begged, "No, I want to be an adult about it, I should just carry on," I said.

"Fine, do what you want but I can't promise what I'll do if I see that son of a bitch again," he said "I agree" Matthew joined.

Have I mentioned that Matthew and Owen are identical twins, but for some reason once you know them you can tear them apart easily?

"Anyway, I prefer not talking about it, let's do something fun to forget about this," I say trying to change the mood.

"Yeah, it's better, why don't we go to the arcade" Daniel suggested. "Good idea, let go," I said, everyone agreed.

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We got to the arcade, we agreed to go bowling first and then play games.

The arcade was pretty empty leaving us to dispose of it and do whatever we want to to do. 

I hated the pain I had inside but I always hid it because I didn't want to worry people.

Life is shit and I should not add up to other people's problems by telling them mine.

I was mentally drained, I sat on a bench not far from them. 

"Sorry about that" I heard, I looked up to see Leo. I just realized this is the first thing he's said to me ever since I came.

"About?" I asked confused, "About Matteo," he said sitting across from me.

"Oh, I'm fine" I lied as always, it still hurt it really does.

"Believe me, I won't fall for your mask of 'I'm fine', you don't look fine Alessia. Who'd be 'fine', I know you liked him a lot, we all know that" he said looking into my eyes.

I looked down "It's really that obvious?" I questioned, "No not really, I had to pay attention" he finished.

"But what should I do Leo? I don't want to worry anyone" I say putting my face on both my hands.

"No one truly celebrates their win without a past loss," he said calmly.

"You know I sucked at philosophy," I said looking at him.

He chuckled "If you never lose, winning won't feel as good as it could, but after numerous failures, when we win we feel more accomplished" he explained.

"I still don't get it, how does it refer to me?" I asked very much confused.

"Alessia, you just lost, but one day you'll find out why this loss was necessary for you to win" he continued.

It made sense, but how will I win? What will I win?

I laid my head back on the wall, "Life sucks you know?" I groaned.

"It really does, but maybe someday you'll look back at yourself and laugh at the drama you made out of it" he suggested.

I nodded "I want a sweet, calm, and simple life" I admitted.

"Really?" he asked, "Yeah" I sighed.

"What about your career?" he inquired further "I love my profession and everything about it but I'll never put friends or family behind it, family and friends come first," I confessed.

Enzo's Point of View

I finally finished my task, or at least the most legal one.

Andrew said I could visit the warehouse if I wanted to.

I looked at my watch and saw that it was 7:58 p.m.; I hadn't realized how quickly time had passed.

Career and reputation are most important to me, followed by family and personal matters. I've been indoctrinated to think this way since I was a child.

I stood up and grabbed my phone and some documents. I approached my own elevator. I created it because I despise the other individuals in my space.

I got into my car and headed to the warehouse.

I got out my phone and asked Linda to do something for me.

-------------------

I arrived, and everything seemed wonderful. Andrew's car was parked outside. When I came in, there was no one there.

"Hey Luc, I was even about to leave, I thought you'd go home" he admitted.

"No," I said. The tour of the new warehouse was quick.

I requested a few adjustments, but they were small.

I came home at 8:43 p.m., opened the door, and went into the living room.

Bella was playing with her dolls as usual when she looked up and our eyes met, a grin spreading across her little face. "Hello, Daddy," she murmured with a wave.

"Evening, Bella" I nodded; I'd never understood how to be a parent, and I didn't have a good model.

Andrea strolled down the steps on her phone, looked at me, and then walked by.

Gabriel came down after her and just went by.

I must admit that I am terrible at parenting.

Before I could mount the steps, a maid dashed in.

She paused for a brief bow, saying "Mr Rossi" shakily.

"What?" I inquired, fed up with avoiding the question.

"I tried to stop her, but she insisted-" she began, but before she could continue, "Luc?" came from a voice that was quite familiar.

When I turned to face Bianca, my blood began to boil.

I handed over my belongings to the maid, telling her to put them in my office, and she ran away.

I grabbed Bianca's arm and dragged her out.

I slammed the door behind me. "Che cazzo vuoi?" I questioned coldly, releasing her arm. (Translation: "What the fuck do you want?"

"That hurt, Enzo," she replied, looking at where I had grasped her.

"You know I'm holding myself from killing you so ti prometto che non è male to what I could do," I said. (I guarantee you, it's not horrible.)

Her eyes expanded. "Look, please, I apologize. Just get back to me, please." she implored.

"If you came to waste my time, then bye," I murmured, trying to open the door, but she grabbed my hand.

"Please, I want my kids to be happy," she stated.

I turned and snatched her hand away from mine, chuckling bitterly, "'Your kids' since when? You've never cared about them, and I know they're unhappy with or without you, so that's a terrible excuse," I said.

Turning back to face the door, I opened it. "And I advise you not to come back if you want to live," I warned before entering.

I climb the stairs; how does Bianca even consider returning here?

I entered my office and slammed the door shut.

I was angry because of her because I had loved and trusted her, but that was only a FUCKING facade!

I walked to the little service table and poured myself a nice glass of Gin, which I downed in one go.

It scorched my throat. Exactly what I need. I poured another glass.

Alessia's POV

I got home, and Sydney and Isabella headed home; however, I believe Isabella and Nat have something very spicy' planned for tonight.

I threw myself into the couch, remembering the conversation I had with Leo.

I loved how he always remained cool and only talked when necessary. He never leaps to conclusions; instead, he ensures that his ideas are verified.

I discovered he is a surgeon, and he is also intelligent.

I received a notice on my phone, opened it, and saw it was my email, so I tapped on it.

While sitting up, I read: "Dear Miss Marino."

I hope this letter finds you well; nevertheless, Mr. Rossi is unavailable, so he requested that I write you this email on his behalf.

Your interview was successful, and you were employed. Make sure you arrive at the location listed below by 4:30 a.m.

P.S. No need to respond to this email.

Thank you!

Rossi Corp. Chief Secretary

I screamed with delight and told the females, who were equally overjoyed.

But I'd best get some sleep so I can get up early.

I raced to the shower, changed into my pajamas, performed my face regimen, and went right to bed.

I can't wait to meet the kids tomorrow.

I slept with a grin on my face.

Alessia's POV

I wake up and look at the clock, I'm afraid I'll be late. I know that man is a 'thing' with time.

3:06 am. I breathed knowing I was on time, I got up and washed up and wore something simple.

I tied my hair back as usual, Sydney and Isa always say I waste my hair because I always tie it in a ponytail and some hair out for my face.

I went out and got a cab and showed him the address, he said he knew it.

He drove me there and I stood in front of a giant house house would be wrong-a Palace sounds better.

The security at the gate asked my name "Alessia Marino" I answered, as though recognizing the name they nodded to the driver to go in.

My mouth hung open, "that will be £2" the driver said snapping me back to reality, I gave him the money.

I stepped out of the car in front of the house, it was massive.

I took a breath and rang the doorbell, the door was like...three times taller than me and I was 5'4" (162.5 cm).

The door opened to a middle-aged woman, she was just an inch shorter than me.

"Good morning," she said and I smiled. "Good morning" I replied.

"You must be the new Nanny, am I right?" she asked opening the door wider for me to go in.

This house smelt like a hotel lobby. Nice–but not for a family home, so that's Problem Number 1.

"Yes, I am" I replied again, "You may come in," she said.

I noticed the amount of security too.

"Please follow me," she said. I followed her to what looked like the living room and like the outside-it was massive, I think my whole house could fit into the living room alone.

I noticed there's no TV here. Problem number two.

"Mr Rossi went to work so he won't be here" she started about to go upstairs.

"Wait" I exclaimed, she turned "What time does Mr Rossi leave every day?" I asked.

She looked a little shocked by the question, "Well, usually he leaves at 3 am but that's the latest, he usually comes back at 10 pm or sometimes 11:30 pm" she stated.

The man sleeps for 4 to 5 hours per day!

"When is the kids' bedtime?" I asked, "They don't have one" She sighed, I knew my questions were getting tiring.

"You can wait here I'll bring the kids," she said, I obeyed and just stood there in the living room.

So problem number 3, kids don't have a bedtime. 

It's really bad actually. Some parents don't see how important a bedtime is, it gives the brain knowledge to know how long it has to stay awake.

Even worse mental health will be affected, you might have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your behavior, and coping with change if you don't sleep well.

I looked at the tv-less living room. What is the point of having massive couches for you not to have a TV?

Good question

I heard steps and I looked at the stairs and three kids descended behind the maid.

One was the youngest, around 4 years old and the other two looked at least 10 years old, maybe their twins?

"These are the Rossi Kids, you may acquaint yourselves I have to go," the maid said looking at me.

Once she left the three just stared at me, I smiled, they were really cute.

"Hello, what are your names?" I asked, they all looked at each other as though thinking if they should say it.

"It's fine, my name is Alessia and I'm gonna be your new nanny," I said.

"Do you guys wanna have breakfast?" I asked, the older girl took out her phone and started scrolling, completely ignoring me.

The boy's phone got a notification and just went upstairs, without excusing himself– my mother would have flipped.

The older girl just glanced at me and then went upstairs too.

I was left with the youngest, "I guess it's just you and me" I said.

She just shrugged. She was so damn cute. "But you know what we can do since they didn't want to join?" I said in a more excited voice.

She shook her head. Her curly hair is really cute.

I bent down to her level and whispered into her ear "We can make pancakes" Her eyes widened.

"Pancakes?!" she sounded excited, her baby voice was so cute.

I smiled "Yay!" she jumped up and down.

She was chanting pancakes and I joined in "Pancakes!" we shouted at the end when we reached the kitchen.

The kitchen was huge, thankfully no one was there so I put her sitting on the counter.

-----------------------

"And what's this?" I asked, we were both typically covered in flour after our flour fight.

"Um...a weg," she said in her baby voice, she's surely 3 years old.

"An egg not weg" I corrected playfully, she laughed as I tickled her.

"My name is Bella," she said with a smile as I whisked the eggs in.

"Really?" I asked, and she nodded, "I have a best friend called Isabella we call her Bella too," I said.

She smiled "Really?" she asked her eyes shining in curiosity.

"Yes, you know what that means?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"That we'll be good friends," I said to her, "Yay! I like you, you're nicer than the others" she explained.

I smiled.

We finished making the pancakes and I noticed it was already 8 am.

I wiped her face and hands as well as my own. Thankfully both our clothes didn't get dirty.

"Will your brother and sister eat breakfast?" I asked, "Andrea and Gabriel eat when they want to" She shrugged.

"Well that has to change" I muttered "But you can eat up I'll go fetch them," I said with a smile.

She nodded said her grace and started eating with her toddler cutlery, I had cut it for her already.

I went upstairs and thankfully a maid directed me to their rooms.

I knocked on Gabriel's door, and I heard no response, I opened the door and there he was playing games on a giant screen.

"Hey Gabriel" I started he looked at me and then took off his earphones "Do you need anything?" he asked.

"Well, it's 8 and you haven't had breakfast," I asked calmly.

"I don't feel like eating," he said. "How old are you guys?" I asked.

"Uh...Bella is 3 and a half, myself and Andrea are 10" he ended.

"Well then eating at this age is vital for your growth, are you sure?" I asked, he nodded his head.

Before I could protest the door busted open.

Andrea walked in fuming "Gabriel I told you to stop taking my ring light and my stuff!" she exclaimed.

"Maybe because you spend all day on social media, I'm kinda doing you a favor," he said.

"Ugh, give it back," she said. "Andrea," I said calmly.

"What?!" she hissed.

"Do you want breakfast?" I asked, "No," she said coldly. After searching for a while she found her ring light and left.

I shrugged and walked out. I got a tray of pancakes and left it next to Gabriel whilst he played.

I went back down to sit with Bella, she was still eating.

I sighed.

---------------------

The day went quickly I was teaching Bella to crochet, weird to do with a 3-year-old, but she loved it.

I made her a bunny plushie, she loved it.

"I'll call him Zuzu," she said holding up the bunny I just made her.

"Well, hello Zuzu," I said waving to the plushie.

"Zuzu says hello back," she said smiling.

"Well you have great manners, Sir Zuzu," I said with a bow.

She laughed "Sir Zuzu" she laughed more.

"Zuzu says thank you," she said.

I looked at the time and it was 8 pm already, Bella already ate at least.

"It's time for bed" I chimed, "Noo, why?" she whined.

"Because if you don't sleep you'll be too tired to play with Sir Zuzu tomorrow" I whispered.

She gasped as though I told her the world was ending. "Let's go to bed," she said to Zuzu in her hand.

She led me to her room upstairs, I got her washed up and put her in pajamas I found in her closet.

She insisted on sleeping with Zuzu and I let her.

I laid her down to sleep, "Can you tell me a story?" she asked.

I nodded and sat on the edge of her bed.

"There were once two princesses, they lived very far from each other but one day the older princess got a chance to see the other princess who lived in a big castle..."

I stroked her hair for the last time and stood back up to look at her sleeping figure, she really had a resemblance to Mr Rossi. Her eyes and her hair too.

I switched off the fairy night light and left.

I knocked on Andrea's door, no response. I opened it. She was on her bed typing on her phone.

"Andrea it's time to sleep," I said "You're not my boss I can sleep when I want to," she said without even looking at me.

"I see you like social media, you probably have a facial routine right?" I asked.

"Yeah, why?" she asked. "If you sleep late there's a 100% chance of getting dark circles under your eyes, and if you're on your phone you'll get eyebags. Believe me, I had a friend who studied skin and it is true" I said.

She looked at me, "Good night" She put her phone down and pulled the sheet over her.

I smiled. 

I switched off the light "No, I sleep with lights on" she exclaimed, her voice a little shaky.

I switched it back on.

"Good night Andrea," I said closing the door. I went to Gabriel's room.

He was on his phone in the bed. "Gabriel" I called, he looked at me.

"Time for bed" I chimed, "What, no, I'm almost done," he said.

I shook my head "No" I went to him and took his phone, switched it off, and put it on a farther table.

"I promise tomorrow I can show you a few tricks," I said.

"You play?" he asked. 

Of course, I'm friends with 9 boys.

I mentally answered.

"Yes" I nodded "Cool," he said.

"So sleep now," I said fixing his blanket.

"Fine" he surrendered putting himself in the sheets.

"Before you sleep, why do you take your sister's stuff?" I asked.

"My twin sister?" he asked, so they are twins, "Yes, Andrea" I replied.

"Well, I worry about her, she's not been herself for a very long time, and she's now always on her phone, doing what one knows. But I sometimes just want to see her, if I go to her room she tells me to leave so taking her stuff is a way she comes to my room and I get to see her, if I don't I'll probably not see her at all" he said sadly.

"Do you know why?" I asked him, "No, she just started becoming like this after she went on a trip with Bianca. She became all sad, a depression kinda vibe. I asked her but she never answered". He said.

"Ok thank you for explaining," I said with a warm smile.

He smiled back and I stood up to switch off the light "You're better than any other nannies we had" he said before I closed the door.

"Thank you" I whispered and closed the door.

I then went downstairs to clean the kitchen up from the mess I and Bella made.